A Snowy Smoky Mountain Setting Made for Romance

A Bride Full of Confidence and Heart

An Intimate Ceremony Focused on What Matters Most

Exploring the Forest for Dreamy Winter Portraits

A Perfect Beginning to Forever

Relaxed Country Winter Wedding
in the Smoky Mountains

Nikki + Tanner – January 22, 2026

There’s no better way to ring in a new year than with a love story, and Nikki + Tanner’s relaxed country winter wedding at Chapel in the Hollow was the perfect start to 2024. Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, their cozy celebration embraced romance, rustic charm, and personal touches that made every detail feel like home. If you’re dreaming of a laid-back, heartfelt wedding surrounded by nature’s beauty, this one’s for you.

A Soft, Romantic Setting for a Country Winter Wedding

Nikki and Tanner embraced the natural charm of a winter wedding in East Tennessee and dressed the chapel in blush and burgundy fabric, accented by our moody florals. These warm tones created a beautiful contrast against the winter landscape and added a romantic, candlelit glow to the setting.

To keep guests cozy, they provided blankets at the ceremony — a thoughtful touch that speaks to their generous hearts and the comfort-forward atmosphere they created. Whether it’s 30 degrees or 60 (and in East Tennessee, it can be either in January!), winter weddings at Chapel in the Hollow offer the chance for rustic elegance wrapped in Southern warmth.

Thoughtful Touches That Told Their Story

From the beginning, it was clear that this wasn’t just a wedding — it was a celebration of love, family, and memory. Nikki and Tanner incorporated two memorial tables to honor loved ones who had passed. These small, meaningful gestures are part of what make intimate weddings so special — a chance to hold everyone close, even those who can’t be there physically.

Their two-layer cake, topped with fresh florals, was simple and beautiful. And instead of a traditional guestbook, they brought a cowhide with their last name branded on it for guests to sign — a rustic, personal keepsake that perfectly fit their country style. 🤠

Southern Style Meets Sweet Romance

Nikki absolutely glowed in a long ivory gown with cap sleeves, and her playful personality came through with her pink boots — an adorable nod to her country roots. After the ceremony, she layered up in a fuzzy pink jacket and matching hat, adding warmth, style, and fun to her portraits. ❄️💗

Tanner brought his own flavor to the day with a brown dress jacket, blue patterned shirt, and cowboy hat, staying true to the couple’s relaxed and down-to-earth style. Together, they were the picture of effortless country elegance.

A Ceremony Full of Emotion and Meaning

Few moments were as moving as when Nikki walked herself down the aisle. Strong, radiant, and full of anticipation, she stepped into a new chapter with confidence — and when Tanner saw her, he couldn’t hold back the tears. 🥹

Each was joined at the altar by an Ashley — a sweet and funny bit of symmetry that added charm to the already emotional ceremony. They chose to read personal vows to each other and included a handfasting ceremony, symbolizing their unity and commitment. This ancient Celtic tradition is becoming more popular with modern couples looking to infuse intention and spiritual meaning into their vows — and it was a perfect fit for Nikki and Tanner.

A Warm Winter Light and Magical Portraits

After the ceremony and family portraits at the chapel, we wandered into the field to capture couple portraits in the soft winter light. January can surprise us with beautiful golden hour glow, and this day was no exception — the Smoky Mountains offered a breathtaking backdrop of rolling hills and fading winter hues.

Their portraits felt cinematic — the kind of love you can see just by watching how they look at each other. Whether cuddling close for warmth or laughing under the wide Tennessee sky, they made magic in every frame. 📸🌄

These kinds of moments are why we love winter weddings at Chapel in the Hollow — the quiet, the clarity, and the focus on what really matters.

A Beautiful Start to the New Year

From the heartfelt vows to the pink boots and cowboy hat, Nikki and Tanner’s wedding was the definition of a relaxed country winter celebration. It was filled with intention, meaning, and joy — proof that love stories don’t need grand ballrooms or elaborate timelines to be unforgettable.

If you’re considering an intimate winter wedding in East Tennessee, Chapel in the Hollow offers the perfect mix of rustic elegance, personalized service, and natural beauty. Whether you’re planning months in advance or dreaming of a spontaneous elopement, our micro wedding packages make planning simple and stress-free.

