Daniel Neeson, 29, son of Liam Neeson and the late Natasha Richardson, proposed to his longtime love during a dreamy sailboat cruise through New York City on September 6.
Daniel Neeson is officially engaged!
The youngest son of Liam Neeson popped the question to his girlfriend of eight years, Natalie Ackerman, during a romantic sailboat cruise in New York City on Saturday, September 6. In a statement to PEOPLE, Daniel, 29, shared, “Yesterday I got to ask my best friend to join me on this journey called life.”
Reflecting on their bond, Daniel said, “I could write novels on why I love Natalie, but there’s something deeper, something so cosmic about our relationship that I know we’re meant to be in this universe together.”
He added with heartfelt emotion, “I see my mother in Nat, I see life in Nat, and reality just got a whole lot sweeter with a ring on it. Love wins!”
Photos reveal the touching moment Natalie Ackerman said “yes” as Daniel Neeson proposed on the Hudson River, with the iconic New York City skyline glowing behind them.
The images capture her emotional reaction, Daniel slipping the engagement ring onto her finger, and the couple sharing a warm, tight embrace.
Daniel shared the happy news on Instagram, posting photos and videos from their NYC engagement celebration. Over a picture from the proposal, he wrote, “Life is beautiful.”
He also shared a snap of Natalie proudly showing off her ring while behind the wheel of the boat, along with a video of him sweeping his new fiancée into a kiss during their engagement party.
The celebration featured a delicious spread of sliders, fries, and a beautifully decorated cake with white icing and elegant floral accents, as seen in photos shared by Daniel.
Guests also enjoyed a custom drink menu inspired by the couple, including the “Knit Nat Negroni” and “The Tulane Bombshell” a special tribute to Tulane University, where Daniel and Natalie first met.
Daniel Neeson and Natalie Ackerman have been together since 2017 and both graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans in 2019. Daniel studied theater and digital media production, while Natalie focused on business, according to their LinkedIn profiles.
As a junior at Tulane in 2022, Daniel launched Pine Outfitters, an eco-friendly and charitable clothing brand. He once shared that his father, actor Liam Neeson, has been incredibly supportive—not only as a dad but also in promoting the business, even showcasing the brand on Live with Kelly and Mark.
Daniel later co-founded De Nada Tequila, where he currently works. Natalie has built her career as a brand communications manager.