October Ceremony in the Woods

Amber and Dana – October 4, 2025

An Intimate LGBTQ+ Fall Wedding at Chapel in the Hollow

When autumn paints the Smoky Mountains in shades of gold and amber, Chapel in the Hollow transforms into a woodland wonderland perfect for saying “I do.” Amber and Dana embraced the season’s magic for their October micro wedding, filling the forest with laughter, love, and the warmth of family and friends.

A Cozy Forest Wedding with Heartfelt Details

Tucked away in the East Tennessee woods, Chapel in the Hollow offers couples a peaceful, intimate space to celebrate love. For Amber and Dana, it was the perfect setting for a day as unique as their story. They styled the chapel with classic cream drapery—simple, elegant, and beautifully contrasted against the deep greens and golds of the forest.

Amber’s wedding look stole the show: a green gown with a sequin-studded bodice that shimmered beneath the trees. She paired it with custom embroidered shoes, lovingly handmade by a friend, and carried a bright sunflower bouquet created by her mom—each petal adding a cheerful burst of sunshine to the ceremony.

Dana brought autumn warmth to life with blue pants and a rustic orange vest from David’s Bridal, complementing Amber’s bold style and the season’s natural palette. Together, they looked effortlessly in sync—vibrant, joyful, and deeply connected.

A Ceremony Full of Meaning and Magic

Before their ceremony began, Amber and Dana shared a private first look in the bridal suite, a sweet, quiet moment to soak it all in before the festivities. Their ceremony was made even more meaningful with their friend and matchmaker, Jess Naderman, serving as their officiant. Both of their dads had the honor of walking them down the aisle—a touching gesture that underscored the love and support surrounding them.

With their closest friends by their sides, Amber and Dana exchanged handwritten vows beneath the forest canopy. Every word was filled with emotion, and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. As the sun filtered through the trees, their promises felt timeless—rooted in friendship, laughter, and genuine affection.

Capturing the Love in the Smoky Mountains

After sealing their vows, the newlyweds shared smiles and hugs with family before exploring the property for photos. Star Noir Studio captured every joyful detail—from their tearful vows at the chapel to their romantic portraits in the open field framed by a breathtaking mountain view. The combination of nature, color, and love made for an unforgettable gallery.

Amber and Dana’s celebration perfectly embodies what makes Chapel in the Hollow so special: personal touches, natural beauty, and intimate connection. Whether you’re planning an LGBTQ+ wedding, a fall elopement, or a micro ceremony surrounded by trees, this East Tennessee venue offers a backdrop that feels both peaceful and powerful.

From the Bride

We met at work. And neither one of us knew what was to come. Our first date was three months into the relationship. (We worked a lot) The first time we hung out I think we were both weirdly nervous. We played pool at a bar, played music on the jukebox, and one of us had to call her best friend to come get her because she had one too many.

Dana proposed. It was simple and perfect. I came home after work (on my birthday) and it had been a horrible day. The dog pooped in the kitchen, I had to have some tough HR conversations that did not go well. Halfway through the day, I told my boss I was going to need a birthday do over. I cried most of the drive home. I was tempted to tell her that I wanted to do presents the next day, but I didn’t. After opening a few presents, I opened a customized set of Funko Pops, and she pulled out a ring.

As a Midwest girly, fall is my favorite season. We don’t get the gorgeous color change where we live in Texas. Also, wanted to choose a location that was sort of middle distance for our families. On our wedding day I can’t wait to marry my best friend!

We watch tv, have a few shows we watch together. We also build legos, collect Funko Pops, do escape rooms, and hang out with our 2 dogs. Ringo, Great Dane 10 yo and Mabel, mystery pit mix, 11 months.

Planning Your Own Autumn Wedding

If you’ve dreamed of a forest wedding in the Smoky Mountains, October is one of the most enchanting times to say “I do.” Crisp air, fiery foliage, and soft golden light make every photo shine. Chapel in the Hollow offers flexible elopement and micro wedding packages designed for couples who want a stress-free, scenic celebration—with or without a photographer, officiant, or coordinator.

👉 Explore our wedding packages
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👉 Or learn how to book your date today!

Amber and Dana—your day was a radiant reflection of love in its truest form. Thank you for sharing your joy with us beneath the trees. 🌻💚🌈

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Vendors

• Venue: Chapel in the Hollow

• Photography: Star Noir Studio

• Florals: Mother of the Bride

• Dress: Kennedy Blue

• Bridesmaid Dresses: AZAZIE

• Womenswear: David’s Bridal

• Shoes: CONVERSE

• Officiant: Jess Naderman

• Venue Associate: Sara Hopper

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