A Real Wedding Day Review | Nancy & Chase Bell

There’s something really special about weddings that are built by the people who love you most, and Nancy and Chase’s day at Pondside Love Nest was exactly that.

Tucked away in the hills of Sevierville, this private Airbnb-style venue offers a quiet, nature-filled setting with a pond, open land, and just enough space to create a wedding day that feels completely your own.

But like any venue, it comes with both beautiful highlights and a few things couples should seriously consider before booking.


The Overall Vibe of Pondside Love Nest

This venue is perfect for couples who want:

  • A private, tucked-away location
  • A nature-forward setting (trees, water, open land)
  • The flexibility to DIY their wedding day

Nancy and Chase leaned fully into that. Their wedding wasn’t about production—it was about intention. Friends and family helped set up, food was brought in, music was played through speakers, and the entire day felt incredibly personal.

It was simple in the best way.

Getting Ready on Site

One of the biggest perks of this property is having everything in one place.

The bridal suite is absolutely beautiful—bright, open, and filled with natural light from large windows. It’s a dream for detail shots and those quieter, getting-ready moments.

The groom’s suite, on the other hand, is in the basement… and it shows. It’s much darker, which can make photos a bit more challenging. It’s functional, especially with the extra kitchen space, but definitely not as photo-friendly.


Ceremony Space + Property Features

The ceremony took place on one of the flatter areas of the property—important, because most of this venue is very hilly.

Some standout features:

  • A pond (great for scenic portraits)
  • A dock (perfect in theory for romantic moments—though it is a bit of a walk)
  • A barn + small cabin for added character
  • A ceremony arch that can be decorated
  • Even geese roaming the property (cute… but proceed with caution)

The space itself is beautiful—but it’s not necessarily easy.

The Biggest Consideration: Accessibility

This is the most important thing to know about this venue:

It is not accessibility-friendly.

The entire property is:

  • Steep
  • Hilly
  • A mix of uphill and downhill walking

If you have guests who:

  • Use wheelchairs
  • Use walkers
  • Struggle with mobility
  • Or even just aren’t steady on uneven ground

This venue is going to be difficult.

Even as a photographer at the start of wedding season, the physical aspect of this location was noticeable. It’s something couples really need to think through before booking.


Lighting Conditions (From a Photographer’s Perspective)

This venue is very direct sun heavy.

Nancy and Chase’s ceremony was at 4 PM, which worked for their timeline—but it also meant:

  • Strong sunlight
  • Harsh shadows
  • Less of that soft, light-and-airy look

If you love bright, natural imagery like what I typically deliver, this location can be tricky unless you:

  • Adjust ceremony timing closer to sunset
  • Or intentionally plan for shaded areas (which are limited)
Elegant lace wedding dress hanging by a window with a full-length mirror and bridal heels on a hardwood floor.
Bride and groom embrace outdoors near a wooden cross and pond, bride in lace gown, groom in gray suit.
Outdoor wedding ceremony by a lake with guests seated on white chairs, surrounded by pine trees under a clear blue sky.

Wedding Day Flow

Nancy and Chase kept things simple:

  • No bridal party
  • Family photos before and after the ceremony
  • A relaxed, go-with-the-flow timeline (which I helped build)

Because there wasn’t a planner or DJ, the day relied heavily on community—and it worked because their people showed up for them.

Instead of a traditional reception:

  • Music was played through speakers
  • No formal dance floor
  • Guests mingled, talked, and celebrated in their own way

It wasn’t traditional—but it fit them perfectly.


Parking + Logistics

Parking is something you’ll want to plan ahead for.

Tips:

  • Encourage carpooling
  • Have early arrivals park closer
  • Let guests staying later arrive earlier if possible

It’s manageable—but not something to overlook.


Seasonal Considerations

I photographed this wedding in spring, and even then—it was warm.

I would not recommend this venue for summer weddings.

Reasons:

  • Direct sun during ceremonies
  • Limited shade for guests
  • Physical strain from the terrain + heat

Spring and fall would be much more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone involved.


Budget Insight

Based on current listings:

  • Rental ranges roughly from $2,000–$7,000
  • A 100-person wedding can be around $6,000 for the venue alone

This makes it a solid option for couples working with a $10,000–$17,000 overall budget, especially if you’re:

  • DIY-ing elements
  • Keeping things simple
  • Prioritizing experience over production

My Honest Take

I would absolutely photograph here again, but it’s not for everyone.

This venue is perfect for couples who:

  • Love nature and privacy
  • Want a laid-back, DIY wedding
  • Have a supportive group helping bring the day together
  • Are okay with a more relaxed, less traditional flow

This venue may NOT be a good fit if:

  • Accessibility is a concern
  • You want soft, evenly lit photos throughout the day
  • You’re planning a large, structured wedding
  • You’re getting married in peak summer

Final Thoughts

Nancy and Chase’s wedding was a reminder that a wedding doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful.

It just has to feel like you.

And at a place like Pondside Love Nest, you truly have the freedom to create a day that reflects exactly that, even if it takes a little extra effort to get up the hill.