Sweet Morning Mini Wedding in the Smoky Mountains

Sara + Kevin – October 10, 2026

Some wedding dresses are pretty, some are elegant, and some make you look like you just wandered out of an enchanted forest. Sara’s dress was definitely that last one, and I was absolutely in love with it! Between her dreamy tulle sleeves, the soft lavender wedding decorations, and the peaceful October morning light, Sara and Kevin’s wedding had the sweetest little fairy-tale feeling. 🧚‍♀️💙

These two chose Chapel in the Hollow for their morning mini wedding in East Tennessee, surrounded by their families and the beautiful greenery of the Smoky Mountain foothills. It was a lovely, cool October morning, which felt especially wonderful after we’d spent so much time watching the forecast and worrying about the hurricane-related storms that could have affected their celebration.

Thankfully, the weather cooperated beautifully. We had comfortable temperatures, soft light, and not a drop of the stormy weather we’d been concerned about. Sara and Kevin were able to enjoy their ceremony and wander through the forest for photos afterward, and everything came together in such a sweet, relaxed way.

And I have to say, if you’re going to get married in the woods, looking like a fairy princess is a pretty fantastic way to do it.

Dusty Blue and Lavender for a Romantic Forest Wedding

Sara and Kevin dressed the chapel in dusty blue fabric paired with our lavender florals, creating a soft, romantic setting that looked absolutely beautiful against the surrounding forest.

I love dusty blue for outdoor weddings because it’s such a gentle color, and it works wonderfully with all the greenery in the woods. Paired with lavender florals, it creates a peaceful, almost dreamy atmosphere without needing a lot of extra decoration.

The colors were especially pretty in the morning light. Everything felt soft and delicate, which was perfect for the sweet, intimate celebration Sara and Kevin had planned.

October weddings in East Tennessee can have such a wide variety of looks. Some couples lean into rich autumn colors like rust, burgundy, and orange, while others choose softer palettes that complement the forest in a different way. Sara and Kevin’s dusty blue and lavender combination was a beautiful reminder that fall weddings don’t have to follow a traditional autumn color scheme.

Their decorations felt romantic and timeless, and they worked perfectly with the couple’s wedding outfits.

Sara’s Fairy-Princess Wedding Dress

Okay, we need to talk about Sara’s dress because OH MY GOODNESS.

She wore a gorgeous long wedding gown by Melissa Sweet from David’s Bridal, and it had the most beautiful long, bell-shaped tulle sleeves. The sleeves were delicate, flowy, and wonderfully whimsical, giving her whole bridal look this soft, romantic feeling.

I absolutely loved them.

There’s something about sheer, flowing sleeves that adds so much personality to a wedding dress. They create movement without feeling heavy, and they photograph beautifully, especially in a natural setting where the light can filter through the fabric.

Sara paired her dress with a short veil tucked into her hair, which complemented the gown without taking attention away from those fabulous sleeves. Her whole look was elegant but also a little magical, like she belonged in the pages of a woodland fairy tale.

And against the greenery of the East Tennessee forest, she looked absolutely stunning.

I love seeing brides choose dresses that feel a little different from the traditional styles. Sara’s gown was still beautifully bridal, but those bell sleeves gave it a distinctive personality that made it especially memorable.

Honestly, if woodland fairies had wedding fashion magazines, I feel like this dress would be on the cover. 😂🤍

Kevin’s Classic Grey Wedding Suit

Kevin kept things classic and handsome in a grey suit from ZeGarie at D&K Menswear, and his look coordinated beautifully with Sara’s dress and their soft wedding colors.

Grey is such a versatile choice for a groom, especially when the wedding palette includes cooler tones like dusty blue and lavender. It feels polished without being overly formal, and it looks wonderful against a forest backdrop.

I loved how well their outfits worked together. Sara brought the flowing tulle and whimsical bridal style, while Kevin’s grey suit gave everything a timeless, classic balance.

Together, they looked absolutely lovely, and their outfits fit the relaxed, romantic atmosphere of their morning wedding perfectly.

Getting Ready With Sister and Cousins

Before the ceremony, Sara had some very special ladies helping her get ready. Her sister and cousins were there to help with her dress and make sure everything was just right before she headed down the aisle.

I love when getting ready becomes a little family moment. There’s something sweet about having the people who’ve known you for years helping you prepare for such an important day.

With Sara’s beautiful dress, flowing sleeves, and short veil, there were plenty of details to get into place. And having her sister and cousins there made the experience feel even more personal.

Their families had gathered to celebrate with them, and you could tell this was going to be a sweet, family-centered wedding.

Once Sara was ready, it was almost time for the ceremony. Her dad would have the honor of walking her down the aisle, and Kevin was waiting to see his bride for the first time.

Now, different grooms have VERY different reactions to that moment.

And Kevin definitely had his own approach. 😂

A Sweet Walk Down the Aisle

When ceremony time arrived, Sara’s dad walked her down the aisle toward Kevin.

She looked absolutely gorgeous in her long wedding dress, with those delicate tulle sleeves giving her whole look such a dreamy, romantic quality. The dusty blue fabric and lavender florals framed the chapel beautifully, and the surrounding forest created such a peaceful setting for their ceremony.

