Brittany and Justin brought heartfelt simplicity and God-centered love to Chapel in the Hollow for their Christian micro wedding, and y’all — it was everything a summer morning ceremony should be. Soft, sweet, and overflowing with meaning.
They dressed our outdoor chapel in sand and peach fabric paired with our blush and bashful florals — a warm and romantic color palette that reflected the tenderness of their vows and the joy in their hearts. Even with the East Tennessee heat and humidity doing its thing, the atmosphere felt light and love-filled.
A Morning Full of Intentional Moments
Brittany looked radiant in a long-sleeved white gown with a slit, the epitome of understated elegance. Her hair fell in soft waves that caught the morning breeze just right, and her accessories were minimal, letting her natural beauty and joyful spirit shine through.
Before the ceremony, she shared a touching moment with her daughters who helped her with the finishing touches — moments like these are what make family-centered weddings feel so special. Justin, keeping it southern and stylish, wore jeans paired with a tan suit jacket, and their son matched perfectly in mini-groom fashion. In one of the most emotional parts of the day, he walked his mom down the aisle to an instrumental version of“Bless the Broken Road.”
A Personal, Faith-Filled Ceremony
What truly set this wedding apart was the deep sense of faith that anchored every detail. Brittany and Justin brought their own pastor, Jeremy Duranceau, to officiate, making the ceremony feel even more personal and Christ-centered. He spoke of commitment, grace, and God’s design for marriage, creating a sacred space in the middle of the forest for their union.
The ceremony was heartfelt and reverent — the kind that leaves your eyes misty and your soul uplifted. Brittany, Justin, and God walking hand in hand into forever.
A Scenic Setting for Smoky Mountain Memories
After the ceremony, we took family photos at the chapel, capturing the joy and closeness that defined the day. Then we whisked Brittany and Justin away to the archway and the forest road for some dreamy couple portraits.
Despite the muggy weather, the Smoky Mountains gave us the most magical light — filtered through the trees like a blessing from above. From every glance to every giggle, their love story came through loud and clear in every frame.
A Simple, Sweet Celebration of Love
There’s something so beautiful about a micro wedding that focuses on what truly matters — love, faith, and family. With fewer distractions and a smaller guest count, Brittany and Justin were able to be fully present for each other and soak in every moment.
Whether you’re dreaming of a faith-centered elopement or a small celebration surrounded by your closest loved ones, their wedding is a reminder that keeping things simple doesn’t mean sacrificing meaning — it often amplifies it.
From the Bride
The groom started working at the brides work place in January of 2020. We got together in May of 2020 and have been together ever since. We now have a 3 year old son. Our first date was at a Mexican spot.. lots of liquor was consumed so it was a tad blurry. He proposed in Pigeon Forge on the Ferris wheel on April 9th 2021.
We come to Gatlinburg about 2x-3x a year. It’s our favorite place to get away without kids. We thought it would be the perfect place to start our next chapter ad husband and wife. On our wedding day we are looking forward to having all 5 of our kids in one spot. Our son (who is 3) has not met two of his older sisters yet. The photographer will be capturing moments that will be in our home forever.
We enjoy doing anything outdoors (esp hiking in GBurg) and going to hibachi for date night.
From“I Do” to Family of Four:
Smoky Mountain Family Photos
at Chapel in the Hollow
Chelsey, Austin, Landry, and Lilah – June 27, 2025
At Chapel in the Hollow, we’re not just a venue — we’re a part of your story. Chelsey and Austin first said their“I dos” with us back in 2020, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the quiet charm of our forest chapel. Fast forward to today, and they returned — this time for a heartwarming Smoky Mountain family photo session with their two adorable kiddos, Landry and Lilah!
The Beauty of Returning Couples
We’ve always believed that love doesn’t end at the altar — it grows. And seeing our couples come back with their families in tow? That’s the kind of full-circle moment that fills our hearts to the brim.
Chelsey and Austin’s session was a beautiful reminder of how love evolves over time, and how photography can capture not just a moment, but a journey. Their Smoky Mountain family photos were full of laughter, sweet snuggles, and that cozy forest magic that makes our venue so special.
