If there is anything more breathtaking than a Smoky Mountain sunset, it is seeing two people promise forever in its golden glow. Patricia and Mark’s July evening elopement at Chapel in the Hollow was a beautiful mix of warmth, romance, and easy Southern charm that will be remembered for years to come.
Southern Charm Meets Smoky Mountain Serenity
Tucked into the quiet woodlands of East Tennessee, Chapel in the Hollow offered the perfect setting for their golden-hour vows. The chapel was dressed in soft sand and peach draping with our signature blush and bashful florals, creating a dreamy, sunlit glow that matched the relaxed feel of their wedding day.
It was everything a summer elopement should be: sweet, unfussy, and full of Southern character.
The Bride and Groom: Rustic Elegance with a Personal Twist
Patricia looked radiant in a lace-sleeved gown from Torrid, accented with a jeweled belt and vintage-inspired accessories. Her cowboy boots and western-style earrings added rustic personality that fit our woodland chapel perfectly.
Mark kept it classic and country in jeans, a black vest, and his signature cowboy hat. His smile was as bright as the sunset as Patricia walked down the aisle.
Her white gold engagement ring and diamond wedding band from Kay Jewelers were timeless pieces that complemented their heartfelt celebration.
A Ceremony Full of Heart
Their vows were short, sweet, and deeply personal. Officiant Ian Parrott created a custom ceremony that kept the couple smiling and laughing the whole time. They had planned to enjoy a wedding cake together, but when the cake did not survive the trip, they toasted with champagne instead. The change fit perfectly with their joyful and easygoing spirit.
Golden-Hour Portraits in the Forest
After the ceremony, Patricia and Mark explored some of our favorite spots for photos. Star Noir Studio captured the moss-covered tree, the ivy-wrapped archway, the forest road, the chapel sign, and our vintage truck.
Every image reflected the warmth of the evening sun and the comfort of a love that feels natural, genuine, and completely at home.
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.