There’s something magical about autumn in the Smoky Mountains — the crisp air, the first hints of golden leaves, and the cozy atmosphere that makes fall the perfect season to say I do. Kendall and Junior embraced all of that beauty with their romantic fall micro wedding at Chapel in the Hollow, and their day was nothing short of breathtaking.
A Romantic Fall Setting
For their September wedding, Kendall and Junior chose to style our forest chapel with flowing navy and blush fabric, accented by our ombre pink florals. The soft tones created a warm, dreamy palette that looked stunning against the trees just beginning to show their autumn colors. Their wedding party complemented the look perfectly in shades of pink and navy — a timeless combination that brought together elegance and seasonal charm.
A Bride Radiating Grace
Kendall was absolutely radiant in her off-the-shoulder satin gown with a dramatic bow and sweeping train from Memories Bridal & Evening Wear. Getting ready with her mom was a moment filled with emotion, and walking down the aisle together made it all the more special.
A Groom’s Tearful First Look
Junior looked dashing in a navy suit with a pink patterned tie — but the real showstopper was his reaction when he saw Kendall walking down the aisle. Tears flowed, smiles shone, and the love between them was undeniable. Their ceremony, led by a close friend, mixed heartfelt vows with a few inside jokes, making it personal and unforgettable.
A Celebration of Love + Laughter
After sealing their vows with a kiss(and a celebratory dip!), the wedding party danced down the aisle in pure joy. Family photos followed at the chapel before the couple slipped away to exchange private vows. Between laughter and happy tears, their love story shone brighter than the golden September sun.
We explored some of our favorite photo locations at Chapel in the Hollow — including the mossy tree, the forest road, and that sweeping field with a mountain view. Each spot added depth and variety to their gallery, capturing the magic of both their romance and the Smoky Mountain landscape.
The Perfect End to a Perfect Day
Once photos were finished, Kendall and Junior headed off to continue celebrating with family, carrying with them the joy and warmth of a wedding day that was intimate, personal, and full of heart.
From the Bride
We met through a friend at the fair during the tractor pull. We went to the beach and walked and talked forever before sitting on a bench for a while talking some more while watching the sunset. Jr proposed to me, on thanksgiving in my late papas house that we are in the midst of fixing up to make our home. We made the decision on where to get married together after thinking of places at home and not loving the options we decided to go with Tennessee because we love the atmosphere and everything about it!
On our wedding day we are looking forward to being together with our loved ones and finally becoming husband and wife. We picked this date because it is our 8 year anniversary. We enjoy spending time together doing anything we can! Going to the farm, camping, projects, cooking/grilling together, or even just watching a movie!
Why Choose a Fall Micro Wedding in the Smoky Mountains?
Fall is one of the most popular times to get married in East Tennessee, and for good reason. With the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, couples get a backdrop that feels like a fairytale — without the need for national park permits. At Chapel in the Hollow, we specialize in intimate weddings of up to 35 guests, offering couples stress-free booking options that include photography, officiating, and event management.
If you’re dreaming of a romantic fall wedding with cozy vibes, forest scenery, and mountain views, a Smoky Mountain micro wedding might be the perfect choice for you.
There’s nothing sweeter than saying“I do” surrounded by your favorite people… and pups! Jenny and Garrett’s September elopement at Chapel in the Hollow was the perfect mix of romance, laughter, and furry best friends. With champagne draping, boho florals, and their dogs at the center of the celebration, this wedding was filled with joy from start to finish.
A Cozy September Afternoon in the Smokies
Nestled in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, Chapel in the Hollow provided the dreamy woodland backdrop Jenny and Garrett envisioned. They decorated the chapel with soft champagne fabric and our signature boho florals, creating a whimsical, romantic vibe that paired beautifully with the cozy fall season. Their guest list was intimate—just their parents and their pups, Sedona and Fletcher, with Sabre present in spirit. This tiny crew made the day feel extra personal, meaningful, and full of love.
The Bride, the Groom, and the Pups
Jenny looked radiant in her off-the-shoulder Rebecca Ingram gown from Three Diamonds Boutique. Layers of tulle added soft movement as her mid-length veil floated in the breeze. Her mom helped her get ready, turning pre-ceremony prep into a memory she’ll cherish forever.
