A Peaceful Forest Elopement in the Smoky Mountains.
When Kiersten and Austin decided to plan their wedding, they wanted something intimate, relaxed, and surrounded by nature. That’s what led them to Chapel in the Hollow, our micro wedding chapel tucked in the East Tennessee woods. Their September elopement was filled with heartfelt moments, romantic details, and the peaceful magic of the Smoky Mountains.
A Romantic Forest Setting
The couple styled the chapel with soft cream draping, our lavender floral package and the lantern add-on, which cast a warm glow against the trees. This simple yet elegant setup highlighted the natural beauty of the forest and gave their ceremony an enchanting, ethereal feel.
The Bride’s Timeless Look
Kiersten looked stunning in a sleek floor-length spaghetti strap gown from David’s Bridal, paired with bold black pumps from Torrid. Her choice added a touch of personality to her classic bridal style. She carried a handcrafted bouquet that beautifully complemented the chapel florals, tying the look together effortlessly.
An Intimate Ceremony
In true elopement fashion, Kiersten walked herself down the aisle, accompanied only by the sounds of birdsong and the whisper of the breeze. The couple exchanged vows they had written themselves, and emotions overflowed as both choked up mid-ceremony. This moment captured what makes elopements so special: authenticity, love, and connection.
Their officiant, Ian Parrott, guided them through the ceremony, while Star Noir Studio captured every sweet glance and tear-filled smile.
Sweet Celebrations
Following the ceremony, Kiersten and Austin shared a small cake from Desserts by Gracie, celebrating their first moments as husband and wife. We then explored the surrounding forest, wooded roads, and open fields with mountain views for portraits. The September light created the dreamiest backdrop — golden and serene — perfect for a Smoky Mountain elopement.
Why Choose a Forest Elopement in the Smokies?
Eloping in the forest allows couples to slow down, breathe, and savor the experience. At Chapel in the Hollow, you get the feeling of being in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park without the hassle of permits or heavy crowds. With our intimate setting, customizable accessory packages, and flexibility to book just a few hours, couples can create a stress-free, affordable, and deeply meaningful wedding day.
Kiersten and Austin’s peaceful forest elopement was a beautiful reminder that love doesn’t need to be complicated — sometimes, the simplest weddings are the most profound.
If you’re dreaming of your own romantic escape, learn more about planning your Smoky Mountain elopement with Chapel in the Hollow.
A Heartfelt Smoky Mountain Wedding That Made a Family Whole
Some weddings are about more than just two people saying “I do.” They’re about the joining of lives, the blending of hearts, and the beginning of a brand-new family journey. That’s exactly what Shaina and Brad’s wedding was—a deeply moving celebration of love, unity, and family in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
Hosted at our serene woodland venue, Chapel in the Hollow, this early September micro wedding brought together not just a couple, but five beautiful children and two committed parents ready to step into the next chapter—together.
A Rustic Smoky Mountain Setting with Autumn Charm
For their blended family wedding, Shaina and Brad styled the forest chapel with champagne and textured rust fabric, accented by our lantern package for that warm, glowy fall ambiance we love so much this time of year. 🍁🕯️
Shaina brought her own seasonal flair, decorating with autumn wreaths and beautiful Etsy bouquets from Fernandsunpalm for herself and the girls. This added a handmade, heartfelt element to their décor—perfect for a rustic Smoky Mountain wedding.
If you’re dreaming of a cozy, intimate fall wedding that feels personal and meaningful, this one checks every box.
A Bride with Style and Sentiment
Shaina looked radiant in her Allure Bridals gown, her look pulled together with gorgeous styling from Organic Infusion Hair & Nail Salon. Her daughters and mother helped her get ready—creating a tender, emotional pre-ceremony moment full of laughter and hugs.
Her dad proudly walked her down the aisle, but it was Brad’s reaction that took everyone’s breath away. The moment he saw her, his face crumpled with emotion, and the tears flowed freely. Talk about a tear-jerker moment. 😭💕
An Adaptable Ceremony Full of Heart
Due to a foot injury, Shaina and Brad chose to hold their ceremony at the base of the chapel steps—a unique adaptation that somehow made everything feel more intimate and connected.
