Dark Country Elopement in the Smokies:
Bold Morning Romance
Lori and Mark – June 12, 2025
When you imagine a dark country elopement, you want contrast—romance woven with edge—and that’s exactly what Lori and Mark delivered at Chapel in the Hollow. Their mission was simple: keep it intimate, soulful, and true to their style. So they dressed the venue in black-and-blush fabrics, paired with moody florals, and then threw in cowboy boots, a cowboy hat, and heartfelt vows—layered under a perfect Smoky Mountain sunrise. The result? A day that felt both cinematic and deeply personal.
Moody Elegance Meets Rustic Style
Right from the moment you stepped into the forest chapel, the atmosphere felt electric. Lori and Mark draped black and blush fabric across the altar and columns, creating a warm summer glow against the shadows of the trees. Chapel in the Hollow’s moody floral arrangements—with deep plum, dusty rose, and charcoal greenery—tied it all together. The lighting and temperature? Perfect for capturing that dark country wedding vibe.
The mood was dramatic yet cozy, setting the stage for an unforgettable morning elopement in the mountains of East Tennessee.
A Bride with Attitude + Edge
Lori’s bridal look was equal parts romance and boldness: a spaghetti-strap gown with a plunging neckline, unspeakably elegant, but paired with snakeskin cowboy boots—a combo that’s stunning, unexpected, and totally her.
Her hair and makeup, done by Wanderlust Salon and Spa, leaned into that luscious country glam with soft waves and rich, shadowed eye makeup. The energy? Confident. Fearless. Unapologetically herself.
A Groom with Cowboy Charm
Mark brought classic country style with a twist: jeans and a grey vest over a deep maroon button-down—looked sharp, felt authentic. Add in the moment he donned his cowboy hat for the field session after the ceremony? Iconic. They captured it all with Star Noir Studio, freezing those tender glances under mountain light and open sky.
Emotional Vows & Sunlit First Look
They walked down aisle with soft country music playing, hearts racing. Lori’s first steps up to the chapel brought a wave of emotion—Mark’s smile was all the comfort she needed.
Their exchange of personal vows was sincere and raw. They promised not just love, but honesty, loyalty, and laughter. It was quiet but powerful—just the two of them, the trees, and the rising sun.
Adventure + Love in the Fields
After they became husband and wife, we captured tender, spontaneous moments: twirls at the chapel archway, warm embraces by their vintage truck, and passionate kisses in golden fields. The Smoky Mountain backdrop added that“wow” feel—wide-open beauty tethered to personal connection.
It wasn’t just a photo op—it was a story told behind the lens of emotion and authenticity. Simple. Striking. True.
From the Bride
I saw him when I was 9 years old. He lived at the same apartments as my grandparents while they were getting their house built. It was the summer of 1984. I used to watch him play football with his friends. He was my first crush.(He eventually told me he had a crush on me as well) My grandparents moved to their house after that summer and I didn’t see him again for 10 years. I never forgot about him though. Saw him again when we worked at the same place for a short period of time. We were both in other relationships at the time unfortunately. Then 25 years later he sent me a message on Facebook. It took me 3 months to accept his friend request because I didn’t recognize him or even know his last name from when I had met him at the apartments. 3 weeks after I accepted his friend request we started talking a little. We eventually went to a Christmas party together on 12/14/19 and have been together ever since!!
He proposed! He took me to Helen Georgia for our 5 year dating anniversary. He surprised me with a helicopter ride in the north Georgia mountains. We stopped at a winery and he proposed there before we flew back. It was so amazing! We love the mountains! The chapel and the photos are amazing looking! I want that!! On our wedding day I am looking forward to marrying the man of my dreams! And the photos to be absolutely amazing! We picked this date because it’s between our birthdays. His is 6/6 and mine is 6/15.
We love the outdoors! Hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, riding motorcycles, 4 wheelers, horses, love our 8 dogs and 3 horses.
Planning Your Own Dark Country Elopement?
If you’re drawn to the idea of a dark country elopement in the Smokies, here’s why Chapel in the Hollow should be on your radar:
Moody Decor, Minimal Setup: Black/dusty-blush draping sets a dramatic tone with minimal fuss.
Rustic, Real, Emotion-Filled Vows: The forest chapel offers intimate seclusion and stunning morning light.
Portrait Potential: Rustic truck + mountain fields = epic love story scenes.
Whether you’re sticking boots and hats into the wedding ensemble, or imagining a first walk as Mr. and Mrs. surrounded by trees, this venue complements bold bridal style with natural beauty.
Florals & Decor: Chapel in the Hollow via Kochetova Flowers
Officiant: Ian Parrott
Lori and Mark’s dark country elopement reminds us: love doesn’t need spotlight—it needs soul. Their morning-first-looks and cowboy-chic styling paired with Smoky Mountain beauty created a day both intimate and boundless. Are you ready to bring your own bold romance to the forest?
Ready to plan your moment?
Contact Chapel in the Hollow for custom micro-elopement packages that honor your style and story. Let’s craft an elopement as real, edgy, and spirited as you are.