Garrett looked equally sharp in a dark suit paired with a burnt orange tie—a perfect nod to autumn in the Smokies. Together, they shared a tender first look and exchanged heartfelt letters before the ceremony began(yes, tissues were absolutely required ).
And then came the star of the show: Sedona, strutting down the aisle as ring bearer with tail-wagging pride!
Thoughtful Details That Stole Our Hearts
Jenny and Garrett didn’t just include their pups on the big day—they made them part of the story from beginning to end. Their wedding invitations were“sent” from the dogs themselves, with Sabre giving his paw of approval on the back.
Post-ceremony, the group celebrated with family portraits, a first dance, and a champagne toast—complete with doggy brews so Sedona and Fletcher could raise a glass(or paw!) too.
Finally, they wandered to the highland area for romantic couple portraits framed by mountain views and the soft glow of a cloudy September sky. Pure magic.
Why We Love Pup-Friendly Weddings
At Chapel in the Hollow, we adore when couples bring their fur babies along for the big day. Whether it’s a pup as a ring bearer, a flower dog, or simply snoozing happily through the vows, dogs bring an extra layer of love and authenticity. Our dog-friendly policies make it easy to include them in your elopement or micro wedding without stress.
From the Bride
Garret and I met the end of 2020. Meeting during covid was interesting as there wasn’t a lot of things we could do and winter was approaching. For our first date, we decided to try out indoor putt putt. It seemed fun and wouldn’t put too much pressure on us. I beat Garret fair and square, not sure he’d say the same :). We had fun and weren’t ready to go home yet so we decided to grab some dinner. It was the first of November and we went to my favorite local BBQ place. They had outdoor igloos for dining so we opted for one of those for a more private experience. Little did we know, it was about to start snowing. We were basically in a magical little igloo just enjoying some brisket tacos, until the wind picked up and tried to blow away our igloo. We had a great time and decided we would love to see each other again and the rest is history
Garret proposed in January of 2024. We were celebrating our anniversary that night and we decided to take the dogs for a walk at our local hiking spot before dinner. About a mile in, Garret got down on one knee and proposed. Of course I said yes! The dogs had no idea what was going on and were off frolicking in a field during the proposal.We had been dating for around 4 months before we took a road trip down to Tennessee to visit some of Garret’s family and pick up his new vehicle. I absolutely fell in love with the area and he had always loved it there. Since then, we try to take a trip every year or so to explore a new area and go hiking, our favorite places to hike always involve waterfalls. When we decided we wanted a small wedding, we couldn’t think of anywhere besides Tennessee. Once I found Chapel in the Hollow, I was sold. It was also an added bonus that our dogs could be our legal witnesses.We are looking forward to enjoying a low-key ceremony to celebrate our commitment to each other and have our dogs as our witnesses.
We both enjoying walking and playing with our dogs and just enjoying quiet time at home together. We don’t really have a typical date night as we like to do various things, either go out to dinner and walk around town or get take out and enjoy a movie at home.
If Jenny and Garrett’s day makes you want to grab the leash and plan your own“doggone cute” elopement, Chapel in the Hollow might be your dream venue. With flexible packages, woodsy backdrops, and plenty of space for wagging tails, we make it easy to celebrate with the ones you love—both two- and four-legged.
Ready to start planning? Click here to see our pricing and booking info.
Tennessee Anniversary Session
at Chapel in the Hollow
Julie and Josh – September 23, 2025
A Cozy, Colorful September Day Full of Love, Style, and Sweet Memories
At Chapel in the Hollow, we get to witness the beginning of so many love stories — but when couples come back to celebrate their anniversaries with us, it feels like a full-circle moment in the very best way. That’s exactly what happened when Julie and Josh returned for a joyful, rustic, and personality-filled anniversary photo session in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
They tied the knot at our little forest chapel last year, and we were absolutely thrilled to welcome them back to celebrate one year of marriage in the same magical setting where they said “I do.”
