This week’s Featured Wedding is Brandon and Amanda’s wedding in Gatlinburg. This is their story told by Amanda.
Brandon and I have known each other since high school. Last August we ran into each other and went to lunch the next day. I never knew what the phrase “you know when you know” meant until dating Brandon. We were engaged 5 weeks later where he proposed at Laurel Falls in Gatlinburg.
We married April 30, 2011 at “Forever Yours” cabin through Timber Tops rentals. We had our food catered at the cabin by Calhoun’s. Smokey Mountain Cakes made my wedding cake and my flowers were from Atrim Flowers, both of Pigeon Forge. I found this wonderful salon, Smoky Mountain Salon and Spa where I had my hair and nails done. My son and daughter from my previous marriage walked me down to Brandon. We had about 15 people in attendance. The minister was provided by our photographer Eric Gebhart. He did an amazing job on the ceremony. He made it very personal and as if he wrote it specifically for us.
Getting married in the Smokies was the best choice we could have made. The landscape was breathtaking and everyone enjoyed all the area had to offer. We were able to get FABULOUS pictures done by Eric Gebhart of New Beginnings Photography. If I had any advice for couples wanting to get amazing landscape pictures other than just at the ceremony, do them the day before the wedding or a separate photo session the day of the wedding. We did ours the day before and were able to get so many awesome shots from three different backgrounds: creek, waterfall, and the mountains.
Of course our wedding wasn’t complete without the dreaded catastrophe. We were very lucky that Fantasy Bridal was located in Gatlinburg. It turned out that my son’s tuxedo pants that we had gotten before the trip were six inches too short. We were able to get him more pants and make it back in time for the ceremony.
We stayed in the “Breathtaking View” cabin through Sugar Maple Cabins for the entire weekend. It was so beautiful and we are planning a return visit for our one year anniversary.
Our wedding turned out better than we ever expected. It was everything that we wanted and more. We tell everyone thinking about a destination wedding that the Smoky Mountains is the way to go.
This week’s Feature Friday is The Inn on the River located on the Pigeon Forge Parkway. A special thank you to Jeannie Palaganus for answering this week’s Feature Friday questions about the Inn on the River.
1.) The Inn on the River has the perfect location right on the Parkway of action-packed Pigeon Forge. Tell me a little history about The Inn on the River and how long you have been around.
The Inn on the River was formally known as The Hampton Inn on the River. We opened our doors in the Spring of 1991. Our property went through a major renovation 3 years ago. We recently did a complete make over to our lobby complete with new flooring .
2.) What does The Inn on the River offer that other hotels in the area may not?
We are located right on the Little Pigeon River with private balconies for your enjoyment.
3.) What does your guest at The Inn on the River seem to love the most about their hotel stay?
We offer a complimentary FULL HOT breakfast, a friendly staff, and exceptionally clean rooms.
4.) What do you think is Pigeon Forge’s best kept secret?
The Old Mill Historic District
5.) What are 3 must see places that you would recommend to Pigeon Forge visitors?
Dollywood, Dixie Stampede, and Cades Cove