Melody and I travelled across the United States to visit Georgia and other various places in the South, on a journey to find our perfect wedding location. I had a place in mind called “The Swag.” because of their secluded location as well as their southern hospitality. I had to give her a peak into what I though would be the perfect place to be united as one. I also invited my parents along, because their opinions always matter to me as well. Unfortunately, we recently discovered that this location will not be holding weddings in 2013, so its back to the drawing boards, back to square one. But here was the lovely location that we were planning on having our wedding day. Maybe this will be for the better. This is a little garden and storage house while walking from the parking lot to the lodge. This location is great due to the hiker friendly atmosphere, you are able to walk anywhere and everywhere! It even is right on the edge of the Smoky Mountains.

My parents and I went off on an adventure to tour the grounds. We were delighted to see the greenery around us, and I was completely in awe from being submerged in beautiful nature.

Melody has a fantasy that she will be married under a giant tree, when she saw this meadow and tree she had to roam around. We found this wonderful rope swing attached and gave it a whirl.

We walked a little under a quarter mile and made it to their premiere wedding location, complete with a gazebo and a few wooden chairs for resting.

My parents enjoying the view.

The gazebo.

The hospitality at “The Swag” is great, they provide anything you need, even if you forget something. These cute walking sticks were a luxury item I rarely use, but they had them there just in case. I forgot to post a picture of the view, but it was gorgeous, an iconic view of the rolling mountains in the Smoky’s

Next we went off to another location that was hinted as a wonderfully beautiful place. We stopped off around a pond on our way toward a watermill bridge.

The rope bridge was stunning, but the lighting was subpar.

Watermill.

Lastly we decided to look around the lodge as well to get a feel for the place as well as plan any other necessary details before we headed back home to discuss. The lodge is utterly southern and quite inviting.

My mother resting.

We also walked around to another common area; these areas reflect the ambiance of their cabins as well for a total of 30 guests.

The porch outside.

Lastly we walked toward the other side of the parking lot, where they have a beautiful garden.

But we soon got distracted by a treehouse to the left of us, so we climbed up to see the view and relax.

Tool shed.

And we made it to the garden.

After our visit, we decided to go on a tour of the Smoky Mountain National Park. This park is great because it is free for all to wander. No National Park fees are required, but I do recommend donating to NPS by either purchasing a year round pass, like I do, or just supporting them in anyway necessary.

Our hike for the day, Clingmans Dome.

As the weather cleared up, I decided to get a few more photos of the area before we left, with the dramatic clouds gracing me with their presence.