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Smoky Mountain Waterfall Wedding Spotlight

Smoky Mountain Waterfall Weddings

August is almost here! As promised, the Smoky Mountain Wedding venue spotlights shall begin!

Every year over 200,000 visitors flock to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Large waterfalls are popular with many visitors, but smaller cascades and falls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park. Abundant rainfall and high elevation work together to create a waterfall wedding wonderland.

In todays blog, we will be discussing 7 Smoky Mountain Waterfalls,what they offer, and some pros and cons of each. We have lots to do, so lets get started.

Ramsey Cascades

Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park and one of the most spectacular. Water drops 100 feet over rock outcroppings and collects in a small pool below.

The trail to the waterfall gains over 2,000' in elevation over its 4 mile course and the 8-mile roundtrip hike is considered strenuous in difficulty. It follows rushing rivers and streams for much of its length. The last 2 miles pass through old-growth cove hardwood forest with large tuliptrees, basswoods, silverbells, and yellow birches.

Access Trail: Ramsey Cascades Trail (Tennessee)Trailhead: Drive six miles east of Gatlinburg on Highway 321 and turn at the Greenbrier entrance to the park. Follow the signs 4.7 miles to the trailhead.

Rainbow Falls

A rainbow produced by mist from this 80-foot high waterfall is visible on sunny afternoons.

During extended winter cold spells, an impressive ice formation builds around the falls.Between trailhead and falls, Rainbow Falls Trail gains about 1,500' in elevation. The 5.4 mile roundtrip hike is considered moderate in difficulty. The Rainbow Falls Trail continues for approximately 4 miles beyond the falls to the summit of Mt. Le Conte.

Access Trail: Rainbow Falls Trail (Tennessee)Trailhead: From the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Continue past the Noah “Bud” Ogle homesite to the clearly signed Rainbow Falls parking area.

Mouse Creek Falls

Big Creek Trail follows an old railroad grade used to haul lumber out of the mountains during the logging boom at the start of the 20th century. At 1.4 miles the trail passes Midnight Hole, a deep, picturesque pool below a 6' falls. At 2.1 miles a short side trail on the left leads to a bench where hikers can rest and view Mouse Creek Falls which is on the far side of Big Creek. The falls are 45’ in height.

The 4-mile roundtrip hike to the waterfall is considered moderate in difficulty.

Access Trail: Big Creek TrailTrailhead: Exit I-40 at Waterville Road (#451). Turn left after crossing the Pigeon River and proceed 2.3 miles to an intersection. Continue straight, past the ranger station, to a large parking area at road’s end.

Mingo Falls

Mingo Falls is on the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary), just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No special permits are required for access to the reservation.

At 120 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. The hike to the waterfall is only 0.4 miles in length, but is considered moderate in difficulty.

Access Trail: Pigeon Creek Trail Trailhead: From Oconaluftee Visitor Center, drive south (toward Cherokee) on US-441 and take the second left onto Big Cove Road. At the first stop sign turn left and drive 4.5 miles to Mingo Falls Campground, where the trail begins.

Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited. The area is especially busy on weekends year-round and on weekdays during summer.

Laurel Branch and the 80-foot high Laurel Falls are named for mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May.

The trail is 2.6 miles roundtrip and considered moderate in difficulty. The trail is paved and is suitable for strollers.

Access trail: Laurel Falls TrailTrailhead: From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road.

Juney Whank Falls

Juney Whank Falls is divided into an upper and lower section. Both can be viewed from the footbridge which crosses Juney Whank Branch at the falls. Together they drop 90 feet from top to bottom.

The trail to the waterfall is 0.8 miles roundtrip and is considered moderate in difficulty.The stream and falls are said to be named after a Mr. Junaluska “Juney” Whank, who may be buried in the area.

Access Trail: Juney Whank Falls TrailTrailhead: Follow the signs through downtown Bryson City to Deep Creek Campground. Continue past the campground to the trailhead at the end of Deep Creek Road. Backtrack on foot 0.1 mile along the road to the trail.

Indian Creek/Tom Branch Falls

An easy 1.6 mile roundtrip hike will allow you to enjoy two beautiful waterfalls in the Deep Creek area. Walk Deep Creek Trail 0.7 mile to the junction with Indian Creek Trail.

On your way you can view elegant Tom Branch Falls located on the far side of Deep Creek. Turn right at the junction with Indian Creek Trail and proceed approximately 200' to Indian Creek Falls. The falls are 25 feet in height.Access trail: Deep Creek/Indian Creek (North Carolina)

Trailhead: Follow the signs through downtown Bryson City to Deep Creek Campground. Continue past the campground to the trailhead at the end of Deep Creek Road.

Be sure to check back during the month of August for more Smoky Mountain Waterfall wedding information, as well as other ceremony venue spotlights. During the month of August, we will be reviewing many types of Smoky Mountain Wedding Venues such as waterfalls, gazebos, chapels, gardens, and much more.

