A Romantic Spring Morning Micro Wedding in the Forest:
Dreamy“I Do”s at Chapel in the Hollow
Luke and Abigail – May 25, 2025
If you’ve ever imagined a wedding that feels like stepping into an early morning fairytale — quiet, heartfelt, and surrounded by nature — then Abigail and Luke’s spring morning micro wedding in the forest at Chapel in the Hollow will sweep you off your feet.
Set against the peaceful backdrop of the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, their ceremony was everything a forest micro wedding should be: meaningful, low-stress, and full of personal touches that celebrated not just their love, but their families and their future.
A Serene Setting for a Forest Ceremony
To set the scene, Abigail and Luke chose soft white fabric draping for the chapel paired with our bohemian-inspired florals — a dreamy combo that perfectly matched the soft, overcast light of a spring morning. The design was minimal but intentional, creating a romantic setting without overpowering the natural beauty of the forest around them.
There’s something so magical about morning weddings here at Chapel in the Hollow — the forest is quiet, the light is gentle, and everything feels fresh and full of promise. It’s the perfect time to celebrate a new beginning.
Elegant Bridal Style Meets Laid-Back Vibes
Abigail looked like she walked straight out of a bridal editorial. She wore a spaghetti strap silk wedding gown with a flowing train and a tasteful slit — a look that was effortlessly chic with just the right touch of drama. Her bridal style was modern and minimal, and she did her own hair and makeup, embracing the simplicity of the morning and letting her natural beauty shine.
Her accessories — from her Olive and Piper jewelry to the Badgley Mischka heels from DSW and Dillard’s — added a subtle sparkle without taking away from the relaxed, intimate vibe of the day.
Luke brought the perfect contrast with a forest green suit from Jos. A. Bank, pulled together with a boho floral boutonniere from our in-house floral collection. Together, they were a vision of modern elegance and forest romance.
A Family-Focused Ceremony
One of the most touching moments of the day? Both of Luke’s parents walked him down the aisle, while Abigail’s parents escorted her — a beautiful and symbolic way to include their families in the journey ahead. Moments like these are what make micro weddings so meaningful: they allow space for connection, intention, and unforgettable memories.
They exchanged personal vows that had everyone wiping away a tear or two. You could feel the sincerity, the laughter, and the deep respect they have for each other in every word they shared.
Portraits in the Forest + A Sweet Reception to Follow
After sealing the deal with a kiss and some joyful applause, we spent some time taking family portraits at the chapel before venturing off for couples photos. We hit some of our favorite spots — the mossy tree, the creek, and the open field — and the springtime forest was putting on a full show with blooming greens and soft filtered light.
Later, they planned to continue the celebration at Bella Event Venue in Maryville, creating the perfect two-part experience: an intimate forest ceremony followed by a relaxed reception with family and friends. This format is becoming a favorite for couples who want the best of both worlds — and we’re all for it!
From the Bride
We met on Hinge! Of course it was a dating app, and we struck up a conversation based on my 2 little dogs and her 6 cats. We semi-spontaneously met up for our first date at a Barnes and Noble near the mall, where we sat and chatted for a good couple hours. Soon after (what would eventually become our third date), Luke was planning to take a Wednesday off of work to go hike Mt. Leconte, and Abby mentioned that she also had Wednesday off. Luke, somewhat hesitantly, asked if she would be up for an all-day 13-mile hike up and down the mountain, to which she agreed. The rest is history! We hiked, talked, and strained to get up the mountain, snagged dinner at a cute diner on the way home, and were hooked onto each other. Luke proposed about a year and a half later during another hike to the top of Mount Leconte. It was a good surprise when we were (almost) alone at the top of the mountain during a gorgeous March morning, and Luke pulled out a ring when we sat and enjoyed the clear, sunny day.
We live in Alcoa, absolutely love nature and the mountains, and it only makes sense to keep a very connected-with-nature setting for our wedding since it’s such a core part of how we met, connected, and subsequently have lived our lives. On our wedding day we are looking forward to Being married, of course! Making an official commitment to each other as we continue forward in our lives. 5/25/25 is a nice repetitive date (easy to remember!) and the holiday weekend works super well for family and friends to travel to the area.
We love hiking, biking, being outdoors, staying active in the gym, trying all kinds of new foods, exploring new cities (and were recently traveling Japan for 2 weeks with our friends!), Luke likes to drum and occasionally plays in some local student shows, Abby likes to sew and has been challenging herself to create new things (most recently, an adorable stuffed goose and hopefully some homemade clothes soon)
Dreaming of Your Own Spring Morning Micro Wedding in the Forest?
If Abigail and Luke’s wedding day is speaking your language, here’s your sign to go for it! A spring morning micro wedding in the forest is ideal for couples who crave a peaceful, nature-filled celebration with just the right amount of elegance.
At Chapel in the Hollow, we offer customizable wedding packages designed to make your day easy, beautiful, and uniquely you — whether you’re dreaming of silk gowns and green suits, boho florals, or simply saying“I do” beneath the trees.
