Sentimental September“I Do” at Chapel in the Hollow
Kailyn and Jonathan – September 12, 2025
A Simple Country Wedding with Heirloom Heart in the Smoky Mountains
Some weddings are beautiful. Others are emotional. And then some—like Kailyn and Jonathan’s—are deeply personal, weaving legacy, creativity, and love into every moment. Their simple country micro wedding at Chapel in the Hollow was a perfect blend of sweet sentiment and natural elegance, set against the dreamy backdrop of our lush Tennessee forest.
A Smoky Mountain Setting with a DIY Heart
For their early fall wedding, Kailyn and Jonathan chose a classic and timeless color palette: dusty blue and dusty sage, two soft hues that harmonized beautifully with the greenery of the Smokies. The couple opted for our outdoor forest chapel, nestled beneath the trees, and brought it to life with handmade florals and terrarium-style decorations—crafted with love by the bride herself.
Hanging from the pews and dotting the steps, her DIY touches created a whimsical, woodland vibe. It was clear that Kailyn’s creativity and heart were poured into every single detail—turning the chapel into a scene straight out of a Pinterest board.
Bridal Style That Took Our Breath Away
Kailyn’s bridal look was both romantic and effortlessly natural. She wore a sleeveless wedding gown with layers of soft, flowing fabric and a mid-length train that danced in the breeze. A delicate veil added the perfect touch of traditional charm, and her minimalist makeup and glowing smile made her forest-bride aesthetic complete.
Getting ready with her mom by her side, there were tears(happy ones, of course), laughter, and plenty of love. These getting-ready moments are some of the most cherished—and photographer Star Noir Studio was there to catch every teary-eyed smile and stolen glance.
First Looks and Forest Feels
Before the ceremony, we mixed things up a bit—capturing first looks and portraits early in the day so the couple could fully enjoy their post-ceremony time with guests.
First, Kailyn shared a first look with Jonathan, and his reaction? Swoon-worthy. The way he looked at her said everything. Then came a touching first look with her dad, and let’s just say there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.
With their closest family already gathered, we snapped some pre-ceremony portraits—a great way to ease any nerves and soak in the excitement before walking down the aisle.
A Legacy of Love
As Kailyn’s father walked her down the aisle, all eyes were on her and Jonathan—two people so clearly and deeply in love. Their personalized vows were emotional, heartfelt, and had everyone reaching for tissues.
One of the most unforgettable details? Kailyn’s wedding ring set has been passed down through five generations—a beautiful symbol of enduring love, commitment, and family legacy. If you’re looking for inspiration for heirloom wedding traditions, this is it.
Post-Ceremony Play + Mountain View Magic
After a few group shots at the chapel, we headed to Kailyn’s most-anticipated photo location—the field with the mountain view, bathed in soft golden September light.
As the Smoky Mountains rolled across the horizon and sunlight kissed the fields, the newlyweds twirled, laughed, and stole a few quiet moments just for themselves. These were the kind of images that will live on as framed memories—simple, joyful, timeless.
And yes… their sweet pup Sage was there for it all—adding even more love(and a few tail wags) to the day!
A Simple Country Wedding with Heart and Soul
Kailyn and Jonathan’s wedding was the epitome of a simple country wedding done right. It was intimate, heartfelt, and full of meaningful, intentional choices. From handmade décor and legacy rings to tear-filled vows and mountain views, it had everything a modern couple could ask for—plus all the charm and coziness that a Smoky Mountain micro wedding delivers.
Whether you’re dreaming of a similar intimate celebration or gathering inspiration for your own handmade wedding details, their day is proof that love, family, and thoughtful touches are what make a wedding truly unforgettable.
From the Bride
We met on a dating app! Our first date was in Waco, Texas. We went to a Mexican restaurant, had ice cream, then drinks at a local college bar. Talked forever and ever about our hopes and dreams, likes and dislikes, swapping stories until he had to leave to get back to his college campus. It was the best first date! Jonathan proposed at our home with just us and our dog, our perfect little family.
We live here in Knoxville and both love the mountains and knew Chapel in the Hollow would be the perfect place to start our next chapter. We can’t wait to cellebrate our commitment to each other and God before our friends and family. We chose this date because our birthdays are September 14th and 15th.
We are obsessed with our dog, TV shows, and board games. The most important thing to us is to honor the Lord with our relationship and new marriage
At Chapel in the Hollow, we specialize in intimate forest weddings, elopements, and micro weddings for couples who want something heartfelt, beautiful, and just a little off the beaten path. With a range of customizable packages, décor options, and add-ons like floral upgrades or our mountain-view portrait spots, your day can be as simple or styled as you like.
Explore more real wedding stories or get in touch with us here to start planning your own forest fairytale.
