Shelby and Roy’s East Tennessee summer elopement at Chapel in the Hollow was a picture-perfect celebration of their love, set against the lush backdrop of the forest. The chapel was beautifully adorned with white fabric and our bohemian florals, creating a whimsical and romantic setting for their intimate ceremony. 

Shelby looked absolutely stunning in an off-the-shoulder, form-fitting dress with flowy sleeves, complemented by her hair elegantly styled in an updo. Roy was the epitome of style in a classic grey suit, matching the refined and serene atmosphere of their special day. 

Their two children took part in the ceremony, walking down the aisle, adding a sweet and personal touch to the proceedings. A few close family members were present, making the day even more special with their love and support. Shelby’s uncle had the honor of walking her down the aisle, a meaningful moment cherished by everyone.

Shelby and Roy’s elopement was not just a union of their hearts but a beautiful celebration of family and new beginnings. Congratulations, Shelby and Roy! May your journey together be as beautiful and filled with love as your wedding day. 

From the Bride

It all started one ordinary night when I was scrolling through Snapchat stories. Suddenly, a friend’s story caught my eye. It was a fun night out, full of laughter and good vibes, but what really stood out was a little note at the bottom: “Follow @Roysmith107 on Instagram!”

Curiosity got the better of me. Who was this “Roysmith107”? I decided to find out. A quick search on Instagram later, I found his profile. His pictures were filled with adventures, genuine smiles, and a sense of fun that was infectious. Without overthinking it, I hit the “follow” button.

To my surprise, not long after, I received a message from Roy. “Hey” & it all started from there… His message was friendly and casual, making it easy to respond.

We started chatting, sharing stories and laughing over our mutual interests. It felt like we had known each other for years. What began as a spontaneous follow turned into long conversations and eventually, we decided to meet in person.

When we finally met, it was as if the virtual connection seamlessly transitioned into real life. Our first date was filled with the same laughter and joy as our chats, and we knew this was the start of something special.

And that’s how a simple Instagram follow, prompted by a friend’s Snapchat story, led to us meeting and discovering a wonderful connection.

Roy and I had our first date at the Desloge fair, a place buzzing with excitement and joy. When he walked up to me, smiling ear to ear, I knew we were in for a wonderful evening. We spent the night going on rides, laughing together, and enjoying the festive atmosphere. The thrill of the rides and the shared laughter made it a night to remember, marking the beginning of something truly special between us.

He proposed while we were at the park a few days before my birthday September 23, 2020.

Roy and I have chosen East Tennessee as the perfect location for our wedding for several reasons close to our hearts. Its picturesque landscapes offer a serene backdrop that resonates with our love for nature and adventure. The secluded charm of the Smoky Mountains provides a sense of intimacy and privacy, allowing us to celebrate our special day in a quiet, meaningful way. This choice reflects our desire for a romantic and memorable wedding experience that symbolizes our journey and future together.

On our wedding day, Roy and I are looking forward to intimate moments of genuine joy and connection with our two children. We cherish the idea of a day filled with warmth and laughter, where every detail reflects our personalities and love story. We hope to create lasting memories surrounded by the natural beauty of East Tennessee, where we can celebrate our commitment to each other in a setting that feels both intimate and breathtaking. Above all, we envision a day where love and happiness overflow, marking the beginning of our journey together with deep meaning and shared excitement for the future as a family. I chose this date because we also got engaged on the 23rd of September.

Roy and I love spending time outdoors with our children, exploring nature trails. We love going to our local Mexican restaurants. We often enjoy family time playing in the backyard. Our weekends are often filled with laughter and adventure, where we either go to Shelby’s hometown in Piedmont Mo & stay with her grandma, or we go to our local rivers to swim. We are all about family.