Gifts for Women in 2023 | Birthday gifts for Her

I know we all sometimes struggle with finding the perfect gift, but when it comes to gifts for women, we’ve found the perfect solution! Gal Gifts!

Gal Gifts is a great resource for unique and fun gifts for any woman in your life. They have everything from hobbies to alcohol boxes, and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for someone in their 20’s, 30’s or 40’s, we think you’ll find the perfect gift here!

Gifts for Women Who Have Everything

It can be challenging to buy gifts for women who have everything. But this is where Gal Gifts comes in! Our gift sets are designed to give that special woman in your life something new, fun or unusual. Great gifts for her birthday could be anything from an alcohol gift or a self-care set to a hobby pack or food-related gift. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of options here.

We just wanted to share a great resource we’ve found that may help our clients in the future <3

Gatlinburg Engagement Photographer | Foothills Parkway Photography

Foothills Parkway Engagement Session

Rian and Lauren’s engagement session is one for the books! These two were so cute, and obviously crazy about each other! They wanted an awesome mountain view for their photos, so we chose a Foothills Parkway engagement session.

I barely had to coach these two into poses, they were so easy to work with <3 The resulting pictures are perfect; check ‘em out!

Cades Cove Photographer | Gatlinburg Photographers

Cades Cove Family Pictures

Meet Jessica’s sweet, sweet family. Every year, we do a photoshoot in her very favorite place, Cades Cove! I just love seeing repeat clients, watching their families grow and change. This was the first time I got to meet Cade (Named after Cades Cove!) and photograph him during their Gatlinburg vacation! What a cutie! Just like his brother <3

I can’t wait to see what next year brings for them! Enjoy some of my favorites from their Cades Cove photography session.

Gatlinburg Family Photographer | Foothills Parkway Photography Session

Pigeon Forge Photographer

Say Hello to Angie’s adorable family of three on the blog today! They wanted a short and sweet session with a mountain view, so we chose to meet on the Foothills Parkway near Pigeon Forge : a great spot for mountain views without a super long drive to Cades Cove. The morning was BEAUTIFUL with fog on the mountains, and cooler temperatures.

Angie’s Sweet daughter was turning the BIG 5 the week after their session, so we squeezed in a few 5th birthday pictures as well to celebrate!

Check out my favorites

Must- See Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains | Smoky Mountain Drives

Looking for a family friendly activity without a hike? The Smokies has many scenic drives for motor tourism to enjoy the beauty from the comfort of your own vehicle. It’s a great break between hiking or busy, busy days.

Below are a few of our favorites!

The Foothills Parkway

One Way Distance: 32 Miles

First envisioned in the 1940s, the Foothills Parkway was a grand public works project that was meant to build a 72-mile road that connected I-40 to Lake Chilhowee. However, budget and safety concerns have caused several delays. It currently connects Lake Chilhowee to Wears Vallery with dozens of stunning pull offs along the drive.

It is a truly a sight to behold and a must-see drive while you visit the smoky mountains!

Though this road is not technically inside the Great Smoky Mountains, it is maintained by the national park service.

The Roaring Fork Motor Trail

One Way Distance: 5.5 Miles

Located just outside of Gatlinburg, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail is one a popular attraction in the Smoky Mountains. This one-way road begins at the end of Cherokee Orchard road and Historic Nature Trail Road can be accessed at traffic light #8 in Gatlinburg, TN.

The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a low-elevation road in the Smokies that features stunning old-growth forests, historic cabins, waterfalls, and mountain streams.

Finally, this route passes by "the place of 1000 drips," a roadside waterfall. Beginning and ending in Gatlinburg, this is a well-traveled road for those visiting the Smoky Mountains.

Please note that this road is closed in during the winter months and that buses, trailers, and motor homes are not permitted on the trail.

 Little River Road

One Way Distance: 25 Miles

At 25 miles in length, the Little River Road connects Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg to the popular Cades Cove region of the Smoky Mountains. Technically, this route consists of 3 roads: Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Little River Gorge Rd, and Laurel Creek Rd.

A great road to explore the National Park; you’ll have access to Elkmont, Tremont, Metcalf Bottoms, and the Townsend Wye swimming area. If you want to truly drive through the Smoky Mountains, you need to take this drive.

Along the drive, you'll see stunning sights like The Sinks Waterfall that's located right by the roadside and you'll also pass by popular hiking trails like the Laurel Falls Trail. This scenic drive follows along the Little River as it passes through lush forests. There are numerous pull-offs that provide access to the river if you want to dip your feet in and cool off in those hot summer months.

