A Memorial Day Destination Wedding with a National Park Theme

The Perfect Smoky Mountain Destination Wedding Venue

Tucked away in the scenic Tennessee Smoky Mountains, The Magnolia Wedding Venue offers breathtaking panoramic views that will leave you speechless. Perched atop the mountains, the venue provides an ideal balance of privacy and accessibility. It’s just a short drive from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, with nearby accommodations, dining, breweries, wineries, and activities, making it the perfect spot for a Memorial Day destination wedding.

Couples looking for a unique destination experience will certainly find The Magnolia Venue to be a top wedding venue in the Smokies. With its stunning natural beauty, paired with unparalleled service, this venue creates the perfect backdrop for couples who want to exchange vows in a picturesque, mountaintop environment.

Andrea & Chad’s Memorial Day Destination Wedding

Andrea and Chad’s story is one of love, adventure, and fate. They met while opening a new Publix store in 2018. Though it wasn’t until a chance encounter at an Orlando City SC game in 2019 that their connection blossomed into something beautiful. Fast forward to 2024, and they were ready to marry in one of their favorite places – Tennessee. Here, their national park-themed wedding reflected their love of nature and their adventurous spirits.

Their Memorial Day weekend wedding kicked off with a welcome event at Gatlinburg Brewing Company. Guests donned their best red, white, and blue attire to celebrate the holiday weekend. Then, the festivities continued on Sunday with a rehearsal dinner at Puckett’s Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, where everyone gathered for good food and great company. By Monday, it was time for the couple’s big day! The team at The Magnolia Venue and the couples’ incredible vendors were ready to make it one to remember indeed! Learn more about the many advantages of weekday weddings here.

Getting Ready in The Magnolia Bridal Suite

Andrea and her bridesmaids started the morning in The Magnolia’s Bridal Suite. This luxurious space made the pre-wedding preparations feel just as special as the day itself. With a private balcony overlooking the Smoky Mountain views, the bridal party enjoyed a champagne toast and captured fun, memorable photos before slipping into their dresses.

Andrea’s chiffon gown was a vision of elegance and simplicity, perfect for a spring wedding in the mountains. The bridesmaids wore full-length dresses in shades of champagne, coral, and burnt orange. Each had their own unique style, yet were perfectly coordinated for the wedding’s color palette. Andrea’s bridal bouquet was a stunning mix of peach, orange, blush, and ivory. It created a warm, earthy feel that complemented the outdoor setting.

The Groom and Groomsmen’s Spring Style

Chad looked sharp in a classic navy suit, paired with a floral tie that added a personal touch to his look. His groomsmen donned a more casual yet refined style, with navy pants, white shirts, suspenders, and floral bowties, keeping the wedding’s vibrant colors intact.

The Mountaintop Wedding Ceremony

As guests arrived, they were welcomed by the majestic Smoky Mountain views that have undoubtedly earned The Magnolia Venue a reputation for its breathtaking scenery. The ceremony took place under the Cross Arbor from The Magnolia Venue Shop, beautifully adorned with a floral arrangement that matched Andrea’s bouquet by Blush & Ivory Florals. With the mountains as a stunning backdrop, Chad anxiously awaited Andrea’s arrival. Then, when she walked down the aisle, it was a moment that left no dry eye in the crowd.

A Special Touch: Their Fur Babies

One of the most unique elements of Andrea and Chad’s wedding was their inclusion of their beloved dogs. Thanks to the expert pet concierge services at Waggin Weddings, their furry family members were well taken care of throughout the ceremony, photos, and even greeting guests. From their adorable flower collars to their walk down the aisle, their dogs were as much a part of the ceremony as anyone else.

A National Park Inspired Cocktail Hour

After the beautiful wedding ceremony, guests moved to the popular covered patio for cocktail hour. They were invited to take a charming “National Park Lovers” mug as a keepsake, celebrating the couple’s love for the outdoors. A National Park Service sign that read “Welcome to Our Adventure” greeted guests. Meanwhile, the wedding party snuck in a few super fun photos on the open air patio!

A Wedding Reception Above The Clouds

The seating chart, also inspired by national parks, added a personal touch to the theme. Each reception table featured a national park postcard, enhancing the couple’s adventurous spirit. To complement the theme, the bridesmaids’ bouquets were creatively repurposed as centerpieces, offering a beautiful and sentimental touch. These bouquets, filled with peach, orange, blush, and ivory hues, sat surrounded by taper candles and natural wood chargers, accented with burnt orange linens. This arrangement added warmth and elegance to the decor.

The reception began with a dramatic entrance as the wedding party was welcomed through the giant sliding barn doors – a fun and exciting moment. Andrea and Chad shared their first dance in front of their sweetheart table, with the back sliding barn doors open, creating the feeling that they were dancing on top of the clouds, with the Smoky Mountains as their breathtaking backdrop.

Dinner followed, with guests enjoying a delicious meal catered by Rosa’s Catering. For dessert, the couple cut their wedding cake, topped with custom dog cake toppers. Along with churros and cupcakes—all made by Heidi’s Home Cooking—the treats satisfied everyone’s sweet tooth.

Dancing the Night Away Under the Tennessee Stars

After dinner, guests moved back outside to the Open Air Patio for the first parent dances. Amplified Mobile DJ kept everyone on the dance floor, with the string lights overhead and the mountains in the background. Energy and excitement filled the atmosphere!

Andrea and Chad took a moment to sneak away for some sunset photos at their favorite mountain overlook, capturing the stunning views as the sun set behind them. The epic sunset photos became some of the most memorable shots of the day. We are thrilled to have Hunter Kittrell Photography on our preferred vendor list; his incredible work truly captured the magic of the day.

The evening ended with an epic dance party and a glowing exit. The guests waved glow wands, sending the newlyweds off in a magical, unforgettable way. It was the perfect way to cap off their Memorial Day weekend wedding at The Magnolia Venue!

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Reserve Your Memorial Day Destination Wedding

Considering a Memorial Day destination wedding? The Magnolia Venue offers an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views, exceptional service, and the perfect setting for an adventure-filled wedding. Whether you’re looking for a pet-friendly venue, a turn-key destination wedding, or a venue that perfectly complements a national park vibe, The Magnolia is sure to exceed your expectations!

Learn more, take an instant virtual tour at www.themagnoliavenue.com/tour.

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The Vendor Dream Team:

Wedding Venue – The Magnolia Venue

Planning – Elease Productions

Catering – Rosa’s Catering

Bar – Elite on the Rocks

Photographer – Hunter Kittrell Photography

Videographer – Studio Motion Films

Florals – Blush & Ivory Florals

Cake – Heidi’s Home Cooking

DJ – Amplified Mobile DJ

Beauty – Southern Sirens

Rentals – The Magnolia Venue Shop, All Occasion Party Rentals

Pet Concierge – Waggin Weddings

Shuttle – Elite Shuttle Service