And then Kevin turned to see her.

Some grooms immediately start crying. Some break into enormous smiles. Some look like they’ve completely forgotten how to breathe.

Kevin?

Stoic. 😂

He was keeping those emotions under LOCK AND KEY.

I always find it interesting how differently people react during wedding ceremonies. Some wear every emotion right on their faces, while others stay wonderfully composed even during the biggest moments.

And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with either reaction. Whether a groom is crying happy tears or standing there looking calm and collected, the important thing is that he’s there, ready to marry his person.

Kevin might have been keeping his expression under control, but Sara and Kevin were both so happy to be getting married, and their ceremony was such a sweet celebration of their relationship.

A Peaceful October Morning Ceremony

One of my favorite things about a morning mini wedding is the peaceful atmosphere that comes with starting the day surrounded by nature.

The forest feels a little quieter, the light is softer, and there’s something wonderfully relaxed about having your wedding before the day gets busy.

For Sara and Kevin, the cool October weather made everything even more enjoyable. The chapel looked beautiful in its dusty blue and lavender decorations, their families were gathered around them, and the ceremony had such a sweet, intimate feeling.

After watching the weather forecast so closely, I think we were all especially grateful that the morning turned out as nicely as it did.

Hurricane-related storms had been a concern leading up to their wedding, and we weren’t entirely sure what kind of conditions we’d end up with. Thankfully, the stormy weather stayed away, allowing Sara and Kevin to enjoy their outdoor celebration without having to worry about rain interrupting the ceremony.

It felt like a little gift from the universe.

And before long, these two were officially husband and wife! 💙

Family Photos at the Chapel

After the ceremony, we gathered Sara and Kevin’s families together for photos around the chapel.

I always love making time for family portraits, especially during smaller weddings where the people attending are often the couple’s closest loved ones. These are the photographs that capture not only the wedding day but also the people who were there to celebrate such an important milestone.

With the dusty blue fabric, lavender florals, and beautiful greenery surrounding the chapel, we had a lovely setting for their family photos.

Once we’d captured everyone together, we sent the family on their way and stole Sara and Kevin for some newlywed portraits.

And this is where Sara’s dress really started showing off.

Those sleeves were about to get their moment. 😍

A Little Woodland Wandering

We started our couple portraits by heading along the gravel road, where the scenery and morning light were simply too pretty to pass up.

I love finding beautiful little spots along the way to our planned photo locations. Sometimes the light falls across the road in just the right way, or the surrounding trees create a particularly lovely backdrop, and you can’t help but stop for a few photos.

That was exactly the case with Sara and Kevin.

The soft October light looked gorgeous, and the natural surroundings worked beautifully with their wedding outfits. Sara’s dress had such lovely movement, and the delicate tulle sleeves added an extra touch of romance to every photo.

Kevin looked handsome beside her in his grey suit, and the two of them were so sweet together.

After those first portraits, we continued toward the highland area for a little more forest scenery.

Fairy-Tale Wedding Photos in the Highlands

The highlands were the perfect place for Sara and Kevin’s woodland portraits.

Surrounded by greenery and beautiful natural textures, Sara looked like she belonged in a fairy tale. Her flowing wedding dress and bell-shaped tulle sleeves were especially pretty against the forest, and the soft morning light gave everything a dreamy quality.

I absolutely loved photographing those sleeves.

Every time Sara moved, the tulle created these delicate shapes that made the photos feel extra romantic. The fabric caught the light beautifully, and it added so much softness and movement without needing anything elaborate.

Sometimes a wedding outfit has one detail that really makes it special, and for Sara, those sleeves were definitely it.

I also loved the contrast between her whimsical bridal look and Kevin’s classic grey suit. They complemented each other so well, and their portraits had this lovely balance of fairy-tale romance and timeless wedding style.

They looked so happy together, and it was such a pleasure getting to photograph them surrounded by the peaceful October forest.

Finishing Up Along the Road

After our time in the highlands, we finished Sara and Kevin’s newlywed portraits along the road.

The beautiful soft light continued to work in our favor, and we were able to capture a few more sweet moments before wrapping up their wedding photos.

I love having a little variety in a wedding gallery, even when the celebration is short and sweet. The decorated chapel gives us that romantic ceremony setting, the highlands provide beautiful woodland scenery, and the gravel road offers a more relaxed, natural backdrop.

For Sara and Kevin, all of those locations worked wonderfully with the soft, dreamy feeling of their wedding.

And thankfully, we made it through the entire celebration without the stormy weather we’d been worrying about.

After spending so much time watching the forecast, that was a pretty wonderful outcome.

A Little October Weather Luck

October is a beautiful time to get married in East Tennessee, but outdoor weddings always come with a little uncertainty when it comes to weather.

And with hurricane-related storms in the forecast around Sara and Kevin’s wedding date, we’d definitely been paying attention.

Thankfully, their morning was cool, comfortable, and dry. We had beautiful soft light for their ceremony and photos, and the weather never interfered with their celebration.

I was especially happy that we were able to take them around the property for their couple portraits without having to rush around dodging rain.

