About Us
We’re the Calm Behind Your Chaos
We believe weddings should be beautiful, effortless, and totally you. Our team handles the details so you can focus on the people, the moments, and the experience. From your first hello to the last dance, we make planning seamless while capturing every laugh, tear, and stolen glance along the way.
Founded on the idea that weddings don’t have to be stressful or over-complicated, Smoky Mountain Elopement Company celebrates love in all forms and works with local vendors to keep your day both unforgettable and authentic.
And behind the cameras? That’s us.
Sarah Dooley
Founder / Lead Photographer
Sarah has spent the past six years capturing love stories with a natural, documentary-style approach, ensuring every moment feels effortless and genuine. As the owner of Smoky Mountain Elopement Company, she’s passionate about creating a stress-free experience for couples, guiding them through their photos so they never have to worry about posing. Her goal is to preserve not just the big moments, but also the little in-between ones—the laughter, the stolen glances, and the joy of your guests—so you can relive your wedding day exactly as it felt.
When she's not behind the camera, Sarah is often hanging out with her husband and fur babies, hiking to a new waterfall or overlook, indulging in true crime stories, or sipping on a nitro cold brew from Starbucks.
Brad
Photographer
Brad has been by Sarah’s side since the very beginning of her wedding business journey, and as the co-owner and assistant photographer. He brings the same candid, natural, and love-filled approach to every wedding day. With an eye for authenticity, he focuses on capturing real moments—laughter, happy tears, and all the in-between memories that make your day special.
When he’s not photographing weddings, Brad is a general contractor, building custom homes and crafting beautiful live edge tables. He’s a hands-on kind of guy who appreciates craftsmanship, whether it’s in a home, a piece of furniture, or the perfect wedding photo. Off the clock, he’s all about camping way out in the wilderness, fishing lakes and streams, and a good pepperoni pizza with a crisp Dr Pepper, enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Jon-Paul
Officiant
Jon-Paul has been officiating weddings for over twelve years, bringing a wealth of experience and heartfelt presence to more than a thousand ceremonies. His warm, personable approach helps couples feel truly seen and supported as they exchange their vows, creating moments that are as meaningful as they are memorable. With an intuitive understanding of what makes each love story unique, Jon-Paul crafts ceremonies that feel authentic, intentional, and deeply personal.
When he's not officiating, Jon-Paul is a dedicated father of twins, an artisan who makes his own bread and salamis, and an active member of his community. His genuine passion for connection and celebration shows in everything he does—whether he's bringing people together through food, family, or the sacred commitment of marriage.
Paige
Officiant
Paige brings an infectious energy to every ceremony, combining heartfelt words with genuine laughter to create moments you'll never forget. As an officiant, she has a gift for making couples feel completely at ease, guiding them through their vows with warmth and authenticity. Her goal is to celebrate your love story in a way that feels uniquely yours—never cookie-cutter, always from the heart.
When she's not officiating weddings, Paige is busy being a mom to two adventurous boys, exploring the great outdoors, and soaking up all the natural beauty Western North Carolina has to offer. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, she frequently makes the trip to WNC to work alongside the Smoky Mountain Elopement team, bringing her cheerleader spirit and genuine passion for love in all its forms.
Questions, ideas, or just want to chat about your dream day?