Relaxed July Evening Elopement – Patricia and Mark
Relaxed July Evening Elopement
in the Smoky Mountains
Patricia and Mark – July 1, 2025
If there’s anything more magical than a Smoky Mountain sunset, it’s watching two people promise forever beneath its golden light. Patricia and Mark chose Chapel in the Hollow for their relaxed July evening elopement, and the warmth, romance, and laid-back Southern charm of their celebration melted our hearts.
Southern Simplicity Meets Smoky Mountain Romance
Set in the quiet beauty of East Tennessee’s forests, Chapel in the Hollow served as the perfect backdrop for Patricia and Mark’s sunset ceremony. They dressed the chapel in soft sand and peach fabric accented with our signature blush and bashful florals, creating an ethereal, golden-hour glow that perfectly matched the mellow vibe of their wedding day.
This wasn’t a fussy or over-the-top production — it was sweet, simple, and unmistakably Southern. Exactly what we love most about a relaxed July elopement in the Smoky Mountains.
The Bride + Groom: Western Chic & Country Cool
Patricia was stunning in a romantic lace-sleeved gown from Torrid, complete with a jeweled belt and vintage-inspired accessories. Her western-style earrings and cowboy boots brought just the right touch of rustic flair — a nod to her personal style and a perfect fit for our woodland chapel.
Mark kept things classic and country, donning jeans, a black vest, and his go-to cowboy hat. His look was completed with a big, genuine smile as Patricia walked down the aisle to meet him — and let’s just say, we felt that love.
The ring? A timeless white gold engagement ring and diamond wedding band from Kay Jewelers — understated elegance that perfectly mirrored the couple’s connection.
A Ceremony with Personality and Poise
The ceremony was short, heartfelt, and full of personal touches — just the way an elopement should be. Their officiant, Ian Parrott, delivered a custom script, and Patricia and Mark shared sweet smiles and quiet giggles throughout.
They’d even set up a lovely little cake table to share dessert together, but in true go-with-the-flow fashion, when the cake didn’t make it intact(oops!), they opted for a celebratory champagne toast instead. That’s the kind of easygoing energy we love to see — and exactly what makes a relaxed micro wedding in East Tennessee feel so genuine and joyful.
Sunset Portraits Full of Forest Magic
After their“I do’s,” we took Patricia and Mark on a sunset photo adventure to some of our favorite locations on the property. Star Noir Studio captured every glowing moment — from the mossy tree and the ivy-covered archway to the forest road, chapel sign, and our signature vintage truck.
Every shot radiated the warmth of the evening sun and the cozy comfort of a love that feels easy and real.
From the Bride
We briefly met, in our home town, years ago then reconnected over social media. Our first date was dinner and hours of talking, and laughing, getting to know one another.
Mark proposed, with no ring, out of the blue, while we were on a family vacation at Topsail Island in North Carolina. He then took me the next day after we got home and put a ring on my finger. We originally had a wedding planned at home on May 17th and my mother (brides mother) fell ill in April then passed away in Hospice seven days before our wedding date. Needless to say, we postponed the wedding. To replan and schedule another wedding without my mom plus trying to get all our children and grandchildren there at the same time was just too much so we decided we would elope at your beautiful chapel.
On our wedding day I can’t wait to officially become husband and wife, as we start our new life together. There is no significance at all to the date, just a random Tuesday afternoon. We enjoy both going out to eat as well as staying home and cooking dinner then sitting around a fire listening to music. We love to go antiquing and thrifting and spend time with our families.
A Dream Team That Brings the Magic
Behind every relaxed elopement is a team that knows how to create magic without the stress. For Patricia and Mark, that meant:
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful, love-filled wedding tucked into the woods of the Smoky Mountains, a relaxed July evening elopement at Chapel in the Hollow might be exactly what your heart needs. Our venue is designed to take the stress out of planning while still making every moment feel magical.
We offer affordable micro wedding packages that include florals, photography, and all the rustic-chic charm you could want. Whether you’re planning ahead or doing something spontaneous, we’re here to help you celebrate your love — your way.
Ready to start planning your own sunset ceremony in the Smokies? Contact us today — we’d love to be part of your forever.
