White Pumpkin October Elopement at Chapel in the Hollow
Shelby and Tanner – October 20, 2025
There’s something magical about fall in the Smoky Mountains — crisp air, golden light filtering through the trees, and the cozy charm of seasonal décor. For Shelby and Tanner, October was the perfect month to say “I do” at Chapel in the Hollow, where their white pumpkin elopement combined boho elegance, heartfelt details, and the breathtaking beauty of East Tennessee.
A Romantic Boho Setting
Shelby and Tanner chose to dress the chapel in sand and cream fabric paired with our bohemian florals and signature white pumpkin package. This dreamy combination created a soft, romantic palette that glowed beautifully in the cool October morning light. The pumpkins added a festive touch that perfectly celebrated the season, while keeping the look timeless and elegant.
If you’re looking for October wedding inspiration, white pumpkins are a versatile choice — neutral enough to fit boho or classic styles, but still seasonal and chic. Pairing them with textured florals and warm-toned fabrics brings in just the right amount of fall magic without overwhelming your wedding design.
The Bride’s Boho Elegance
Shelby was every bit the boho bride. She wore a nude gown with embroidered lace, scalloped edges on the train, and flowing Stevie Nicks-inspired sleeves that floated gracefully with every step. To complete her look, she chose a veil with embroidered lines that added a touch of vintage romance.
Her bouquet was especially meaningful. Shelby tied in a special trinket containing her father’s ashes, ensuring he was with her in spirit as she walked down the aisle. It was a deeply personal detail that made the ceremony even more emotional and memorable.
A Groom with Autumn Style
Tanner looked sharp and seasonally stylish in a dark burgundy suit, adding richness and depth to the fall-inspired color palette. The bold hue paired perfectly with the soft, neutral tones of the chapel décor and Shelby’s gown — a perfect example of how grooms can use their attire to complement and enhance the wedding theme.
A Ceremony Filled with Love & Light
Shelby walked down the aisle alone, carrying her bouquet and her father’s memory close to her heart. Their intimate ceremony, officiated by Ian Parrott, was full of quiet emotion, making the most of the serene Smoky Mountain morning.
After the vows, we captured stunning portraits with Star Noir Studio. Shelby and Tanner wandered among the vines in the woods, strolled down the forest road, and finally soaked in the views at a nearby field where the mountains stretched across the horizon. The cool morning light created a soft, ethereal glow that made every moment feel like a painting.
Why Couples Love October Elopements
October is one of the most popular months for weddings in East Tennessee — and for good reason. The weather is cool and comfortable, the leaves are beginning to turn, and the natural light is unbeatable. At Chapel in the Hollow, couples can choose seasonal décor like white pumpkins, lanterns, and fall-toned fabrics to customize their perfect autumn ceremony.
For couples seeking an intimate, meaningful celebration, a micro wedding or elopement in the Smoky Mountains offers the best of both worlds: breathtaking views without the hassle of permits required in the national park, and a cozy venue designed just for small weddings.
From the Bride
Our families were neighbors , met each either many years ago and came across each other years later and never separated from each other. We went to Red Lobster on our first date and talked in the truck for hours.
Tanner proposed, I was getting ready for my best friends wedding and he sent our dog into the house with a ring on her collar that was asking me to marry him. We both decided East Tennessee would be perfect since we love the mountains! On our wedding day we are looking forward to just soaking in all the love! We love to hike, walk around, experience new places together.
Shelby and Tanner’s white pumpkin October elopement was a beautiful reminder that love is in the details — from meaningful keepsakes to seasonal touches and everything in between. If you’re dreaming of a fall wedding in the Smokies, let us help you create your own love story surrounded by the magic of the mountains.
Romantic October Evening Wedding at Chapel in the Hollow
Jenna and Sam – October 19, 2025
There’s something truly magical about an October evening wedding — the woods quieting, the air crisp but not cold, the last warm glow of golden hour lingering among the trees. That’s the kind of evening that bride & groom Jenna and Sam chose when they said “I do” at Chapel in the Hollow, and the result felt utterly intimate, deeply emotional, and perfectly styled.
