Moody, Romantic, and Oh So Southern
Candlelit Elopement in the Smokies
Crystal and Ryan – July 11, 2025
There’s something undeniably magical about summer evenings in the Smoky Mountains — that soft golden light filtering through the trees, the hum of cicadas in the air, and the way love feels just a little more electric. That’s exactly the kind of energy Crystal and Ryan brought with them for their dreamy candlelit outdoor elopement at Chapel in the Hollow.
A Southern Love Story Under the Stars
Crystal and Ryan’s wedding was the perfect mix of moody, romantic, and Southern charm. They dressed the chapel in classic white fabric with our elegant white florals and added a warm glow with our candle and lantern package — which truly came alive as the sun began to dip below the trees. If you’ve ever dreamed of a candlelit ceremony in the forest, this one’s for you.
Crystal looked radiant in a halter-style linen gown that flowed effortlessly in the summer breeze. The sparkly bow on the back added a hint of glam and playful personality — such a fun little surprise for a laid-back outdoor wedding look! Ryan embraced his roots in true Southern fashion with jeans, a white dress shirt, and a tan vest. Comfortable, classic, and perfectly in tune with the natural setting.
They kept it intimate, heartfelt, and full of meaning — just the way an elopement in East Tennessee should be.
Personal Touches That Made It Theirs
Crystal walked herself down the aisle to“I’d Love to Be Your Last” by Clay Walker, and the look on Ryan’s face when he saw her? Absolute magic. You could feel the emotion hanging thick in the air — this wasn’t just a ceremony, it was a celebration of a deep, grounded love between two people who truly see each other.
After their candlelit outdoor elopement, we captured portraits at the chapel before heading to a fun surprise — a tractor! Ryan is a proud Georgia farmer, and Crystal wanted to honor his everyday life in the sweetest way. It brought a rustic, personal touch to their portraits that perfectly reflected who they are as a couple.
We wrapped up the evening in the field just as the soft, dusky light painted everything in a warm glow. Ryan kept the laughter coming, tossing out jokes and making the whole experience joyful and relaxed — exactly what you want from a stress-free elopement in the mountains.
From the Bride:
I had been divorced from a 22 year marriage that blessed me with two beautiful children. This will be my third marriage. Aside from the getting the children from the marriage, I wish Ryan would have been my first. He loves so innocently and has never been shown that love in return. He has two children also; the same age as mine, 24 and 21. We are done raising children and have found true love, something we had both given up on thinking that it didn’t exist anymore. We look forward to growing old together, rocking on our front porch, and staying humbled in what God has blessed us with in each other.
The first date was magical, like we had known each other forever. Ryan proposed. I didn’t expect it to be so soon, but our hearts have been bursting inside ever since our first date. We chose East Tennessee for our candlelit outdoor elopement because we have a farm, and it felt like home.
We are most looking forward to being completely united as one. We love taking care of our farm and spending time with our dogs (Marlee, Lola, and MaeMae) and our children.
Why a Candlelit Outdoor Elopement at Chapel in the Hollow is Pure Magic
If you’re looking for an intimate, moody elopement setting in the Smoky Mountains, our candle and lantern package brings a cozy, romantic atmosphere that feels like a fairytale. Surrounded by the quiet hush of the forest and the flicker of candlelight, couples like Crystal and Ryan are able to create wedding moments that are both timeless and deeply personal.
At Chapel in the Hollow, we specialize in creating space for these heartfelt, down-to-earth celebrations — whether it’s a last-minute elopement, a full-circle family ceremony, or anything in between.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that blends Southern charm, heartfelt moments, and the moody romance of candlelight in the woods, we’d love to help you bring it to life. You can view our packages here or contact us to check availability.
