There’s something especially magical about proposals at Zilker Botanical Garden. Maybe it’s the soft sound of the waterfalls, the quiet walking paths, or the way the light filters through the trees just right. But for Cole and Katlin, this spot became the beginning of their new chapter — even if getting her to stay in the proposal spot required a little family teamwork!
Meet Cole & Katlin
Cole and Katlin are the kind of couple who make you smile just by being around them. They’re adventurous, affectionate, a little silly, and always finding joy in both big adventures and the everyday moments in between. They love traveling, spending time with friends and family, and building a life that feels intentional and full of heart.
Their story began over five years ago at Cole’s family lake house on Lake Anna during COVID. They had crossed paths at Virginia Tech, but that weekend was when everything truly clicked. Since then, their relationship has been shaped by living together through college, navigating a year of long distance after graduation, and building a home together in Austin for the past two and a half years.
When they think about their photos — the proposal at Zilker Botanical Garden, the mini engagement portraits afterward, and even the ones they’ll look back on 20 years from now — they want them to feel nostalgic and joy-filled. They want warm, romantic moments mixed in with playful, silly ones that show exactly who they are together. Above all, they want their story told in a way that feels carefree, candid, and completely authentic to them!
Cole’s Proposal Plan Gone Awry
When Cole reached out to have me photograph his proposal at Zilker Botanical Garden, he had planned every detail. Katlin’s parents were visiting from out of town, and the plan was simple: they’d walk ahead to the waterfall (their designated proposal location), she and Cole would catch up, and everything would unfold naturally. Except the proposal was such a surprise that Katlin had other plans.
As they strolled through the garden, she kept wandering off, completely unaware that everyone was trying to steer her back toward the waterfall. Her parents walked ahead like they were supposed to, but when they realized she was drifting further and further away from the big moment, they had no choice but to circle back and “casually” guide her to the right spot. Their excuse?
They wanted a photo taken!
That’s where I stepped in. I was “just another person taking nature photos” that morning, blending into the scenery with my camera in hand. So when her parents asked for a picture, I offered to take it. I had them perfectly aligned with the waterfall, right where Cole needed her to be. Katlin agreed — briefly.
The moment the photos were done, she tried to walk away again. (Honestly, her commitment to exploring the garden was iconic!) But Cole was determined not to let the moment slip by. He gently grabbed her hand, pulled her back toward him, and began the speech he had been practicing.
And just like that… everything shifted.
The Waterfall Proposal Moment
Katlin realized what was happening, even though she thought she had the timeline figured out. She knew the ring was coming sometime soon because she had helped pick out the diamond and design a portion of the setting. But the final design was a surprise he kept just for her. And the proposal timing? Completely unexpected.
Cole had told Katlin not to make plans for the following weekend, which led her to believe that’s when he’d propose. She was so convinced it wouldn’t be this weekend that she even put off getting her nails done — something she ideally wanted for the photos. But honestly? Her reaction, joy, and emotion were what made the moment beautiful, perfect nails or not!
When Cole got down on one knee, surrounded by the greenery of Zilker, the sound of the waterfall behind them, and both of her parents standing nearby, she said yes, of course. It was heartfelt, emotional, and beautifully them.
After lots of hugs, tears, and the happiest kind of disbelief, the four of them headed off to celebrate with brunch — the perfect way to soak in the moment and celebrate everything that’s ahead!
Planning a Proposal at Zilker Botanical Garden?
Being part of this proposal was such an honor. From blending in with the tourists to strategically stepping in with a camera, to capturing the exact second she realized what was happening — every moment felt meaningful, joyful, and full of love.
If you’re planning a proposal at Zilker Botanical Garden (or anywhere in Austin!), I’m here as your proposal photographer to help make it feel effortless, personal, and full of heart. Whether it’s coordinating with family, choosing the perfect location, or pretending to take nature photos until your signal, I’ve got you.
And trust me, even when the plan doesn’t go perfectly, you’ll have a cute and unique story to share. Congrats, Cole and Katlin!