With Ian Parrott officiating, they exchanged personal vows that had the entire audience misty-eyed. As the ceremony concluded, their five children rushed in for the sweetest group hug—the perfect symbol of the family they had just officially created.
This was more than a wedding—it was a whole-family promise.
Romantic Portraits with Mountain Views
After a few sweet family photos at the chapel, we ventured to one of our favorite photo spots—the field with the mountain view, just as the September sun dipped low, casting that perfect golden-hour glow across the Smokies. 🌞🏔️
There, Shaina and Brad embraced, laughed, and fully stepped into the magic of the day. From her Idyllwind cowboy boots by Miranda Lambert to Brad’s Egara suit vest from Men’s Wearhouse, their style blended comfort, confidence, and country elegance.
A Wedding with Family at Its Center
Weddings like Shaina and Brad’s remind us why we love what we do here at Chapel in the Hollow—because every love story is different, and every family journey is uniquely beautiful.
Their children weren’t just spectators—they were active participants. From helping with getting ready to that unforgettable group hug, this was truly a celebration of family first.
Planning a Blended Family Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of a blended family wedding in a place that offers peace, beauty, and flexibility, our forest venue in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee is the perfect fit. We know how to create a space that welcomes every member of the family and celebrates all the little moments that matter most.
Explore our customizable wedding packages and let us help you craft a day that is intimate, meaningful, and truly you.
From the Bride:
We both decided to give an online dating app a try. Both of us matched up to one another and from the moment we started talking we did not stop. All day long we chatted, and decided to even meet that night!
Our first date was at a restaurant called “Muddy Misers”. The food was excellent, we both showed up in jeans and a flannel. I wont ever forget his jeans, boots, flannel, and a ball cap that had me captured instantly. I didn’t get much sleep the night before our date, so I was out all night with him after dinner and even fell asleep on his center console of his truck! My mom and sister were so worried and kept calling me due to it being so out of the norm for me to go on a date with someone I didn’t know and stay out so late and not answer my phone. They were petrified! But I knew when we met, for some reason I felt safe and super comfortable.
He proposed. We had all of our children with us at the skate park on a fall evening, we typically like to take the kids there to ride their scooters and their bikes. It was very random when we were leaving he had pulled out the ring and got down on one knee, it was super simple which I like, and all of our children were present which is what meant the most to me.
I used to live in TN for almost 10 years. I absolutely love the state of TN, everything about the mountains just really speaks to me. WE are both outdoorsy type of people and I always knew one day I would get married in or near the mountains when I had my wedding.
I’m most looking forward to having our family together and witnessing something so special between all of us. Two families coming together as one to support our blended family. Our children will be up their with us as our bridesmaids, and groomsmen. I knew that was the only option I wanted was for our children to be the ones standing next to us over anyone else.
My fiance had an uncle that was number 13 in sports growing up, he always watched him play and decided he wanted to start using the number himself. Then on February 7th, 2013 he lost a daughter named Quinn Elizabeth Wilson who was stillborn, and shortly after was blessed with his daughter now Sylvie Claire Wilson on August 13th, 2014. His children have also carried on using the number 13 in any extracurricular activity where they get to choose a number. He has always had a strong feeling associated with the number 13 and I wanted to honor that for him and his children.
We both love to go fishing, hunting, kayaking, mushroom hunting, watch dirt-track races, watch motocross and supercross races. Anything to so with outside or four wheelers and racing we both love.
We’re here to help bring your blended family wedding dreams to life. Whether you’re looking for an intimate elopement, a micro wedding, or a rustic ceremony surrounded by the forest, Chapel in the Hollow offers natural beauty, flexible packages, and the kind of charm that only East Tennessee can provide.
When it comes to a relaxed micro wedding, there’s nothing quite like the magic of saying “I do” in the forest light of the Smoky Mountains. Autumn and Austin chose Chapel in the Hollow as the enchanting setting for their intimate southern wedding ceremony, and their morning was filled with tears, laughter, and love — the kind of moments that remind you why micro weddings are so special.
