When love has been building for years, there’s something incredibly powerful about the moment it finally becomes official. Becca and Cory’s long-awaited micro wedding at Chapel in the Hollow was the perfect reflection of that kind of love—patient, meaningful, and deeply rooted. Nestled in the forests of East Tennessee, this intimate celebration brought together everything that makes a Smoky Mountain micro wedding so magical: natural beauty, heartfelt emotion, and a focus on what truly matters.
If you’ve been dreaming of a long-awaited micro wedding that feels both effortless and unforgettable, their day is full of inspiration.
A Forest Chapel Designed for Intimate Moments
Located just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Chapel in the Hollow offers couples a serene woodland setting without the stress of permits or restrictions. Becca and Cory chose to lean into that natural beauty, styling the chapel with rich hunter green fabric paired with succulent florals and wreaths.
The result? A fresh, earthy aesthetic that blended seamlessly into the surrounding forest. The greenery echoed the life and growth of their relationship, making it the perfect visual representation of a love story that had been years in the making.
Couples planning a Smoky Mountain micro wedding often gravitate toward these nature-inspired palettes, and it’s easy to see why—they create a timeless, organic look that photographs beautifully in every season.
A Bride, A Groom, and a Love Worth the Wait
Becca kept her bridal look simple and elegant in a spaghetti strap gown, paired with delicate heels that added just the right touch of charm. Cory complemented her perfectly in a classic black suit, alongside their son who matched him—creating one of the sweetest family moments of the day.
As Becca walked down the aisle, escorted by her brother, all eyes were on her—but Cory’s reaction said it all. The second he saw her, his face lit up with pure joy. It was one of those moments you simply can’t stage—the kind that defines a long-awaited wedding day.
Overcome with emotion, Becca shed tears throughout the ceremony, making every word and every glance feel even more genuine. These are the moments couples remember forever—the raw, unfiltered emotions that make intimate weddings so powerful.
A Ceremony Full of Personal Touches
One of the most meaningful aspects of Becca and Cory’s wedding was how personal it felt. A close friend officiated their ceremony, creating a relaxed and heartfelt atmosphere that reflected their personalities.
They also chose to write their own vows, adding another layer of authenticity and connection. Personal vows are a hallmark of many micro weddings in Tennessee, allowing couples to truly express their journey and what this moment means to them.
For couples considering a small wedding, this is one of the biggest advantages—you have the freedom to create a ceremony that feels completely your own.
Capturing the Magic of the Smokies
After their ceremony, Becca and Cory spent time celebrating with family before slipping away for portraits around the property. One of the best parts of choosing Chapel in the Hollow is the variety of scenic photo spots available right on-site.
Their portraits included:
The iconic mossy tree, draped in natural texture and soft light
The romantic vine-covered areas, perfect for dreamy, woodland-inspired shots
The chapel itself, framed by towering trees and filtered sunlight
These locations offer couples the chance to capture a full gallery of images without ever leaving the venue—a huge benefit for those planning a stress-free East Tennessee micro wedding.
Becca and Cory’s long-awaited micro wedding was filled with emotion, intention, and quiet moments that spoke volumes. From Cory’s joyful reaction to Becca’s tearful vows, every detail reflected a love that had stood the test of time.
For couples considering their own long-awaited wedding in the Smoky Mountains, let this be your sign—you don’t need a huge guest list or an elaborate production to create something unforgettable.
Sometimes, all you need is the right person, a beautiful place, and the moment you’ve been waiting for.
From the Bride
We met in middle school 8th grade year. We became friends right away. Our friend ship grew through middle and high school but I was in a serious relationship. Come senior year I ended that relationship and we started dating and here we are 9 years of dating later. He is my soulmate and everything I have prayed for! Our first date he picked me up and took me to downtown Knoxville. We walked all through market square and went to Soccer Taco for lunch. He expressed he has loved me all those years and had just been waiting for our time to come. We haven’t separated since.
Cory proposed at the beach in 2022. He sent me and our son down to the pool said he would be down shortly he eventually did come down but it was to get us that his grandpa “had a surprise for us.” We went up to the condo and he had an obstacle set up with the dining chairs and all kinds of things in the hall to our room. We eventually got through the maze and to the room he had a heart shape in the bed made with a sheet and the ring box in the middle. He said, ” Through all the trials and tribulations and the obstacle that we’ve had I will always go through them with you!” Then asked me to marry him.
We wanted to get married in East Tennessee because It’s always been home to us and we love nothing more than the mountains! I am looking forward to saying ” I do ” with my best friend in the whole world. We picked this date because it is two days after our original anniversary date.
Why Choose a Long-Awaited Micro Wedding in the Smokies?
Becca and Cory’s wedding is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for. Their day wasn’t about grand gestures or elaborate details—it was about connection, family, and finally saying“I do.”
Micro weddings have become increasingly popular for couples who want:
A more intimate and meaningful experience
A beautiful natural setting like the Smoky Mountains
Flexibility with vendors, timing, and personalization
A stress-free alternative to large traditional weddings
At Chapel in the Hollow, couples can customize their day with options for photography, officiants, coordination, and décor—making it easy to create a celebration that fits their vision and budget.