Luminous May Mini Wedding
in the Smoky Mountains
Anna and Bryan – May 8, 2026
There’s something truly magical about a May mini wedding in the Smoky Mountains. The air feels fresh, the forest is bursting with life, and the soft morning light creates a glow that feels almost otherworldly. For Anna and Bryan, their wedding day at Chapel in the Hollow captured all of that magic — and wrapped it in emotion, intention, and the sweetest family moments.
Their celebration was the perfect example of what a Smoky Mountain micro wedding can be: intimate, meaningful, and completely centered on the people who matter most.
A Soft, Glowing Spring Wedding Design
Anna and Bryan styled the chapel in champagne and dusty sage fabric, paired with our wildflower florals and candle + lantern package. The combination created a romantic, glowing atmosphere that felt perfectly in tune with the season.
Spring weddings in East Tennessee are known for their natural beauty, and this setup complemented it effortlessly. The champagne tones added warmth, the sage brought in a soft earthy feel, and the wildflower florals tied everything together with a fresh, organic touch.
With the morning light filtering through the trees, the entire space felt luminous — like it had been designed specifically for them.
If you’re planning a May wedding in the Smoky Mountains, this kind of palette is always a stunning choice because it enhances the natural setting instead of competing with it.
A Bride Radiating Emotion and Joy
Anna was absolutely radiant.
She wore a spaghetti strap gown paired with a mid-length veil, creating a look that was both elegant and effortless. But one of our favorite details? Her Chuck Taylors.
They weren’t just a fun style choice — they were part of a bigger story.
Anna’s bridal look felt like her: relaxed, genuine, and full of personality. And when she stepped into the chapel, it wasn’t just her dress or her style that stood out — it was the emotion.
She walked down the aisle by herself to a song Bryan had chosen, and the moment was overwhelming in the best way. Tears flowed freely, and it was clear just how much this moment meant to her.
A Groom Who Couldn’t Stop Smiling
Bryan matched Anna’s vibe perfectly.
He wore dress pants, a dress shirt, and a vest, paired — of course — with his own Chuck Taylors. It was the perfect blend of polished and relaxed, fitting seamlessly into the tone of their day.
But the most memorable part? His reaction when he saw Anna.
His face lit up with the biggest smile, the kind that says everything without needing words. It was one of those moments that reminds you why smaller weddings are so powerful — you don’t miss a single emotion.
A Family-Centered Celebration
One of the most meaningful parts of Anna and Bryan’s wedding was how deeply it included their children.
All three kids wore Chuck Taylors, tying into Bryan’s one special request — and honestly, it might be one of the cutest wedding details we’ve ever seen. 🤍
Their daughter helped Anna get ready, creating a quiet, beautiful moment before the ceremony. It’s these behind-the-scenes memories that often become the most treasured.
Their wedding wasn’t just about two people coming together — it was about a family being celebrated and strengthened.
That’s one of the reasons micro weddings in the Smoky Mountains are so popular. They allow space for these kinds of moments — the ones that would otherwise get lost in a larger, more hectic timeline.
A Ceremony Full of Meaning
Their ceremony was heartfelt, emotional, and deeply personal.
With Ian officiating, the focus stayed exactly where it belonged — on Anna and Bryan, their story, and the promises they were making to each other.
There’s something incredibly powerful about a ceremony where you can actually feel every moment. No distractions. No rush. Just connection.
For couples considering a mini wedding or elopement in East Tennessee, this is one of the biggest advantages: your ceremony becomes an experience instead of just part of a schedule.
Exploring the Forest for Wedding Portraits
After the ceremony, we captured photos in the walkway in front of the chapel before heading out to explore some of our favorite spots on the property.
Anna and Bryan’s couple portraits took us to:
- The mossy tree, full of texture and Smoky Mountain charm
- The highlands, offering soft light and open space
- The rock garden, with its earthy, natural tones
- The creek, peaceful and romantic with flowing water
Each location added a different feel to their gallery while keeping that consistent, glowing spring vibe.