The cool temperatures made walking through the forest comfortable, and the peaceful morning atmosphere fit their wedding perfectly.

Sometimes you plan for the possibility of less-than-ideal weather and then get lucky with a beautiful day.

Sara and Kevin definitely got lucky with this one. 🍂

The Beauty of a Morning Mini Wedding

One of the things I loved most about Sara and Kevin’s celebration was how sweet and uncomplicated it felt.

They didn’t need an enormous production or an elaborate wedding day to create something meaningful. They had their families, a beautiful little chapel in the woods, and the opportunity to promise forever to each other.

Their decorations were soft and romantic, their outfits reflected their personalities, and the whole celebration had a peaceful, happy atmosphere.

That’s one of the lovely things about smaller weddings. There’s room to focus on the moments that matter most without feeling like every second has to be filled with another activity.

Sara and Kevin were able to celebrate with their families, exchange vows, and spend some time together taking photos in the forest. It was simple in the very best way.

And with Sara looking like a woodland fairy princess, it certainly didn’t feel like they were missing anything.

A Sweet Fairy-Tale Wedding in East Tennessee

When I think back on Sara and Kevin’s wedding, there are so many little details that make me smile.

The dusty blue fabric and lavender florals created such a pretty setting for their ceremony. Sara’s sister and cousins helped her get ready, and her dad walked her down the aisle. Kevin looked handsome in his grey suit and managed to keep his expression impressively composed when he saw his bride.

And then there was Sara’s dress.

Those beautiful bell-shaped tulle sleeves were absolutely magical, especially when we took them into the forest for their newlywed portraits.

I loved how the soft morning light filtered through the greenery, how peaceful everything felt, and how happy Sara and Kevin were to finally be married.

Their morning mini wedding in the Smoky Mountains was a wonderful reminder that sometimes the sweetest celebrations are the ones that keep things simple and focus on the people at the heart of the day.

Congratulations, Sara and Kevin!

Sara and Kevin’s October wedding was such a lovely combination of family, romance, and a little fairy-tale magic.

A beautiful bride with dreamy tulle sleeves. A handsome groom in grey. Dusty blue fabric and lavender florals. A cool October morning. A little woodland wandering. And two people who were so happy to be starting their married life together.

And after all our worrying about the forecast, the fact that the weather cooperated so beautifully made everything even sweeter.

Congratulations, Sara and Kevin!! 💙🪻 We absolutely loved celebrating with you and your families, and I hope your marriage is filled with as much happiness, love, and little moments of magic as your wedding day.

And Sara, I hope you find another excuse to wear that dress someday, because those sleeves are far too fabulous to only make one appearance. 😂❤️

From the Bride: 

We met at one of our previous places of employment. For our first date, we went hiking at Dunbar cave and Rotary park in Clarksville. One of our common interests has been hiking and being outdoors.

He proposed last labor day. He was very nonchalant about it and pulled out the ring box and said I should wear that too. 

My cousin actually mentioned Chapel in the Hollow and since we love being outdoors, we decided to look into it and thought it looked perfect. I’m most excited for getting married.

I love fall time and thought 10/10 at 10 am would be perfect. Also, our anniversary of dating is June 10th so the tenth was something I was wanting.

Going to different parks is what we typically love to do. We also like checking out arcades occasionally. 

Morning Mini Wedding Vendors

Event Management: Sabrina with Custom Love Gifts & Events
Chapel Florals: Chapel in the Hollow
Bouquet: Ling’s Moment
Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet from David’s Bridal
Photography: Star Noir Studio
Officiant: Ian Parrott
Menswear: ZeGarie from D&K Menswear
Shoes: LifeStride
Rings: Aquamarise
Videography: Clint with Yugen Productions
Venue: Chapel in the Hollow

Destination Micro Wedding in the Smoky Mountains

Jenn + Jory – October 9, 2026

When you live in Canada and decide to get married in the mountains of East Tennessee, you’re definitely committing to a little adventure. And that’s exactly what Jenn and Jory did! These two traveled all the way from Canada with their family to celebrate their wedding in the Smoky Mountains, and we were SO excited to welcome them to our little corner of Tennessee. 🇨🇦❤️

Their destination micro wedding was everything I love about intimate celebrations: beautiful scenery, personal details, a relaxed atmosphere, and a group of people who were genuinely happy to be together. They chose a gorgeous October day when the forest was just beginning to show little hints of autumn color, and the weather was absolutely perfect for spending time outside.

There were elegant neutral decorations, a few adorable pumpkins, a bride with fabulous shoes, a groom in a gorgeous sage green suit, and a ceremony performed by someone who knows and loves them. Add in some beautiful forest portraits and a little fun at the old truck, and you’ve got yourself a pretty fantastic Smoky Mountain wedding day.

From Canada to the Smoky Mountains

One of my favorite things about destination weddings is seeing couples choose a location that feels special to them, even when it means traveling a considerable distance from home. Jenn and Jory weren’t just driving across town to get married. They were coming from another COUNTRY, which made their wedding part of a much bigger adventure.

