Dark & Dreamy October Micro Wedding
Shantel and Cheyenne – October 17, 2025
A Moody, Magical Celebration in the Heart of the Smoky Mountains
If you’re dreaming of a dark October micro wedding that blends gothic elegance with forest fairytale vibes, Shantel and Cheyenne’s stunning celebration at Chapel in the Hollow is all the inspiration you need.
Tucked into the Tennessee woods during the peak of fall color, their wedding brought together romantic boho details, rich seasonal textures, and personal touches that made the whole day feel both stylish and deeply heartfelt. From the flicker of candlelight to the shimmer of black lace, every detail told their love story — one full of passion, personality, and joy.
A Moody Ceremony Setting with Magical Details
For their fall wedding aesthetic, Shantel and Cheyenne leaned into a dark romance theme that perfectly fit the moody mountain backdrop. They dressed the chapel in black and white draping, setting the tone for a stylish ceremony filled with gothic elegance and cozy autumn warmth.
The bohemian florals from Chapel in the Hollow added a touch of softness, while tiny pumpkins and candles lined the chapel steps for that hauntingly beautiful October charm. The contrast of crisp black and soft ivory against the amber and gold forest was the perfect example of how bold color palettes can thrive in micro weddings.
Bold, Beautiful Bridal Style
Let’s talk about fashion goals. Shantel’s wedding gown was truly unforgettable — a dreamy black dress with a filmy overlay that shimmered every time the breeze picked up. The look was ethereal and unapologetically unique, radiating confidence and grace in equal measure. 🖤
Cheyenne’s style was equally on point, with sleek black pants and a tailored black shirt featuring intricate lace detailing on the pockets and cuffs. The subtle textures added softness to her look while staying cohesive with the darker theme.
Their outfits complemented one another without being matchy, showcasing how couples can stay true to their individual styles while creating a cohesive visual story.
A Heartfelt Ceremony Surrounded by Loved Ones
Shantel was escorted down the aisle by a close friend, while Cheyenne walked with her parents — and the moment they locked eyes at the altar, the emotion was unmistakable. 💞
Their vows were full of laughter, joy, and love, capturing the kind of connection that lights up the forest. Officiated by Ian Parrott, the ceremony was sweet, simple, and deeply emotional — the perfect reflection of their love story.
Sweet Memories + Moody Cake Magic
After saying “I do,” the couple shared a cake-cutting moment at their beautifully styled cake table. Their cake — a two-tier black beauty crafted by Cakes by Angie Heth — was both dramatic and delicious, a true showstopper that added a fun gothic flair to the celebration.
They also included a Polaroid selfie station so guests could snap and take home memories, adding a playful and personal touch that made everyone feel like part of the story.
Romantic Forest Portraits
Following the ceremony, Star Noir Studio captured romantic couple portraits in some of our favorite Smoky Mountain spots — down the tree-lined forest road, beside the creek, and among the glowing October foliage. 🍂📸
These intimate shots embraced the beauty of the East Tennessee woods and showcased Shantel and Cheyenne’s connection in a setting as bold and beautiful as their love. Whether bathed in golden light or framed by moody shadows, every image radiated with authenticity and warmth.
Why a Dark October Micro Wedding Just Works
There’s something undeniably special about October in the Smokies — the cool, crisp air, the golden light, and the vibrant foliage all combine to create a dreamy backdrop for intimate weddings.
Add in the romance of candlelight, moody florals, and the creativity of couples like Shantel and Cheyenne, and you’ve got a micro wedding experience that’s anything but small.
Whether you’re drawn to spooky season vibes, enchanted forest ambiance, or simply want a low-stress, love-centered day, Chapel in the Hollow offers the perfect setting for your own moody wedding magic.
From the Brides
We met through a mutual friend. The first date was just hanging out in Tampa. Cheyenne proposed at home. We decided on East Tennessee for our dark October micro wedding because we fell in love with the chapel. We are looking forward to the whole day and everything about it. For fun, we like to hang out on the front porch.
Vendor Team
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Venue: Chapel in the Hollow
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Photography: Star Noir Studio
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Florals: Chapel in the Hollow
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Cake: Cakes by Angie Heth
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Officiant: Ian Parrott
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Hair & Makeup: Brides
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Shoes: Boot Barn
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Rings: Kay Jewelers
Shantel and Cheyenne’s dark October micro wedding proves that you can have all the elegance, emotion, and personal flair of a big wedding in a small, stunning package. Their day was full of love, style, and meaningful moments — the kind of celebration that sticks with you long after the last candle burns out. 🖤
Ready to start planning your own magical Smoky Mountain celebration?
📩 Contact us today to reserve your date or learn more about our elopement and micro wedding packages.
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