🐾 Starting with Fur Baby Love
Julie and Josh kicked things off by including their adorable pups in the session — because what’s a celebration without the whole family?! 🐶🐾 Pets are always welcome at Chapel in the Hollow, and we love how they add an extra dose of joy and authenticity to every photo.
Their dogs were full of personality and looked right at home nestled in the woods. Whether it’s a wedding day or an anniversary shoot, your pets are part of the love story — and we’re all about capturing that bond.
🌳 Exploring Favorite Forest Photo Spots
With the overcast skies casting a soft, dreamy light across the property, we set off to visit some of our favorite photography locations here at the chapel:
🌿 The mossy tree: Romantic and enchanted — a perfect spot for cuddles and giggles.
🚜 The tractor: A rustic nod to the Southern setting that adds charm and texture to every photo.
🌲 The log in the woods: A cozy nook surrounded by greenery that makes for sweet seated portraits.
🚚 The vintage truck: A fan-favorite that adds both nostalgia and rustic flair.
🌄 The open field with mountain views: The ultimate spot for golden hour glow and wide, breathtaking shots.
Each location holds its own mood and vibe, but together, they tell a visual story of a love that continues to grow.
💫 A Year of Growth and Joy
One of the best parts about anniversary sessions is witnessing how a couple’s connection deepens over time. Julie and Josh were just as fun-loving and sweet as ever, but you could feel an added layer of comfort and unity in their body language — the kind that only comes from weathering a year of real life together.
Whether it’s your first anniversary or your fiftieth, there’s something incredibly meaningful about coming back to the place where your marriage began to reflect, reconnect, and make new memories.
📸 Why Choose Chapel in the Hollow for Your Tennessee Anniversary Photos?
If you’re searching for the best spot in East Tennessee for anniversary photos, here’s why Chapel in the Hollow should be at the top of your list:
🌲 Stunning Natural Backdrops
Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, our venue offers a variety of breathtaking backdrops — from forested trails and rustic props to sweeping views of the mountains. Whether you’re planning a fall photo session like Julie and Josh or a springtime anniversary celebration, nature always shows up in style here.
🧡 Sentimental Location
Returning to the place where you got married adds an emotional richness to your photos. You’re not just posing in pretty places — you’re reliving sacred moments and creating new ones.
🐾 Pet-Friendly
Bring your dogs, cats, or even your goats — seriously, we’ve seen it all! Pets are family, and we love including them in your photos.
📆 Easy to Book Sessions
You don’t need to plan a huge event to come back for photos. Just reach out through our contact form or send us a message on Instagram or Facebook to check availability for your anniversary session.
🎉 Thinking About Your Own Anniversary Session?
Anniversary photo shoots are the perfect way to:
Celebrate your relationship milestones
Update your couple portraits (hello, new profile pics!)
Revisit your wedding venue
Include your pets or children in your love story
Gift each other an experience instead of a thing
Remind yourselves just how far you’ve come
Whether you got married at Chapel in the Hollow or not, we’re happy to host your Tennessee anniversary session and help you celebrate with intention.
Want something even more special? Pair your photo session with a vow renewal or make-it-legal ceremony! We offer flexible mini wedding and elopement options to fit your story. Check out our wedding packages to learn more.
Ready to plan your own anniversary session in the Smokies? Let’s create something magical together. 💛 Contact us here or browse the latest on our blog for more inspiration.
A Sultry September Evening Full of Surprises, Love, and Laughter in the Smoky Mountains
If you’re dreaming of a forest mini wedding with heartfelt touches, hilarious surprises, and those can’t-stop-smiling moments, Jordan and Jarrett’s September celebration at Chapel in the Hollow will capture your heart. Tucked away in the woods of East Tennessee, our forest chapel set the stage for a wedding that was equal parts sweet, sentimental, and joyfully unexpected.
A Whimsical Forest Setting with Dusty Blue + Sage Accents
Jordan and Jarrett chose to decorate the chapel in dusty blue and dusty sage fabric, a romantic and earthy combo that blended beautifully with the surrounding trees and mountain scenery. With no additional florals needed, the forest itself became their main décor — proving that sometimes, simplicity lets nature shine brightest. 🌲💙
Jordan added a personal and sustainable twist with Sola Wood Flowers, crafting bouquets alongside her wedding party. Not only are these wooden flowers eco-friendly and long-lasting, but they also brought a unique, textured charm that added personality to every photo. (If you’re curious about sustainable wedding options, these sola wood florals are definitely worth checking out!)
