Some love stories take their time, unfolding slowly over the years until the moment feels just right. For Jennifer and Dylan, their laid back fall wedding at Chapel in the Hollow was not only a celebration of love but also the realization of a dream years in the making.
Jennifer first discovered our woodland chapel on Instagram back when we had just opened our doors. She immediately told Dylan that she knew she wanted to be married here someday. Nearly seven years later, surrounded by their closest loved ones, that dream came true — and it couldn’t have been more perfect.
A Cozy Autumn Forest Ceremony
Jennifer and Dylan embraced the natural beauty of fall in the Smoky Mountains by dressing the chapel in dusty sage and sand fabric paired with our bohemian floral arrangements. The soft colors and rustic touches blended beautifully with the autumn forest, creating an effortlessly warm and inviting vibe for their ceremony.
Jennifer was the picture of timeless-meets-modern style. She wore a long-sleeved gown with an illusion lace top, a romantic lace-edged train, and her hair swept elegantly up. What made her look truly hers, though, was the addition of classic white Vans — a playful, personal touch that reflected her easygoing spirit. With her mom and best friend helping her get ready, the morning felt relaxed, joyful, and full of sweet anticipation.
One of the most touching moments came when Jennifer shared a first look with her dad. There were plenty of tears(and smiles!) before he proudly walked her down the aisle, where their close friend officiated the heartfelt ceremony.
Dylan matched her effortless charm with his own Southern groom style: jeans, a crisp white shirt, a tan suit jacket, and his signature cowboy hat. It was the perfect balance of polished and laid back, making him look right at home against the forest backdrop.
Celebrating With Family + Forest Views
After their vows, we captured family photos at the chapel before adventuring out to some of our favorite photography spots: the quiet country road, the mossy tree, and the highlands. Each setting added its own magic to their gallery, highlighting both the love they share and the beauty of the Smoky Mountains in autumn.
Their day was everything a laid back fall wedding should be — easygoing, heartfelt, and full of laughter. From emotional moments with family to quiet portraits among the trees, Jennifer and Dylan created a celebration that was uniquely their own.
A Dream Seven Years in the Making
Sometimes the best love stories take a little time to unfold, and Jennifer and Dylan’s wedding day was a beautiful reminder of that. With the help of family, friends, and a wonderful vendor team, they turned their long-awaited dream into a reality.
From the Bride
We met in 2017 at the bar that I was bartending at. I knew Dylan for about a year before we started dating. There was nothing really special or anything that marked our “dating date” one day I just didn’t go home. LOL! Our dates at the beginning of our relationship consisted of me bartending while he had some drinks with his friends. He works on the road for a living so we only saw each other on weekends and I bartended on weekends.
I proposed after four years of dating. We were actually in the car driving home from one of my friend’s weddings, which I was a bridesmaid in. I was complaining about how bad my ears hurt from the poor quality metal earrings that bridesmaids wear. Dylan had looked at me and said “we should probably go and get you some good earrings and look at engagement rings while we are at it.” Little did he know, a few months before this I had already bought our rings. I told him that I had already bought our rings and was waiting for the right moment. He did not believe me so I proposed in the driveway in front of our friends that we’re also at the wedding I was in. He was extremely shocked; the best part was his whole family and all of our friends and knew that I had the rings and was going to propose to him.
Dylan and I are very simple people and did not want a large wedding. I was scrolling Instagram one day and saw Chapel in the Hollow and knew the minute I saw it that’s where I wanted to get married. We are looking forward to having a quick intimate wedding and good pictures! In our spare time we enjoy camping, canoeing, fishing, back porch sitting.