A Setting So Intentional
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Chapel in the Hollow is a venue built for romance, for nature, and for couples who want their wedding to feel like them. Owned and operated by photographer-offspring Ian and Chastidyi, the venue is specially designed for micro weddings (up to 35 guests) with outdoor-only ceremonies, rustic forest backdrops, and no need for government permits or crowded tourist zones.
For Jenna + Sam, the overcast sky only added to the ambience. With soft, diffused light drifting through the forest canopy and the promise of a misty evening, their decision to hold the ceremony around sunset turned out beautifully — just when the rain threatened, it paused, leaving behind a hush of mist-glow that felt like nature’s own confetti.
Styling & Details That Whisper Autumn
The couple chose a decor palette of rust and cream fabric draping paired with bohemian florals — a cozy, autumnal glow that melded with the forest’s mood. Wrapped into that were meaningful touches, like a memorial table filled with photos of loved ones who couldn’t be there in person. It was a tender nod, beautifully done: thoughtful, emotional, and full of love.
The draping in rust and cream complemented the forest’s deep greens and shadowy trunks; the soft overcast light made every texture and tone pop in the most flattering way. For couples reading along and planning their own October evening wedding, consider this: let the season’s palette lead your decorating. Earthy tones, rich creams, subtle metallic accents, all accentuated by candlelight and soft fabrics create a venue that doesn’t compete with nature — it enhances it.
Moments Worth a Lifetime
Getting Ready
Jenna chose a sleeveless gown with a long train and a short veil — elegant, timeless, and suited for the forest setting. As she prepared for the day with her family, the excitement and emotion built naturally: mother, sisters, sisters-in-law (or however your crew might look) helping with final touches, quiet shared smiles, the moment when the dress goes on and everything changes.
The First Look & Walk Down the Aisle
Her first look with her dad was tender, real — a gaze full of memory and promise. And when she walked down the aisle to Sam (handsome in his gray suit), the moment felt like it had been waiting to happen. Their vows, which they wrote themselves, filled the woods with laughter, tears, and pure love.
The Weather and the Light
Just as magic: a rain-pause before the ceremony. Sometimes nature asks for a pause — and when you accept it, the backdrop becomes cinematic. Mist hovering among trees, filtered light, the hush of the forest. Perfect for photos, perfect for memory.
Portraits & Beyond
After they said “I do,” Jenna + Sam posed with family at the chapel, then slipped away for a brief intimate session: in the field, on a road winding through the foothills, and up at the “highlands” photo spot where the evening light painted everything in gold. Their photographer (Star Noir Studio) captured it all — the quiet tenderness, the sweeping landscape, the two of them lost in the moment.
Chapel in the Hollow is built for exactly this kind of thing: multiple photo-op spots (creek, road, archway, mossy tree, highlands) all within easy reach of the ceremony space. That means more time for you and your person — and less time hustling between disconnected locations.
Why This Evening Works for You
Micro wedding freedom. At Chapel in the Hollow you can host up to ~35 guests. That means an intimate feel, meaningful moments, and less stress.
Scenic autumn setting. October in the Smokies brings crispness, color, atmosphere. Even if it’s overcast, the mood is rich.
Flexible packages. The venue offers 1-3 hour blocks with or without photography, officiant, event manager. You pick what you need.
Photography-friendly surroundings. Because the owners are photographers, the grounds are already tailored to light, backdrop, and ease. You don’t need to engineer it.
Planning Tips for Your Own Romantic October Evening Wedding
Schedule your ceremony ~1 – 1½ hours before sunset. That gives you golden-hour portraits and a ceremony bathed in soft light.
Pick a cozy, autumnal palette. Think rusts, creams, wood, candlelight, greenery. Let the forest pull in the rest.
Have a rain-plan, but embrace nature. Overcast or misty evenings aren’t “lesser” — they’re mood-filled.
Prioritize meaningful details. Like Jenna + Sam’s memorial table — it adds depth and emotional resonance.
Use the venue’s photo-ops wisely. At Chapel in the Hollow you’ll find great spots for quick couple portraits without taking away from guest time.
