Josie and Jake’s Historic Elopement in Gatlinburg at Ely’s Mill

Josie & Jake envisioned a woodland wedding and, in the end, that is what they had at the historic Ely’s Mill in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. But the journey to reach this fairytale ending was not without a few bumps in the road. COVID kept pushing back their plans for a big wedding and, finally, they decided to simply elope!  A naturally beautiful forest filled with moss covered trees and, of course, a waterfall, became the perfect backdrop for them as they exchanged their vows during an emotion filled day. Keep reading to find out how Jake & Josie met, how they fell in love and what made them choose Simply Eloped for their picturesque elopement. 

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

Josie: Jake and I met when we were freshman in college. He followed me out of our anatomy lab (because he was lost) and stopped me on the way out. I thought he was tall and handsome and so easy to talk with. He obviously thought I had a good sense of direction!

When did you first fall in love? How did you know?

Josie: We fell in love in the summer before our senior year of college.There were so many fun and exciting things happening. However, there were also a lot of hard times and difficult decisions made. We knew then that we wanted to share all of the good and bad with each other.

How did you accept the proposal?

Josie: Jake somehow tricked me into planning my own proposal! I planned a fall photo shoot with some of our closest friends and Jake popped the question during this shoot. He said all the ‘mushy gushy’ stuff and we both cried like babies…it was the happiest day!

 

What do you love about your partner?

Josie: I love Jake because he is patient, kind and the most intentional person. He makes me laugh until my belly hurts. He loves me for who I truly am. He truly is my soulmate. 

What is the greatest strength of your relationship?

Josie: Our communication skills. From the very beginning, Jake and I have always been able to meet each other in the middle and lay everything out on the table. We always take the time to be honest and vulnerable with each other.

Why did you decide to elope?

Josie: We originally planned to be married in August 2020! COVID wrecked our plans over and over so we finally said, “forget it”. I’m so thankful we did. We could not have imagined a more beautiful, stress-free ceremony. 

How did you find Simply Eloped?

Josie: Simply Eloped was recommended by a coworker. 

How did you know Simply Eloped was the right fit for you?

Josie: Simple. That was the keyword.

What attracted you to the venue you eloped at?

Josie: Woodland fairy vibes! That was my goal as a theme and Ely’s Mill in Gatlinburg, Tennessee provided that feel. 

What activities did you do before the wedding? How did you prepare? How did you feel leading up to the moments of your elopement?

Josie: We were nervous!! But we just embraced the experience and allowed ourselves to enjoy every second of it. 

Tell us about your experience with Simply Eloped leading up to and on your big day!

Josie: Everyone was great! They communicated effortlessly with us and prepared us the best they could!

How did you celebrate your elopement?

Josie: We had dinner with our immediate family, bridal and groom parties. It was amazing to have everyone at such a beautiful location. It really felt like a destination wedding!

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

Josie: Just do it!! We are so thankful we did! It was the most stress free and relaxing day. As the Bride, I was able to embrace all the giddy feelings and butterflies instead of worrying about any minute details. It was the best fit for us and it may be for you too!

 

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