Magical October Micro Wedding at Chapel in the Hollow

Taylor and Jospeh – October 15, 2025

When Taylor + Joseph said “I do” on an October afternoon, they weren’t just planning a wedding — they were crafting a moment in time. And choosing Chapel in the Hollow as their intimate venue made every detail feel organic, emotional, and utterly perfect.

A Ceremony Woven With Emotion

Taylor glowed in a long-sleeved gown with tiered layers and a lace-edged veil, soft and elegant. She got ready with the help of her mom — one of those quietly sacred moments every bride longs for. Then she stole away to a first look with her Papaw. That gentle moment anchored the emotion of the day.

Joseph, dressed in a tan herringbone suit with a dusty blue tie, thought he might hold it together. But at the moment he laid eyes on his bride, tears emerged — strong and affectionate. The rawness of that moment is exactly what we live for as a wedding chapel.

The ceremony was held in Chapel in the Hollow’s signature outdoor space, customized with dusty blue and sand fabrics, accented with our blue and yellow florals, flickering lanterns, and candlelight. The glow was cozy, romantic, and perfectly suited for fall in the woods.

A Daughter Who Steals Hearts

No wedding is quite complete without family, and their baby girl absolutely stole the show. She made her way into photos, into everyone’s hearts, and into the memories. After the ceremony and family portraits, Taylor + Joseph escaped with me (the photographer) for a few stolen moments. First by the archway, then into a beam of golden light for backlit portraits, and finally out on the road with the Smoky Mountains glowing behind them.

He was so attentive. He complimented her every moment. The way he looked at her told you everything you needed to know: she is his world.

Why This October Micro Wedding Was So Perfect

• Seasonal magic – October in the Smokies brings crisp air, golden leaves, and a soft autumnal palette. That made their dusty blue, sand, and yellow tones feel completely natural.

• Intimate scale, big emotion – Micro weddings at Chapel in the Hollow are designed for deeply personal celebrations. With under 35 guests, every smile, tear, and laugh is felt simultaneously by everyone. Chapel in the Hollow+2Chapel in the Hollow+2

• Photography-friendly setting – Because the venue itself is built with photography in mind (being owned by a photographer), there are woodland nooks, archways, log groves, and glowing light that make every frame feel cinematic. Erin Morrison Photography+2Chapel in the Hollow+2

• Curvy brides, real beauty – Taylor’s silhouette, confidence, and softness remind us that every body is made for a wedding day. The elegance of her gown and the way she carried herself lit up the entire experience.

• Emotion over perfection – What we remember most weren’t the perfect bows or place settings, but the tears, the joy, the family connection. That’s the magic of a micro wedding: less distraction, more heart.

From the Bride

We met over Facebook but I previously knew some of his younger siblings. The first date was very simple but super cute. It was during Covid when it first hit so there wasn’t much to do of course. He took me to Chilis which has become a staple to date nights to this day haha. Then we walked around a park and just talked for hours. We have been together ever since! He took me to Sandstone falls in West Virginia one day and popped the question right in front of the beautiful falls. Truly my dream proposal.

We love Gatlinburg and wanted a simple wedding so when we found Chapel in the Hollow it was perfect. We are both outdoors lovers so the woods and rustic look caught our eyes! On our wedding day I am of course looking forward to marrying the love of my life but I’m super excited and grateful to have my papaw walk me down the aisle and get some beautiful pictures. We love the fall and just picked a date in our favorite season.

We love to go fishing with our baby girl and 3 dogs. A typical date night is getting some good food and watching a good movie at home.

Behind the Scenes & Vendor Love

• Event Management: Beverly with Custom Love Gifts & Events

• Hair & Makeup: Bride (self styled!)

• Photography: Star Noir Studio

• Officiant: Ian Parrott

• Chapel Florals: Chapel in the Hollow

• Dress: Oleg Cassini (David’s Bridal)

• Venue: Chapel in the Hollow

Every vendor leaned into the emotional tone of the day — minimal, refined, expressive.

Tips for Planning Your Own Magical October Micro Wedding

1. Choose a cozy color palette
   Earth tones, dusty hues, candlelight — these stay timeless through fall foliage.

2. Schedule your ceremony in golden hour
   The two hours before sunset offer gorgeous backlight in the woods.

3. Don’t overdecorate
   Let nature be your backdrop. Draped fabric, subtle florals, and ambient candlelight go a long way — as Taylor + Joseph demonstrated.

4. Embrace micro wedding advantages
   With fewer guests, every moment can be intentional. Use the extra breathing room to get those romantic portraits, personal rituals, or meaningful readings.

5. Ask your wedding team for light-direction advice
   At Chapel in the Hollow, the grounds shift with the sun — planning where to stop for portraits makes those glowing, backlit photos a reality.

6. Book your license ahead
   If you’re getting married in Tennessee, remember you’ll need a marriage license. (No waiting period or blood test required.) Chapel in the Hollow

Inspired by Taylor + Joseph? Let Us Help Write Your Story

If you’re dreaming of a magical October micro wedding in the Smokies or anywhere in the foothills of Tennessee, we would love to help you bring it to life.

• 📅 Check our availability and pricing packages: see Investment + Add-Ons on our site. Chapel in the Hollow

• 🗓️ Explore ceremony options and photo-friendly spots on our Ceremony Options page. Chapel in the Hollow

• 💌 Reach out and chat with us: chapelinthehollow@gmail.com, or via our Contact page Chapel in the Hollow

Taylor + Joseph’s story reminds us: you don’t need grand scale to create a wedding full of wonder, depth, and radiance. Let’s make your day feel like magic from the first breath to the last dance. 💙✨