There’s something so magical about a simple, love-filled ceremony surrounded by nature — and Jenny and Rich’s July Tennessee elopement at Chapel in the Hollow was the perfect example of that serene, heartwarming magic.
Tucked into the forest of East Tennessee, our chapel served as the backdrop for this couple’s intimate midday celebration, full of heartfelt moments and intentional details. If you’re dreaming of a stress-free elopement that still feels meaningful and stunning, you’ll want to soak up all the gorgeous inspiration from their big day.
A Perfectly Personal Wedding Setting
Jenny and Rich chose a timeless yet earthy color palette for their ceremony, dressing the chapel in soft champagne and navy fabric, perfectly paired with our succulent florals and matching wreaths. The result? A peaceful, organic look that felt at home in the lush July greenery of the Smokies.
Jenny embodied effortless boho-chic style in a lace overlay gown with a flowing train — a dress that moved with the breeze and highlighted her radiant joy. She brought her own bouquet full of personality and charm, which added a lovely custom touch to the setting.
Rich looked equally dashing in navy pants, a white button-down shirt, and a classic brown vest — a relaxed-yet-polished look that tied in beautifully with the natural palette.
A Family Affair with All the Feels
This day wasn’t just about the couple — it was a celebration of family and love in its truest form. Their daughter took on double duty as flower girl and ring bearer, sprinkling sweetness into every moment she was part of.
One of the most touching aspects of the day was the ceremony itself. Rather than hiring a stranger, Jenny and Rich asked a close friend to officiate, creating an intimate and meaningful experience that had everyone smiling(and maybe tearing up a little too).
After they exchanged vows, the couple made their way back down the aisle through a whimsical bubble exit, a joyful way to kick off their next chapter together.
Photos with Purpose and Personality
With their ceremony complete, we ventured into the woods for portraits along our shaded forest path, capturing those warm, glowy moments with their little one. Then it was off to the mossy tree, one of our favorite romantic photo spots at Chapel in the Hollow.
Even in the heat and humidity of a Tennessee July afternoon, Jenny and Rich were absolutely glowing — the love they share was written all over their faces, and it was such an honor to capture it.
From the Bride
Rich and I meet in Iwakuni, Japan. He was in the Marine Corps. Both of us were going through divorce from other marriages. I moved back to Indiana, and we maintained a long distance relationship for exactly one year. After Rich finished his time in Japan, I moved out to Barstow, California with him till he retired after 16 years of service. Our first date was going to Glass Beach with a group of friends for the day and going back to his house for a cookout.
Rich proposed to me in January of 2024 in our bathroom when I was getting our daughter ready for bed because she ruined the secret that was going to happen in Hawaii. You don’t take a 4 year old to the ring store…Dad learned the hard way about kids and secrets! I was shocked but I had a feeling because the ring store gave our daughter a stuffed animal and after seeing that it made me think and she could not hold the secret and spilled the beans to me on the new stuffy and the store they got it from with a little extra for me but I had to wait…Rich didn’t wait, and I went to Hawaii with a ring on my finger, and our daughter extremely excited we will soon have the same last names. We took a family trip to the East Tennessee 4 years ago. With us living in Indiana now, I wanted to elope and do something simple but special for our day.
On our wedding day, I’m looking forward to finally being one and sharing our lives together as a family and sharing the same last names….its only been 10 years! We picked July 24th because it is 10 years ago we started talking. Rich and I like to be outdoors. Camping, hunting, fishing in our free time along with raising daughter together.
Final Touches & Vendor Shoutouts
Every detail of this wedding reflected their thoughtful planning and commitment to making the day feel like“them.” From Jenny’s Amazon.com dress to the custom florals from Love is Blooming, it was all about celebrating love simply but beautifully.
Here are the talented vendors who helped bring their day to life:
If Jenny and Rich’s heartfelt elopement speaks to your soul, we’d love to help you create your own dreamy, relaxed wedding day nestled in the woods of East Tennessee.
Whether you’re planning a quiet weekday celebration or a vibrant weekend micro wedding, Chapel in the Hollow offers the perfect setting — natural, romantic, and beautifully stress-free.
Located just a short drive from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, our venue is ideal for couples looking for a private ceremony with major charm.
