Is there anything sweeter than an intimate ceremony at a tiny cabin along the river? From the breakfast buffet for catering, to the apple place cards and plaid flannel linens, this Smoky Mountain wedding was an actual DREAM. Kelly and Colin are two of the kindest souls and sweetest humans. Their day was the most magical fairytale come to life, complete with lush florals, vintage furniture, fur stoles, and twirling dress photos. They came all the way to Tennessee with their friends and family, from Florida, just to have their dream mountain wedding. The ceremony took place along the river and was so peaceful and intimate. They then moved into the Appalachian Clubhouse, a small hike away, where the guests dined on the couple’s favorite breakfast foods, took photos in front of a backdrop hand painted by the graphic designer bride, and we sent them off in a 1957 Bentley. Words cant express how dreamy this day was!
How did you meet?
We met in 2007 on our first day of high school. I was a Sophomore, and Colin was a Junior. I arrived a few minutes late to chemistry class after getting lost, and the only seat left was next to Colin. I remember seeing him, and thinking how lucky I was to sit next to someone as handsome as him. He also made me laugh, which sometimes got us in trouble. Although we didn’t date in high school we reconnected in college.
What is your proposal story?
My husband planned it out with my family to propose at our family cabin in TN. It was funny how the timing was with it being on the morning of my birthday when he suggested going out on to the dock to look out on the lake.
Tell us a little a bit about your wedding
After Colin proposed I immediately knew our wedding would be in the Smoky Mountains. It’s where I feel most connected to. Even though we both grew up in Florida, I’ve always loved vacationing here with my family. We originally wanted to hold the wedding at my parents family cabin, but it wouldn’t accommodate all our guests. We had to venture out and search for an alternative location. Spence Cabin was the first location we walked through. Once we stepped out of our car and into the forest I knew that was it. We looked at a few more venues, but I knew in my heart Spence Cabin was perfect for us. It is a truly magical place and was everything I hoped for. Everything else came easily. Autumn was the best time of year for us because we knew the weather would be great for an outdoor wedding. I wanted to take the beauty of the season and reflect that in all my decisions – the bridesmaids dresses, the florals, decor, and invitations. The most challenging part was the invitation suite. Being an artist, I decided to create them myself. It took many hours, but in the end I was so proud to have created something so personal for myself and to share with my friends and family.
Tell us about your attire choices.
I’ve always dreamed of a wedding gown I could twirl in like Cinderella. I was looking for ethereal and a dress with lace details. I went to a few bridal salons, but ultimately found “the one” at BHLDN at the very last salon I went to. I was also very lucky to have found my shoes, veil, and headpiece there as well!
What was the most important to the two of you while planning? Was there anything that you chose to splurge on or skip?
We didn’t want a big wedding at all. That was so important to us. Only our closest of friends and family members. We really didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but unfortunately we just couldn’t invite everyone. We wanted an intimate wedding, and in the end we had around 45 guests, which was perfect for us. We chose to skip the bouquet toss and the usual wedding games because that just wasn’t us. We decided to splurge on photography and video, because in the end you want photos to look back on and still be happy.
What were your favorite parts of the day?
Exchanging vows with Colin. It felt like it was just the two of us. I could hear the river behind us, feel the sunlight on my face, and his hands holding mine as we declared our promises to one another. It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life.
Tell us about your wedding flowers.
I love flowers and plants, but knew nothing about them. I had a few photos for ideas, and Leslie made the most beautiful bouquet and floral arrangements. I had my dad drive my bouquet down to Florida while Colin and I were on our honeymoon. When we came home I immediately preserved them so I could have them forever.
What did you do for favors?
My catering company baked muffins from The Wild Plum Tea Room. It’s one of my favorite places to visit, and I would get them every time I visited.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
Don’t follow trends. Make this day about what you and your partner loves, not what the internet wants to see. Make sure you give yourself extra time for traveling.