by Gulnaz Hardin

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Bridal portrait after elopement

Intimate Cabin Wedding Janice and Chris

January 31, 2025

A Special Beginning

At the start of 2024, I received a lovely message from Janice and Chris. Janice reached out to show her interest in my work, and I was beyond excited to hear from her! After discussing the various elopement packages I offer, she decided to book me for their intimate elopement at King’s Lodge, a charming cabin nestled in the Wears Valley area.

They chose this beautiful Smoky Mountain location because of the special memories they had created there over time. The mountains had become a cherished place for them, making it the perfect setting for their wedding. Since they had spent many meaningful moments there, they knew it was where they wanted to say their vows.

A Laid-Back, Love-Filled Celebration

From the beginning, Janice emphasized that she wanted a relaxed and intimate wedding. As I read through their questionnaire and spoke with them about their vision, I could feel her excitement shining through. She envisioned a day surrounded by their closest family and friends, all while taking in the beauty of the mountains. Naturally, I was thrilled to help bring that vision to life! We worked together to make sure every detail reflected their love and personalities

Couple getting married at Magnolia venue

Getting Ready for the Ceremony

As soon as I met Janice, I was instantly drawn to her warm personality and the special bond she shared with her beautiful daughter. Her daughter was right by her side, helping her get ready for her big moment, which made the entire experience even more sentimental.

Janice looked stunning in her long-sleeve wedding dress, paired with a flowing wedding veil that added a touch of magic to her look. Her elegant wedding heels complemented her dress perfectly. Before the ceremony, I took some time to capture meaningful details—her Bible, wedding rings, and wedding invitation—preserving the essence of their special day. Watching Janice’s mom and daughter help her prepare was such a heartwarming moment, filled with love and support. It was clear that this was more than just a wedding; it was a cherished family memory in the making.

A Beautiful Mountain Ceremony

Once Janice was ready, we stepped outside for the ceremony. As expected, the ceremony site was breathtaking, with panoramic mountain views that created a dreamy, romantic backdrop. Love and emotion filled the air as they exchanged vows, and happy tears flowed freely among their family and friends. The moment they said “I do” was simply unforgettable.

Janice and Chris, originally from Alabama, met while serving in the military. Their shared experiences strengthened their bond and shaped their beautiful love story. Even more special, Janice’s sister flew in from Seattle to celebrate with them—it was her first time visiting the Smoky Mountains, making the occasion even more meaningful. This added another layer of excitement to an already incredible day.

Golden Hour Portraits

After the ceremony, everyone moved on to the reception while I took the newlyweds outside for sunset portraits. As the golden hour light was shining over the mountains, it provided the perfect setting to capture their love. These moments felt timeless, with the warm glow of the setting sun adding an extra layer of romance. Every single shot radiated love and happiness.

Additionally, the serene atmosphere allowed the couple to soak in the joy of their special day. The way they held each other, laughed, and whispered sweet words made for truly magical photos that they will cherish forever. Their love was undeniable, and the stunning scenery only enhanced the beauty of the moment.

A Heartfelt Reception

The reception was intimate and filled with warmth. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Janice and Chris celebrated their new journey together. Not only was there laughter and heartfelt toasts, but also a few tearful moments as loved ones expressed their joy for the couple. The love in the room was simply contagious!

Among their guests were some special friends from the military, whose presence added to the love-filled atmosphere of the evening. Their presence meant so much to the couple and made the night even more special. The evening was a perfect blend of celebration, nostalgia, and new beginnings.

A Love Story in the Smoky Mountains

Janice and Chris’s elopement was more than just a wedding—it was a celebration of love, connection, and the beauty of simplicity. The Smoky Mountains provided the perfect backdrop for their special day, proving that an intimate elopement can be just as meaningful and magical as a grand wedding.

If you’re considering eloping in this breathtaking area, take inspiration from Janice and Chris’s love story. Your wedding day should be exactly what you want it to be—beautiful, intimate, and filled with love. The magic of the mountains, combined with the joy of your special day, will create memories that last a lifetime.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Family photos after Elopment at King's lodge, Pigeon forge