Vendor Team

• Venue: Chapel in the Hollow

• Photography: Star Noir Studio

• Bouquet: Melissa Timm Designs

• Florals: Moody Chapel Florals

• Handfasting Cord: Couple-provided

• Cake: Couple-provided

• Memorial Decor: Couple-created

• Cowhide Guestbook: Couple-provided

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Smoky Mountain New Year’s Eve Elopement

Todd and Agnieszka – December 31, 2025

There’s something undeniably special about closing one chapter and beginning another on New Year’s Eve — and for Todd and Agnieszka, a quiet Smoky Mountain elopement was the perfect way to do just that. ❄️🤍

Not ones to seek the spotlight, Todd and Agnieszka knew from the beginning that a traditional, large wedding wasn’t for them. Instead, they dreamed of something intimate, meaningful, and deeply personal. They found exactly that at Chapel in the Hollow, tucked away in the forests of East Tennessee and surrounded by the calm beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

A Winter Setting Made for an Intimate New Year’s Eve Elopement

For their New Year’s Eve elopement, the chapel was styled with soft white fabric paired with our signature blue berry winter florals, creating an elegant, serene winter atmosphere. The look was timeless and understated — perfect for a couple who wanted their love, not the décor, to be the center of the day.

The Smokies in winter have a quiet magic all their own. Bare trees, crisp air, and gentle winter light wrapped the ceremony space in a peaceful stillness, allowing every moment to feel intentional and unrushed. For couples searching for a Smoky Mountain winter elopement or a New Year’s Eve wedding in Tennessee, this setting is truly unmatched.

Effortless Style with Thoughtful Details

Agnieszka looked effortlessly chic in a champagne dress adorned with delicate pearl details that caught the soft winter light beautifully. She paired her gown with a medium-length veil and a faux fur shrug — equal parts stylish and practical for a December elopement in the mountains. Her bouquet of pink roses added the sweetest pop of color against the winter whites and blues, tying everything together with a romantic touch.

Todd complemented her look perfectly in a classic black suit with a white shirt and a pink tie that subtly echoed her bouquet. Together, they embodied timeless elegance with a soft, romantic edge — ideal for an intimate winter elopement.

A Love Story Rooted in Quiet Connection

Todd and Agnieszka met four years ago in a Latin dance class, and that quiet, steady connection between them was palpable throughout the day. Todd was visibly nervous as the ceremony began — the kind of nerves that only come from deep love and sincerity.

When it came time to read the vows he had written, emotion took over. His voice broke, tears flowed, and the moment became beautifully raw and real. It was one of those reminders of why elopements are so powerful — stripped of expectations, every word and feeling matters just a little bit more.

Winter Light, Mountain Views, and a Touch of New Year’s Eve Magic

After the ceremony, we explored some of our favorite photo spots around the property, starting at the chapel and archway before heading to the highlands and open field. Despite the cold, the lighting was absolutely stunning — soft, glowing, and uniquely Smoky Mountain winter.

As if the day hadn’t already been magical enough, a plane flew overhead during portraits, perfectly timed for a few unforgettable New Year’s Eve images. A quiet nod to endings, beginnings, and the journey ahead. ✈️✨

From the Bride 

We met at a Latin Dance Class. On our first date we went ice skating. Todd proposed out in nature on a hike near Chattanooga, Tennessee. Todd grew up here and was familiar with area, knew we wanted to elope, and found Chapel in the Hollow on Google. We are looking forward to having an intimate ceremony in nature where it is just the two of us. We picked this date because we thought it would be a great way to enter the New Year. We enjoy hiking, latin dancing and we also collect ornaments from our adventures. 

A Beautiful Way to Begin a New Chapter

Todd and Agnieszka’s Smoky Mountain New Year’s Eve elopement was the definition of intentional — peaceful, emotional, and deeply personal. It was a beautiful way to close out one year and step into the next, hand in hand, surrounded by nature and love.

If you’re dreaming of a New Year’s Eve elopement, a winter elopement in the Smoky Mountains, or an intimate micro wedding in East Tennessee, Chapel in the Hollow offers a stress-free, heartfelt experience designed around what truly matters.

👉 Learn more about winter elopements at Chapel in the Hollow
👉 Explore our Smoky Mountain micro wedding and elopement packages
👉 Read more about why couples choose intimate weddings in the Smokies

Vendor Team

• Venue: Chapel in the Hollow

• Photography: Star Noir Studio

• Videography: Yugen Productions

• Officiant: Ian Parrott

• Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse

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A Soft, Wintry Chapel Design Perfect for December

A Bride, a Groom, and a Moment That Stopped Time

A Ceremony Full of Joy and Connection

Cake, Toasts, and Winter Portraits in the Smoky Mountains

Why Winter Afternoon Weddings Are So Special at Chapel in the Hollow

• Photographer: Star Noir Studio
• Florist: Flowers n’ Things
• Wedding Dress: Cheron’s Bridal
• Rings: Zales & Etsy
• Cake: Queen’s Cakes
• Hair & Makeup: Bride did her own HMU