Carleen & Joshua’s elopement at Palmer Chapel in Smokey Mountain National Park was one to remember. From the sweet ceremony in this small, white chapel to taking photos beside elk and wildlife, it was a magical event.
The groom, his friends and the couple’s families were the first ones to arrive. I loved soaking in all of the laughter and love shared between their small guest list. There is something so special about intimate events like this one. While there is so much value in all celebrations & bringing people together, these small events have an intimate feel that truly leaves the focus on the couple & their love over the celebration itself.
Once the bride and her friends arrived, we set up the groom for their first look. It was so sweet to see Josh’s reaction as he saw his bride for the first time. It was obvious that these two are head over heels in love. These moments are what make me fall in love with my job time and time again.
Most elopements decide to do a first look over seeing each other for the first time while walking down he aisle due to the nature of elopements themselves – an event that is all about time together, your commitment & forgetting tradition in order to express love in a genuine form. Big events and traditions do not eliminate genuine expression, but it is also important not to get caught up in traditions, forgetting that genuine expression. Elopements and intimate weddings have a way of prioritizing that expression over anything else.
After their first look, Carleen and Josh said their vows surrounded by those who mean the most to them & then explored the smokey mountain national park with me! The day was simple, filled with deep love & connection & something I will never forget.
