An Intimate Wedding for Savanna & Alex at Ely’s Mill in Gatlinburg

Savanna & Alex seemed an obvious match to their friends. It took some Facebook convos and a spectacular first date to convince the two of them. They asked Simply Eloped to help them plan an intimate wedding at Ely’s Mill in Gatlinburg. The city held a special place in their hearts as it was where they had taken their first big vacation together and where Alex had proposed to Savanna. The old-world feel and stunning scenery were just what they had envisioned for their special day. They eloped under the pavilion and celebrated afterward with family and friends. Read more about Savanna & Alex’s Tennessee elopement with Simply Eloped.

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

Savanna: We met through a mutual friend who thought we’d be a really good match. He kept trying to get us to talk or hang out, and I was TOTALLY against it at first. Haha. Blind dates are not my thing. Eventually, we started talking through Facebook, and that led to us going on a date. Honestly, it was the best first date ever. Instant connection, great conversation, and he was such a total sweetheart. After going out a couple more times, I chickened out and said that I think we’d be better off as friends. It didn’t last a week. I missed him too much! That’s how I knew he was something special.

How did you propose or accept the proposal? 

Savanna: When we left for our first Gatlinburg trip, I had a strong feeling that he was going to propose. I’d run through a thousand different scenarios in my head trying to figure out where he would do it, would I cry, etc. It turns out, though, he just couldn’t wait to find some stereotypical “special” place. He ended up proposing to me the night we got to the cabin right after I’d just changed into my pajamas. Haha. And yes, I definitely did cry. 

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination? 

Savanna: We chose Gatlinburg because it holds a special place in our hearts. It was where we took our first big vacation together and where he proposed to me. It is also in semi-close proximity to our friends and family, plus the beautiful scenery made it the perfect location. 

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite moments about eloping there? 

Savanna: Ely’s Mill checked all of the boxes we were looking for as far as a venue was concerned. We wanted somewhere surrounded by nature, but it was still easily accessible and would allow us to have a good bit of our friends and family there. Neither of us had visited Ely’s Mill before the wedding, so there were some nerves involved due to that. It turned out to be perfect, though. Pictures can only capture a glimpse of how beautiful it is. 

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there? 

Savanna: If you want the feel of being surrounded by nature but still want some of the amenities that come with more classic wedding venues (i.e., a changing room or covered ceremony space), then Ely’s Mill is perfect. You get an old-time rustic feel from the structures and the old cars, but you also get a feeling of being one with nature. Trees surround you. You can hear the stream bubbling, birds chirping, everything you could want in an outdoor ceremony.

What things did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement?

Savanna: We had a very relaxed morning together at our cabin and just kind of waited it out until it was time to get ready. I was so crazy nervous! I met my sister at the salon to get our hair and makeup done. It helped calm my nerves getting to spend time with her and joke around. I left to head to Ely’s Mill, and my heart started pounding! I was very nervous and excited up until our first look. As soon as I saw him, it’s like a huge wave of relief came over me. I had my best friend with me, and we were in it together, so everything was perfect.

How was your experience with Simply Eloped? 

Savanna: Simply Eloped must have been sent from the heavens because they made our day absolutely perfect. We were desperately searching for a way to rid ourselves of the traditional wedding planning yet still get the dream wedding. They definitely delivered. We got to have our dream ceremony at the most beautiful location, all for a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding. You can’t get much better than that.

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement? 

Savanna: After the ceremony, we went to a local restaurant to celebrate with all of our friends and family. We wanted something a little more casual. I changed into a cute little reception dress, and we got to have an amazing dinner and drinks with our guests. Then several of us took to the strip to do moonshine tasting at Ole Smokey and hit up the local shops. 

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping? 

Savanna: JUST DO IT! I promise you won’t regret it. Whether it’s just you and your significant other, or you choose to have some family/friends along, it will save you from so much stress. Your bank account will definitely thank you.

Officiation by: Rev Thomas Orange
Photography by: Miranda Hancock
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Ely’s Mill, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.