Reese & Dylan – A Dreamy Spring Elopement in the Smoky Mountains

January 31, 2025

As a professional elopement photographer in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains, I have the incredible opportunity to capture the most beautiful and intimate love stories. One of my favorite elopements was Reese and Dylan’s unforgettable spring elopement in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Planning an Intimate Elopement in the Smoky Mountains

Reese first reached out to me in the fall, excited to plan her perfect Smoky Mountain elopement with close family at a cozy cabin. From the very beginning, I could feel her excitement through her emails. She had a clear vision for her special day, and planning everything together was simple and stress-free.

Since Reese and Dylan had already planned their dream honeymoon in Mexico, they had an early morning flight the next day. Because of this, they didn’t want to stay up too late but still wanted to have a fun and memorable grand exit. After discussing different options, we decided on a bubble exit, and I absolutely loved how magical it turned out!

The Beauty of a Mountain Cabin Wedding

Getting to their Gatlinburg cabin elopement was an adventure in itself. Their cabin was tucked high up in the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The drive was long and winding, but once I arrived, I was in awe of the stunning scenery surrounding their intimate wedding location.

When I stepped inside, the excitement was already in the air. The bridesmaids were busy getting ready, applying makeup, and making sure Reese looked absolutely stunning for her big day. While they were finishing up, I went downstairs to the groom room and met Dylan. We instantly clicked—he was incredibly friendly, well-mannered, and easy to talk to. We chatted about how he and Reese met, shared some laughs about dating apps, and talked about how excited he was to finally marry the love of his life.

Capturing the Elegant Wedding Details

While Reese was getting ready, surrounded by her bridesmaids in their stunning rust-orange dresses, I took the opportunity to capture all the intricate wedding details. Her princess bride dress hung beautifully, waiting for the moment she would step into it. The delicate lacework and flowing train made it a dream to photograph. The bridal bouquet, filled with warm autumn tones, perfectly complemented the season and the overall wedding aesthetic.

I also focused on the meaningful elements—the wedding rings, carefully placed for the perfect shot, and the invitation suite that tied everything together. Meanwhile, Reese’s mother looked absolutely radiant in her mom of the bride dress, a deep maroon gown with elegant long sleeves. The rich, warm tones of the bridesmaid dresses and her mother’s attire blended seamlessly, creating a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere.

I couldn’t have asked for a better day—it was a crisp, cool afternoon, ideal for capturing every moment without the worry of heat or rain. As a wedding photographer in Knoxville, Tennessee, I always appreciate when the weather cooperates, allowing me to focus on capturing authentic moments without interruptions. Whether photographing weddings in the heart of Knoxville or in the breathtaking landscapes of the Smoky Mountains, I strive to tell each couple’s story in a way that feels both timeless and unique.

An Emotional First Look and Private Vows

That day, we had strong wind warnings, and the weather was extremely unpredictable—something you have to be prepared for when planning an outdoor elopement in the Smoky Mountains. But despite the strong winds, the couple and their families were in great spirits, and the excitement of the day made every challenge worth it.

We started with a first look with Reese’s dad, a moment filled with love and emotion. Then, Reese and Dylan decided to do a first touch instead of a first look, keeping the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony. Instead, they stood back-to-back, holding hands, and read their private vows to each other. It was one of the most emotional moments of the entire day—both of them had tears in their eyes, and you could feel the deep love they shared. As an elopement photographer in the Great Smoky Mountains, capturing these intimate moments is what I love most about my job.

A Beautiful Mountain-Top Ceremony

Despite the strong winds, the couple had their beautiful mountain-top elopement ceremony with their closest family members. The backdrop of the rolling Smoky Mountains made for an unforgettable setting. They exchanged vows, shared their first kiss as husband and wife, and celebrated with their family.

After the ceremony, we took stunning newlywed portraits in the Smoky Mountains, capturing the breathtaking views and golden light. We also took family photos to remember the special moments shared with their loved ones.

A Cozy Cabin Reception and Bubble Exit

Back at the cabin, the couple shared their first dance as husband and wife, followed by a sweet father-daughter dance. The atmosphere was warm, cozy, and filled with love.

Since they had an early morning flight for their honeymoon, they didn’t want a long reception, but they still wanted a fun way to end the night. That’s where the bubble exit came in! Everyone gathered outside with bubble wands, filling the air with hundreds of tiny floating bubbles as Reese and Dylan made their grand exit. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Why the Smoky Mountains Are Perfect for Your Elopement

If you’re dreaming of a stress-free elopement in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, or the Great Smoky Mountains, you won’t find a more beautiful and romantic setting. Whether you choose a secluded mountain cabin, a scenic Smoky overlook, or a hidden waterfall, the Smoky Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for an intimate wedding day.

As a Smoky Mountain elopement photographer, I love helping couples plan and capture their dream elopement. If you’re considering eloping in Gatlinburg or anywhere in the Smokies, I’d love to hear about your vision and help you create unforgettable memories!