From the Bride
Sam and I actually met online. I had reactivated my account and honestly the lowest of low expectations for how it would turn out. I figured within a day or two I would be annoyed by all the stupidity and once again delete the app. However, within the first hour of having the app I stumbled across Sam’s profile. He was holding a guitar in his picture and I just thought he was so handsome. I remember how excited I got with every returned message. I truly believe love finds you when you least expect it because not too long after we started talking I discovered that Sam lived in Fort Knox, KY. I lived in Nashville, which is a little over a two hour drive from each other. I’ll never know for sure why his profile showed up for me with a distance as great as ours, but I have to believe that my grandma in heaven had a hand in it because it truly doesn’t make sense otherwise.
Our first date was filled with nervousness that quickly melted away to excitement. The only people that knew about me driving two hours to meet a complete stranger, although by that point he didn’t feel like a stranger to me- it felt like somehow I had known Sam my whole life, were my two best friends, Katlin and Jarvis. I remember feeling so loved when Kaitlin made me take a picture of Sam’s license and made me call her on the way to our first date so she could give him a speech about what would happen to him if I ended up hurt or missing, haha. Sam took me to Boombozz, in Elizabethtown, and he introduced me to their potato nachos, which I fell in love with. Thankfully, we have two Boombozz locations near Nashville so we go often. The best part about that night was on the drive back, I couldn’t explain it, but I knew I had just found the person I was going to spend the rest of my life with.
Several years ago, I went to Grand Central Station for the first time. I remember being awestruck by the hustle and bustle, and by the beautiful constellation painting on the ceiling. Every time I visited the city, I would make my way to Grand Central and I would stare at the ceiling as I whispered the hopes and dreams I had for my life. Grand Central became a place of refuge for me and a place where no matter how lost I felt, I could always find my way back to my true self by just being in that room. After one of those trips, I told my mom, younger sister, and best friends that whenever the time came for a proposal, they had to promise me that they would ensure it be done at Grand Central Station. Sam made by dreams come true by proposing earlier this year in the main terminal by the ball clock. My dream was made even more magical by being able to share the moment with our 4 month old son and my younger sister. Lindsey was able to capture the moment on camera and she made sure to excitedly announce that I had said yes so several travelers cheered as they passed by.
Having our wedding at Chapel in the Hollow was a very easy decision that was recommended to me by a friend. I knew I wanted a fall wedding where we were enveloped in the fall foliage, so the Smokey mountains seemed like the perfect backdrop. On our wedding day, I am most looking forward to celebrating the love and family that we have built with the ones we love. Nearly every single person in attendance has had a hand in our relationship somehow, and we are so thankful for their love and support.
I think one of the funniest things about Sam and I is our vastly different taste in music. Sam is a diehard heavy metal fan and I am a country girl who loves musicals. Over the course of our relationship, we have shared our music with each other. I’ve been able to find several songs that I throughly enjoy from some of his favorite bands, and he discovered that Kelsea Ballerini isn’t too bad. He has taken a special liking to one of my favorite musicals, Wicked, and if you ask him it’s totally metal. We even named our cat, Wizard, after the musical. Although, if you ask him, Wizard, is named after a Black Sabbath song. What we do for fun has significantly changed since we began dating. Last September, Sam gave me the greatest gift of all, our son, Davis. Davis is named after my soon to be maiden name. While we still try and make time for date nights, our days and nights are now centered around singing about the 10 in the bed or the itsy bitsy spider, making babas, and just truly being obsessed with anything our one year old says or does. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Love Wins in the Smokies
At the end of the day, Jenna and Sam’s wedding was a beautiful example of how less can mean more. A forest, a few dozen loved ones, intentional styling, and the decision to let their love lead the day — that’s the kind of wedding you’ll remember forever.
If you’re dreaming of your own October evening wedding in the Smoky Mountains — under trees, surrounded by nature, with a romantic glow and zero rush — we’d love to help you make it a reality. Explore our offerings at Chapel in the Hollow and see how love, in a forest, under the golden light of October, truly shines.
Dark Romance Micro Wedding
at Chapel in the Hollow
Kala and Preston – October 19, 2025
There’s something inherently magical about two people choosing a path less-travelled. When Kala and Preston chose to say “I do” at Chapel in the Hollow, they leaned into the enchanting world of dark romance — a micro wedding drenched in emotion, deep hues, and forest-lit magic.