A Bride with Woodland Princess Vibes
Jordan looked absolutely radiant in her David’s Bridal gown — a sleeveless stunner with layer upon layer of soft, floaty tulle. She looked like she stepped out of a forest fairytale. Her hair and makeup, done by the bride herself (talk about talent!), perfectly complemented her laid-back elegance.
Jarrett matched her energy with his own relaxed forest groom style — rocking a black dress shirt, jeans, and a hat. His look, sourced from Amazon and Wrangler, captured that rustic, confident vibe that fit the woodland setting to a T. 🖤🌿
Family-Focused Moments That Melted Hearts
One of the most heartwarming parts of the day? Jordan’s sister carried their daughter, Danielle, down the aisle — and the collective “awww” could practically be heard echoing through the trees. It was such a tender way to include their little one in the day, reminding us how deeply meaningful a family-centered wedding can be.
And just when we thought we were about to witness a classic first look with the bride’s dad… in came Jarrett’s dad — in a wedding dress! 😂💍 The entire forest erupted with laughter. It was one of those unexpected, joyful moments that remind everyone to not take life too seriously and to savor the fun in big life milestones.
A Ceremony Officiated with Love
Adding even more sentiment to the day, Jarrett’s grandfather officiated the ceremony, making their “I dos” even more meaningful. The personal connection added a quiet magic to the forest atmosphere — the kind of moment that you just feel in your chest.
Their vows, the setting, and the love in the air combined to create an intimate, emotional exchange surrounded by those who matter most.
Golden Hour Portraits + Mountain View Magic
After their vows, we captured some sweet family portraits at the chapel, soaking up the golden light filtering through the trees. Then it was time for a little romance — and we had some amazing backdrops ready.
We whisked the newlyweds away to:
The rustic vintage truck spot
A beautifully lit roadside corner
And of course… the field with our breathtaking Smoky Mountain view
The golden hour glow was in full force, creating dreamy images that felt like pure magic — soft, warm, and glowing with love.
All the stunning moments were captured by the team at Star Noir Studio, who always know how to bring out the forest fairytale vibes we’re famous for here at Chapel in the Hollow.
A Wedding Day with Heart and Humor
Everything about Jordan and Jarrett’s day felt intentional — from the hilarious surprises to the tender moments with their daughter and family. Even their cake, baked with love by a family friend, added to the cozy, personal feel of the entire wedding.
This wasn’t just a wedding — it was a memory-making adventure, filled with laughter, love, and a celebration of the life they’re building together.
From the Bride:
We met online 3 years ago. Our official first date we met in person for the first time after he traveled up from Georgia at TexasRoadhouse with my mother and sister to make sure he was truly safe.
Jarrett proposed. Well, it was Christmas morning 2023. I begged Jarrett to open each others gifts as soon as we got up instead of waiting till after visiting the parents houses for gifts. So, Jarrett opened his gift and he had my ring in the box he get it special made shipped in wrapped and he got it off the top self of our pantry cabinets and said I can open it and I opened it and he grabbed the ring box and asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes!
We chose East TN for our forest mini wedding because it was the perfect middle point between both families for travel, and I just love Tennessee especially Pigeon, Forge and Sevierville and Gatlinburg. I’m most looking forward to getting to celebrate my best friend and myself to be together for the rest of our lives and raising our sweet baby girl.
We love to fish and go for rides and I love baking and cooking, going to arcades, going out to dinner being with our baby girl now and being parents as well as being parents too our two dogs and spending time with family.
Thinking About Your Own Forest Mini Wedding?
Chapel in the Hollow is perfect for:
Mini weddings
Smoky Mountain elopements
Family-focused micro weddings
Eco-friendly weddings
Woodland or rustic fall weddings
Whether you’re dreaming of dusty blue and sage fabric, DIY wood florals, a ceremony under the trees, or a family-first moment like Jordan and Jarrett’s — we’d be honored to help you bring your vision to life.
