Hawaiian-Inspired Elopement in the Smoky Mountains

January 31, 2025

When Two Islands Meet in Tennessee

Keala reached out to me months before their elopement, and right away I could tell her day would be unforgettable. She hired me for four hours as their Gatlinburg elopement photographer and planned to say "I do" at Above the Mist Weddings in Gatlinburg.

Keala is from Hawaii, and her fiancé, Juan, is from Puerto Rico. How romantic is that?! Two island hearts meeting in the Smoky Mountains — surrounded by golden fall leaves, fresh mountain air, and that cozy Tennessee charm. From the moment she told me their story, I knew this would be a beautiful celebration filled with love, culture, and laughter.

Because they both came from tropical islands, they wanted their elopement to feel like a little piece of home — warm, colorful, and joyful. Therefore, every detail carried meaning, from the tropical flowers to the family traditions they brought with them.

From Planning to Paradise

As we started planning, Keala decided to change her reception location. Originally, she planned to celebrate in a cozy cabin, but eventually she moved everything to The Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg. And honestly, that choice made perfect sense! The hotel overlooks the mountains and provides a smoother, more elegant setup.

Since October brings heavy traffic to Gatlinburg, I knew moving between venues could easily eat up time. Therefore, I suggested upgrading to my six-hour elopement package, so we wouldn't rush or miss anything. Because of that decision, the whole day flowed beautifully. We had enough time to capture every detail — and still breathe, laugh, and enjoy each moment.

In the end, that extra time gave Keala the relaxed, joyful experience she wanted. Instead of rushing through photos or worrying about traffic, she simply enjoyed her day.

A Perfect Fall Morning in the Smoky Mountains

The morning of their fall elopement in Gatlinburg TN felt absolutely magical. Since the sun hadn't fully risen, soft light filled the cabin while mountain fog drifted through the trees. Meanwhile, Keala shared that she'd ordered Hawaiian flowers shipped overnight just for her bouquet — how amazing is that?! They smelled incredible, and the colors popped perfectly against her ivory dress.

Because she mixed tropical florals with the rustic mountain setting, her style felt both elegant and relaxed. It was like Hawaii met Tennessee in the best possible way. Therefore, every photo had this beautiful balance of texture, warmth, and culture.

The Ceremony and a Touch of Hawaiian Magic

Their ceremony at Above the Mist Weddings overlooked layers of blue mountains glowing under golden sunlight. Friends and family gathered close, and everyone's faces lit up with happiness. After the ceremony, we all headed toward The Park Vista Hotel for their intimate reception.

That's when Keala surprised everyone — especially Juan — with a traditional Hawaiian hula dance! She performed it with her friends, and the entire room fell silent. Each movement carried love and meaning, and I could feel goosebumps spreading across my arms.

Since I've never been to Hawaii, witnessing that dance felt powerful. It brought their heritage right into the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Therefore, it was more than a performance — it was a moment of deep connection, love, and pride.

Love, Laughter, and the Island Spirit

From start to finish, this Hawaiian-inspired Smoky Mountain elopement radiated warmth and joy. Although we didn't take as many couple portraits as usual, Keala preferred to spend her time celebrating with her family and friends. And honestly, that choice made her day feel even more authentic.

Because her family and friends surrounded her, the atmosphere stayed light, happy, and full of laughter. Everyone danced, hugged, and celebrated until sunset. Eventually, I found myself smiling behind the camera the entire time.

In the end, this day blended the best of both worlds — the tropical energy of Hawaii and Puerto Rico with the mountain beauty of Tennessee. As their Smoky Mountains elopement photographer, I left that night feeling deeply grateful for the chance to capture such a beatiful story. I especially loved watching everyone on the dance floor — even Juan's mom joined in! Seeing her dance and laugh with everyone was the sweetest way to end the night. The entire room was full of joy, movement, and pure happiness.