Why this micro-wedding setting was a perfect fit
Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Chapel in the Hollow provides an intimate and wonderfully unique backdrop for couples who want more than the typical wedding scene. With capacity for up to ~35 guests, and surrounded by trees, gravel roads, and secluded nooks, it’s ideal for a micro wedding that feels both wild and personal.
For Kala + Preston, the enchanted forest chapel became their stage — raw, full of character, and completely theirs for the moment.
The look, the mood, the vibe
From the moment the drizzle cleared, the air around them softened, the leaves glistened, and the light filtered through the trees like a hush before the storm of celebration. Candles flickered along the aisle, rich fabrics draped mini-pews, and bold florals in deep burgundy, maroon, and black created layers of moody elegance.
Kala’s slim black gown, cathedral-length black veil, and jeweled transparent heels caught every glint of that post-rain shimmer. Meanwhile, Preston donned an all-black suit paired with maroon Vans emblazoned with “’Til Death” — a bold nod to his personality and their aesthetic. Their style said: timeless love with a twist.
She was escorted by both her dad and step-dad, and as Preston’s gaze landed on her, his eyes trembled with real emotion — the kind of moment you know will stay with you forever.
Ceremony under the forest canopy
The ceremony felt like a whispered promise in the woods. Handwritten vows — raw, real, unfiltered — echoed through the chapel and beyond, and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. The backdrop of trees, the glow of candlelight, the hush of forest air: it all combined to make their micro-wedding feel cinematic.
Afterward, family portraits were taken at the chapel; then it was just the two of them, slipping away into the gravestone-backed meadow and along the gravel road, where that soft, moody light made every frame feel like a dark romance novel come alive.
Why dark romance works so beautifully in this venue
Intimacy × Wilderness: With fewer guests, each moment becomes magnified. In a forest setting like this, you aren’t just having a wedding — you’re entering a story.
Lighting magic: Rain-cleared skies, trees casting dappled shadows, candles everywhere — it’s the kind of environment where rich tones and dramatic contrasts shine.
Personal expression: Black gowns? Maroon shoes? Candles in a woods? Yes. This kind of aesthetic is bold, intentional, and perfectly matched to couples who want something meaningful and style-forward.
Micro-wedding freedom: At Chapel in the Hollow, you’re not lost in a big ballroom. You’re in the woods, you’re together, you’re immersed.
A few tips for brides & grooms thinking of this vibe
Embrace the décor: Rich fabrics (velvet, satin), dramatic florals (dark roses, black calla lilies, burgundy foliage), and a candle-lit aisle are your friends.
Wardrobe with attitude: A black gown or dark-toned suit sets the tone; unique footwear or accessories (hello maroon Vans!) show personality.
Use the forest as your canvas: Let the surroundings speak — gravel roads, moss-covered stones, tree trunks become your photo backdrops.
Light matters: Early evening works wonders for that golden-to-twilight glow. If rain shows up? Let it — the post-rain shimmer is unreal.
Keep it intimate & intentional: Micro weddings are powerful because every detail is magnified. Choose your vendors, venue and décor to reflect you — not just “what weddings are supposed to look like.”
From the Bride
We went to high-school together and rekindled after both being graduated for 9 years. We have been stuck side by side ever since.We have been living together for nearly four years and decided it was time to make things official. We are not the traditional type. No big engagement story here.
We wanted an intimate destination wedding and the chapel fits our vibe. We are both Christian’s, but we do enjoy all things black, creepy, and “Halloweeny” – the somewhat spooky vibes are what drew us in. On our wedding day I am look forward to being able to say “I do” to my best friend and also the memories we will make with our friends and family while on vacation.
We like good food so anytime we find a good restaurant that’s what we consider a “date night.” We both work a lot so we are mainly homebody’s. We enjoy going to church and spending our time at home together.
Vendor Shout-Out
This gorgeous dark romance wedding came to life thanks to an amazing team of creatives:
This small forested venue in Seymour, Tennessee (just outside of the Smoky Mountains) specializes in intimate ceremonies, elopements, and micro weddings. It’s beloved for its rustic-whimsical charm, wooded setting, and photographic backdrops.
