Chelsey Joy Photography

06/05/2026

Rain is one of those things that I’ve learned not to stress too much about as a photographer.

For moments like proposals and weddings, it’s usually just a matter of having a good backup plan and being ready to adapt if needed.

The forecast leading up to James and Olivia’s proposal showed rain almost every day.

In fact, it poured on my drive to and when I arrived.

But sometimes things have a funny way of working themselves out.

When James first reached out, he told me he and Olivia were planning a road trip from Michigan to Nashville over Memorial Day weekend. They’ve been together for 4 years and genuinely just love spending time together and having fun.

Somehow, as soon as they arrived at Arrington Vineyards, the rain disappeared.

The clouds started to break, the sun peeked through, and everything seemed to fall into place at just the right time.

James brought Olivia to the top of the hill overlooking the vineyards and got down on one knee.

And just like that, a fun Memorial Day weekend getaway became even more memorable.

Congratulations, James & Olivia! ❤️

Arrington Vineyards was the perfect setting for your Nashville proposal. 💍

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

The best kind of third wheel 📸 💍

05/29/2026

Looking back, I probably should have seen this coming. 📸

At family parties, I’d walk around with my little camera taking photos of everyone. Sometimes I’d even hide under tables so I could capture candid moments when people weren’t looking. I thought it was the funnest thing.

Years later, not much has changed.

Now I get to document proposals, weddings, families, and all of the moments people never want to forget. ❤️

Little me would be pretty excited to know carrying a camera around eventually became my job.

What was your dream job as a kid? Did you end up doing it?

05/04/2026

A road trip that turned into a proposal 🚗💍

Corey and Gabby decided to take a road trip together and visit as many national parks as they could.

On their way from Minneapolis to Nashville, they checked two off their list—Gateway Arch National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park—before heading into town to visit friends.

Before meeting up with friends for dinner (or so she was told), Corey suggested a walk at Radnor Lake State Park.

As they made their way out to the overlook, he got down on one knee and asked Gabby to marry him.

She was so surprised and kept laughing, saying, “I’m going to need a minute,” which was the cutest thing.

It was their first time visiting Nashville together, and now it’ll always be part of their story in a whole new way.

Congrats, Corey and Gabby! I feel so lucky I got to capture this for you two.

04/25/2026

I had the best time with Aliyah for her senior photos in Murfreesboro. It was one of those nights where the weather was perfect, the light was beautiful, and everything just came together.

I love senior sessions because they celebrate not only where you are right now, but also where you’re headed next.

Aliyah started riding horses about four years ago, so it was really special to include Jackson in her session too. He was a little more interested in eating grass than taking photos, but we still got the sweetest moments with him.

Aliyah’s mom, Suzi, came along too, and she is the best. She kept making sure Aliyah’s hair was in place, fixing her dress, and bringing so much energy and fun to the whole session.

Some of my favorite photos ever ❤️

03/16/2026

They met at Loser’s Bar and Grill in Nashville almost three years ago.

At the time, Luke was stationed in the Army in Clarksville and Maggie was in law school at Vanderbilt. One of their favorite things to do together was take walks through Centennial Park.

Jobs eventually took them in different directions. Luke was stationed in Texas and Maggie moved to Boston. For the past year they’ve been doing long distance, but that chapter is almost over. Luke will be moving to Boston soon.

So when Luke started planning the proposal, he knew exactly where it needed to happen. Back in Nashville, where it all started.

The day after a friend’s wedding brought them to town, they went for a walk through Centennial Park before dinner. In the same place they used to walk together, Luke got down on one knee.

The wind gusts were up to 45 mph, but you’d never know it by looking at these two. They had the best time soaking in their engagement in a park that will always be special to them.

Afterward, they headed to Barcelona Wine Bar, a place they’ve always gone to celebrate the big moments in their lives. And this one might be the best one yet.

Congratulations, Luke and Maggie ❤️

02/23/2026

Maria thought they were headed to a nice Italian dinner before a night out on Broadway.

But there was a reason for the slightly suspicious Uber drop-off in a random parking lot 😅

Several hours earlier, Daniil and Maria landed in Nashville and met up with Maria’s best friend, Lexi, and her husband, Carlos, to make custom cowboy hats before checking into their Airbnb. Everything felt casual. Fun. Normal.

What Maria didn’t know?

Their dinner reservation was later… on purpose.

The four of them walked under the Pedestrian Bridge to the patio at the Bridge Building, and as the sun started to set, Daniil turned to Maria, took her hands, and got down on one knee.

They FaceTimed family right after to share the news, soaked in that just-engaged feeling, and we walked around taking photos.

Fun fact: Daniil is from Russia and was an international student at the same school Maria attended. They were in the same friend group. Now they’re building a life together in Florida, and they love watching football and hanging out with their English bulldog, Stella.

Congrats, Daniil and Maria! What a perfect way to start your weekend trip to Nashville ❤️

12/12/2025

Last minute family photos? No worries - I’ve got you.

If you’re hoping to squeeze in family photos in Nashville or Chicago before the New Year, I still have a few spots open.

You can choose whatever style fits your family best:
• Indoor studio session
• At-home lifestyle session
• Outdoor session

Nashville: Now through Dec 18 and December 29-31
Chicago: Dec 20–27

If you’re hoping to use your photos for holiday cards or gifts, I offer a quick turnaround so you’ll have everything in time. Send me a message to grab a spot. I’d love to photograph your family this season!

12/10/2025

Photographer PSA: sneak out at sunset. Trust me. 😉 While your guests are eating, you can step away for a few minutes without anyone even noticing. And those quick, quiet moments together? They almost always end up being the photos my couples love the most.