Sometimes, the most beautiful weddings are the simplest—just love, laughter, and your favorite people in a magical place. Taylor and Justin’s sweet summer “I do” at Chapel in the Hollow is proof that you don’t need a big production to have a deeply meaningful and unforgettable day. Set against the lush, green backdrop of the East Tennessee forest, their wedding was effortlessly charming and full of heart.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your own relaxed summer wedding in the Smokies, this laid-back forest celebration is packed with ideas.

A Whimsical Forest Chapel Setup

Taylor and Justin dressed the outdoor forest chapel in dusty sage and cream fabric, one of the most popular summer color combos for couples drawn to nature-inspired tones. The look was perfectly complemented by Chapel in the Hollow’s wildflower florals, creating a light and airy woodland vibe full of rustic romance and casual elegance.

Their ceremony space radiated joy with just the right amount of wild whimsy—ideal for couples who want a woodland micro wedding that feels both intentional and unpretentious.

The Bride: Sparkles + Sass

Taylor absolutely glowed in her short, nude-pink dress from SHEIN, covered in shimmering sequins that caught the sunlight with every movement. The short hemline, sparkling texture, and playful style gave major “dancing through the forest” energy, while still keeping things cool and comfy on a warm Tennessee afternoon.

She finished her look with shoes and jewelry from Amazon and Callie, showing that you can absolutely slay your wedding style without breaking the bank. Her maid of honor doubled as her glam team, styling her hair and makeup to soft, radiant perfection.

The Groom: Casual Cool

Justin kept it laid-back and true to himself with a dress shirt and jeans, a look that’s becoming more and more popular with grooms choosing comfort and authenticity over traditional formality. His Amazon menswear paired perfectly with the forest backdrop—and with that heartfelt smile, no one was looking at anything else.

This day wasn’t about flashy details—it was about genuine emotion, and Justin proved that sometimes, a simple outfit and an open heart are all you need to shine.

A Wedding with All the Feels

This wasn’t just a wedding—it was a true blending of families. Justin’s daughter and Taylor’s two daughters were part of the ceremony, adding extra sweetness and meaning to the moment. Their ring security added a dash of humor (and style)—sunglasses and all!

The couple chose to write their own vows, and during the ceremony, Justin teared up mid-promise in one of the most touching moments of the day. It was a raw, beautiful reminder of just how deep and real love can be.

Officiated by Ian Parrott, the ceremony was heartfelt and personal—just the way it should be.

A Little Rain + A Lot of Love

After their “I dos,” the newlyweds took family photos at the chapel before heading out for portraits among the trees and in the open field. A few sprinkles of summer rain came through—just enough to give the day that kissed-by-nature feel without interrupting the fun.

With photography by Star Noir Studio and videography by Yugen Productions, every tender glance and joyful laugh was beautifully captured.

And of course, they had a classic Chapel in the Hollow moment—photos with the truck, the trees, and that dreamy mountain glow peeking through the summer leaves.

Relaxed, Real, and Radiant

Taylor and Justin’s wedding was a perfect reminder that you don’t need stress or extravagance to create something magical. A short dress, a forest chapel, a few loved ones, and a whole lot of heart… that’s the recipe for a wedding that stays with you forever.

Whether you’re dreaming of a full ceremony or an intimate elopement, Chapel in the Hollow is the place where forest magic meets meaningful simplicity.

From the Bride: 

We met on Facebook dating. We matched and started talking. The first date was movie date night at my apartment. He did a surprise proposal on Christmas Eve in front of my family. We love Tennessee! It’s beautiful and peaceful! We also have a family friend that had her wedding here and we fell in love! We are most looking forward to celebrating our love with all of our family. There’s no significance to the date — we just knew we wanted a summer wedding. We are huge horror fans so we spend a lot of time watching horror movies and ghost hunting shows.