You may also check out our website for more updates and detailed Smoky Mountain Wedding Information. http://www.everafterplanner.com/

(Smoky Mountain National Park info. provided by http://www.nps.gov)

Smoky Mountain Wedding Venues

As many of you already know, the Smoky Mountains are the perfect location for your destination wedding. In summer, the landscapes blossom with color and in summer the bees buzz with delight. In fall, fields become full of orange and yellow leaves and in winter the mountains transform into a beautiful snowy white wonderland.

Your Smoky Mountain Wedding Venue can vary a bit depending on the season of your wedding. The entire month of August, I have decided to do a spotlight blog on various venues within the Gatlinburg area.

These venue spotlights will include the following wedding locations:

• Waterfall Weddings


• Gazebo & Garden Weddings


• Chapel & Cabin Weddings


• Mountaintop Weddings


• Banquet Hall Weddings


• Bed and Breakfast Weddings


• Micellaneous Unique Gatlinburg Weddings

If you don't see the Smoky Mountain Venue you are interested in, you may request it by leaving a comment on the blog below. Thanks so much for your continued support of Ever After Events. I look forward to helping you plan your Smoky Mountain Destination Wedding. Please visit my website http://www.everafterplanner.com/ for more information.

A Bride for all Seasons

It seems as if yesterday was Christmas with decorations galore. Now, I open my eyes to find my calendar in June, and reflect on how time quickly passes.

The phrase, "June Bride" is often heard around this time of year. But, what, other than the obvious, is a June Bride? Where does this phrase originate?

Historically, some couples married in the month of June to honor Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage. Other couples chose to wed in June to time conception, so births wouldn't interfere with harvest work. Brides in the 15th century chose to marry in June because it coincided with their "annual bath" - you read right - thus ensuring a relatively sweet-smelling honeymoon.

Centuries later, June has remained the most popular month to wed. In MGM's 1954 Academy Award-winning musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers the song "June Bride" trills: "Oh, they say when you marry in June, you're a bride all your life."

As you can see, the reasons for brides marrying in June have undoubtedly changed over the years. Today, many brides wed in June due to the fabulous weather in most areas. In the Smoky Mountains, the month of June brings river rafting, picnics in the park, and various community events. Driving by many of the wedding chapels, you are sure to catch a glimpse of a June Bride.

If you are contemplating a destination wedding, the Smoky Mountains do provide a very economic wedding choice within beautiful surroundings. The Smoky Mountains provide many budget friendly wedding options without sacrificing your must have items.

If you have set the date for a winter wonderland wedding, now is the time to start planning. With only six months until December, a Smoky Mountain Snowday Wedding is just around the corner! Six months to a year prior to your wedding date is considered the perfect amount of time to plan weddings. Many venues fill up quickly so the sooner you reserve your date, the better!

Ever After Events, Gatlinburg, Tn, is your one-stop shop for all your wedding planning needs, regardless of season. Call today to book your Smoky Mountain wedding & lets start planning the wedding of your dreams. After all, Ever After Events don't just happen, they are planned!

Mark Your Calendars!

With the onset of summer, the local events calendar is filling up fast! Many brides book their Smoky Mountain Summer Weddings around the area events calendar, as this provides extra entertainment for guests who may be traveling along beside the wedding party.

Here are just a few events taking place in Summer 2009:

• May 15 Annual Scottish Festival & Parade Gatlinburg, TN
• May 15 5th Annual Bloomin BBQ & Bluegrass Festival Pigeon Forge, TN
• June 4-June 18th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival Pigeon Forge, TN
• June 6-June 8 Norton Apparel & Gift Show Sevierville, TN
• June 12-June 13 Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales Gatlinburg, TN
• July 3-July 4 34th Annual 4th of July Midnight Parade Gatlinburg, TN
• July 17-July 26 Craftmens Fair Gatlinburg, TN

Please visit http://www.smokymountainarea.com/events.html for a complete listing of 2009 Smoky Mountain Events.

Think it's too late to book your Smoky Mountain Summer Wedding? think again! We still have several dates available but are filling up fast. Concerned you just don't have a large enough budget for a summer '09 wedding? Let me help!

Call me today to reserve your date before it's too late & allow me to provide you with many money saving tips while still having that fairytale wedding. As a certified planner, I am here to help you with all things wedding! What are you waiting for? Call me Today!!

Going Green with Weddings

As many of you probably know, this week we celebrated Earth Day 2009. It seems as if everywhere I turn, I'm hearing the phrase "carbon footprint". If you're like me the only footprint I was aware of was the fabulous outline of my stiletto. However, that has changed. As easy as it may seem to continue in our normal day-to-day patterns out of pure convenience, we must come to realize the impact our selfish ways are affecting our planet. Not to sound as if I'm an economist, I don't think twice before spraying an aerosol can, BUT the time for change is upon all of us. Going green is easier than you think. There are little things you can do every day to help reduce greenhouse gases and make a less harmful impact on the environment. Taking care of the Earth is not just a responsibility -- it's a privilege.

