A Chattanooga Waterfall Elopement at Lula Lake

Some love stories are quiet. Others are loud and full of adventure.
But Savanna and Blake’s Chattanooga Waterfall Elopement? It’s both – a mix of deep laughter, shared healing, and a love that’s been tested and strengthened in ways most can’t imagine.

Their Lula Lake elopement wasn’t just about saying “I do.”
It was about choosing each other again after heartbreak, finding peace in the sound of rushing waterfalls, and celebrating the kind of connection that grows stronger through every storm.

When I first met them, I could tell their energy was rare. They had the kind of love that fills a room and softens everyone around them. They were calm, steady, and fully present. You could feel the gratitude they carried into this day.

And that’s exactly how it started – not with chaos or stress, but with quiet joy.

Getting Ready: A Calm Morning at Their Airbnb

The morning started slow in the kind of way that feels like a deep breath.
Savanna got ready surrounded by her family and soon-to-be family, the room full of soft laughter, makeup brushes, and that mix of nerves and excitement you can feel in the air. She was nervous, but in the best kind of way. The kind of butterflies that come from knowing something good is about to happen.

Meanwhile, Blake was the definition of calm. He hung out with his guys, completely steady, like he’d already made peace with the day. Every once in a while, he’d glance out the window, smile, and you could tell he was already thinking about her.

The anticipation built quietly between them. Two people getting ready just a few hundred feet apart, waiting for the moment they’d finally see each other.

That’s one of the things I love most about elopements at Lula Lake – couples usually start their day in a cozy Airbnb nearby. It’s laid-back, quiet, and lets everyone ease into the day without the rush. You get those little in-between moments that make the story feel real. Moments like your mom helping with your dress, or your partner pacing in excitement in the next room.

The First Look: The Moment Everything Felt Real

Leave it to these two to kick off their first look with a prank.
Before seeing Savanna, Blake got a different surprise when one of her brothers stepped in wearing a veil. The second Blake turned around, they both burst out laughing. It was such a lighthearted moment that had everyone cracking up and set the perfect tone for the rest of the day. Totally something only their family would do.

Then came the real moment.

Savanna walked up slowly, her dress looking stunning in the midday sun. When Blake turned around this time, the laughter stopped and was replaced by that look that says, “Oh wow, that’s my person.” He was absolutely blown away by her. You could see it all over his face!

They took a minute to show off their outfits, spin around, and just take each other in. All the anticipation and nerves from the morning melted into joy. It was the perfect mix of laughter and emotion. It was exactly the kind of moment that reminds you what this day is really about.

And it’s one of the reasons I love when couples do a first look. It gives you space to have some emotion and get comfortable before the day begins.

The Hike to Lula Falls: Hand in Hand Through the Trees

After the first look, we packed up and headed to Lula Lake Land Trust, where the adventures would begin. The forest was alive – sunlight flickering through the leaves, the sound of water echoing in the distance, and that quiet hum of excitement that comes when you’re hiking somewhere beautiful with the person you love most.

Savanna and Blake walked hand in hand, helping each other over rocks and laughing every few steps. It wasn’t rushed or overly posed – just the two of them exploring, soaking up the day, being fully themselves. Every so often, they’d stop to take it all in, letting the moment breathe.

That’s one of the things that makes Lula Lake so special is that it’s an entire experience. The trail itself feels like part of the story. It’s about the journey to get there, the way your heart beats a little faster as you hear the waterfall before you see it, and the look on your partner’s face when you finally reach it together.

If you’re thinking about eloping here, plan ahead because Lula Lake requires a reservation to have a wedding and you need to work with one of the four approved photographers (that’s me!). It’s a few extra hoops, but totally worth it!

Private Vows at Lula Falls

When we finally reached Lula Falls, the air shifted. You could feel the mist in the air and hear the steady roar of the water before you even saw it. It’s one of those places that just stops you in your tracks.

Savanna and Blake found a quiet spot near the base of the falls, surrounded by nothing but nature and that endless sound of rushing water. They stood together, took a deep breath, and started to read their vows.

It was raw and emotional. The kind of words that come straight from the heart. You could see their love story in every glance, every laugh through tears. This wasn’t just about promises for the future, it was about honoring everything they’d already been through.

And then, in true Savanna and Blake fashion, they ended their vows with something perfectly them — a shot of Tito’s. It was the same thing they did the night they first met, and now it had come full circle. It was more than just a fun moment, but also a symbol of where it all began and how far they’d come together.