Capturing Candid Joy in the Smokies
We started this family photo session on the forest road, where Landry and Lilah got to let loose, swing in the arms of their parents, and explore the woods with wide-eyed wonder. There were giggles, leaf tossing, and the kind of spontaneous moments that only come from kids being kids.
Next, we wandered to the vintage truck, a favorite spot for couples and families alike. The rustic charm of the truck added the perfect pop of texture to their photos, and the kids couldn’t get enough of climbing and playing around it.
We wrapped up in the highland area, a quiet space tucked into the trees where Chelsey and Austin cuddled with their little ones beneath the canopy. As golden light filtered through the leaves, we captured the kind of cozy, connected images that will be treasured for years to come.
Why Choose Chapel in the Hollow for Your Smoky Mountain Family Photos?
Whether you were married here or are just discovering us for the first time, Chapel in the Hollow is the perfect place for your Smoky Mountain family photo session. Our private wooded setting offers:
Gorgeous forest backdrops year-round
A vintage truck for rustic photo ops
A peaceful, kid-friendly environment
Access to areas like the forest road, highlands, chapel, and mossy trails
Breathtaking seasonal scenery with blooming florals, colorful foliage, and misty mountain mornings
Ready to book your own family photo session? Click here to learn more about our photography options or reach out to check availability.
A Venue that Grows with You
Chelsey and Austin’s return reminds us why we love what we do. It’s not just about weddings — it’s about celebrating life’s milestones in a place that feels like home. From elopements in the woods to anniversary portraits and growing families, Chapel in the Hollow is here to help you capture every chapter of your story.
So whether you’re newly engaged, recently married, or chasing toddlers through the trees, we’d love to be a part of your next big moment.
A Laid Back, Stress Free Micro Wedding
with Sunflower Charm
Bob and Harmony – June 21, 2025
When you think of a laid back, stress free micro wedding, Harmony and Bob’s joyful celebration at Chapel in the Hollow is exactly what comes to mind. Set on the summer solstice under the golden East Tennessee sun, their wedding was the perfect example of how simple, heartfelt, and relaxed a mountain micro wedding can be — and we were honored to be part of their special day.
Sunny Florals & Simple Elegance
Harmony and Bob opted for a timeless setup with classic white fabric draping the outdoor chapel and our signature sunflower florals, adding a burst of rustic cheer that blended beautifully with the warm summer setting.
As an extra sweet DIY touch, Harmony handcrafted her bridal bouquet using sunflowers and red roses — a vibrant, love-filled combo that mirrored her bright personality and the radiant joy she brought to the day.
If you’re looking for a way to infuse your wedding with personality and color without the stress, take a page from Harmony’s book — it doesn’t get more charming(or relaxed!) than this.
The Bride Wore Sparkles… and Hey Dudes
Dressed in a strapless wedding gown with a layered bottom from David’s Bridal, Harmony absolutely glowed. She added her own personal flair with sparkly HEYDUDE shoes — because nothing says laid back bride like keeping it comfy and cute at the same time.
Bob looked sharp and sweet in dark blue pants, a crisp white shirt, and a matching vest from Men’s Wearhouse, perfectly coordinating with the color palette and letting his heartfelt emotions take center stage.
As Harmony walked down the aisle, escorted by her mom, Bob was overwhelmed with emotion — tears filled his eyes as he saw the love of his life approaching. It was a raw, touching moment that beautifully captured the spirit of a micro wedding: intimate, meaningful, and full of heart.
Forest Portraits & Solstice Glow
After their sweet ceremony — led by officiant Ian Parrott — and some celebratory family photos, we explored the forest with Harmony and Bob for their couple portraits.
We stopped at all the best spots across our property, including:
The Chapel in the Hollow sign
The forest road
The vintage truck
And the sun-dappled woodland paths
With Star Noir Studio behind the lens, their love was captured in a way that felt warm, easy, and naturally magical — just like them.
And fun fact… they tied the knot the day before my birthday! These sweethearts were kind enough to let us wait to share their photos until after our little birthday getaway, so revisiting this sunny, love-filled day makes it all the more special.
