A Stellar Star-Gazing Proposal That Left Us All in Tears

Back in November, the team at Stellara Star-Gazing Resort in Sevierville, TN gave a referral that reminded me exactly why I picked up a camera in the first place. They connected Skip with me. Skip is a captain and was out at sea while secretly planning the most heartfelt proposal during his couple's vacation from Louisiana. Coordinating across time zones and oceans? Totally worth it for moments like this.

Planning Under the Stars

Skip had booked Stellara's proposal package, and I jumped in to make sure every detail aligned to capture the moment. We synced up on lighting—I knew their natural glow at dusk would be perfect for that fall evening, no flashes needed. I spoke with staff beforehand and had them send me a video at the same time of day that Skip was going to pop the question—to get a feel of the setting since I couldn't scout the location first. I figured out exactly where to park, who to check in with at the front desk, and set up a ride to the proposal site where I could position discreetly. The staff at Stellara were incredibly helpful, set up the proposal site and even synced his playlist to their portable speaker. Everything was ready to go.

The Moment Unfolded

Anna had no clue—she thought it was just a romantic star-gazing trip in the Great Smoky Mountains. Skip led her to the spot (okay, they actually got a ride from the restort due to the slope and Anna's shoes), dropped to one knee, and the tears started flowing before he even finished. Her reaction? Pure shock and joy. That ring—wow, a massive, sparkling stone that was obviously meant for her. Skip popped champagne right after, and the two of them toasted under the soft sunset, wrapped in that intimate fall chill.

Their Story Sealed the Night

Over bubbly and by a fire, Skip and Anna shared how they'd dated briefly years ago, lost touch, then reconnected earlier in the year—like it was always meant to be. Vacationing from Louisiana, they picked Stellara for it's secluded vibes, and it delivered beyond. Watching their raw emotion, I was seriously tearing up behind the lens as i grinned from ear to ear. This is the heart-pounding, tear-filled reason I shoot proposals—capturing love that surprises even itself.

Shoutout to Stellara's team for referring me to this beautiful couple and for the seamless teamwork. If you're dreaming of your own East Tennessee proposal, check my Engagement & Proposal Pricing to see how we can make it unforgettable.