A Beautiful Milestone Photoshoot at Cheekwood Gardens | Nora’s 1st Birthday Celebration

Family

There’s something truly magical about milestone sessions. This is especially true when they are set in a place as timeless as Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville. I recently had the pleasure of photographing the sweetest family to celebrate their daughter Nora’s 1st birthday. This Cheekwood Gardens first birthday session was one of the highlights of my year so far. It’s hard to beat a family photoshoot at Creekwood Gardens. Without even trying, you’re instantly surrounded by the stunning landscapes and a serene atmosphere. Is there a better way to start a family photoshoot? I’m not sure.

As a Nashville family and newborn photographer, there’s nothing more that I love then meeting new families and capturing their memories and milestones. If you’re looking for a family photographer (and maybe hoping for your own photoshoot at Creekwood Gardens), I’d love to help bring your vision to life! My goal is to create timeless, heartfelt moments that you’ll treasure for years to come. Whether it’s a milestone birthday like Nora’s, or another special moment, let’s work together to create something unforgettable. Visit my about page to learn more, or contact me today to book your session.

Now, let me walk you through this unforgettable experience with Carly, Casey, and their beautiful daughter, Nora, as we celebrated her first birthday in one of Nashville’s most exclusive locations!

Nora’s 1st Birthday Milestone  

Firstly, celebrating milestones is such a special part of what I do as a photographer. Naturally, Nora’s 1st birthday was no exception. This Cheekwood Gardens first birthday session was filled with absolutely adorable moments. Her bright eyes and look of curiosity took in all the beauty that Cheekwood had to offer. It was such a joy to capture her fascination with her surroundings. There’s truly something magical about seeing the world through a child’s eyes. It’s definitely something I want to remember every time. In fact, it might be one of my favorite parts of the job!

Carly and Casey were absolutely glowing with pride. It was clear how much love they have for their little girl. These sessions are about capturing the little details and emotions that tell the story of this special year. From Carly and Casey’s warm embraces to Nora’s wide-eyed wonder, the photos from this session truly encapsulate the tenderness and beauty of this stage of life. I couldn’t get enough of them!

Why Cheekwood is the Perfect Family Photo Location

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens has long been one of my favorite places to shoot family sessions. It’s easy to see why. This prized Nashville photoshoot location offers a luxurious and peaceful environment every time. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to many other public locations in Nashville. There’s a sense of exclusivity and calm at Cheekwood, which helps create an elevated and intimate experience for families like Carly and Casey’s to enjoy.

One of the best parts about shooting at Cheekwood is how serene it feels. While Nashville can be bustling, especially in popular tourist spots or parks, Cheekwood gives us the space and privacy needed to create timeless, heartfelt portraits. We didn’t have to worry about large crowds or choosing “less ideal” times. Plus, it felt like we had the gardens all to ourselves. For their family photos, the location was absolutely perfect.

To make the most of your family photoshoot at Creekwood, I highly recommend scheduling weekday sessions. Don’t worry, I can help you with the logistics. Weekdays are preferred because Cheekwood hosts many weekend weddings, which can bring larger crowds. Ultimately, avoiding the weekend allows for a more relaxed and personalized experience, just like this Cheekwood Gardens first birthday session.

Why I Love Cheekwood Estate & Gardens As A Family Photographer

I’ve already shared a little bit about why I love Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, but let me gush just a little more. One of the things that I truly love about Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is how elevated it makes every session feel. From the well-manicured gardens to the historical architecture, every detail at Cheekwood contributes to a feeling of timelessness and grace. Isn’t that what you want in your family photos? As a photographer, I’m always on the lookout for locations that not only provide a beautiful backdrop but also allow my clients to feel at ease and present during their session. Needless to say, Cheekwood delivers every time.

While there is a permit fee for shooting at Cheekwood, I can’t recommend it enough for families who want a more unique and private experience. Trust me, it’s not just another park or garden. It really is a carefully curated space where every element only adds to the overall beauty of the session. Additionally, with its intimate feel, there’s no rush or distractions, and we can take our time capturing every moment that matters.

Want a few more Cheekwood family photo ideas? Check out these fall family photos at Cheekwood or these gorgeous extended family photos!

Planning Your Own Cheekwood Family Session

If you’re dreaming of capturing your own beautiful family at Cheekwood, I’d love to help! As a Nashville family photographer, I will guide you through every step of your session when we work together. I’ll help you with everything from choosing the best spots around the estate to engaging with you. My goal is to make sure that every photo feels authentic and meaningful. I will even make it fun for your kids (and partner). I know the memories you make while taking photos matter. When you hire me, all you need to do is enjoy the moment and soak in the beauty of the day! If you’re looking for a photographer in the Nashville area, I would be thrilled to help you capture these beautiful moments. I’m here to make your vision come to life. Let’s chat here!

Lastly, I hope you feel as excited and inspired by this family photoshoot at Cheekwood Estate as I do before you go. I’d love to invite you to download my FREE Family Photography Session Planning & Style Guide. I first picked up a camera in 2008, so I’ve been doing this a long time. Trust me when I say that this free guide is designed to help families everywhere feel confident and prepared for their upcoming sessions.

 

Did you like this session? Please share it on Pinterest and Follow Me On Pinterest For More Family Photography Inspiration!

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Meet Your Friendly Nashville Family Photographer 

a dad mom and toddler son are all smiling at eachother at a lavender farm by Erin Fox photography in Nashville

Dolly DeLong is a Nashville-based family & newborn photographer AND a creative business owner who educates other creative business owners on systems, SOPs, workflows, and launching. Dolly loves serving families with her bold, elevated, and radiant photography. She also loves educating other creative business owners on how to set up systems and workflows to help them save time in their businesses. She produces weekly blog posts, podcast episodes on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, and weekly YouTube Episodes. 

She has a heart for serving the larger business community. Dolly shares her knowledge of launching, Email Marketing, and Business Systems with new creative business owners and family photographers in an encouraging and supportive way because she believes anyone can find joy in systems, workflows, and intentional SOPS! Plus, BONUS: Systems are where the magic happens! You can streamline and automate the backend of your creative business with ease!

Dolly’s faith and love for her family motivate her to help other business owners find the joy and freedom she’s seen in running a successful small business.

Whenever she has a spare moment, she enjoys watching TV (i.e., Survivor), loves eating way too many sweets, and listens to podcasts while running or walking. Fill out her contact form to work with Dolly DeLong Photography for a family photography session.

 

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