1.­ Pay attention to how you use water. The little things can make a big difference. Every time you turn off the water while you're brushing your teeth, you're doing something good.
2. Leave your car at home. If you can stay off the road just two days a week, you'll reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,590 pounds per year. Try combining errands into one day to reduce fuel emissions.
3. Walk or ride your bike to work, school and anywhere you can. You can reduce greenhouse gases while burning some calories and improving your health.
4. Recycle.You can help reduce pollution just by putting that soda can in a different bin. If you're trying to choose between two products, pick the one with the least packaging.
5. Compost. Think about how much trash you make in a year. Reducing the amount of solid waste you produce in a year means taking up less space in landfills, so your tax dollars can work somewhere else.

So, what does all this Eco Friendly stuff have to do with weddings you ask......
A very popular and fresh idea popping up everywhere are "Green Weddings" or "Eco Friendly Weddings".
Some brides decide to go totally green for their big day by utilizing recycled paper products for all stationery such as invitations, rsvp cards, thank you notes, shower invitations, place cards, & programs. Brides may also join the green movement by hiring local vendors which cuts down on fuel emissions due to driving long distances, trading in their normal cosmetics and instead, opting for organic beauty supplies, or selecting a preowned wedding gown. Another green idea is to give small plants or trees as wedding favors to all guests at your reception.

If you are environmentally aware but don't want to make every element "green", this is perfectly understandable. Although the idea of a green wedding is great, it is not a great theme for everyone. I believe as long as each of us put forth effort and do our part mother earth will smile upon us. I hope she smiles upon you and provides you with great weather and blessings on your wedding day!

For more information on green weddings visit http://science.howstuffworks.com/save-earth-top-ten.htm and http://www.greenweddings.net

Happy Easter to You All!

Happy Easter to You All! I hope this Easter Holiday finds you all safe & well. Easter is such a wonderful time of year. As Easter approaches we begin to see the beautiful Spring colors all around us. The Easter season allows us to put away dark, winter clothes and pull out our bright pastels. If you are like me, this change of seasons, is a renewal not only for the wardrobe, but for the spirit as well. Spring is a time to put away the old and energize the new. If you are a Spring/Summer Bride, visit my Health & Fitness page for great ways to stay stressfree, carefree, & healthy during this important time in your life.

A daffodil blooms by a stream, a bluebird chirps in a tree, and , almost overnight, what was a forest of bare branches now has sprung to life with beautiful green leaves and colorful blooms. Butterflies begin fluttering and bees begin buzzing....all signs of this glorious time of year!

What better time than now to reserve your date for a Smoky Mountain Spring Wedding? If you are trying to decide on a perfect wedding destination, the Smoky Mountains provide an economical and beautiful choice. Bring the family along for summer fun at Dollywood or Ripley's Aquarium. There really is something for everyone in these great mountains and now is the perfect time to plan the wedding you have always envisioned.

Springtime in the Smoky Mountains...

Signs of Spring are blooming all over the lush Smoky Mountains. Today was a beautiful Saturday filled with singing
birds, rushing rivers, & shimmering sunlight. The community was buzzing with roadside sales and tourist events.

With Springtime upon us, now is the time to reserve your Spring/Summer 2009 wedding date. Many venues are already booked through early fall therefore, time is of the essence, don't delay.

There are many Smoky Mountain wedding locations which capture the true ambiance of Springtime in the Smokies. If an outdoor wedding is what you fancy, please view our venues page for more information on Gazebo, Garden, & Waterfall weddings, all of which are available. If you prefer a more intimate, indoor ceremony, consider having an outdoor reception in a pavilion or under a beautiful tent. With such beautiful colors surround us, why not let nature be the perfect decor. and backdrop for your 2009 wedding? The intricate details which God has painted here in the Smokies continue to amaze and uplift us all.

Company Introduction, Let the Bloggin Begin...

Good Evening to you all & welcome to my new blog. I'm super excited to get started on this phase of the Ever After Empire. Please feel free to comment, subscribe, or ask questions as often as you like as I am always open to feedback.Also, be sure to check my website ofter for updates!

First, a little about my company...
Ever After Events was established after I realized the growing need for independent wedding planners in the Gatlinburg, TN area. I came to the Smoky Mountains in search of the perfect wedding venue, after becoming engaged. I spent an entire weekend driving from chapel to chapel determined to find that perfect location, the place I had been envisioning since I was a little girl, my dream wedding spot. Unfortunately, things aren't always as they appear. Many of the locations I visited were not consistent with what was portrayed on their websites. A large portion of the chapels I visited required clients to use all of their services. In other words, if I wanted to wed there, I must use their photographer, their florist, their caterer, etc. After receiving such unpleasant service in such an amazing area, the beautiful Smoky Mountains, I decided I wanted to get in on the action. I wanted to provide a wedding consulting service to brides without being affiliated or tied to all those in-house services. By allowing brides to use any venue, any florist, or any other service they choose, I am confident my weddings are second to none. I work hard planning weddings so brides don't have to. After all, the Smoky Mountains are supposed to provide a beautiful yet peaceful backdrop for couples everywhere. So, sit back, relax, and let me help you plan the wedding of your dreams!