The journey we find ourselves on, the one you, the reader, are also on, is something that people rarely discuss.
How is your inner world?
What emotions are you feeling?
Are you okay inside?
It is becoming more difficult to disconnect and find space in this fast-paced, all consuming culture to come up for air.
Then all at once, in one energetic switch flip, we are met with the energy of a soul that reminds us who we truly are. It could be a close friend or even a stranger (but we never really are strangers, are we?).
This connection restores you, replenishing your energy with intentional dialogue, true presence and a palpable sense of peace.
The clouds break. Your line of sight reaches further as the mist recedes. The light rays dancing on the peaks in the distance. You expand your vision to the vastness of the mountain range. The landscape falls infinitely into the horizon. Clarity.
Air fills every corner of your lungs as the tightness inside releases its grip, bringing you back to the breath. A breath that has been with you since the beginning. Before your eyes opened. Filling your lungs as you tried to catch it through the laughter. Cradling you in moments of pain. Carrying you through the darkness and holding you up to the light.
Alex and Deagan synchronistically flowed ever so gently into our lives, causing us to pause and remember the beauty of authentic friendship. As we reflect upon this adventure, we feel the emotions of the deep, mysterious connectedness we all share.
Both of these humans illuminate this world with their message, a simple reminder for us all:
Just breathe.
Day 1: Ceremony + Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte Shelter
We are gifted with the ability to feel deeply, to sense connection on an unspoken level, and use this creative superpower to tune into the energy of an elopement. In doing so, the one-of-a-kind adventure meant to be an expression of your love becomes personal for us, too. The immersive experience is crafted as a container for intentionality, emotional depth, and true reflection of Self. In this open and honest space, your adventure comes alive.
Deagan and Alex committed themselves to a two-day backpacking elopement that would challenge their physical and mental strength on the strenuous hike to the summit of Mount LeConte. It was a representation of perseverance and reconnection to life force. An experience like this is bound to change you, but the time spent together unlocked more than we ever anticipated while planning the adventure elopement in the Smoky Mountains.
The first day began with a renewal of their wedding vows, standing on the riverbank—symbolic of their ever-flowing journey together and their devotion to serving others with Blue River Breathwork. Colin led them through the ceremony, present with every word spoken. Afterwards, we headed down the road to the Alum Cave trailhead where we started making our way up the mountain.
Hiking Trails that Lead to Mount LeConte High Top
There are six hiking trails that take you to the summit of Mount LeConte.
Alum Cave Trail – 11 miles out & back
Trailhead on US HWY 441, 9 miles south from Sugarland Visitor Center
Most popular trail with the steepest incline and shortest trek to Mount LeConte. Landmarks include Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and Alum Cave Bluffs.
Trillium Gap Trail – 12.9 miles out & back
Trailhead on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Most gentle incline to Mount LeConte. Potential for seeing the llama train on their way to resupply the lodge. Landmarks include Grotto Falls.
Rainbow Falls Trail – 13.4 miles out & back
Trailhead at Cherokee Orchard
Offers a rest area with picnic tables at the waterfall. Landmarks include Rainbow Falls.
Bullhead Trail – 11.8 miles out & back
Trailhead at Cherokee Orchard
Least popular route to Mount LeConte. The trail starts where Rainbow Falls start with same parking lot. Often hikers will ascend one (usually the waterfall) and descend the other. No major landmarks but great for those who favor solitude in the woods. *Bullhead Trail is currently closed Mondays-Thursdays through November 2025 for rehabilitation, as is the backcountry shelter to house the crew
The Boulevard Trail – 16.9 miles out & back
Trailhead at Newfound Gap
Largest parking area, though it still fills up quickly with tour buses and sightseers at the Tennessee / North Carolina state lines. Landmarks include Newfound Gap, historic Appalachian Trail, and access to The Jumpoff.
Brushy Mountain Trail – 18.2 miles out & back
Trailhead at Porters Creek Trail in Greenbrier
Longest route to Mount LeConte with the highest starting point. The trail itself is 11+ miles and then it connects to Trillium Gap that leads to the lodge. Landmarks include the Brushy Mountain Summit.
It is important to arrive early as the parking lots fill up quickly. There is an option for shuttle service through various companies authorized by the GSMNP.
zipping their sleeping bags together 😍
We Are More Than Your Elopement Photographers
Adventure is our lifestyle. Our extensive background in the outdoors allows us to help you fully prepare and navigate any style of activities alongside you. We are skilled with the ability to create your “dream come true” effortlessly, but our service stretches beyond guiding you through planning an elopement and capturing the moments (disclaimer: we are not certified guides, we share our knowledge with you). What you, the reader, see on the surface of these photographs is a couple who hiked 16+ miles total, danced in the forest filled with misty fog and glowing ferns, shared freeze-dried cheesecake in lieu of cutting a cake, spent the night in a backcountry shelter with strangers, witnessed the best view in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and had an awesome trip together.
