After 28 wonderful years together, Teresa and Teki decided it was finally time to make it official — and they chose Chapel in the Hollow as the place to say“I do.” Their fall morning elopement was the perfect reminder that love only grows stronger with time, and it’s never too late to celebrate your story.
A Simple, Romantic Ceremony in the Smoky Mountains
For their wedding backdrop, Teresa and Teki dressed our woodland chapel in sand and white drapery accented by wildflower florals from Chapel in the Hollow’s collection. The result was soft, natural, and effortlessly elegant — just right for a couple seeking a relaxed micro wedding.
The morning air was crisp, the forest quiet except for the rustle of leaves, creating the ideal atmosphere for their intimate vows. Officiated by Ian Parrott, their ceremony was heartfelt and deeply meaningful.
Exploring the Grounds for Dreamy Wedding Portraits
After exchanging vows, these two lovely ladies explored our property with Star Noir Studio capturing every moment. From the rustic log by the creek, to the whimsical rock garden, vintage truck, and wide-open field with breathtaking mountain views, each stop added a new layer of magic to their day.
At Chapel in the Hollow, couples love that our venue offers so many unique photo opportunities without the hassle of permits required in the national park. You can see more about our ceremony locations and photo ops here: Smoky Mountain Wedding Backdrops
Love That Lasts a Lifetime
Teresa and Teki’s story proves that love has no timeline. After nearly three decades together, their choice to celebrate with an elopement shows that a wedding doesn’t have to be extravagant to be deeply meaningful. Whether you’ve been together a year or a lifetime, a micro wedding offers the chance to focus on what matters most — each other.
Why Choose a Fall Morning Elopement?
Morning ceremonies in the Smoky Mountains are especially magical. The soft golden light, peaceful forest, and cooler temperatures create a calm, romantic vibe that sets the tone for a stress-free day. Pair that with the gorgeous fall colors, and it’s easy to see why couples choose autumn mornings for their“I do.”
If you’re considering your own Tennessee elopement, fall mornings bring out the very best of our woodland chapel.
From the Bride
We met through mutual friends. We looked enough alike that people got us confused with each other so we thought it would be good to meet. Our first date was at Saltgrass steakhouse in Plano Tx. We didn’t really get engaged we just decided…28 years together and we thought we should just go ahead and do it. We decided to get married in East Tennessee because we love the mountains and we’ve got lots of good memories there. We are looking forward to peace and quiet and just time together. We picked this date because it worked with our schedules well. We farm, raise cattle, we golf, DIY stuff around our house. We don’t get a lot of time off the farm but if we do, it’s usually doing outside things. We like to take short trips to see new things or visit friends and family.
Planning Your Own Smoky Mountain Micro Wedding
At Chapel in the Hollow, we specialize in intimate weddings and elopements for up to 35 guests. Couples can book anywhere from one to three hours with options to include a photographer, officiant, videographer, or event manager. With flexible packages, a variety of included décor options, and plenty of stunning backdrops, it’s easy to create a day that feels like you.
If Teresa and Teki’s story inspires you, we’d love to help you create your own unforgettable day. Whether it’s a romantic fall morning elopement, a summer micro wedding, or a winter wonderland ceremony, Chapel in the Hollow provides the perfect setting for couples who value intimacy, beauty, and ease.