A Stylishly Sentimental Boho Fall Micro Wedding in the Smoky Mountains
Allison and David – September 19, 2025
If you’re dreaming of a cozy autumn forest ceremony with boho vibes, earthy details, and a whole lot of heart, Allison and David’s fall micro wedding at Chapel in the Hollow will absolutely inspire you. 🍁🌲✨
Nestled in the misty woods of East Tennessee near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Chapel in the Hollow offers an intimate venue for couples who want more than a cookie-cutter wedding. For Allison and David, it was the perfect setting for a boho fall micro wedding bursting with personality, emotion, and unforgettable style.
A Chapel Dressed for Fall Romance
For their September wedding, Allison and David dressed the chapel in soft cream fabric, pairing it with our bohemian florals and lantern package for the ultimate cozy forest ambiance. With glowing lanterns lining the aisle and textured fall florals framing the rustic wooden chapel, the entire setting felt like a magical woodland fairytale.
Looking for similar styling? Explore our wedding décor options to create your own enchanted backdrop.
Boho Bride Meets Woodland Queen
Allison embodied the bohemian bride aesthetic in the most effortless way. She wore a spaghetti strap dress by Avici that flowed beautifully with every step. Her green suede boots added a fun, earthy twist — boho meets mountain girl realness. 🤎
During the ceremony, she wore a dreamy boho veil, but later swapped it for a wide-brimmed hat for their romantic couple’s portraits. It’s those subtle outfit changes that let your personality shine throughout your wedding day!
Her ring featured delicate green gemstones, complementing her unique style. David’s ring, with fish hook detailing from Gentlebands, added a personal outdoorsy touch.
Dapper Groom with Forest Flair
David looked like he stepped straight out of a woodland romance novel in a green suit from Studio Suits, paired with a maroon tie and fall floral boutonnière. From his laid-back charm to his emotional reaction at seeing Allison, he was the definition of dashing and devoted.
The couple brought some of the most creative flat lay details we’ve seen this season, including:
Custom vow booklets
Their baby’s shoes
A meaningful bracelet
A bulldog pin
A distinctive ring box
Sentimental extras that made the details so them
(Thinking of doing a flat lay? Bring personal items that reflect your relationship. They make for great storytelling through photos!)
A Ceremony Full of Tears and Laughter
Before the ceremony, Allison shared first looks with both of her dads and her mom, and each one was full of hugs, smiles, and happy tears. But the moment David saw Allison walking down the aisle? Waterworks. His face crumbled in the most beautiful way—and we promise you, there wasn’t a dry eye in the forest. 🥹
Their officiant, Max Moss (also Allison’s brother-in-law!), gave a ceremony full of personalized touches and just the right amount of humor. It felt less like a formal ritual and more like a celebration with family—and that’s exactly what they wanted.
A Party Bus Send-Off + Golden Hour Romance
After the vows and all the hugs, their guests boarded a party bus from Sweetheart Limos and Party Busses to continue the celebration, giving us the perfect opportunity to sneak the couple away for some quiet moments.
We visited a few favorite photo spots around the Chapel in the Hollow property—including dreamy tree-draped paths, mossy corners, and that iconic field with the mountain view, just as the light turned golden and glowy. ✨📸
Star Noir Studio, our go-to wedding photography partner, captured every moment with warmth, emotion, and artistic flair.
Why Chapel in the Hollow Is Perfect for Your Boho Fall Micro Wedding
Chapel in the Hollow isn’t your average wedding venue. It’s a private forest chapel in the Smoky Mountains, ideal for couples planning a:
Boho wedding in Tennessee
Fall elopement with mountain views
Rustic forest micro wedding
Laid-back celebration full of style
From customizable décor to flexible elopement and micro wedding packages, we make planning easy and stress-free so you can focus on what really matters—each other.
Whether you’re eloping with just your partner or planning a micro wedding with your favorite people, Chapel in the Hollow is the perfect place to say “I do.” Surrounded by forest, filled with rustic charm, and full of customizable magic, it’s the East Tennessee venue of your dreams.
