Connie and Stan ventured into the heart of the forest for their enchanting October Smoky Mountain elopement at Chapel in the Hollow. The chapel was adorned with the lovely colors of peach fabric, elegantly complemented by our blush and bashful florals. It was a perfect setting for their special day. Connie was a vision in her spaghetti strap dress, adorned with faux sleeves and a cathedral-length veil that added an air of timeless elegance to her look. She truly was a breathtaking bride. Stan, embodying a distinct Scottish feel, looked dapper in brown pants, a patterned vest, and a tan overcoat. His outfit was a nod to his heritage, and it added a unique charm to their day. The personal touches didn’t stop with the attire. Connie, who is truly a multi-talented bride, crafted their cake herself. The cake table was adorned with a scarf in Stan’s family tartan, adding a heartwarming familial element to their celebration. After their sweet ceremony, Connie and Stan participated in a Quaich ceremony, where they both shared a drink from the traditional two-handled cup. A symbol of love, trust, and unity – a perfect addition to their elopement. Connie also brought a tartan wrap, which she wore for pictures. It beautifully matched Stan’s tartan socks and was the perfect accessory for their lovely photos. Following their magical day, Connie and Stan are setting off on a charming mini-honeymoon to Asheville. A beautiful way to start this new chapter in their lives.

From the Bride: Our families attended the same church growing up. We actually met at a tent revival. I was in high school and he was at UGA. (GO DAWGS!) He was my first boyfriend. After college, he joined the Air Force, I finished school and by the time he returned I had married. He also went on to marry and over 35 years later, after children and grandchildren, we reconnected on Facebook while I was battling breast cancer. When we ran into each other three years after that, at the funeral of our former pastor, we had no idea how important our renewed friendship would become. Even though we would not see one another again for many years, that friendship celebrated joyful events, supported us through health scares, and carried us through some very difficult trials. God has blessed that friendship and grown it to become the foundation of the deep and abiding love we now share. And now 43 years after first meeting, we are excited to commit our lives to one another at such a beautiful setting as the Chapel in the Hollow. We are proof that it is never too late for a happily ever after! In 1980 our first date was at a drive-in theater. (Remember those?) The movie escapes us… was there even a movie on the screen? LOL! And this go-round, it was a late afternoon stroll through Atlanta’s historic Oakland Cemetery followed by a romantic rooftop dinner watching the sunset at the fantastic Six Feet Under restaurant. The Smoky Mountains in the fall is one of our most favorite places in the world, and we fell in love with the charm of Chapel in the Hollow when we found you online. We knew it was the perfect place for us to begin our Happily Ever After.

From the Groom: Even though Connie knew she was the love of my life and had an idea that I may propose soon, she had no idea where we were going nor what the night would hold when I asked her to get all dolled up for a night on the town. I had arranged to have two dozen roses delivered to the best table in the house at the phenomenal Ray’s on the River, one of Atlanta’s most romantic restaurants overlooking the Chattahoochee River. We enjoyed a fantastic dinner while taking in a picturesque sunset. While awaiting our coffee, I made my move. The look of surprise on her face was priceless when I got down on one knee, pulled the ring box out of my jacket, and asked if she would do me the honor of becoming my wife. It was the happiest moment in my life when she said, “Absolutely!” as the surrounding tables applauded and the manager brought champagne.

From the Bride and Groom: We are so much alike in so many ways. We both love travel, cooking together, and music and the arts. Since we both have a great sense of humor, we laugh together all the time! Most of all, we just love spending time with one another regardless of what we’re doing.