From the Bride
He was my best friends brother, we both had just started going through a divorce, his sister called me one night to ask me if she could give him my phone number, I said yes. He called and asked if he could take me out, I agreed to go out just as friends. Our first date wasn’t even a date technically, we were going out as friends. We decided to go to a local bar because they had a good band playing. My cousin ended up being there, Bob offered to take him home because he had been drinking and Bob only had a couple over the course of a few hours. This is when I knew that I could be in trouble. We took my cousin home and then went back to Bob’s mom’s house, where my car was. We ended up sitting his truck all night talking. He was a complete gentleman and this spoke volumes. I hurried home to change and get ready to go to work.
He proposed. It was Christmas Day, when we all had finished opening gifts, he acted like he was going to pick up the wrapping paper and then he turned around and asked. We chose East Tennessee because this is where we took our first vacation and then the place we ran to for the Christmas after our daughter passes. There is just something magical about it. On our wedding day I am most looking forward to the first look!
We love to spend time at the drag way, we snowmobile in the winter, Bob runs a business, I do all the bookkeeping. Our favorite thing to collect is memories and magnets from each place that we visit. We love to travel.
Ready for Your Own Laid Back, Stress Free Micro Wedding?
At Chapel in the Hollow, we specialize in helping couples create intimate, effortless weddings that reflect who they are — no stress, no fuss, just meaningful moments surrounded by nature.
Whether you’re eloping just the two of you or planning a small gathering with your closest people, we provide the perfect woodland setting and customizable packages to make your vision a reality.
Outdoor Summer Elopement in the Smokies:
Romantic Forest Wedding
Whitney and Cari – June 21, 2025
Some love stories are meant to be told under the trees, surrounded by wildflowers, candlelight, and the hum of summer. Whitney and Cari’s outdoor summer elopement at Chapel in the Hollow was one of those unforgettable celebrations — a perfect blend of personal, poetic, and absolutely magical.
A Personalized Forest Ceremony
Tucked into the heart of East Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, Chapel in the Hollow provided the dreamiest backdrop for Whitney and Cari’s elopement. They chose to drape the outdoor chapel in soft cream fabric accented by our signature bohemian florals and a glowing candle package, setting a romantic tone that perfectly complemented the lush green surroundings of a Southern summer.
Adding a sweet DIY touch, the couple hung mason jars on the pews, each filled with fresh blooms they hand-picked from Hobby Lobby — proof that even small details can make a big statement.
Bridal Looks with Bold Personality
Cari radiated elegance in a strapless white ballgown from David’s Bridal, with layer upon layer of tulle creating a soft, ethereal silhouette. Her look was elevated by a pearl-studded veil, a matching necklace, and just a touch of sparkle — classic bridal beauty with a whimsical twist.
Whitney, meanwhile, brought the wow-factor in a teal suit from SuitShop paired with a black shirt and nude sandals. The contrast of bold color and relaxed footwear gave their elopement a fun, contemporary edge — and we’re absolutely obsessed with how effortlessly their styles complemented each other.
Meaningful Touches That Made the Day
Every detail of their day was rooted in sentiment. Whitney and Cari brought along the family Bible and a cherished heirloom ring box, each adding a layer of history and heart to their ceremony. As they walked down the aisle together — a beautiful symbol of unity — emotions ran high. Cari couldn’t hold back her tears, and neither could we.
They shared a post-ceremony toast with champagne poured from a vintage crystal decanter, paired with a decadent chocolate cake displayed on our rustic wooden table. It was simple. It was intentional. It was perfect.
Forest Adventures & Summer Glow
Following the ceremony, we whisked them away for couple portraits in all of our favorite photo spots: the mossy tree, the highland overlook, and the creek bed, all glowing in that hazy summer humidity. The forest was alive with vibrant greens, and their love lit up every frame.
Captured by Star Noir Studio, their wedding gallery showcases the romance of an intimate outdoor elopement — every stolen glance, every heartfelt smile, and every dreamy detail.
Planning Your Own Outdoor Summer Elopement?