There’s something exciting about combining a wedding with a trip somewhere beautiful. Instead of celebrating in a familiar setting, you get to explore somewhere different, enjoy a change of scenery, and make memories that are tied to an entirely new place. And when you bring your favorite people along, it becomes an experience everyone gets to share.

For Jenn and Jory, that place was the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. With wooded hillsides, mountain scenery, and the beginnings of fall color appearing in the trees, October gave them a beautiful setting for their celebration.

And while the Smokies are known for their spectacular autumn foliage, I actually love this earlier part of the season when the forest is still mostly green but little pops of gold, orange, and red are beginning to peek through. It gives everything a fresh, colorful look without needing the entire forest to have changed yet.

A Beautiful October Day in East Tennessee

Jenn and Jory picked such a lovely day for their wedding. The weather was comfortable, the forest was beautiful, and there was just enough fall color beginning to appear to remind us that October had officially arrived.

October is one of those months when East Tennessee can give you a little bit of everything. Some days feel like summer is hanging on, while others bring crisp air and the kind of weather that makes you want to grab a cozy sweater. Jenn and Jory landed on one of those beautiful days that practically begs you to stay outside.

The trees surrounding the chapel were still full of greenery, but if you looked closely, you could spot little hints of changing leaves scattered throughout the forest. Those small touches of autumn were perfect for the soft, neutral wedding colors they’d chosen.

Their whole celebration had a relaxed, romantic feeling, and the weather certainly helped make everything feel effortless.

Cream, Sand, and a Few Perfect Pumpkins

Jenn and Jory dressed the chapel in cream and sand fabric paired with our white florals and simple pumpkin package. The combination was absolutely gorgeous and created such an elegant look for their October wedding.

I loved how the neutral colors worked together. Cream and sand gave the chapel a soft, romantic appearance, while the white florals added a classic bridal touch. The pumpkins brought in just enough seasonal personality to make the decorations feel appropriate for fall without overwhelming everything else.

Basically, it was autumn without going full pumpkin spice explosion. 😂🎃

There’s definitely a place for bold oranges, deep reds, and dramatic fall decorations, but I love seeing couples take a softer approach to seasonal wedding styling, too. Jenn and Jory’s choices allowed the natural beauty of the forest to remain part of the overall look while still giving the ceremony space a polished, intentional feeling.

The neutral decorations also worked beautifully with their wedding outfits, especially Jory’s sage green suit.

Jenn’s Elegant Bridal Look

Jenn looked absolutely stunning in a strapless wedding dress with a short train. Her dress had that lovely combination of simplicity and elegance that works so beautifully for an intimate forest wedding.

I especially loved that her look felt bridal and sophisticated without being overly complicated. The clean lines of her dress allowed her to shine, and the short train added just enough movement and drama for photos without feeling excessive.

And then there were her shoes.

Jenn wore fabulous white chunky-heeled shoes, and I was absolutely here for them. 😍

I’m a big fan of brides choosing footwear that makes sense for an outdoor wedding. You can still have beautiful wedding shoes without spending the entire day worrying about whether your heels are going to disappear into the ground. Chunky heels are such a great compromise between looking dressed up and being able to move around comfortably.

Jenn’s entire look was elegant, modern, and effortlessly beautiful. She looked fantastic against the soft cream and sand chapel decorations, and her dress photographed beautifully in the forest.

Jory’s Sage Green Suit

Jory made an equally fantastic style choice with his sage green suit, and I LOVED it.

Sage is such a beautiful color for an outdoor wedding because it complements the natural surroundings without blending into them completely. Against the neutral chapel decorations and the greenery of the forest, his suit looked especially handsome.

I also love when grooms choose something a little different from the traditional black, navy, or gray suit. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the classics, but a softer color can add so much personality to a wedding look.

Jory’s suit felt polished and appropriate for the occasion while still fitting the relaxed, romantic atmosphere of their destination micro wedding.

Together, Jenn and Jory looked amazing. Her white dress and his sage green suit were a beautiful combination, and their outfits worked perfectly with the colors they’d chosen for the ceremony.

A Best Friend Officiating Their Wedding

One of my favorite details from Jenn and Jory’s wedding was their choice of officiant. Rather than having someone they didn’t know perform their ceremony, they had their bestie take on that special role. ❤️

I think there’s something incredibly sweet about having someone who already knows you as a couple standing beside you while you exchange your vows. A friend has a different connection to your relationship than someone meeting you for the first time on your wedding day.

They’ve seen pieces of your story unfold. They know your personalities, your sense of humor, and some of the little things that make your relationship yours. Having that familiar face leading the ceremony can make an already meaningful experience feel even more personal.

For a destination wedding, especially one where you’ve traveled such a long way from home, bringing that personal connection into the ceremony is particularly lovely.

Jenn and Jory had already made the decision to celebrate in a beautiful place far from home, and having their friend officiate gave the ceremony an extra touch of familiarity and love.

A Sweet Ceremony Surrounded by Family

Jenn and Jory’s wedding was a wonderful example of how meaningful a smaller celebration can be. They didn’t need an enormous guest list or an elaborate production to create a beautiful wedding day. They had their family, their best friend helping lead the ceremony, and a peaceful forest setting.

