Kosky

East Tennessee Spring Elopement Recap: 4 Elopements, 2 Weeks, and a Whole Lot of Allergies

By

Rachel Kosky

Andrew and I were so excited when two extra elopements landed in our lap this spring! We happily added them to our calendar — and now, here we are, at the very last one for the season. I’ll be honest: I’m a little tired, and the East Tennessee allergies have officially caught up to me.

I’m writing this from bed, tissue in my nose, conserving energy for our final spring elopement in the Smokies.

Even though we love being busy with celebrations, we knew this season would be a sprint. You all love the last two weeks of April—and so do we! It’s even more special because my birthday usually falls around this time, along with Easter. Needless to say, it’s been a packed (but joyful!) season.

Here are a 8 takeaways from our spring season and what we’re looking forward to as we head into summer:

1. Cades Cove is Always Busy… Unless You Catch It Early

If you’re dreaming of eloping in Cades Cove, I don’t blame you—it’s stunning! But no matter where we go or what time of day it is, expect to see other people and lots of wildlife.

If you want a quieter experience, weekdays at sunrise or just before sunset are your best bets this summer. (And if you’re a morning person, even better!)

2. Elys Mill Cabin: A Hidden Gem in Gatlinburg

We were so excited to scout out a new elopement venue this spring: Elys Mill Cabin! It’s perfect for couples wanting a cozy, country-style ceremony with loved ones—or even a private celebration on their own.

The area around the mill is closed to random visitors, so it feels private. Your rental includes 20 crossback chairs, two tables, and a covered pavilion—perfect for pop-up rainstorms (and the twinkle lights add such a cozy vibe).

You can get creative here: set up a ceremony space, cut cake, even have a little dance floor. Plus, there’s beautiful river access for adventurous couples willing to rock-hop for stunning portraits.

Bonus: when you book with our all-inclusive elopement package, the location fee for Elys Mill is already covered. No extra charges!

3. Allergy Season is No Joke

I’m born and raised here, and yet… I’m currently sick as a dog. Andrew and I have gone through two refills of Mucinex this month alone. (Don’t even ask how many tissues we’ve used.)

We love the Smokies in spring—the fresh greens, the wildflower blooms—but if you struggle with major outdoor allergies, eloping in East Tennessee this time of year might not be your best fit.

4. Diet Coke and Red Bull: Our Spring MVPs

Can you guess whose drink is whose? If you said Diet Coke for me and Red Bull for Andrew—you nailed it. These two beverages alone carried us through this wild season, and we are forever grateful.

5. Faith and Luck: The Real Secret Sauce

I was chatting with Alan, one of our favorite officiants, about how much faith this job takes. Andrew and I do everything humanly possible to plan and prepare, but at some point, you have to trust the process—and pray. Once we get everything set in place, I always say a little prayer… and with a little luck, it all comes together beautifully.

Life isn’t perfect. Neither are we. But with faith, flexibility, and teamwork, we make magic happen.

6. Wildlife Reminder: We Are Guests in Their Home

This time of year, bears are active, and other wildlife (and bugs) are out in full force. If we run into wildlife during your elopement, our first priority is always your safety. We calmly return to our vehicles and give the animals space.

We never feed or interact with wildlife. We respect that we are guests in their home.

7. Rain is Inevitable

April showers bring May flowers (and hopefully wash away some of this pollen!). Rain is part of the Smoky Mountain charm—those misty clouds over the peaks? That’s the magic.

Always be prepared for rain, just in case. We have a list of indoor backup options if needed. Flexibility is key!

8. Why Spring Photos Look Different Than Fall

Fun fact: My editing style stays consistent—true-to-color skin tones, slightly desaturated greens, and a soft, romantic feel.

However, seasons do affect lighting. A cloudy 11 AM spring shoot will look very different from a cloudless 7 PM fall sunset session. If photos are your top priority, let’s chat about the best ways to plan for golden hour or other ideal lighting! (Just remember—weather is the one thing we can’t control.)

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Coming Up This Summer:

  • Late May through August: Summer elopement season officially kicks off!
  • Huge Nashville Wedding: Ending summer with a bang with a big city wedding we’re so excited for.
  • Styled Elopement Picnic: We’re designing a Smokies elopement using picnic tables for a sweet mini reception. Affordable, creative, and beautiful—just the way we love it.

Styled Elopement Picnic

Inspiration from Pinterest – Not my photos

Ready to plan your own Smoky Mountain elopement adventure?
We still have a few open dates for July and August, and we’d love to help bring your vision to life. Whether you dream of a mountaintop ceremony or a waterfall adventure, we’re here to plan, photograph, and celebrate right alongside you.

✨ Reach out here — let’s start planning! ✨

Vendor Dream Team

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