Flo and Travis celebrated their love with a charming dog-friendly wedding at Chapel in the Hollow, surrounded by their furry companions and the warmth of their families and friends. They dressed the chapel in elegant navy and white fabric, enhanced by our ombre pink florals and the romantic glow of our candle and lantern collection.

Adding her personal touch, Flo brought lovely mini pink florals to fill the glass jars hanging on the pews, creating a soft and whimsical atmosphere. They also set up extra decor at the archway and brought a beautifully adorned white cake with gold accents on a rustic wooden 3-tiered stand, complete with wooden cake utensils handmade by Travis.

Flo’s mom played a special role in helping her get dressed, while both families contributed to the setup, making the day a collaborative and loving effort. Flo was stunning in her sleeveless dress paired with a cape veil, bringing an ethereal elegance to her bridal look. Travis complemented her perfectly in a black suit with a dark red tie, embodying style and sophistication.

Their dogs, part of the family and celebration, walked down the aisle alongside their humans, with Travis and Flo each guiding one. It was a heartwarming sight to see them included in the ceremony.

They wrote their own vows, pouring their hearts into words that moved everyone present, and both shed tears as they shared their promises to each other. It was a deeply emotional moment that captured the love and devotion they share.

Both Flo and Travis are photographers —despite not shooting Canon, we’ll let that slide! Their wedding was not just a union of two hearts but a celebration of creativity, family, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones.

Congratulations, Flo and Travis! May your life together be as love-filled and joyful as your wedding day.

From the Couple: 

How did you meet?

Flo: We met through a local photography group. Years ago, he had organized a weekend photography workshop in the Blue Ridge mountains. We were just acquaintances at that time. I just remembered how nice and patience he was with everyone on the outing. After the event was finished, he walked up to me and said “you know, we matched on match.com” and walked away. I was speechless. Since that weekend, he had always been on my mind. We would correspond with each other through out the years. He was living in a different part of the state at the time. Anytime I was out west near where he lived out on a photography trip, I would always reach out to him and see if he wanted to join. One of the photo outings was when we met was in Fredericksburg where we found a creek and ended up skipping rocks. (one of the photos in the photo frame)

Travis: During that workshop that I conducted, I took the group to photograph a waterfall. As we approached the falls, I advised them that it is dangerous with several injuries and even a death occurring there. After making my way down the edge of the falls, I looked up to see Flo standing on a rock on the edge of the main fall. I learned at that moment that she did things her way. What Flo didn’t say was that several years later, we went out to a festival in Norfolk. It was a delightful time people watching on a beautiful evening which ended with me kissing her. She wasn’t ready for it. It took another year or so before before we tried it again after she drove me all over the city looking for a pumpkin for Halloween. Side note, I spent $100 on a little pumpkin and cider because it was the only one left in the city and I didn’t want her to have spent hours searching for no good reason.

What was the first date like?

Flo: Very comfortable. I had been single for many years and being around Travis just felt like I could be myself. There was no need to try to impress him. There was no awkward conversation. The evening was very enjoyable.

Travis: In my mind that night in Norfolk was still our first date even though it may not have been a date all. It certainly felt like one!

What was the proposal like?

Flo: He proposed. He organized a party / cookout for my 50th birthday last year. (Back story, I have been known to prank people) One of he gifts he gave me a small wrapped gift box, the size of a ring box, I started to get real nervous, thinking this was it! He was going to propose! I unwrapped and opened the box and there was an emerald bracelet. Don’t get me wrong, it was beautiful but I was heartbroken. I tried my best to look “happy.” I looked out towards everyone and the expressions on everyones face was the same as how I felt. (While my brother Billy was ready to kill him!). As I am putting the bracelet back in the box with tears welling up in my eyes, he got down on one knee and gave me a small gift bag, that had a ring box in it. As he got down on one knee, proposing, the screams of joy drowned everything out. His mom and sister started jumping around cheering.

Travis: They say that lying is not good for a relationship; however, I lied to more people during the weeks leading up to and on the day of her birthday party than I could count. My sisters were dead set on Flo joining our family. They absolutely loved her and with every second that they had, they applied pressure to wed. I laughingly told them that I wasn’t even considering it because I was in competition with a friend from high school on who could be the last man standing single. The day before the proposal, I realized that everyone was expecting me to propose. So as a smokescreen, I bought her a bracelet and wrapped it in a ring box. When I saw her expression and heard the crowd’s collective groan, I knew that I had succeeded. Then briefly the thought passed through my head that she may say no. Thank goodness she didn’t!

What made you decide on East Tennessee for your dog-friendly wedding?

Flo: His family is from Tennessee and they go on vacation every year back to TN. They brought me here two years ago and fell in love – it is so beautiful here!

Travis: This was Flo’s great idea knowing how special that area is to my family. We have been going there for decades and absolutely love the area. She also found the Chapel in the Hollow which is a perfect fit for us.

What are you looking forward to most on your wedding day?

Flo: The moment that I am ready to walk down the aisle, everyone seeing me for the first time and marrying the love of my life.

Travis: Kissing my wife for the first time.

What do you do for fun?

We do a lot of photography. Our dogs come with us on trips, whether it is a day trip or a weekend trip. They love it because they get to go on “adventures.” We also have a tear-drop camper and go camping. With some planning on what to photograph etc…
He does a lot of woodworking i.e cutting boards. And anything else I come across on Pinterest. He made our wedding cake and server knife with a wood box for storage. We love to give each ideas on new projects and we support each other through it all
Date night, usually at home with our fur babies, Rye & Piper.