The cream and sand fabric framed the chapel beautifully, with white florals and pumpkins adding soft seasonal details. The surrounding trees gave everything that lovely woodland atmosphere, and the October weather couldn’t have been much better.

What I love about a micro wedding is that it gives couples the opportunity to keep the focus on the things that matter most to them. For Jenn and Jory, that meant gathering their family, having someone close to them perform the ceremony, and celebrating their marriage in a beautiful place they’d traveled so far to experience.

And before long, these two Canadians were officially newlyweds in Tennessee! 🇨🇦❤️

Family Photos at the Chapel

After the ceremony, we gathered everyone together for family photos around the chapel. When people have traveled to celebrate a destination wedding, I think it’s especially important to document everyone who was part of the experience.

These aren’t just photos of people attending a wedding. They’re memories of a trip, a celebration, and a special occasion that brought everyone together somewhere new.

We made sure to capture Jenn and Jory with their family while everyone was still gathered at the chapel. The soft neutral decorations and surrounding greenery gave us a beautiful backdrop, and the little touches of fall color added just enough seasonal atmosphere.

Once we’d finished the family photos, we sent the crew on their way and stole the newlyweds for some couple portraits.

And these two were SO much fun to photograph. 🥰

Newlywed Photos Around the Chapel

We started Jenn and Jory’s couple photos around the chapel, taking advantage of the beautiful October light and their romantic decorations.

I always love this part of a wedding because the ceremony is finished, everyone has offered their congratulations, and the couple finally gets a little time together without an audience. There’s something so sweet about those first moments when they can simply enjoy being married.

Jenn and Jory were wonderful together. They had this easygoing, happy energy that made photographing them feel more like hanging out with new friends than directing a formal portrait session.

They looked gorgeous together, but they were also relaxed and playful, which is such a fun combination. We could get those sweet, romantic portraits while still letting their personalities come through.

And honestly, that’s always my favorite kind of wedding photography. Beautiful pictures are wonderful, but I especially love photos that actually feel like the people in them.

A Little Forest Adventure in the Highlands

From the chapel, we headed up to the highland area for some forest portraits. This gave Jenn and Jory a chance to enjoy a different part of the wooded landscape while we captured a few more newlywed moments.

The forest was still beautifully green, with little hints of autumn beginning to appear in the leaves. I loved how those subtle pops of color complemented Jenn’s white dress and Jory’s sage suit.

The highland area has such a peaceful, natural feeling, and it was a lovely contrast to the decorated chapel. Instead of fabric and florals framing the photos, we had trees, greenery, and the soft October light filtering through the woods.

Jenn and Jory were completely comfortable together, which made this part of their session especially enjoyable. They could relax, snuggle up, and have fun while we wandered through the forest.

For a couple who had traveled all the way from Canada to get married in Tennessee, it seemed only appropriate to make sure they got plenty of beautiful woodland scenery in their wedding photos.

Finishing Up at the Old Truck

Our final stop was the old truck, which added a little extra personality to Jenn and Jory’s wedding gallery.

I love having a mix of locations during a wedding session because each one brings something different to the photos. The chapel gives us that romantic ceremony setting, the highlands provide beautiful forest scenery, and the old truck adds a more rustic, playful element.

It was a fun place to finish up with Jenn and Jory, especially because they were such an easygoing couple to photograph.

Their wedding style was elegant and romantic, but they also had this happy, relaxed energy that worked beautifully with a more casual photo location. The combination gave their gallery a nice variety without making the day feel overly complicated.

And by the time we finished, we had a wonderful collection of memories from their Tennessee wedding adventure.

Why a Destination Micro Wedding Can Be So Special

One of the things I love about Jenn and Jory’s wedding is that it shows how a destination wedding doesn’t have to be an enormous event.

Sometimes people hear the words destination wedding and immediately picture an elaborate celebration with a huge guest list, multiple events, and months of complicated travel arrangements.

But it doesn’t have to look like that.

A destination micro wedding can be as simple as choosing a beautiful place, bringing your favorite people, and creating a celebration that feels right for you.

Jenn and Jory traveled from Canada to the Smoky Mountains, gathered their family, and got married in the woods. Their best friend performed the ceremony, their decorations reflected their personal style, and they spent part of their wedding day exploring the forest together.

There was nothing about their celebration that needed to be bigger or more complicated to be meaningful.

In fact, keeping things intimate allowed the focus to stay right where it belonged: on the two of them and the people who had come to celebrate their marriage.

A Little Taste of Fall in the Smokies

I also loved that Jenn and Jory got to experience the very beginning of fall color in East Tennessee.

October is such a beautiful time in the Smoky Mountains, and the changing leaves are one of the things that make the area so popular during autumn. But the transition doesn’t happen all at once.

Instead, the colors gradually begin appearing throughout the forest. You might have one tree showing off beautiful orange leaves while everything around it is still green, or little patches of gold tucked among the branches.

That was the kind of fall scenery Jenn and Jory had for their wedding.

It wasn’t a forest completely covered in autumn colors yet, but those little hints of the season were beginning to show up, and they added such a pretty touch to their photographs.

