A Cozy Morning Ceremony with Sunflowers, Coffee, and Love in the Smokies
If you’re dreaming of a fall wedding that’s relaxed, meaningful, and full of personal touches, then Juana and Scott’s easy-going October elopement at Chapel in the Hollow might just be your dream day come true. With sunflower florals, hunter green and gold fabric, and a“love is brewing” coffee and pastry table, their celebration was as heartwarming as a pumpkin spice latte on a crisp autumn morning.
Whether you’re planning a micro wedding in East Tennessee, an elopement with kids, or just want to be inspired by beautiful fall wedding details, their story is one you’ll want to bookmark.
A Fall Morning in the Smoky Mountains
October is one of the most magical times of year at Chapel in the Hollow, with cool breezes, changing leaves, and golden light streaming through the forest canopy. Juana and Scott made the most of the season by scheduling their elopement for a calm fall morning — the light was soft, the air was crisp, and the vibe? Total serenity.
They styled the chapel in hunter green and gold fabric, perfectly complemented by our signature sunflower florals from Kochetova Flowers. These warm, rustic colors brought the forest to life and created a cheerful, cozy setting that felt both festive and intimate.
Want to design your own ceremony backdrop? Explore our fabric and floral options to create a look that’s uniquely you.
The Bride: Stunning and Savvy
Juana looked like a dream in a long-sleeved lace dress from June Bridals — and it was a $200 online find! Her softly curled hair styled by The Willow Salon and Boutique completed her look with effortless elegance. She proved what we always say: you don’t need a huge budget to feel and look absolutely radiant.
Her jewelry from Kay Jewelers added a bit of sparkle, and the best part? She shared the spotlight with the two most important people in her life — her children.
The Groom: Easygoing Style, Big Smiles
Scott brought relaxed country charm in Cody James jeans and a patterned dress shirt from Boot Barn — a no-fuss, stylish combo that felt just right for their outdoor setting. Together, they looked like they stepped straight out of a fall wedding Pinterest board — comfortable, joyful, and completely in sync.
A Family-Centered Ceremony
Juana and Scott’s wedding wasn’t just about the two of them — it was about all four of them. Their children played a special role in the day, walking Juana down the aisle and helping to set the tone for a celebration rooted in love and togetherness.
The ceremony, officiated by Ian Parrott, was personal, heartfelt, and full of joy. One of our favorite touches? The“love is brewing” coffee and pastry table they set up for after the ceremony. With fresh coffee and sweet treats, it felt more like a cozy family brunch than a traditional wedding — and we loved every bit of it.
Looking for other unique ideas for your micro wedding? Check out our guide to creative elopement extras.
Portraits with Mountain Views + Forest Magic
After some sweet family photos at the chapel, we took Juana and Scott to explore some of our favorite photo spots on the property — including the mossy forest log, the winding woodland road, and the open field with sweeping mountain views.
Captured by Star Noir Studio, their portraits are the definition of fall wedding goals — full of love, laughter, and that unmistakable October glow. From forest nooks to golden fields, every shot radiated warmth and authenticity.
Why Elopements Like This Matter
Juana and Scott’s wedding was a powerful reminder that you don’t have to follow anyone else’s rules when it comes to saying“I do.” You can wear what makes you feel amazing. You can include your children. You can serve coffee and pastries instead of a formal meal. And you can have a day that feels 100% you.
At Chapel in the Hollow, we believe that weddings should be joyful, stress-free, and meaningful. Whether you’re planning a spur-of-the-moment elopement or a carefully curated micro wedding, our team is here to help you create a day that reflects your unique love story.
From the Bride:
We met at a bar-pit through some friends my friend gave him my Snapchat, and even though I left him on read so many time, he just kept trying… so eventually I gave in, mostly to see if he was as persistent in person as he was on Snap. 😅
We were trying to have this chill, possibly romantic first date at Cheddar’s in Valdosta Georgia, (which at the time we lived in Perry Florida a hour and half away from Valdosta Georgia) thinking we have escaped the radar… and then bam, we run into someone from back home. And suddenly it felt like we were back in high school trying to sneak around the gossip mill 🤣
Instead of a proposal, he just told me, “I’m going to marry you this year,” bought the ring, and skipped the actual asking part. I guess he’s all about action, not words!
We fell in love with East Tennessee’s stunning field/mountain views and peaceful vibe, it looks like the perfect place to start our new chapter surrounded by natural beauty.
I’m looking forward to becoming one with my favorite person and the amazing family we’re creating together.
He picked the date because of the fall colors, said it felt like the perfect time to start something new… and snap some great pictures while we’re at it.
Our date nights started the way all the best days do: with coffee on the porch swing, the world still quiet, just the two of us and the gentle creak of the swing. Morning light, wrapped in comfort and caffeine. We talked about everything and nothing, the way people do when they know each other’s hearts like a second home.
By the afternoon, the coffee had long been replaced with a glass of wine, and the laughter came easier. The porch swing was still our spot, a front-row seat to our shared life, and the chaos and joy that comes with it. The kiddos were buzzing around, adding their own soundtrack to our day: giggles, questions, footsteps running in and out.
But when the sun dipped low, we traded the swing for something with a little more horsepower — our side-by-side (sxs), ready for another adventure. Riding through trails, mud on the tires and wind in our faces, we chased the horizon like kids ourselves. Just us, exploring, laughing, living the life we love one ride at a time.
Our favorite hobby isn’t just about the thrill, it’s about the freedom, the company, and the memories we make. Every ride, every muddy turn, every quiet porch morning they’re pieces of our story.
Its nothing extravagant. Just love, laughter, and a reminder that the best dates are the ones where you feel most at home, whether that’s sipping wine on the porch or kicking up dirt on the trails/dirt roads.
Here’s to many more. 💛
Vendor Shoutouts
Here’s the incredible team that brought this sweet fall elopement to life:
Juana and Scott’s day was sweet, simple, and packed with love — proof that the best weddings are the ones that feel true to you. If you’re dreaming of a relaxed fall celebration in the Smokies, surrounded by nature and your favorite people(and maybe some coffee and donuts), we’d love to help you bring it to life.