What you don’t see simply by looking at the gallery:
- Supporting each other on the difficult trek
- Breathing techniques being taught to calm our bodies
- Slow and intentional storytelling
- The echo from screaming into the abyss at Cliff Tops
- Alex and Julie obsessing over the fact that they are both indeed John Mayer’s biggest fan (he showed up with a JM shirt in his backpack!)
- Telling of raw moments that shaped us
- Sharing our strengths and struggles
- Colin filming his first elopement
- Zero small talk
- Listening and hearing
- Deagan constantly saying thank you to fellow hikers complimenting her bouquet
- Realizing other people exist who know Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Culter plus Yogananda
- Space held to show up as our authentic self
- 4 people becoming lifelong friends
Day 2: Sunrise (without the sun) + A Break In The Clouds
We woke up in the Mount LeConte shelter still covered in dense fog. Instead of packing up right away to see the first light radiate over the mountain peak, as planned, we took the opportunity to slowly rise, make breakfast, and have conversation over tea & coffee. After our hearts and bellies were full, we suited up again for another adventure.
Often, people let expectations get the best of them. When attachments are released and you give yourself to the flow, things move in the way that is truly meant for you. We planned an experience that was supposed to give us incredible mountains views, but Mother Nature had a different plans. We set our goal to have a golden sunset at Cliff Top the first evening and a colorful sunrise at Myrtle Point the next morning before hiking out, but both were completely white. Resisting the urge to cling to disappointment, we made peace with the kind of beauty we were gifted with. Dancing in the clouds. Going inward. It became a metaphor.
Just as it was time to leave camp and head out, there was a break in the clouds (total reference to a John Mayer song). The clouds dissipated, and we could see the immenseness of the Appalachian range. Clarity and connection were all that remained.
kind words from the bride:
“Julie and Colin are truly masters of their craft. From the logistics and details beforehand, to the day of, I felt supported the entire time. They walk a beautiful line of planning and going with the flow allowing the day to move in its most natural path.
Colin officiated our vow renewal and did an excellent job. Even though we didn’t know each other much he somehow hit the mark perfectly and made our ceremony so special.
The photos are absolutely stunning, we could not be happier with them. They encouraged us to showcase our love in a way that felt authentic – giving enough guidance when we wanted, but ultimately letting us just do our thing.
Our vow renewal included camping overnight which can be a vulnerable thing. We dropped right in to meaningful conversation and by the end of it walked away with a beautiful friendship.
I cannot recommend Julie and Colin enough! They will make you feel confident just as you are, feel supported in your special day, and send you photos that you will cherish forever. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!”
kind words from the groom:
“Julie & Colin are absolutely amazing. We had an adventure-style vow renewal with them in the Smoky Mountains and the photos turned out absolutely incredible!
They provided stunning photos/videos, a ceremony, and handled all of the logistics/paperwork to have this experience in a National Park on top of a mountain. Honestly, they made everything so easy! But most importantly, they brought deep intentionality and sacredness to our marriage.
If you are wanting something beautiful, nature oriented, and unique to you and your beloved, then these are your people!”
Staying at LeConte Lodge
We felt such a community on the top of Mount LeConte. We met people who had hiked in from the Appalachian Trail; their mud covered bags and energetic presence telling of the long journey they were on. With smiles and stories, every hiker felt cut from the same cloth; the people who understood the beauty in the perseverance, the grit and determination it took to get up there.
LeConte Lodge offers a rustic stay away from modern society. With no electricity, adding to the appeal, the lodge uses kerosene lanterns to light the rooms and propane heaters for warmth. Pack llamas bring food and supplies three times a week through the Trillium Gap Trail, and the on-site staff provides hot meals for the guests, along with wine and coffee. Although the dining hall serves as the main building for guests, thru hikers are able to purchase sack lunches, snacks, and t-shirts during the posted times. Water sources are plentiful along the trail if you have a water purifier, such as the Grayl filter bottle. However, there is a clean water spigot near the lodge at the top of the mountain for everyone’s use. Make sure to call and check if it’s operational before planning your adventure.
If you’re looking for a different experience than the trail shelter (and you plan on waiting a year or two), you can book a cabin at LeConte Lodge. We did hear from word-of-mouth that you could potentially luck out with a last minute cancellation if you call the main phone number: (865) 429-5704.
We are Julie and Colin Crawford, adventure photographers based in the Smoky Mountains, and we travel far and wide crafting wildly intentional elopements. Our work is for couples who value experiences over things. For those who crave slow moments, candid play, and softened touch. We are not for everyone, and we don’t want to be. Magnolia + Ember is made for couples who seek to expand beyond their comfort zone, connecting in an adventure reflective of themselves.
If this resonates, contact us to set up your free elopement planning call!
Dress: Wildflower Bridal (based in Asheville)
Flowers: DIY from Trader Joe’s
Permits for Backcountry Shelters: GMSNP
Blog: Everything To Know About Eloping In The Smoky Mountains