Paired with their neutral decorations and simple pumpkins, the whole day had a lovely early-fall feeling.

An October Wedding Worth Traveling For

When I think back on Jenn and Jory’s wedding, I keep coming back to how beautifully everything fit together.

Their cream and sand fabric, white florals, and simple pumpkins created an elegant fall ceremony setting. Jenn looked stunning in her strapless dress and chunky white heels, while Jory’s sage green suit was an absolutely perfect choice for the forest.

Their best friend officiated the ceremony, their family was there to celebrate, and we got to spend time photographing them around the chapel, in the highlands, and at the old truck.

And through all of it, Jenn and Jory were just so happy and easygoing. They seemed to genuinely enjoy being together and celebrating their marriage, which made the entire experience such a pleasure to photograph.

There’s something really wonderful about watching two people travel so far to get married and then seeing how perfectly their day comes together.

Congratulations, Jenn and Jory!

Jenn and Jory’s destination micro wedding in the Smoky Mountains was such a sweet reminder that a beautiful wedding doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes all you need is a gorgeous setting, a handful of your favorite people, a ceremony that feels personal, and someone you’re really excited to marry.

These two brought their love story all the way from Canada to East Tennessee and created a wonderful memory surrounded by the first little hints of October color.

A beautiful bride in white. A handsome groom in sage green. A best friend officiating. Family gathered around. A few pumpkins tucked into the decorations. And two very happy newlyweds exploring the Tennessee woods together.

I’d say that’s a pretty fantastic way to get married. 🇨🇦🏔️❤️

Congratulations, Jenn and Jory!! Thank you for making the trip all the way to our little corner of the Smokies. We absolutely loved celebrating with you and your family, and I hope your Tennessee adventure was filled with wonderful memories.

Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, plenty more adventures together, and maybe another trip to the Smoky Mountains someday! 🤍🍁

From the Bride: 

We met as coworkers doing the everyday grind. When it came time for our very first date, we didn’t do dinner and a movie. We went to someone else’s wedding. It was the ultimate crash course in seeing how we handled formal wear, open bars, and people we didn’t know. Apparently we passed the test.

Our proposal kept the same practical no nonsense energy. There were no roses or quartets or scenic viewpoints. Instead, he was covered in grease and dirt, working on a car, and I was planting – also covered in dirt. Right there in the middle of the chaos, the big question wasn’t a dramatic speech but a realistic “Are you sure you still want to marry me?” Turns out I was absolutely sure. We might not have the cinematic fairy-tale story, but we have something much better : a real partnership where we work together build things and take the world on as a team.

We traveled down to Nashville for my 40th birthday stopped in at the Smoky Mountains along the way and we both fell in love with the absolute beauty and chill vibe. So peaceful and beautiful. We are most excited to be best friends for life and take on the world as a team. For fun, we like exploring, hiking, camping fires adventure.

Destination Micro Wedding Vendors

Venue: Chapel in the Hollow
Florals + Décor: Chapel in the Hollow
Hair and Makeup: Bloom and Style – Katerina Scholz
Officiant: A special friend of the couple – Travis Minor
Invitations: Bride/Canva
Dress: Pronovias Phoebe
Rings: Effy / Gentle Bands
Groom’s Look: Operation Barber – hot shave and cuts
Menswear: RW & Co
Bouquet: Mother of the Bride
Photography: Star Noir Studio

Romantic October Evening Wedding

Beth + Mike – October 8, 2026

Some couples get married after a year or two together. Some take five years, maybe ten. And then there’s Beth and Mike, who spent 27 YEARS together before deciding it was finally time to make things official. I mean, after nearly three decades, I think it’s safe to say they’ve had plenty of time to decide whether they like each other. 😂❤️

Beth and Mike chose a beautiful October evening in the East Tennessee woods for their intimate wedding, surrounded by the family they’ve spent so many years building together. Their romantic October evening wedding was filled with soft fall colors, sweet family moments, gorgeous mountain views, and one absolutely fabulous wedding cape that I am still not over.

What made their day especially lovely was that this wasn’t the beginning of their relationship. They already had 27 years of memories behind them, a daughter and son-in-law standing beside them, a grandson walking Beth down the aisle, and their moms there to celebrate. They weren’t starting a life together from scratch. They were celebrating the beautiful life they’d already created and making a new promise for everything still ahead.

Twenty-Seven Years in the Making

There’s something really special about photographing couples who have already spent decades together. They know each other’s habits, they’ve experienced life’s ups and downs, and they’ve had plenty of opportunities to discover all the little things that make a relationship work. Beth and Mike had already shared 27 years of life before their wedding day. That’s a lot of birthdays, holidays, ordinary evenings, family milestones, and memories. At that point, getting married isn’t about finding out whether you’re compatible. I think they’ve probably figured that part out. 😂

Instead, their wedding was an opportunity to pause and celebrate everything they’ve built together. They got to gather their family, get dressed up, exchange vows, and enjoy a beautiful evening in the Smoky Mountains as they officially became husband and wife.

And after waiting 27 years, I feel like you’re entitled to make your wedding exactly what you want it to be.