The lighting that morning was absolutely perfect — soft, diffused, and dreamy. It wrapped around them in a way that made every photo feel warm and intimate.
Why May Is Perfect for a Smoky Mountain Wedding
May is one of the most beautiful times of year for a wedding in the Smokies.
Couples who choose a May mini wedding get to enjoy:
- Lush, vibrant greenery
- Comfortable temperatures
- Longer daylight hours
- Soft, glowing morning and evening light
- Blooming florals and fresh seasonal colors
Anna and Bryan’s wedding captured all of these elements perfectly. The forest felt alive, the light was magical, and the overall atmosphere was calm and romantic.
From the Bride:
We met at the neighborhood bar, named Fairview Inn, He was inside at the bar waiting for his friend (outside in his car) to finish up a work call. They were going to attend a queen of hearts drawing that night. I came in after work to pay a bar tab I had left from the night before when celebrating my roommates birthday. I noticed his intense blue eyes and brown curly hair and was immediately curious who he was. I decided to stick around and find out, I sat down and ordered a beverage (to add to that existing tab)….. It took a while (as did as his friend I lovingly call corporate Eric’s work call). He bummed a Marlboro Red from me- the rest is history as most would say!
PS- They did not make it to the queen of hearts drawing that evening!
We are a pretty casual couple so we spent plenty of time at the neighborhood bar named above prior to what most would consider a “1st date” and that was more than okay for both of us as I lived on the same street (as the bar) and he worked down the street (from the bar) as a Caretaker at the cemetery, Holy Cross. So we would meet there after work and hang out, play tunes, smoke cigs and drink beers. I guess I would consider a true first date as the dinner when I was first introduced to his oldest sister, Sara. 4202 on Main street, a Local Tap Haus type of restaurant; this was significant for us as her acceptance was held in high regard to him and this dinner has become our disputable anniversary date.
Remember when the LA Rams won the super bowl (2022)?? The proposal happened that night, more of a fun “if they win the super bowl we’re getting married!” the plan hatched that evening was we would go to Las Vegas with his cousin Jayrd, and his Wife Erin as our witnesses. We were all quite surprised that the Rams actually WON! (the NFL Rams team has held a special place in the Borawski family since they were the STL Rams). I told them recently I was glad the Vegas plan never came to fruition, they happily agreed that Chapel in the Hollow was much more our style.
I’m most looking forward to the look on my kids’ faces.
Our unique family was created in 2022 when we became Co-guardians for Oliver and Autumn (our big kids). Layne (the baby) made us complete in 2024. Bryan is a long time (20+ years) childhood cancer advocate and now Director of a not-for-profit organization HIS Kids Cancer Support. I have spent the past 7 years supporting Veterans and Caregivers in an admin role at St. Louis VA Healthcare System, John Cochran VA. We are salt of the earth folks and this wedding is most meaningful for our kids as the paperwork and titles don’t rank high for Bryan and I. However, the foundations we build and family we create for our kids is the greatest motivation and achievement (which is always a moving target). This ceremony symbolizes so much to us as it demonstrates to our kids that they have US today, tomorrow and always.
Planning Your Own Smoky Mountain Mini Wedding
If you’re dreaming of a Smoky Mountain mini wedding that feels romantic, easy, and deeply personal, Chapel in the Hollow offers a truly unique experience.
Helpful links to start planning:
Vendor Team
- Florals: Chapel in the Hollow
- Dress: David’s Bridal
- Photography: Star Noir Studio
- Shoes: Converse
- Rings: Grandma Carter & Gentlebands
- Hair & Makeup: Summerlynn Beauty
- Officiant: Ian Parrott
- Venue: Chapel in the Hollow
A Morning Full of Light and Love
Anna and Bryan’s May mini wedding in the Smoky Mountains was everything a wedding should be — emotional, joyful, and completely authentic.
From the matching Chuck Taylors to the tears during the aisle walk, from the soft spring light to the quiet moments in the forest, their day was filled with meaning at every turn.
It wasn’t about being elaborate.
It wasn’t about being perfect.
It was about being real.
And honestly… that’s where the magic lives. 🤍✨