 Newfound Gap Road

One Way Distance: 30.3 Miles

Also known as US-441, The Newfound Gap Road is the most iconic scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains. Beginning at an elevation of 1,289 Ft in Gatlinburg TN, this mountain road climbs to 5,046 Ft at Newfound Gap, the lowest drivable pass in the national park. From Newfound Gap, you can travel all the way to Cherokee NC.

Along the road, you’ll see several forest types and multiple pull offs with panoramic mountain views.

• Campbell Overlook

• The Chimney Tops Overlook

• Morton Overlook

• Oconoluftee Valley Overlook

The main destination of Newfound Gap Road is, of course, Newfound Gap. This overlook straddles the state line of Tennessee and North Carolina in the national park. The Appalachian trail passes through at this point as well.

President Roosevelt formally dedicated the national park in 1940 for "the happiness of the American people." right at Newfound Gap!

If you only have time to drive one road in the national park, The Newfound Gap road is a perfect through the Smoky Mountains.

Cades Cove Loop Road

11 Mile Loop

The single most popular scenc drive in the Smokies!

This scenic, 11-mile loop road features historic structures and abundant wildlife. People report seeing turkey, deer, and even black bears frequently.

Some of the main highlights of the Cades Cove Loop road are:

• The John Oliver Cabin – Built in the 1820s

• Primitive Baptist Church – Built in 1887,

• The Cades Cove Grist Mill – Built in the 1870s,

• The Abrams Falls Trail – A popular waterfall hike

Please note that traffic is slow on this one-lane route and that Cades Cove can occasionally become very crowded. This is especially true during the busy season in summer and fall. From May to October, the Cades Cove loop is exclusively opened to hikers and bicyclists until 10 a.m. Sundays and all day Wednesdays.

Clingman's Dome Road

One Way Distance: 7 Miles

Want to see the highest point you can drive to in the Smokies! Clingman’s Dome is for you! This popular drive begins at the Newfound Gap parking area and leads to Clingman's Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies at an elevation of 6,644 Ft

Along the way, there are several pull-offs that feature gorgeous mountain views. You can also access the Appalachian Trail as it nears the summit of Clingman's Dome.

At the road's top, you can access the 0.5-mile Clingman's Dome Trail that leads to a 54-ft observation tower on the mountain's summit. Once you reach the top, you’ll have 360 degree views from the highest peak in the Smokies.

Please note, this popular drive in the Smokies is closed from December 1 to March 31, due to winter weather conditions.

Gatlinburg Photographer | Photographer in Pigeon Forge TN | Houston Extended Family Reunion

Gatlinburg TN Photographers

Extended family sessions have my heart! I do just love getting to meet, photograph, and interact with these big, happy, crazy, loving families. Are they all picture-perfect Watsons? No! But they are all wonderful and perfect in their way.

The Houston Family was no exception; they were so sweet and genuine and a pleasure to work with. We had just a lovely Smoky Mountain Family picture session, with a stunning mountain backdrop. We met up near the Foothills Parkway for a fantastic view of the mountains as the backdrop of their family pictures, and NO HIKING (super important, no one wants to huff, puff, and be sweaty for pictures)!

Cades Cove Family Pictures | Family Session in Cades Cove TN

Lauren’s Cades Cove Family Pictures

A few weeks back, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing my associate photographer’s, Lauren, family in Cades Cove. Like most children, her boys were bursting with energy and ready to explore, throw rocks, and play! Luckily, they were also bursting with smiles at the games and poses we had planned. Their eyes lit up when they saw my tandem bicycle come out and they got to sit on it, there was laughter running under the quilt while Mom and Dad fluffed it, and of course, being swung was a blast!

We snuck some posed pictures in the mix too, with great results! Beautiful Smoky Mountain family pictures with a background of Cades Cove mountains. I do love the versatility it offers and all the different looks you can get if you’re willing to tackle to drive there.

Enough talk! Check out my favorites images from their Cades Cove family session!

38 Jaw Dropping Cades Cove Family Pictures | Cades Cove Photographer

Cades Cove Family Photography

Oh, Cades Cove!!! One of my very favorite places on earth! It’s the picture perfect spot for family photos while you visit our beautiful Gatlinburg. The Cades Cove loop is surrounded by mountains in every direction you look, so it’s a perfect backdrop for family pictures!

Cades Cove is tucked back into the Smoky Mountains, but well worth the drive! You’re in a perfect little cove, with the mountains up close and personal!

Gatlinburg TN Photographers | Photographer in Pigeon Forge | Mallory's Smoky Mountain Family Pictures

Smoky Mountain Photographers

Meet Mallory’s beautiful family of three! Mallory actually contacted me several years back to schedule a Cades Cove Family photography session, but life happened, and it didn’t work out. I was THRILLED to hear from her last year to finally make our Gatlinburg photo session happen!!!