Rustic Autumn Micro Wedding in the Smoky Mountains
Brittney and Dylan – October 19, 2025
There’s something magical about an autumn wedding in the Smoky Mountains—the crisp air, the golden leaves, and the cozy sense of romance that lingers in the forest. For Brittney and Dylan, their dream of a rustic autumn micro wedding came to life at Chapel in the Hollow, where intimate celebrations are filled with natural beauty and heartfelt moments. Their October wedding was the perfect blend of rustic charm, timeless elegance, and deep emotion.
A Warm + Romantic Ceremony Setting
Brittney and Dylan decorated the chapel in soft cream fabric, accented with our blush and marsala florals and glowing candle package. The result? A ceremony backdrop that radiated warmth, romance, and rustic sophistication. On a cloudy October morning, the flickering candlelight created the dreamiest atmosphere—proof that even an overcast day can be perfect for a wedding in the woods.
For couples who love rustic wedding vibes, this cozy and natural setup is the perfect inspiration. You can see more of our seasonal décor and package options here: Chapel in the Hollow Wedding Decor.
A Bride’s Timeless Look
Brittney looked absolutely breathtaking in her David’s Bridal gown (a surprising find on Amazon!). The strapless design featured a silk bodice paired with a flowing tulle skirt—simple, elegant, and timeless. Her look was classic yet effortless, the kind of gown that fits seamlessly into a forest ceremony.
Adding an extra touch of sweetness, Brittney’s mom helped her get ready and proudly walked her down the aisle. It was a moment layered with love, meaning, and a beautiful reminder of how personal micro weddings can be.
A Groom’s Emotional Reaction
When Dylan saw Brittney standing at the end of the aisle, his emotions took over—tears flowed, and it was one of those raw, unforgettable wedding moments that touch everyone present. Dressed in a black tux from Men’s Wearhouse, he looked every bit the dashing groom, and together the two radiated joy and deep love.
These are the kinds of intimate, emotional experiences that make micro weddings in Tennessee so special. Without the distraction of a large guest list, couples can fully immerse themselves in the depth of the day.
Portraits in the Smoky Mountains
After the ceremony, Brittney and Dylan joined their guests for a quick group photo at the chapel before setting off for portraits at some of our favorite spots:
The woodland road with rustic autumn vibes
The highlands, where sweeping views add a majestic touch
The rock garden, peaceful and earthy
The cliff overlook, with soft, dreamy light
Thanks to the overcast skies, the light was diffused and soft, giving every photo a serene, ethereal quality. Their photographer, Star Noir Studio, captured every smile, every tear, and every tender moment perfectly.
Rustic Autumn Wedding Details
Every element of Brittney and Dylan’s day reflected their personalities and style:
Cake: A delicious creation by Cakes by Bakin’ Bishop
Rings: Unique designs from Ridge and Brilliance
Officiant: Ian Parrott, who delivered a heartfelt ceremony
Together, these details created a rustic yet refined atmosphere, the perfect celebration of their love story.
Why Couples Love Rustic Autumn Micro Weddings
Autumn in East Tennessee is a dream season for weddings. The Smoky Mountains transform into a painter’s palette of golds, reds, and oranges. A rustic autumn micro wedding offers:
Cozy vibes with candles, lanterns, and seasonal florals
Emotional intimacy, where every moment is shared up close
Natural beauty, with forest backdrops that need little extra décor
Stress-free planning, since smaller weddings are easier to coordinate
If you’re dreaming of your own fall micro wedding in the Smoky Mountains, Chapel in the Hollow offers multiple ceremony backdrops, flexible packages, and a rustic woodland setting that feels straight out of a fairytale.
Explore more about our autumn wedding options to see how your love story can unfold here.
