Meet the team!
Alisha- Owner, Planner, and Photographer
I’m more than just a coordinator though. Since I was born and raised in East Tennessee, you’ll have access to all the knowledge of a local. From locations, to officiants, down to where you should go to eat! As a photographer, I plan your elopement with the perfect pictures in mind. The kind of pictures you save on Pinterest, that you’ll be dying to show your friends and family.
Whether you are the kind of couple who hikes and adventures every weekend OR you’re more the snuggling on the couch kind. I will plan your perfect elopement that is unique to you and your love story. No matter what, your elopement will be in great hands with me
Rev. Tom - Officiant
I'm originally from Maryland and moved to TN in 2002.
Lifelong Christian. Officiating weddings since 2010.
Professional, outgoing, sincere.
Love 80's music and singing old songs.
Love cats, jeeps, road trips, football.
I love officiating elopements because they are fun and rewarding. It’s an honor to be a part of the couple’s special day. Couples enjoy having me as an officiant because I am always smiling, upbeat, and positive. Eloping in Gatlinburg is so special because you can have a scenic, romantic, outdoor wedding in the mountains.
Pastor Jim - Officiant
Jim Eastin served as a pastor for many years. He retired to the Smokies and we made him un-retire to do weddings with us.
Jim makes all our couples feel valued and special. He will perform a Christian or a non-religious wedding or even a Commitment ceremony for those who would prefer that.
Jim says, "The great thing about getting married in the Smokies is that all the pressure is off you. You don't have to worry about the guest list getting too big or if the food will suit everyone or that you have to dress a certain way. You can invite just the people you want, or it can be just the two of you. You can be married in a cabin or with a beautiful riverside or a mountain view. You can wear what makes you feel happy. It is just so much easier!
Pastor Jody - Officiant
Rachel - Helping Hand
My name is Rachel Joi Maples. I am a stay at home mommy and homeschooler for 3 boys. I love coffee, all things Harry Potter, coffee, books, coffee, country music, and did I mention coffee?
I got involved in wedding elopements because my husband is a minister here in the Smoky Mountains and many times (even with the simplest of elopements) a little help is needed. Regardless of if it is just making sure everyone is in the right place, being an assistant for the minister or photographer, and even taking photos for the couple with their cell phone so there are immediate day of photo memories.
On your wedding day, I will do everything I can to help make it special and as Effortless as possible.
Justise - Photographer
Hey y’all! My name is Justise and I am a full time photographer, wife, and mama of 2 rambunctious boys who are the reason I breathe! Photography became an outlet for me after I had my babies to almost feel human again and be out in the world meeting others and being a part of their special moments! Being a stay at home mom can be hard in your mental health so this was my way of taking a step back and keeping myself in check!
What better way to take a break and just breathe than in the mountains! There isn’t a place on earth that I would rather be in than any part of the GSMNP! You just don’t get views like this anywhere else other beautiful East Tennessee! The green trees in the spring, the summer breeze blowing your veil so slightly, watching the leaves turn that beautiful burnt orange in the fall, and the snow in the winter! You can not tell me there is a better place to bring yourself and your loved ones to get married! Saying I do with an incredible view to the mom and pop diner for a meal after your ceremony with the ones closest to you is an absolute concoction for a good time!
Sydni - Photographer
Hi, my name is Sydni! I am an East Tennessee photographer in my fifth year of photographing weddings, elopements, seniors, and more! When I am not taking photos, I am a student at the University of Tennessee in the Forensic Anthropology department.
Even as someone who has grown up in the Great Smoky Mountains, I am always in awe of how stunning they are. Gatlinburg has a little bit of everything - fields, mountains, cabins, and rivers, which means there’s something for everyone. These breathtaking views truly are a beautiful backdrop for an elopement!
Pastor Jayson - Officiant and Helping Hand
I moved to the Smoky Mountains in August of 2019 from Fort Wayne, Indiana. A little more about me is that I am also a comedian, a DJ , a former pro wrestler and just about to publish my 1st children's book.
I am a husband to my soulmate , everytime I do a wedding i am taken back for a brief moment to the day she and I said “I do”.
I am a father to 4 sons who own my heart. I am also a son, and have a close relationship with my parents. I am a brother to 4 brothers and a sister. Family is so important to me, and that is just another reason I enjoy officiating elopements and weddings as it allows me to start you and your fiancé on your new journey as a family.
I love absolutely everything about elopements, especially when they are Effortless!
Not to say that a full blown knock it out of the park wedding extravaganza with bridesmaids, groomsmen, decorations and a reception with 200+ friends and family members isn't fun too but, there is something to be said about simply standing on the side of a mountain with a couple, overlooking the trees in the valley below or standing in that same beautiful valley surrounded by those very mountains and trees and just escaping the world for a moment, by creating a moment.....
I have to say that I feel like these moments are exceptionally better right here in what I call God's country.
I consider myself blessed to experience this right along with the couples who decide to elope here in the smokies....
The joy I receive by providing a ceremony joining two people in marriage over some heartfelt stories, some humor (if you like) and the spoken promises of 2 people reciting their vows to each other Just before I pronounce them as a married couple is one of the best things in my life that I get to do.
I would be honored to officiate on your special day with Effortless Elopements.