Eloping Boho Style Beneath A Willow Tree In The Smoky Mountains

A Woodsy Element Perfect All On Its Own

I started our wedding gardens in a pasture field where the creek runs right down the middle. Wild willows have always grown along the stream’s water source, but not in what I felt was the perfect spot for couples to recite their vows. The first willow I planted was during a year with little rain, causing me to start over the following year. That tree rooted strong and grew quickly…. only a few years into its growth I was able to drape the first strings of fairy lights! Fourteen years later its branches have reached further toward the sky than I ever dreamed. It has now grown so tall that I’ve had to re-string those lights twice, each time going higher and higher. The twinkling lanterns I hung can be seen even during the daytime in the shade cast by the thick willow leaves. Naturally, these lights are even more magical when darkness falls.   During our weddings with receptions, the stars must compete with the twinkling amber reflections floating on top of the water.

A Willow Defines Boho Chic Wedding Décor

I can’t think of a more perfect backdrop than a willow tree to wear a floral crown, go bare footed or wear eccentric pieces of jewelry. The whimsical trend for geometric arbor shapes, Pampas grasses, thick floral arrangements, tree stumps and candles are even more items that flow naturally with the weeping willow ceremony site at Honeysuckle Hills. The first time a bride asked me for a hexagon wedding arbor, I was mesmerized. But honestly, I never imagined how using rugs as an aisle runner pulls together the bohemian look so well! The next items on my list for purchase will be feathers, eucalyptus foliage, moss, and hundreds of candles in various sizes. It’s looking like a triangle arbor will also be a must-have. My family’s wedding venue is all-inclusive; even down to the wedding décor. This new love for all things earthy and natural is my favorite wedding style in all of my sixteen years of hosting weddings at Honeysuckle Hills.  

Geometric Arbor Designs Take on an Earthy Feel at a Willow Tree

I’ve noticed more and more circular, triangular and hexagon wedding arbor designs in the Smoky Mountains these days. Couples drawn to the bohemian movement tend to be those who enjoy being outdoors more than indoors. Thus, they are naturally drawn to unique shapes that represent the earth, moon, and stars. They enjoy bohemian décor such as dried florals, Pampas grasses, moss and feathers. The shapes and textures of these items blend seamlessly with the triangular shape of willow tree leaves. Triangular wedding arbors artistically represent the pattern of the hills and ridges of the mountains as well. My willow tree grows next to the creek, and right next to a tall mountain ridge. I’ve had many “flatlanders” call that tall hill a mountain view, but I have an adventure site with an even better view of the mountains for your wedding photographs (let’s drive there after your ceremony!) 

Ceremony Enchantment With or Without Chairs

Love, with its contagious affection, causes a yearning in others to attend your wedding. I have a selection of both gray and brown folding chairs for guests beholding the intimate ceremonies at my willow tree. I currently have enough brown chairs to seat up to 30 people, and enough gray chairs to seat 50. By combining both gray and brown (using the brown ones in the front rows for the most special guests) a total of 75 seats are possible. Speaking from my heart, the best weddings I witness at Honeysuckle Hills are those with only the dearest family and friends present. However, don’t feel pressured to invite people at all. There is absolutely nothing wrong with stealing away to the mountains of East Tennessee all by yourselves! Privacy encourages intimacy, which is the very core of the Boho wedding movement. If there’s just no way you can have your destination wedding in the Smokies without inviting loved ones, I’m happy to set up the ceremony site for the best views. I can set up the chairs so that you’re married right beneath the willow branches, or I can set them up with a tall hill behind you and the willow tree on the left. 

Nestle Your Wedding Rings in the Forks of Willow Branches

My willow tree at Honeysuckle Hills is forked in just the right place and height to rest your box containing the wedding rings. The officiant can easily reach the rings during the ceremony, and it’s also a perfect place to photograph the rings before-hand. If you’d like to show off more of your bohemian spirit, tie the rings in the long branches of the willow. This provides more of a fantasy or “fairy” feel to the wedding ceremony. The most popular man’s wedding ring right now has textures resembling the trunks of a tree, and some even have trees engraved into the ring! 

Wedding Photographs at a Willow Tree will Take Your Breath Away

Bring your free-spirited bohemian souls to the willow tree at Honeysuckle Hills and I will timelessly capture your love.  Spin in circles using only feathers for your bouquet. Feel the breath of your lover against your neck. Bring ribbons for a hand-fasting during your wedding ceremony. Celebrate around a campfire with an all-inclusive wedding reception, ending the night with the tempting glow of the lanterns on your faces. Or, I can create an even more dramatic look using off-camera lighting behind you. If you steal away for a couples-only micro-wedding during daylight hours, we can simply allow the willow to enhance how you feel for each other. Get silly! Children help tell a story of innocence and wonder. Day or night, the willow tree will leave you with unforgettable memories. 

Lodging for your Smoky Mountain Bohemian Wedding

Gatlinburg has a selection of cabins that appeal to couples who want nothing to do with the busy-ness of today’s lifestyle. After all, you came to the mountains for peace and quiet, right? My favorite cabins are at Treehouse Grove in Gatlinburg, TN. These are the most unique cabins you’ll find in the entire world, I promise! They’re also the style of cabins that fit the Boho lifestyle. If you enjoy hiking, trout fishing, camping, or exploring… Boho is your middle name! 

There’s a willow in the Smoky Mountains Calling Your Bohemian Spirit

Do you hear its branches dancing in the breeze? I planted this willow just for you. I still have dirt beneath my fingernails from tending the gardens and Pampas grasses. There are Boho decorations for all seasons! Let me cut some evergreen juniper branches to add to your geometric arbor in the winter months. Let’s add ferns in the spring or lavender in the summer. Put a feather in your hair or dance barefoot with a flower crown on your golden (or ginger, or ebony) locks of hair! I planted this willow tree just for you…

Eloping Boho style in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee at Honeysuckle Hills, a very special mountain venue.