From the Bride and Groom
We actually met on Tinder lol It was perfect timing Britt had moved back to the small town we live in currently not too long before I came to town. If it hadn’t been the perfect timing I’m not sure we would have ever met but it was meant to be! The first date was amazing! We met at a community college and I had a bouquet of flowers waiting in hand. We were both super nervous because we were going to Huntsville which is a 75 minute drive from our town. That’s a LONG time to ride in the car with a stranger lol but it was amazing we talked the whole time without any dead space. We ate an amazing meal at a place called BJ’s and then went across the street to a Dave and busters style place called main event. We played games and Dylan won a stuffed animal in a claw machine. We still have it! After the date we rode back to our small town only on the way back we were much more comfortable with each other and Britt moved over in the bench seat of the truck and we rode home nestled next to each other happier than ever. I think we both knew how rare of a moment this date was. I dropped Britt back off at the college and we had our first kiss! We’ve been inseparable ever since!
Dylan proposed 🙂 pretty sure Britt knew it was coming and I’ll explain why shortly lol I teamed up with Britt’s best friend to have a proposal in their back yard so that Britt wouldn’t expect anything. We went out to dinner in the same area we had had our first date just a different restaurant. We were both dressed up nicer than usual so the struggle was real to keep it low key. After dinner I made it seem as if we were just going to head back home like any given day nothing out of the ordinary. I told Britt’s best friend to call her and say “why don’t yall drop by for a bit since you’re in Huntsville” which is where these friends live. The bait was set and now just to fulfill the plan. We pull up to their house and as we get out I grabbed some alcohol “to put into the garage fridge” all the while I was actually slipping through the garage to the back yard where everything was set up and everyone Britt loved was waiting 🙂 Brittney’s best friend brought her into the living room and they chatted for just a bit while I got set up on the back porch. A few second later they walked out back to “ hangout on the porch” where I was anxiously waiting. I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me and she said yes!! Once all the nerves were gone I asked if she suspected anything and she said well yeah you’re freakin wearing a shapewear shirt under your dress shirt. That was an easy give away 😂
We both love the area and the fall foliage along with the cooler weather was right up our alley! We knew it would be a beautiful scenic wedding and the perfect place to relax during a stressful time. ON our wedding day we are looking forward to getting to see each other for the first time in 24 hrs and express our love in front of everyone who loves us! As the groom I’m most excited to see my bride in that dress that’s been securely hanging on the back of the door in our guest room for months lol Brittney is most excited to see Dylan standing at the alter waiting for her and getting to promise to love one another for the rest of our lives.
We love spending time with our Aussie Shepard mix Scotty! We love sitting at a table doing big Lego projects. Next one is gonna be the Pixar UP house 🙂 Dylan loves snowboarding and loves seeing me bust my butt trying to learn lol We love trying new restaurants in Huntsville and Chattanooga and going to concerts! We’ve been to many in the past two years. We love cooking at home together even though we aren’t great at it. We love fall and getting to watch the Tennessee Vols kick butt every Saturday!! We work ALOT so the truth is we both just love when we get the opportunity to be near one another and find some peaceful time to connect and bond 🙂
Brittney and Dylan’s rustic autumn micro wedding was everything a wedding should be—intimate, emotional, and full of love. From the candlelit chapel to the misty mountain portraits, their day embodied the cozy elegance that makes fall weddings so special.
If you’re looking for a rustic Smoky Mountain wedding venue, Chapel in the Hollow is ready to help you create your own magical day. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a small wedding surrounded by loved ones, we’d love to be a part of your story.
💌 Ready to start planning? Contact us today to bring your rustic autumn wedding vision to life.
October in the Smoky Mountains is pure magic — the crisp air, the fiery fall leaves, and the moody glow of twilight make it the perfect backdrop for a gothic-inspired celebration. Jessilyn and Kyle embraced all the dark romance vibes for their spooky October micro wedding at Chapel in the Hollow, and the result was hauntingly beautiful.
A Chapel Dressed in Dark Romance
For their ceremony, Jessilyn and Kyle transformed the chapel into a scene straight out of a gothic fairytale. They draped the chapel in black, burgundy, and grey fabric they brought with them, layering it with their own handmade florals and black lanterns filled with flickering candles. The atmosphere was moody, intimate, and glowing with just the right touch of eerie elegance — the perfect aesthetic for a spooky October wedding in the woods.