A Romantic Forest Setting
The chapel was dressed in hunter green and white fabric, paired with our lavender florals and softly glowing lanterns from the Lantern Package. The effect created a calm, romantic atmosphere that blended seamlessly with the natural beauty of the woodland chapel. Morning ceremonies at Chapel in the Hollow have a special glow — the soft light filtering through the trees makes every detail feel magical.
A Bride with Classic Elegance
Autumn looked absolutely radiant in her off-the-shoulder gown from Vow’d, which featured timeless lines and a lace-edged veil that trailed gracefully behind her. The delicate style paired perfectly with the relaxed vibe of their micro wedding. Her jewelry — a mix of meaningful family pieces and sweet finds from Amazon — added a sentimental touch.
Austin looked sharp in a classic blue suit from Men’s Wearhouse, complementing the chapel décor and highlighting their understated, elegant color palette.
A Ceremony Full of Heart
Before the ceremony, Autumn and Austin exchanged private vows while standing on either side of the bridal suite doors so they couldn’t see one another. It was one of those tear-filled moments that perfectly captures the intimacy of a micro wedding — a quiet pause in the rush of the day to focus on love.
Autumn’s dad walked her down the aisle, her mom fluffed her train for that final fairy-tale touch, and her grandfather officiated the ceremony. Having a family member lead the vows brought an extra layer of meaning, tying together their day with legacy and love.
Portraits in the Smoky Mountain Forest
After their heartfelt “I dos,” family photos were taken around the chapel before the couple headed out with Star Noir Studio to the archway and highland areas for portraits. The forest trails offered a relaxed, private space where Autumn and Austin could soak in their first moments as newlyweds. Surrounded by greenery and kissed by soft mountain light, they absolutely glowed.
From the Bride
We met on Hinge, an online dating app. Our first date was very fun and enjoyable, we talked for hours. We were on a trip for my birthday, staying in a secluded cabin. We got back from dinner and he had our photo book from home laying out. This photo book was gifted to him a couple years ago. I said I wanted to continue having a photo book updated throughout the years and one day have our family continue this trend. I didn’t even know he snuck the photo book on this trip but he did. We sat there reminiscing through old photos, new photos of our kitties, etc. I was already teary eyed. I assumed I would be the one to update these photos, but he did and I thought it was so sweet. Got to the last page where a hand written note stating “now for our next chapter” and flipped the page over and there was my beautiful ring.
We both love the mountains and how pretty this area is so thought why not get married here?! We are looking forward to sharing this special moment with our families.We like to hike, kayaking, float on the lake, go to breweries, hanging out with our friends and family. Typical date night is anywhere with good food where we can be in each others company and catch up.
Why Choose a Relaxed Micro Wedding?
Autumn and Austin’s day is a perfect example of how beautiful and stress-free a micro wedding can be. By focusing on what mattered most — their love, their families, and their connection — they created a day that was deeply personal without the pressure of a large event.
At Chapel in the Hollow, couples can style the space with different backdrops and décor packages, from rustic lanterns to colorful florals. Whether you want a romantic morning ceremony like Autumn and Austin, or a golden-hour evening celebration, the chapel offers flexibility, natural beauty, and intimate charm.
If you’re dreaming of a relaxed micro wedding in Tennessee, surrounded by forest views and loved ones, Chapel in the Hollow is the perfect setting. With options for up to 35 guests, customizable décor packages, and flexible booking with or without photography, officiants, and more, it’s designed for couples who want a stress-free celebration that still feels magical.
👉 Learn more about planning your own Smoky Mountain micro wedding at chapelinthehollow.com.
Sentimental September“I Do” at Chapel in the Hollow
Kailyn and Jonathan – September 12, 2025
A Simple Country Wedding with Heirloom Heart in the Smoky Mountains
Some weddings are beautiful. Others are emotional. And then some—like Kailyn and Jonathan’s—are deeply personal, weaving legacy, creativity, and love into every moment. Their simple country micro wedding at Chapel in the Hollow was a perfect blend of sweet sentiment and natural elegance, set against the dreamy backdrop of our lush Tennessee forest.