Wedding Ceremony with Family Overlooking Chattanooga

After their private vows at the falls, Savanna and Blake met up with their families for their ceremony overlooking Chattanooga Valley. The laughter and energy from earlier carried into this moment, but now it had this soft, emotional weight to it – everyone knew what this day meant.

They chose to have their ceremony at the Bluff Overlook, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect spot. The overlook has plenty of room for family to gather, with an open view of the valley and the soft sound of the falls below. The short hike up is easy, but the view makes it feel like you’re on top of the world.

As their families stood close together, Savanna and Blake poured colored sand into a glass vase — blending two lives and families into one, a visual reminder that even through everything they’ve faced, they’re stronger together. There were tears, a few laughs, and quiet moments where everyone just took it in.

It was simple, heartfelt, and completely true to them.

Golden Hour Portraits with Their Dogs

After the ceremony, we took a little time to soak in the golden hour. The light was warm and soft, perfect for capturing those glowing, in-between moments that feel both quiet and full of life. One of the best times of day for photos!

Savanna and Blake brought their dogs along, and it was impossible not to smile watching them explore the trails, run through the fields with them, and wander curiously around their humans. Their dogs are a part of the family, part of the story, part of the adventure.

We wandered a bit off the main trail, letting the light play through the trees. 

Bringing pets along for your elopement adds this special, personal layer. Lula Lake has plenty of pet-friendly spots, just remember to keep them leashed and bring water. It’s worth it because the memories you capture with every family member, four-legged or not, are the ones you’ll cherish forever.

Dinner + Dancing Under the Stars

As the sun dipped behind the trees, the celebration moved back to their Airbnb. It was the perfect place to wind down after such an emotional, joy-filled day.

Dinner was simple and cozy, just close family gathered around the table, passing plates, telling stories, and laughing until their cheeks hurt. It wasn’t a big production and that’s what made it so beautiful. You could feel how much love filled that space!

After dinner, they stepped outside into the cool night air, surrounded by string lights and stars. Savanna and Blake shared a slow dance together under the open sky, followed by everyone joining in — family jumping, dogs weaving between legs, laughter echoing in the dark. It was raw and real and full of heart.

That’s the thing about ending your elopement day at an Airbnb, you get total freedom. You can eat, dance, laugh, cry, and celebrate exactly how you want to, without a schedule or rules. It’s the perfect way to close out a day that’s entirely your own.

Reflection + Review

Looking back on Savanna and Blake’s elopement day, it’s hard not to feel something deep. From the laughter-filled prank first look to the emotional vows at Lula Falls, their day was everything an elopement should be – intentional, heartfelt, and real.

Here’s what they had to say about their experience:

“I don’t even know where to begin when it comes to describing how grateful we are for Bryan. From the very first moment, he wasn’t just a photographer, he was a friend. He became a calming presence, our biggest supporter, and someone who truly saw us.

Looking through our photos feels like reliving the entire day all over again. His eye for detail, creativity, and ability to capture genuine emotion is unmatched. These aren’t just pictures, they are memories we will cherish forever. Not only are the photos breathtaking, but the entire experience was seamless.

Before the perfect day, we spent a little time going over details on how we wanted the day to look like and he exceeded our expectations. Everything was beautiful, flexible and go with the flow which is up my alley.

If you’re looking for someone who will go above and beyond, who will make you feel comfortable, and who will give you the gift of reliving your happiest moments, this is your guy. We couldn’t imagine our day without him, we are truly thankful.”

Their day reminded me why I do this — to tell stories that feel alive, to capture moments that mean something, and to give couples space to just be themselves.

Let’s plan your elopement

Savanna and Blake’s elopement was everything I love about what I do. It was raw, joyful, and full of those in-between moments that make your heart stop for a second. Their day wasn’t about perfection or timelines, but about two people choosing each other, celebrating in a place that felt like them, surrounded by the people (and dogs) who mean the most.

If this kind of day speaks to you – a little adventure, a lot of heart, and a story that feels completely your own – I’d love to help you bring it to life!

Whether that’s at Lula Lake, other parts of Chattanooga, tucked somewhere in the Smoky Mountains, or on a hidden trail that feels like your secret spot, your elopement deserves to be exactly what you want it to be — meaningful, relaxed, and full of connection.