A Love Story in the Smoky Mountains
Allie and Avery’s story begins like many modern romances – they met through a mutual friend in a computer lab at Purdue University in March 2020. Allie showed up with coffee during a late-night study session, and something clicked between them instantly. Living just blocks apart, they spent lockdown together and became one of those rare COVID relationship success stories.
Their journey led to a magical proposal at Inamuragasaki Seaside Park in Japan, with the sunset behind Mt. Fuji creating the perfect backdrop. For their wedding, they chose the stunning ceremony space at 1101 Cole Lane in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, known as Appalachian Wedding Company.
The Vision: Simple, Whimsical, and Personal
From the start, Allie and Avery wanted their wedding to feel like a small family gathering – casual yet meaningful. They chose a light, summery color palette of blue, greenery, and white to create a whimsical, laid-back atmosphere.
Their wedding included many personal touches:
- Allie painted flowers and their reception cabin, then digitized the artwork for their invitations
- Avery 3D printed their new initials “AT” as glass decorations
- They collected vintage ace of hearts playing cards as guest favors (a nod to both their names starting with A)
The Perfect Mountain Setting
The ceremony took place at 1101 Cole Lane in Gatlinburg, with the vast Smoky Mountains creating a breathtaking backdrop. This venue, part of Appalachian Wedding Company, offers some of the most stunning views in East Tennessee.
Many couples struggle to find wedding venues in the area that balance natural beauty with accessibility, but this location checked all the boxes for Allie and Avery.
Why They Chose This Venue
The couple selected this specific location for several reasons:
- The panoramic mountain views
- The intimate setting perfect for their small gathering
- Being pet-friendly so their Border Collie, Wilson, could participate
- Its proximity to amazing photo locations
Newlywed Photos in Greenbrier
After saying “I do,” the couple ventured deeper into Great Smoky Mountains National Park for their newlywed photos. Greenbrier, a less crowded area of the park, provided a lush, natural setting for their wedding portraits.
They had fun climbing rocks by Little Pigeon River and wandering through the woods (with at least one spider encounter!). These Greenbrier wedding photographs in Gatlinburg captured not just their love, but the natural beauty of the Smokies.
For couples thinking about how to elope in the Smoky Mountains, Greenbrier offers a more secluded alternative to some of the busier park areas.
Special Moments and Personal Touches
Allie and Avery each had favorite moments from their day:
Allie’s favorite: “The first look and getting that time together before we saw everyone else was so special.”
Avery’s favorite: “Hanging out with our friends and family at the venue before the ceremony, everyone dressed in shades of blue and enjoying the views.”
Other special elements included:
- Stunning floral arrangements from Forever Florals in Knoxville
- Allie’s Jenny Yoo “Watson” dress with a silk scarf addition
- A classic Chantilly cake from Publix
- Hair styling by Bangs and Blush
- Wilson, their 8.5-year-old Border Collie, dressed in a suit and tie as best man
5 Tips for Planning Your Own Ceremony in Gatlinburg
If you’re thinking about hosting your own wedding in Gatlinburg or taking newlywed photos in Greenbrier, here are some tips from Allie and Avery’s experience:
- Take one task at a time – The to-do list will be long, but focus on one thing at a time to ensure it’s exactly what you want.
- Consider the weather – Mountain weather can change quickly. Have a backup plan for rain, as Allie and Avery needed when a downpour hit during their reception.
- Plan for travel time – Budget extra time for traveling between venues, especially during busy tourist seasons (they had to navigate through Jeep Invasion!).
- Include your pets – If having your furry family members present is important, choose a venue that welcomes them.
- Capture the scenery – Work with your photographer to plan specific photo locations in the Smokies, like Greenbrier, that showcase the natural beauty.
Recommended Vendors
Allie and Avery’s beautiful day came together with help from these outstanding vendors:
- Blue House Bridal Boutique – Bridal attire
- Bangs + Blush – Hair styling
- Appalachian Wedding Co. – Ceremony location + planning
- Forever Florals – Floral arrangements
FAQ: Weddings at 1101 Cole Ln and Photos in Greenbrier
Q: How far is Greenbrier from the ceremony site at 1101 Cole Lane?
A: Greenbrier is about a 30-minute drive from the ceremony site, making it accessible for wedding day photos.
Q: Is Greenbrier crowded for wedding photos?
A: Greenbrier is one of the less-visited areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it ideal for wedding photos without many tourists in the background.
Q: Do you need permits for wedding photos in Greenbrier?
A: Yes, for professional photography in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you need a Special Use Permit if you have a professional photographer.
Q: What’s the best time of year for a wedding at 1101 Cole Lane?
A: Spring through fall offers the best weather, with summer providing lush greenery and fall offering colorful foliage.
Photos by: Willow + Rove
Ready to Plan Your Own Smoky Mountain Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of a ceremony at 1101 Cole Lane in Gatlinburg TN with newlywed photos in Greenbrier or other stunning locations in the Smoky Mountains, I’d love to help capture your story.
From the mountain views to the intimate moments, your wedding photographs in Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas will tell the unique story of your day.
Ready to chat about your Smoky Mountain wedding plans? Contact me here and let’s start planning how to capture your special day!
