America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and Netflix Star Kelcey Says 'Yes!' – The True Story of How It Actually Happened, Engagement Photo Session Captured by Bellancio
- Apr 3, 2025
- 4 min read
On July 19th, 2023, our freshly launched Dallas Photography Bellancio reached out to several beautiful influencers for a series of creative projects. Among them was the charming and talented former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Kelcey Wetterberg. Known for her dynamic presence on screen, Kelcey was excited about an Engagement Photo Session conceived as a modern love story with her boyfriend, Nate Crnkovich. This session was to be a collaborative project. However, what unfolded that day turned into a once-in-a-lifetime moment—a surprise proposal that has since sparked numerous discussions online.
Kelcey Knew She Was Getting Engaged, Right?
Initially, Kelcey was thrilled about joining us for a creative photo session at the iconic Dallas Arboretum. This project was purely about capturing their love on camera—a first professional session for the couple. Kelcey was fully briefed that the shoot was for a romantic, beautifully crafted story. What she wasn’t aware of was the secret plan brewing behind the scenes.
Kelcey Wetterberg and Nate Crnkovich share a romantic moment under a stone arch. 
Kelcey Wetterberg smiles as she embraces Nate Crnkovich during their engagement session. 
Kelcey Wetterberg and Nate Crnkovich share a romantic moment by the reflection pool. 
A timeless silhouette of Kelcey Wetterberg and Nate Crnkovich capturing their love. 
Kelcey Wetterberg and Nate Crnkovich sit on stone steps, radiating love and happiness. 
Kelcey Wetterberg adjusts her heels, showcasing her elegant engagement ring.
As soon as Kelcey shared the news with Nate, he immediately reached out to our team at Bellancio. In that moment, something incredible happened: Nate decided to transform the planned photo session into a memorable proposal. With utmost discretion, Nate contacted us privately to reframe the session entirely. Instead of a standard love story shoot, he wanted to orchestrate a surprise proposal. It was that unmistakable, heart-stopping moment when we all realized that this was about to become so much more than just an Engagement Photo Session.
Shortly after, Netflix got in touch to coordinate the cinematography. Their goal was to ensure that every genuine emotion was captured perfectly, integrating this intimate moment into their coverage for “America’s Sweethearts.” However, it’s important to clarify that Kelcey was unaware that Nate was preparing a proposal.
Debunking the Misconceptions
Since the proposal was shared online, numerous misleading narratives have surfaced. Some claim that Kelcey was in on the secret all along—that she staged her emotional reaction and played up her responses for the cameras. Others have argued that Nate’s words during the proposal were minimal and lacked romance. These assertions are far from the truth, and here at Bellancio—where Aleks Fisher, who actually took all the pictures that day, provides exclusive behind-the-scenes details—we are here to set the record straight
Kelcey Wetterberg and Nate Crnkovich embrace under a breathtaking tree tunnel. 
Kelcey Wetterberg and Nate Crnkovich share a tender moment, highlighting their love.
Kelcey’s Genuine Surprise: Despite what some online sources suggest, Kelcey was completely unaware that a proposal was imminent. She was fully prepped for a professional Engagement Photo Session, and it was only when Nate made his move that the atmosphere shifted. Our communications with her were transparent regarding the shoot—only the proposal itself was kept a secret from her.
Nate’s Thoughtful Preparation: Nate’s dedication to creating the perfect moment was evident from the start. He not only communicated frequently with our team at Bellancio and Photographer Aleks Fisher directly, but also took the initiative to scout the Dallas Arboretum privately. Nate meticulously planned every detail—from choosing the ideal spot to ensuring that the sun’s position would cast a flattering light, so Kelcey’s eyes wouldn’t be overpowered by harsh brightness. These careful considerations were all part of his plan to create a memory that was both visually stunning and emotionally profound.
The True Nature of the Proposal: Contrary to the idea that Nate’s proposal was short or lacking in sentiment, those of us who were there witnessed a long, heartfelt speech delivered in a very private moment. Just before turning to Kelcey, as you can see at Episode 5 Amercas Sweetherads on Netflix, Nate signaled for the microphones to be switched off—a clear sign that he wanted to preserve the intimacy of his words for just the two of them. While a small portion of his speech was shared for the audience as part of the Netflix segment, the bulk of his message was a personal declaration of love meant solely for Kelcey. This thoughtful act debunks any notion that his proposal was underwhelming.
Collaboration with Netflix:The involvement of Netflix added a layer of professional storytelling to the event. Their coordination ensured that every genuine moment was captured without compromising the authenticity of the surprise. Far from being a scripted or pre-planned performance, the proposal remains a spontaneous and deeply personal moment in the lives of Kelcey Wetterberg and Nate Crnkovich.
A romantic moment on the stone steps, full of elegance and love. 
A tender kiss framed by an elegant wrought iron gate. 
A sweet and intimate moment captured in black and white.
A Moment of True Connection
As the proposal unfolded at the Dallas Arboretum, every element—meticulously planned by Nate and executed by our dedicated team at Bellancio—came together to create an unforgettable experience. Despite the online chatter that attempts to merge the narrative of the America’s Sweethearts series with these events, the truth is crystal clear: Kelcey was not a scripted star of a show; she was a genuine, excited participant in a real-life love story.
Nate’s thoughtful preparations, including his secret scouting for the perfect spot and his careful planning regarding lighting and location, were all aimed at ensuring that the proposal would be perfect for Kelcey. The fact that only a small, curated portion of his private, heartfelt speech was shared publicly does not diminish the profound depth of his emotions. In person, his words were long, moving, and full of love—a testament to the deep bond the couple shares.
A confident and classic portrait in a stylish setting. 
A soft kiss and a radiant smile say it all. 
A timeless white dress and effortless beauty.
Celebrating an Authentic Love Story
At Bellancio, we are immensely proud to have played a part in capturing such an intimate moment. Our work as a Dallas Photographer goes beyond simply taking pictures—we document genuine, unfiltered moments that tell real stories. The Engagement Photo Session at the Dallas Arboretum was a perfect example of how collaboration, creativity, and a touch of surprise can come together to immortalize true love.
Kelcey Wetterberg and Nate Crnkovich have shown us that authenticity triumphs over sensationalism. Their story, marked by careful planning, heartfelt execution, and an abundance of genuine emotion, stands in stark contrast to the misleading narratives circulating online. They are not just figures in a show; they are a real couple embarking on a new chapter in their lives, and we at Bellancio are honored to have been there every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just an Engagement Photo Session—it’s a celebration of real love, captured in one of Dallas’ most beautiful settings, the Dallas Arboretum. Through our collaboration with Netflix and our dedicated team of experts at Bellancio, the truth of Kelcey and Nate’s love story shines through. Their journey is a reminder that while online narratives may distort the facts, the real magic lies in the genuine moments that only happen once in a lifetime.
