After 8 Years Together, Liam Neeson's Son Got Engaged to His Girlfriend Natalie Ackerman During Romantic Cruise

Romance on the Hudson! Over a year after dedicating a tribute to his late mom on the 15th anniversary of her death, the actor's son proposed to his beloved girlfriend.

In a breathtaking proposal on the water, inclusive of a sleek sailboat, the glittering skyline of New York City, and the kind of deep, emotional love that only grows stronger with time, Daniel Neeson recently marked an exciting new milestone with his beloved girlfriend, Natalie Ackerman.

After eight years together, the youngest son of the "Taken" star proposed to Ackerman amid a romantic sailboat cruise. Divulging details about their engagement to People magazine, Neeson highlighted the deep love he has for Ackerman, who reminds him of a special person.

A Sailboat, a Skyline… and a Stunning Proposal After Eight Years of Love

The 29-year-old entrepreneur chose a scene straight out of a romance novel to pop the question. As the couple glided along the Hudson River aboard a sleek sailboat, Neeson proposed in front of the dazzling Manhattan skyline.

In exclusive snapshots shared with People, Neeson can be seen kneeling on the deck, gently holding Ackerman's hands as she gazes at him with a mix of shock and joyful disbelief. Another photo captures the exact moment he slides the engagement ring onto her finger — her face lit up in radiant happiness.

The magical proposal took place on September 6, 2025. For Neeson, it is a deeply emotional milestone with layered meaning.

In an exclusive interview with People, he described the moment simply but powerfully, confirming that he asked his "best friend" to join him on life's journey.

He later took to Instagram Stories to share the joyous news with the public, posting a photo from the proposal, overlaid with the words, "Life is beautiful."

In additional photos, Ackerman is seen proudly steering the sailboat's wheel, her new engagement ring sparkling in the sun. Meanwhile, a sweet video shows Neeson sweeping her into his arms for a kiss during their cozy and intimate engagement party.

A Low-Key Celebration with Sliders and Margaritas with Meaning

The party that followed was elegant, understated, and deeply personal. Guests were treated to sliders, fries, and a classic cake adorned with white icing and graceful floral accents. But the real standout? A custom cocktail menu designed just for the couple.

The signature drinks included the "Knit Nat Negroni" — a cheeky homage to Ackerman — and "The Tulane Bombshell," a nod to the school where their love story began.

The two first met in 2017 at Tulane University in New Orleans, where Neeson studied theater and digital media production, and Ackerman pursued a degree in business. After graduating together in 2019, their romance only flourished.

Since then, Neeson — who now co-owns De Nada Tequila and previously founded the eco-conscious clothing line Pine Outfitters — has frequently showcased his admiration for Ackerman on social media.

Whether through anniversary posts, like when they celebrated six years together, or spontaneous tributes, Neeson has painted a picture of enduring, soul-deep love.

One especially emotional post from July 2024 features sun-soaked images of the couple at sunset. He captioned it with the heartfelt words, "You are my sweet song that whistles in the breeze. 🤍 Love you baby [sic]."

Reflecting on the proposal, Neeson spoke openly about the gravity of the moment. "I could write novels on why I love Natalie," he said, "but there's something deeper, something so cosmic about our relationship that I know we're meant to be in this universe together."

Then came the line that stopped readers in their tracks. "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!" added Neeson.

A Proposal Born from Love and Anchored in Remembrance

While Neeson's engagement marks a joyful new chapter, the moment is also rooted in remembrance. The timing of his proposal — just over a year after honoring his late mother, Natasha Richardson, on the fifteenth anniversary of her passing — adds a profound layer of meaning to this milestone.

Neeson was just 12 years old when an accident left him and his one-year-older brother without a mom. While he looks forward to their reunion one day, he chooses to embrace one of life's best forces — love.

On March 19, 2024, Neeson took to Instagram to share a tender tribute to his late mother, posting a black-and-white throwback photo of her and a heartfelt caption.

"15 years since you've left this plane onto forever more. I look forward to reuniting one day but for now I take solace in knowing you're beside me every step of the way. Hopefully, I'm making you proud. I think you would definitely be proud of my margarita skills. She was the OG margarita mama [sic]!" he wrote.

He continued, in bittersweet humor, noting, "Little did she know I would one day start my own tequila brand and have way too many margaritas at my fingertips."

His message then turned more philosophical and introspective, as he added, "Change is inevitable, and we must embrace it with open arms. If you're a believer or not in quantum physics, the past, future and present coexist. We're all interconnected here and over there through love. The greatest life force. choose it above all else [sic]."

'So Proud of You': The World Responds to Daniel Neeson's Tribute

Fans and friends poured out their love in the comment section, offering messages of support, remembrance, and admiration for Richardson and her son.

TV and radio host Andy Cohen left a touching message, penning, "Love you so much Danny [sic]. And so proud of you. Your mom would LOVE your margaritas, and she was the supreme connoisseur!" A fan commented, "Beautiful words!! She must be very proud of you."

One emotional message read, "I can not believe it's been 15 years. I remember how our hearts ached for you and your family during that time. She was an amazing woman who inspired her sons to do great things. Her spirit lives on in your hearts and in so many other ways."

Another echoed the sentiment, "She was a beautiful, talented, graceful woman; a great example of a life lived well! Gone too soon but [sic] she will always be with you."

A Father's Silent Strength, a Brother's Tribute, and a Legacy That Lives On

Just days before Neeson shared his heartfelt tribute, his famous father, 73, was spotted walking solemnly through the streets of New York in a navy, three-piece suit, his shirt emblazoned with his son's tequila brand De Nada.

Aside from the 2024 tribute, Neeson has honored his mom in past years as well. In a 2018 Instagram post, he reflected, "9 years stronger. No one's ever gone, [sic] they become more alive."

His older brother, who chose a Hollywood career like his parents, also found his own unique way to remember their mother — by taking her last name. In a 2018 interview, he explained, "It was a way to honor her and her side of the family and carry on the name."

Richardson, a beloved late actress and mother, was only 45 years old when she died from head injuries after falling during a skiing lesson at Mont Tremblant in Quebec. Her death sent shock waves through Hollywood and devastated her family.

A Love Story Touched by Tragedy, but Shining with Hope

In Ackerman, Neeson sees the light, the spirit, and the enduring presence of the mother he lost. His proposal wasn't just a promise to his future — it was a moment steeped in memory, emotion, and the belief that love is stronger than grief.