Elevated Forest Chapel Micro Wedding
in the Smoky Mountains
Kelsi and Austin – May 28, 2026
Some weddings feel effortlessly elegant from beginning to end, and Kelsi and Austin’s spring afternoon micro wedding at Chapel in the Hollow was exactly that. Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, their celebration blended timeless style, meaningful family traditions, gorgeous florals, and a sense of adventure that made every moment feel uniquely their own.
From emotional aisle walks to handwritten vows and a wildflower first dance in the mountains, their wedding was a beautiful reminder that intimate weddings can be every bit as meaningful and unforgettable as large celebrations.
A Thoughtfully Planned Spring Wedding in the Smokies
Kelsi and Austin chose Chapel in the Hollow for their forest chapel micro wedding in East Tennessee, and they truly made the most of their experience by booking our three-hour package.
One of the biggest advantages of an extended wedding timeline is the ability to slow down and enjoy every moment. Rather than feeling rushed from ceremony to photos, they were able to spend quality time with family, enjoy their celebration, and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
The couple dressed the chapel in rich hunter green fabric, perfectly complementing the lush spring landscape surrounding them. To elevate the design even further, they partnered with Echelon Florist, whose stunning floral arrangements adorned the chapel and decorated the hanging pew jars.
The result was sophisticated, romantic, and perfectly suited to a spring wedding in the Smoky Mountains.
The deep green accents blended beautifully with the fresh East Tennessee foliage, creating a setting that felt both elegant and connected to nature.
A Bride with Timeless Style
Kelsi looked absolutely breathtaking.
She chose a stunning gown by Anthropologie Weddings featuring a feminine silhouette and a slit that revealed a delicate lace layer beneath. The dress was romantic yet modern, offering the perfect balance of sophistication and personality.
To make the gown uniquely hers, she added custom sleeves that created additional movement and drama. Paired with a matching veil and exquisite lace heels by Badgley Mischka, the entire bridal look felt effortlessly refined.
Her hair, styled by Southern Strandz Salon and Spa, completed the look beautifully and held up perfectly throughout the afternoon.
Austin looked equally handsome in a navy suit accented by a live floral boutonniere that tied seamlessly into the day’s color palette. The combination of his classic suit and Kelsi’s romantic bridal style created a timeless aesthetic that looked incredible against the forest backdrop.
Family at the Heart of the Celebration
One of the things we love most about micro weddings is how personal they can become, and Kelsi and Austin’s ceremony was filled with meaningful family involvement.
Austin’s mom and dad had the honor of walking him down the aisle, while Kelsi’s mom and dad escorted her to the chapel. These moments always carry so much emotion, and you could feel the love surrounding them as they prepared to begin this next chapter together.
Their ceremony itself was beautifully personal.
Austin’s aunt served as officiant, making the ceremony even more meaningful. Their sisters each shared readings during the service, while Austin’s brother held the rings.
Rather than relying on traditional ceremony wording, Kelsi and Austin chose to write their own vows. Those personal promises brought laughter, tears, and countless smiles from everyone gathered beneath the trees. It’s one of the reasons we often encourage couples planning a Smoky Mountain micro wedding to consider writing their own vows. Those personalized words become some of the most memorable moments of the entire day.
Celebrating with Family and Friends
After the ceremony, everyone gathered for family portraits at the chapel before moving into a relaxed celebration.
The newlyweds shared a toast with their guests and spent time mingling with family and friends, soaking in the excitement of finally being married.
One especially sweet moment came when we took Kelsi’s dad over to visit our vintage tractor for a few photos. His excitement was contagious (even though he was disappointed in the brand, lol), and it became one of those unexpected memories that make wedding days feel so personal and genuine.
These are often the moments couples remember years later—not just the ceremony itself, but the small interactions, laughter, and family connections that happen throughout the day.
Exploring the Property for Portraits
Once family photos wrapped up, it was time for what may have been one of our favorite portrait sessions of the season.
Kelsi and Austin fully embraced the adventure.
One of the benefits of getting married at Chapel in the Hollow is the incredible variety of photo locations available right on the property. Rather than traveling between locations, couples can experience multiple distinct backdrops in a single portrait session.
For their newlywed portraits, we explored:
- The Graveyard
- The Mossy Tree
- The Archway
- The Highlands
- The Forest Road
- The Creek
- The Mountain View Field
The graveyard added a touch of moody romance and personality that fit their adventurous spirit perfectly. The mossy tree and archway offered classic Smoky Mountain forest charm, while the highlands and creek showcased the natural beauty that makes East Tennessee such a sought-after wedding destination.
As beautiful as all those locations were, the field may have been the highlight.
Surrounded by blooming wildflowers and rolling mountain views, Kelsi and Austin shared a private first dance as husband and wife.
The combination of the open field, spring blooms, and mountain backdrop created one of those magical wedding moments that feels almost cinematic.
From the Couple:
Austin and Kelsi got to know each in the summer of 2016 through mutual friends. They spent many of summer days together boating on lake mendota. Their relationship evolved into long distance dating through college, moving to the Twin Cities together, and now getting married. <3
Our first date was a run, followed by chipotle haha. An activity first date is a good idea, incase the chat is bad, luckily that was not the case.
Austin proposed! In December of 2024, he surprised Kelsi with a proposal overlooking the city in Salzburg. He even coordinated a private photographer to capture the moment. It was so sweet and thoughtful.
We love national parks, hiking, mountains and greatly enjoyed a trip to the smoky mountains in the past. It was a great destination location for guests.
We are most looking forward to getting married surround by nature and our close family members.
For fun, we love traveling, hiking, ice skating, running
Why Couples Love Spring Afternoon Weddings in the Smokies
Spring is one of the most popular seasons for weddings in the Smoky Mountains, and Kelsi and Austin’s day showed exactly why.
Spring afternoon weddings offer:
- Comfortable temperatures
- Vibrant greenery
- Blooming wildflowers
- Soft natural light
- Longer daylight hours
- Gorgeous mountain views
The lighting throughout the afternoon was particularly beautiful. Soft sunlight filtered through the trees, creating the dreamy glow couples often hope for when planning a forest wedding.
For couples considering a spring wedding near Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, afternoon ceremonies provide plenty of time for family celebrations while still allowing for beautiful portrait opportunities throughout the property.
Planning Your Own Smoky Mountain Micro Wedding
If Kelsi and Austin’s wedding has you dreaming about a romantic forest wedding in East Tennessee, Chapel in the Hollow specializes in intimate weddings, micro weddings, and elopements designed to feel personal, stress-free, and meaningful.
Helpful resources for planning your own celebration:
- Wedding Packages at Chapel in the Hollow
- Smoky Mountain Micro Weddings
- Photo Gallery
- Contact Chapel in the Hollow
Kelsi and Austin’s wedding was the perfect example of what happens when elegance, family, nature, and personality all come together. From their heartfelt vows to their wildflower first dance in the mountains, every detail reflected who they are as a couple.
And honestly, that’s what the very best weddings are all about.