Romantic East Tennessee Forest Wedding – Tori and Tyler

08.21.25

A Romantic Forest Micro Wedding in the Smokies

Tori and Tyler – August 16, 2025

When it comes to dreamy forest weddings, it doesn’t get much more magical than Tori and Tyler’s romantic micro wedding at Chapel in the Hollow. Nestled deep in the heart of East Tennessee, our venue offers a one-of-a-kind woodland escape for couples looking to tie the knot surrounded by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains—and this August wedding was the perfect showcase for everything we love about outdoor ceremonies.

A Forest Fairytale Comes to Life

Tori and Tyler brought the romance to life by dressing the chapel in a soft palette of dusty blue and dusty sage fabric, complemented by our signature blue and yellow florals. They added our candle package, which created a warm, ethereal glow as they said their vows beneath the trees. From start to finish, this wedding was pure fairytale magic.

Tori looked every bit the enchanted forest queen in a sleeveless satin gown with a graceful train that flowed like poetry across the mossy woodland floor. Her hair was curled and gathered to the side, topped with a sparkling tiara that gave her a regal touch worthy of any romantic fantasy. Her mother and sister helped her get ready, sharing laughter and love before both of her dads proudly escorted her down the aisle.

Tyler leaned into southern charm with a look that was both timeless and relaxed—jeans paired with a white vest, suit jacket, and baby blue tie. The summer heat didn’t stand a chance against his cool, classic style.

Meaningful Moments That Melted Hearts

What made this celebration even more special was the deep family involvement. Tyler’s father, Patrick, officiated the ceremony, bringing an extra layer of love and emotion to the proceedings. They incorporated a handfasting ritual—an ancient Celtic tradition symbolizing the binding of two lives—which added a timeless, heartfelt touch to an already beautiful day.

After sharing their vows in front of a small group of loved ones, we captured family portraits at the chapel, then whisked the couple away for some seriously stunning mountain-view photos in the field. Against the late summer backdrop, with the Smoky Mountains in the distance, every frame was pure magic.

A Micro Wedding with Maximum Love

Tori and Tyler’s day is a reminder that you don’t need a big crowd to have a big impact. Their intimate wedding was full of meaning, beauty, and the kind of love that radiates in every detail. Whether it was the glow of the candles, the warmth of the handfasting, or the sparkle in their eyes, this was the kind of celebration that lingers long after the day is done.

If you’re dreaming of your own romantic forest micro wedding in East Tennessee, we’d be honored to be a part of it. At Chapel in the Hollow, we specialize in creating intimate, magical elopements and mini weddings that feel like a page out of a storybook.

From the Bride

We met unexpectedly through mutual friends several years ago. We had dated for a few months and then decided to start a new life together. A few months after that we found out we were pregnant with our baby girl. Soon we had this blended family, an older son from Tyler and an older daughter from me. Like all couples we had ups and downs but were always drawn back together and are stronger than ever now. We decided to start fresh together in Missouri, I had just gotten out of a new program for work and he has started a new school and are ready to be married and spend the rest of our lives together. Our first date was exciting, calm and the most comfortable. I had never felt this way before and honestly knew form the beginning that we were meant to be together.

Tyler proposed, it was a day before my birthday. Originally he wanted to propose at this pumpkin patch I had been wanting to go to but unfortunately it was closed so he had to coordinate with my sister quick to find a different option. We ended up going to a nice park in town where the path led to this beautiful bridge known as Love Lock Bridge and we were exploring all the other locks left behind from other couples when he proposed to me while my sister was with our daughter taking pictures and video. Afterwards we put our own lock on the bridge.

Choosing to get married in the mountains of Tennessee was all my idea and he has helped make that dream come true. I’ve always the mountains and being out in the country and loved the idea of getting married in such a beautiful scenery. I can’t wait to marry my best friend in front of our family members and taking amazing photos!

We try to do weekly date nights but love just spending time with each other, our kids and taking them out on fun activities.

Wedding Dress Wedding Shoes and Wedding Bouquet Wedding Rings and Ring Box Ideas Getting Ready Photo Ideas Romantic East Tennessee Forest Wedding Smoky Mountain Wedding Photography East Tennessee Bridal Photography Smoky Mountain Bride and Groom East Tennessee Wedding Photographer

Vendor Love

Venue & Chapel Florals: Chapel in the Hollow
Photography: Star Noir Studio
Dress: David’s Bridal
Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse
Rings: Modern Gents
Shoes: DSW – Designer Shoe Warehouse
Officiant: Patrick Mahoney (Groom’s Father)
Hair & Makeup: Lisa Mahoney (Groom’s Mother) & the Bride
Bouquet: Handmade by the Bride

Ready to create your own romantic forest wedding in the Smokies? Peruse the website to learn more about our venue, view available packages, or contact us here.

chapelinthehollow@gmail.com 865-696-5348