A Smoky Mountain Setting with a DIY Heart
For their early fall wedding, Kailyn and Jonathan chose a classic and timeless color palette: dusty blue and dusty sage, two soft hues that harmonized beautifully with the greenery of the Smokies. The couple opted for our outdoor forest chapel, nestled beneath the trees, and brought it to life with handmade florals and terrarium-style decorations—crafted with love by the bride herself.
Hanging from the pews and dotting the steps, her DIY touches created a whimsical, woodland vibe. It was clear that Kailyn’s creativity and heart were poured into every single detail—turning the chapel into a scene straight out of a Pinterest board.
Bridal Style That Took Our Breath Away
Kailyn’s bridal look was both romantic and effortlessly natural. She wore a sleeveless wedding gown with layers of soft, flowing fabric and a mid-length train that danced in the breeze. A delicate veil added the perfect touch of traditional charm, and her minimalist makeup and glowing smile made her forest-bride aesthetic complete.
Getting ready with her mom by her side, there were tears(happy ones, of course), laughter, and plenty of love. These getting-ready moments are some of the most cherished—and photographer Star Noir Studio was there to catch every teary-eyed smile and stolen glance.
First Looks and Forest Feels
Before the ceremony, we mixed things up a bit—capturing first looks and portraits early in the day so the couple could fully enjoy their post-ceremony time with guests.
First, Kailyn shared a first look with Jonathan, and his reaction? Swoon-worthy. The way he looked at her said everything. Then came a touching first look with her dad, and let’s just say there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.
With their closest family already gathered, we snapped some pre-ceremony portraits—a great way to ease any nerves and soak in the excitement before walking down the aisle.
A Legacy of Love
As Kailyn’s father walked her down the aisle, all eyes were on her and Jonathan—two people so clearly and deeply in love. Their personalized vows were emotional, heartfelt, and had everyone reaching for tissues.
One of the most unforgettable details? Kailyn’s wedding ring set has been passed down through five generations—a beautiful symbol of enduring love, commitment, and family legacy. If you’re looking for inspiration for heirloom wedding traditions, this is it.
Post-Ceremony Play + Mountain View Magic
After a few group shots at the chapel, we headed to Kailyn’s most-anticipated photo location—the field with the mountain view, bathed in soft golden September light.
As the Smoky Mountains rolled across the horizon and sunlight kissed the fields, the newlyweds twirled, laughed, and stole a few quiet moments just for themselves. These were the kind of images that will live on as framed memories—simple, joyful, timeless.
And yes… their sweet pup Sage was there for it all—adding even more love(and a few tail wags) to the day!
A Simple Country Wedding with Heart and Soul
Kailyn and Jonathan’s wedding was the epitome of a simple country wedding done right. It was intimate, heartfelt, and full of meaningful, intentional choices. From handmade décor and legacy rings to tear-filled vows and mountain views, it had everything a modern couple could ask for—plus all the charm and coziness that a Smoky Mountain micro wedding delivers.
Whether you’re dreaming of a similar intimate celebration or gathering inspiration for your own handmade wedding details, their day is proof that love, family, and thoughtful touches are what make a wedding truly unforgettable.
From the Bride
We met on a dating app! Our first date was in Waco, Texas. We went to a Mexican restaurant, had ice cream, then drinks at a local college bar. Talked forever and ever about our hopes and dreams, likes and dislikes, swapping stories until he had to leave to get back to his college campus. It was the best first date! Jonathan proposed at our home with just us and our dog, our perfect little family.
We live here in Knoxville and both love the mountains and knew Chapel in the Hollow would be the perfect place to start our next chapter. We can’t wait to cellebrate our commitment to each other and God before our friends and family. We chose this date because our birthdays are September 14th and 15th.
We are obsessed with our dog, TV shows, and board games. The most important thing to us is to honor the Lord with our relationship and new marriage
At Chapel in the Hollow, we specialize in intimate forest weddings, elopements, and micro weddings for couples who want something heartfelt, beautiful, and just a little off the beaten path. With a range of customizable packages, décor options, and add-ons like floral upgrades or our mountain-view portrait spots, your day can be as simple or styled as you like.
Explore more real wedding stories or get in touch with us here to start planning your own forest fairytale.
