If you’ve ever wondered what summer wedding dreams look like nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, look no further than Sarah and Joel’s joyful micro wedding at Chapel in the Hollow. With the sun shining, wildflowers blooming, and love in the air, their day was a celebration of everything that makes East Tennessee elopements so special.
A Pop of Color in a Woodland Wonderland
Sarah and Joel chose to dress the chapel in flowing white fabric paired with wildflower-inspired florals, a combination that truly popped against the lush summer greenery surrounding our forest chapel. The result was a vibrant, rustic setting with just the right mix of whimsy and romance—ideal for a Smoky Mountain summer wedding.
But the real showstopper? Sarah’s short red dress! In a beautiful break from tradition, she chose a bold, fiery hue that reflected her fun, vibrant personality. With a radiant smile and a sparkle in her eye, she reminded us that every bride should feel free to be exactly herself. Joel complemented her perfectly in a tan suit, relaxed and stylish, blending effortlessly into the woodland backdrop.
A Family-Focused Wedding Experience
This sweet summer ceremony was all about connection and love—especially family love. Sarah’s son and daughter had the honor of walking her down the aisle, and the moment Joel turned to see her standing in the archway, his entire face lit up with joy.
Their ceremony, officiated by Ian Parrott, was heartfelt and intimate, with just the right balance of laughter and emotion. After their vows, the couple celebrated with a joyful bubble exit and gathered everyone for a big group photo, followed by portraits with their children—capturing the essence of their tight-knit family and the beauty of their blended love story.
Capturing the Summer Magic
With Star Noir Studio behind the camera, we took a stroll around the property for couple’s portraits beneath the canopy of trees, beside the field, and under the soft summer light filtering through the leaves. Whether it’s the field, mossy forest paths, or the chapel itself, Chapel in the Hollow offers countless opportunities for magical wedding photos that look like a woodland fairytale.
And let’s be honest—it was hot (because Tennessee in July doesn’t mess around ), but these two made it look easy. From joyful giggles to intimate embraces, Sarah and Joel’s love glowed as brightly as the summer sun.
From the Bride:
Joel and I worked together and also dated in high school. We went our separate ways and now, almost 20 years later, are together again and ready to get married…finally. Joel proposed, right after we had bought our house. We chose East Tennessee for our summer wedding because we wanted a remote, small intimate wedding. We are most looking forward to finally being married and joining our growing family. I have 2 children, Seth and Sophia, and we are expecting to grow our family more with identical girls this fall! Special thanks to our family for traveling to be with us on this day and special thanks to my sister, Ashley, who has helped every step of the way.