The Bride’s Unforgettable Look
Jessilyn’s bridal style was nothing short of breathtaking. She wore a black Maggie Sottero gown from Wild Rose Bridal in Mount Carmel, featuring intricate black-on-black patterned fabric, romantic off-the-shoulder sleeves, and a dramatic train that trailed behind her. To complete her gothic look, she paired it with a black veil, unique moth shoes, and an ethereal glow that made her look like she had stepped straight out of a dark romance novel.
Kyle perfectly complemented her style with a black suit and vest, a moth-patterned tie, and matching shoes — a sleek, dramatic ensemble that brought the whole aesthetic together. Together, they redefined alternative wedding fashion, showing couples that personal style can shine brightest when you lean into what feels most authentic.
A Mini Bride Moment
One of the sweetest details of the day was their little girl, who proudly walked in as a “mini bride” dressed in black, carrying her own bouquet. She was the perfect addition to their family-focused micro wedding, reminding everyone that love and commitment are about blending not just two people, but their whole lives.
Vows Full of Emotion
As Jessilyn’s dad walked her down the aisle, you could feel the anticipation and emotion in the air. The couple chose to write their own vows, and Jessilyn poured her heart into every word — her tears a reflection of just how much love she carried for Kyle and their new beginning together. It was raw, emotional, and completely unforgettable.
A Handfasting Ceremony
Adding to the magic, Jessilyn and Kyle included a handfasting ceremony, where several of their loved ones came forward to wrap cords around their joined hands. This symbolic tradition represented not only their union but the support and connection of family and friends. It was a beautiful reminder that their marriage was rooted in both love and community.
Spooky Portraits in the Smoky Mountains
After the ceremony, they took advantage of the unique atmosphere that Chapel in the Hollow offers. We ventured into a nearby graveyard for some delightfully spooky portraits that captured their gothic style perfectly. From there, we moved to the open field with sweeping Smoky Mountain views, where the soft October evening light bathed everything in a romantic, moody glow. The photos are a testament to how magical a fall wedding in East Tennessee can be.
From the Bride
We actually wemt to the same school and he had noticed me in school but to be honest I never knew about him or that he was even friends with my brother. Fast forward to 2022 he had messaged me and I turned him down cause I thought he was too young for me and that he was friends with my little brother, well April of 2023 he messages me again asking to join him and some friends at the Lorna Shore concert cause he saw that they were one of my favorite bands, so the first time we met in person was in the middle of a crowded venue. Unless you count the concert we first met at then our first official date we had gone out to eat and then went bowling and he definitely kicked my butt at it!
We have been living together for a while and talked off and on about getting married but doing it differently then the normal, he actually “proposed” in our living room in March of this year while we were watching a YouTuber (Markiplier) sitting on our couch. His exact words was “wanna get married in October this year?” And I said “really?” He said “yes” and I said “okay let’s do it”! Chapel in the Hollow was honestly the first venue we looked at and every other place we looked at didn’t compare to it! We loved how small and beautiful it was and plus we both thought it would make a perfect gothic style venue! We are looking forward to being able to finally get married to each other and starting our eternal lives together! And for the planning to be over with cause it’s been stressful! There was nothing special about this date just that it’s a Saturday in October and it’s not 10/4 or on Halloween.
We are huge music lovers, he plays drums and guitar, concerts are our favorite dates nights. We enjoy going to the movies to see the latest scary/horror movies since we are horror fanatics. Haunted houses are a must for us when there is one up and operating in our area. Have been known to go on quite a few tattoo dates as well. But we mostly enjoy just staying home and spending time together with our daughter and our animals.
Jessilyn and Kyle’s celebration proves that you don’t have to follow tradition to have a wedding that’s breathtaking, meaningful, and true to your love story. A spooky wedding is perfect for couples who want to blend romance with personality, especially in the fall when the Smoky Mountains provide the ultimate moody backdrop. Whether you’re drawn to black wedding dresses, handfasting ceremonies, or simply want a unique setting for your “I do,” Chapel in the Hollow offers the flexibility to make it yours.
If you’re dreaming of your own spooky micro wedding in the Smoky Mountains, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable October celebration.