There’s just something magical about a relaxed micro wedding in the Smoky Mountains — especially when autumn is in the air. 🍂 Michelle and Eric brought all the cozy fall vibes to Chapel in the Hollow for their intimate September wedding, complete with pumpkins, lanterns, and rustic country charm.
A Fall Micro Wedding Dream
When couples picture a Smoky Mountain fall wedding, they often imagine crisp air, golden leaves, and warm rustic details. Michelle and Eric made that vision come to life with their forest ceremony at Chapel in the Hollow — an outdoor wedding venue tucked away in the heart of East Tennessee.
They chose a soft palette of dusty sage and cream drapery accented with succulent florals, glowing lanterns, and our deluxe pumpkin package. The pumpkins gave the chapel a seasonal flair that perfectly matched their September wedding date. With fairy-tale lighting and autumn textures, the entire setup looked straight out of a rustic wedding Pinterest board.
The Bride and Groom’s Unique Style
Michelle’s bridal look was the perfect mix of vintage and modern. She wore a David’s Bridal gown with delicate spaghetti straps, a sparkling belt, and a subtle 1920s flair. Instead of traditional heels, she added a fun twist with white ankle boots from Boot Barn — perfect for a forest ceremony and dancing among the leaves.
Eric complemented her style with laid-back country charm: jeans, a crisp white shirt, a tan vest, and a cowboy hat. His outfit gave the day a relaxed, rustic vibe that fit beautifully with the Smoky Mountain setting.
An Intimate Family Celebration
One of the sweetest parts of Michelle and Eric’s day was their focus on family. Their bridal party included one bridesmaid, one groomsman, and their adorable grandson as the ring bearer. Michelle’s father walked her down the aisle, adding an emotional touch that had everyone tearing up.
This intimate micro wedding truly reflected what makes small weddings so special — less stress, more love, and time to soak in every meaningful moment.
Picture-Perfect Smoky Mountain Wedding Photos
After the ceremony, we captured heartfelt family portraits at the chapel before whisking Michelle and Eric away for their couple portraits. From the chapel archway to the vintage truck, tractor, and even the creek, every photo location added to the romantic, woodsy charm. Their chemistry made every image shine — a perfect blend of candid laughter and tender moments.
Photography was beautifully captured by Star Noir Studio, who specializes in destination weddings and elopements, ensuring couples leave with memories they can treasure forever.
From the Bride
We met through a friend at a casino and my first words to my soon to be Husband was calling him a motherfu**ker . He said he knew then I was the one, because that’s what he calls everyone. For our first date we went to Dinner and he made fun of me lol then to his place to watch a movie. Been together since that day :).
Eric proposed, he wasn’t very romantic about it, just came out and said,” I can’t wait to make you my wife one day.” It took almost 6 years, but who’s counting haha! Our first trip together was to Tennessee and we both fell in love. We decided that Tennessee will be our forever home someday, after retirement. When we decided to get married, Tennessee and the Mountains just seemed right to us. I am looking forward to getting to marry my Best Friend ( and he is too), but also to have our family present to share our day. We chose this date because I wanted a fall wedding and knew we would stay a week in our cabin. Thursday was close to the end, but gave us a day to recover :)!
We are both homebodies, we have a small hobby farm. So, tending to our animals takes most of our time. We are also foodies, we try different restaurants or go to the drive in for a little nostalgia and we collect antiques and love going to flea markets
Planning Your Own Cozy Fall Micro Wedding
If you’re dreaming of a fall forest wedding in Tennessee, Michelle and Eric’s day is the perfect inspiration. Pumpkins, soft lighting, and rustic décor create a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s ideal for couples who want romance without the fuss of a large traditional wedding.
At Chapel in the Hollow, we specialize in stress-free micro weddings and elopements for couples who want intimacy, natural beauty, and flexibility. Whether you’re planning a pumpkin-perfect fall ceremony, a spring wildflower celebration, or a cozy winter elopement, our venue offers multiple dreamy backdrops to bring your vision to life.
💡 If you’re looking for an outdoor wedding venue in the Smoky Mountains that combines rustic elegance with a relaxed vibe — this is your sign.
✨ Ready to start planning your own relaxed micro wedding? Visit our wedding packages page to learn more about how we can help you create the day of your dreams.