If Whitney and Cari’s wedding has you dreaming of exchanging vows under the trees, now is the perfect time to plan your own outdoor summer elopement in the Smoky Mountains. At Chapel in the Hollow, we specialize in intimate weddings that are deeply personal and effortlessly beautiful. Whether you’re envisioning something classic, bohemian, or totally unique, our all-inclusive packages and scenic forest location are designed to bring your vision to life.
From the Bride
We met on a blind date. We met at a local restaurant and sat outside. It was November and it was a beautiful evening. We enjoyed cocktails and fantastic food.
Whitney proposed to me in our backyard. She had put fairy lights and jars with candles all over the trees. She made flowers out of pages from the book The Notebook. There was a chest with champagne and a ring box on it under the tree. My grandfather is from Seymour, TN. We have been coming to these mountains my entire life and knew it would be the perfect place to begin our married lives together. On our wedding day I am looking forward to committing myself forever to my best friend.
We love to go on adventures together. Traveling is one of our favorite things from swimming with exotic fish to riding in a horse drawn sleigh in the middle of winter. We always have fun together.
Whether you’re newly engaged, planning your elopement, or returning to celebrate an anniversary, Chapel in the Hollow is here to make your special day magical. Let the forest be your chapel and the mountains your witnesses. Check our calendar to see if your date is available.
Forever Looks Good on You:
An Anniversary Photo Session in the Smoky Mountains 🌿💙📸
Sabrina and Chris – June 19, 2025
There’s something truly special about getting to witness love stories not just begin—but grow. Sabrina and Chris are one of those couples who have woven their love into the heart of Chapel in the Hollow, and we are beyond honored to be part of their journey.
They said “I do” with us back in April of 2022, choosing an intimate micro wedding surrounded by the serene beauty of East Tennessee. Since then, they’ve made it a tradition to return every year for their anniversary photo session, and each visit is more heartwarming than the last.
Anniversary Photos That Tell a Story
This year’s session took place on a rainy June morning, and although the weather was a little moody, it created something undeniably magical. The rain kissed the leaves with fresh life, and the forest around our venue glowed in a rich, lush green that made every photo look like it came from a fairytale. 🌧️🌳
Sabrina looked radiant in a flowing blue dress from SHEIN—a color that popped perfectly against the natural greens of the forest. Chris matched her vibe with classic jeans and a light blue shirt from Under Armour, keeping things relaxed and sweet.
We guided them through some of our favorite scenic spots at Chapel in the Hollow: 🌲 The Highlands — open and breezy, perfect for those sweeping romance shots. 🌿 The Gate Cliff — dramatic and earthy, bringing in moody forest elegance. 💦 The Creek — peaceful and serene, ideal for quiet, intimate moments.
And of course, they brought along their signature tradition: the “picture in a picture.” Each year, they hold last year’s anniversary photo in their hands, capturing a visual timeline of their love story. It’s a creative and meaningful way to mark their milestones and a tradition we look forward to every time they visit.
A Venue That Celebrates Your Story—Year After Year
At Chapel in the Hollow, we love helping couples create memories—not just for their wedding day but for the years that follow. Whether you’re marking your first anniversary, your tenth, or anywhere in between, our outdoor Smoky Mountain chapel offers the perfect setting for romantic, nostalgic, and deeply personal photo sessions.
We’ve seen couples bring pets, children, and even anniversary cakes to celebrate. Some come back in their wedding attire, while others embrace the chance to wear something new that reflects where they are now in life. However you choose to celebrate your anniversary, we’re here for it.
Thinking About Booking Your Own Anniversary Photo Session?
If you’re looking for a unique, heart-centered way to celebrate your love, consider an anniversary photo session at Chapel in the Hollow. Whether you were married here or just love the vibe of an intimate forest escape, our East Tennessee location makes a gorgeous backdrop for celebrating your journey.
📸 Photography:Star Noir Studio — Known for dreamy edits, quick turnaround times, and romantic, storybook-style portraits. 💒 Venue:Chapel in the Hollow — A private woodland wedding chapel tucked in the Smoky Mountains.
Want to start your own picture-in-a-picture tradition? Come visit us for your next anniversary session—we’d love to capture the next chapter of your love story.