Soft Fall Colors for a Romantic Forest Wedding

Beth and Mike dressed the chapel in cream and dusty sage fabric paired with our bohemian florals and candle package. The combination was soft, romantic, and beautifully suited to an October wedding in the woods. I love dusty sage for forest weddings because it works so naturally with the surrounding greenery without disappearing into it. Paired with cream fabric and the warm glow of the candles, the whole setup had this peaceful, romantic feeling that fit Beth and Mike’s celebration perfectly.

The bohemian florals added a little texture and personality without overwhelming the natural setting. It was elegant but relaxed, which seemed especially appropriate for a couple who had already spent nearly three decades together and weren’t particularly interested in making their wedding more complicated than necessary.

The fall forest provided the rest of the atmosphere, and as the evening light began to soften, everything looked even prettier.

Beth’s Wedding Dress Deserves Its Own Conversation

Okay, we need to talk about Beth’s dress.

Because THE CAPE. 😍💚

Beth skipped the traditional white wedding gown and chose a gorgeous dusty sage dress with a built-in cape. And honestly, I don’t think she could have picked anything more perfect for a romantic wedding in the woods. The color was beautiful against the forest, and the cape gave the whole look this wonderfully dramatic, magical quality. She looked like some sort of elegant woodland queen who had emerged from the trees to marry the man she’d been with for 27 years.

Which, when you think about it, is a pretty fantastic aesthetic.

I always love seeing brides choose something that feels true to their personalities instead of feeling obligated to follow every wedding tradition. White wedding dresses are lovely, but so are green dresses, black dresses, colorful dresses, and anything else that makes you feel amazing. Beth clearly understood this. And as we discovered later during their newlywed photos, she also understood exactly what to do when presented with a fabulous cape and a camera.

More on that in a minute. 😂

Mike Kept Things Comfortably Classic

Mike balanced Beth’s woodland-queen energy with a relaxed wedding look of his own. He wore jeans, a white dress shirt, and a brown vest, looking handsome and perfectly comfortable for their intimate celebration. I loved the contrast between their outfits. Beth brought the flowing sage dress and dramatic cape, while Mike kept things simple and casual. They weren’t trying to match each other perfectly, but their styles worked beautifully together.

Together, they looked like themselves, just a little more dressed up for the occasion. Which is exactly how I think wedding clothes should feel.

Getting Ready With the Ladies Who Matter Most

Before the ceremony, Beth had some very special people helping her get ready: their daughter and their moms. ❤️

I love that this part of the day was such a family affair. There was something especially meaningful about seeing the women who have been part of Beth’s life helping her prepare for a wedding.  For some brides, getting ready is all about the excitement of starting a brand-new chapter with someone they’ve only known for a few years. For Beth, it was a chance to celebrate a relationship that had already grown alongside her family for nearly three decades. And having their daughter there to help her get dressed made that connection even sweeter.

By the time Beth was ready, she looked absolutely gorgeous in her sage gown, and it was almost time for her to make her entrance.

But first, someone very important had a job to do.

A Grandson Walking His Grandmother Down the Aisle

Beth and Mike’s grandson had the honor of escorting his grandmother down the aisle.

🥹❤️

I absolutely LOVE this.

There are so many sweet ways to involve family members in a wedding, but having your grandson walk you down the aisle is especially meaningful. It’s one of those moments that really shows how much life has happened before the wedding day.

Beth wasn’t just a bride walking toward her groom. She was a mom and grandmother being escorted by one of the people who exists as part of the beautiful family she and Mike have built together. There’s something wonderfully full-circle about that.

And I imagine that years from now, those photos of their grandson walking Beth toward Mike are going to be pretty special to everyone involved.

A Family-Centered Wedding Ceremony

When Beth reached the chapel, Mike was waiting for her, and their daughter and son-in-law stood beside them as they exchanged vows.

I loved how their family was woven into the ceremony. Their daughter had helped Beth get ready, their grandson had walked her down the aisle, and now their daughter and son-in-law were standing beside them as they officially became husband and wife. Their moms were there to celebrate, too, making the whole evening feel like a gathering of generations rather than simply a wedding ceremony. And honestly, that seems like exactly the right way to celebrate a relationship that’s been going strong for 27 years.

Beth and Mike weren’t making promises about an entirely unknown future. They were standing together after decades of shared experiences and choosing to continue that journey as husband and wife.

There’s something really beautiful about that kind of commitment.

Finally Husband and Wife!

After 27 years together, Beth and Mike exchanged their vows and officially became husband and wife.

Some couples spend more time planning their weddings than Beth and Mike probably needed to spend deciding whether they wanted to marry each other. At this point, they knew exactly who they were choosing. And now they finally got to say, “We’re married!”

I love that their ceremony wasn’t trying to create a new love story. It was celebrating the one they’d already been living.

Family Photos Before a Little Newlywed Adventure

After the ceremony, we gathered everyone together for family photos around the chapel. With so many meaningful family connections woven into the day, documenting everyone together was especially important.

We made sure to capture the people who had come to celebrate with Beth and Mike, including the family members who had played such special roles in their ceremony. Then we sent the crew off and stole the newlyweds for some time together. And OH, the light. 😍

The chapel was wrapped in that soft, moody evening light that makes October weddings feel so romantic. The forest had this beautiful, peaceful atmosphere, and Beth’s dusty sage dress looked absolutely gorgeous against the greenery.

But then she started playing with her cape. And things got even better.

The Cape Had Its Moment

Listen. If you’re going to wear a wedding dress with a cape, you absolutely need to take advantage of it during photos. Beth understood the assignment. 😂💚

That cape had MOVEMENT. It had drama. It had personality. Every time she moved, the fabric created these beautiful flowing shapes that made her look like she’d stepped straight out of a romantic woodland fantasy.

I was having the BEST time photographing it. There’s something especially fun about a bride who isn’t afraid to play around during her wedding photos. You don’t have to stand perfectly still and look serious just because you’re wearing a beautiful dress.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is move around, have fun, and let the fabric do its thing.

Beth was fantastic at that, and Mike seemed perfectly happy to let his new wife have her woodland-goddess moment. As he should. 😂

Exploring the Forest Together

Once we’d finished playing around the chapel, we took Beth and Mike on a little adventure around the property.

We started at the vines, where the greenery and soft evening light gave us a beautiful, romantic backdrop. From there, we wandered through the highland area, enjoying the peaceful forest setting and giving these two a chance to spend some time together after their ceremony.

One of my favorite things about photographing couples who’ve been together for a long time is how comfortable they tend to be with each other. There’s often this easy familiarity that comes from years of knowing someone. They don’t have to figure out how to be close or how to interact. They’ve already had plenty of practice.

Beth and Mike looked so happy simply being together, and it was lovely getting to photograph them in those quiet moments between locations.

We continued to the rock garden and then made our way toward the gravel road, finding different little pockets of beautiful October light along the way.

And yes, the cape continued to be fabulous.

Obviously.

A Romantic October Evening in the Smoky Mountains

One of the things I love about an October evening wedding in East Tennessee is how the light changes as the afternoon moves toward sunset.

The forest becomes softer and moodier, and the warm light gives everything a romantic glow. Even before the leaves reach their peak fall colors, October has this wonderful atmosphere that makes outdoor weddings feel especially cozy.

For Beth and Mike, the evening light worked beautifully with their soft sage and cream wedding colors. The whole day had this peaceful, romantic feeling that seemed perfect for celebrating a love story with so much history behind it.

And we still had one more location to visit. The field with the mountain view.

Ending Their Wedding With a Mountain View

We finished Beth and Mike’s wedding photos in the field overlooking the Smoky Mountains, and WOW.

The mountains looked absolutely magical in the warm, soft evening light. The entire landscape had that dreamy October glow, with the distant ridges stretching behind them and the last of the day’s light settling over the field.

It was such a beautiful place to finish their wedding adventure.

Beth’s dusty sage gown looked gorgeous against the open landscape, and Mike’s relaxed wedding style fit perfectly with the natural surroundings. They snuggled together, enjoyed the view, and looked so genuinely happy to finally be husband and wife.

After so long together, they probably didn’t need a mountain backdrop to make the moment special.

But it certainly didn’t hurt.

😂❤️

Some Love Stories Take Their Time

I think Beth and Mike’s wedding is a wonderful reminder that there’s no universal timeline for love.

Some people meet, fall in love, and get married within a year. Others spend several years together before deciding they’re ready. And some build an entire life, raise a family, become grandparents, and then decide it’s time to have a wedding.

There’s no rule saying one version is more meaningful than another.

Beth and Mike already had decades of memories behind them when they stood together in the forest and exchanged vows. Their relationship didn’t suddenly become important because they had a wedding ceremony. It was already important.

Their wedding was simply another beautiful chapter in their story. And I think that’s pretty darn romantic.

Twenty-Seven Years and a Beautiful New Chapter

When I think back on Beth and Mike’s romantic October evening wedding, there are so many little details that make me smile.

The cream and dusty sage fabric. The bohemian florals and candles. Mike looking handsome and relaxed in his vest and jeans. Beth looking like an absolute woodland queen in that fabulous cape.

Their daughter and moms helping Beth get ready. Their grandson walking her down the aisle. Their daughter and son-in-law standing beside them during the ceremony. The gorgeous evening light filtering through the forest and the beautiful mountain views at the end of the day.

But the best part is the story behind all of it. Twenty-seven years together. A family they’ve built and watched grow. And two people who decided that after all those years, they still wanted to stand beside each other and make another promise. That’s a pretty wonderful reason to have a wedding.

Congratulations, Beth and Mike!! 💚🍂

Here’s to 27 years of love, laughter, family, and adventures together—and to many, many more as husband and wife. May your next chapter be filled with beautiful moments, plenty of happiness, and lots of opportunities for Beth to wear that fabulous cape again.

Because seriously. That cape deserves more outings. 😂❤️

Romantic October Evening Wedding Vendors

Event Management: Erin with Custom Love Gifts & Events
Photography: Star Noir Studio
Officiant: Ian Parrott
Hair + Makeup: Beth (the bride!)
Florals: Chapel in the Hollow
Venue: Chapel in the Hollow