Cades Cove made a great setting for their Smoky Mountain family pictures. So fun, so rustic, so perfect! I love EVER picture in their gallery, so narrowing down for a blog was nearly impossible! Candid and posed alike, they’re all perfect.

Gatlinburg Photographers | Family Photos in Gatlinburg TN | The Manus Family Reunion Photoshoot

Smoky Mountain Photographers

I love, love, love repeat clients, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences for a photographer. It’s really the best compliment I can receive! It was an honor to photograph the Manus Family twice in ONE year!

Back in the Spring, they came to see me for Cades Cove family pictures with their sweet kiddos, and when the whole family had a reunion at a Gatlinburg cabin in the fall, they asked me to come document the extended family while they were together on vacation.

We met just outside the national park, near their cabin rental and found a perfect tree lined road, bursting with color. It doesn’t get any better!!!

The fall color was at it’s peak in the Smoky Mountains, and there were so many sweet cousins, we had a fantastic time! Smiles and giggles, funny dances and silly faces to try and coax smiles out of the smallest. Reds, yellows, and some green still hanging on made the perfect backdrop for this family session. The group was fantastic to work with, and worked through the final minutes when it started sprinkling ( our darn weather is SOOO unpredictable!) ; you’d never know looking at their beautiful Gatlinburg family pictures!

4 STUNNING ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS IN GATLINBURG TN FOR YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY| SMOKY MOUNTAIN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Smoky Mountain Wedding Photographer

GATLINBURG ELOPE

If you’re not from the Smoky Mountains, it can be hard to know the best places to elope in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Here’s some of our faves!

THE FOOTHILLS PARKWAY

The Foothills Parkway is my absolute favorite for mountain views! Mountains for DAYS! It’s just the most beautiful scenic drive, over bridges and rivers, with mountains as far as you can see at every pull-off. It’s a must-visit spot on your Gatlinburg vacation, even if you aren’t looking for an outdoor wedding ceremony location in the Smoky Mountains. The drive itself is perfection; trust me!

For ease and a mountain backdrop in Gatlinburg, this spot is all around number 1! It’s an easy drive over from Pigeon Forge, super scenic, and best of all? There is NO HIKING for these views. The location is just steps away from your car, which makes everything so much easier, especially for those with babies and elderly attending their ceremony. Plus, who wants to hike and get sweaty before pictures?

GREENBRIAR

Greenbriar Smoky Mountain wedding ceremonies are nothing short of magical; they’re so whimsical and beautiful. Known for it’s riverside ceremony locations, and stunning wooded areas, it’s a very versatile location to have your Gatlinburg wedding or Smoky Mountain elopement.

ELKMONT

Elkmont is absolutely an underrated gem in the Smoky Mountains as far as places to elope! As an old ghost town, it may not be the first spot on your mind, but the setting is SO pretty. It offers rustic buildings, an old fireplace and chimney, woods, and ponds. It’s a super divorce spot that makes a perfect rustic elopement ceremony.

The fireplace and chimney is my favorite part! It can be dressed up as a fabulous focal point, or left to it’s rustic beauty.

CADES COVE

No Smoky Mountain picture location list would be complete without Cades Cove! It just doesn’t get any prettier than this stunning motor-tourism spot. Whether you want a great spot for your ceremony, a jaw-dropping drive, or a spot for nature photography, Cades Cove should be on everyone’s list when they visit the Smokies. Eve if you just drive through, you’re likely to spot a bear or two.

This spot is a bit further out, with a twisty drive, but if you’re up for it, Cades Cove is so worth it! You’re literally surrounded by mountains; you can spin around and see them in every direction. The little cove is full of beautiful spots. It offers mountain views, fields, rivers, and rustic cabins. There’s so much to see, it’s best to do with our Elegant package to make the most of it <3.

Photographer Gatlinburg TN | Gatlinburg Photographers | Samantha's Family Session

Pigeon Forge Family Photographer

Oh how I love family sessions! Samantha’s family actually lives in Sevierville, just a hop, skip and jump from Gatlinburg TN. We had the best time doing a mini session at a local garden with her darling family! I’m not sure that I’ve ever seen a happier little family; so smiley and sweet with each other. It doesn’t get any better for a photographer!!!

24 Gatlinburg Senior Pictures That'll Make You Want to Move to the Smokies

Smoky Mountain Senior Portraits

I love, love, LOVE senior pictures in the Smoky Mountains! How fun is it for my clients to get to model on vacation, get pictures in the Smoky Mountains, AND have something TOTALLY different from their classmates. Ditch the boring senior pictures =D

Our Smoky Mountains have SO much to offer when it comes to senior pictures; Mountain views, woods, streams, rustic cabins. They’re all so beautiful; you can dress up, you can dress down, anything goes <3

Look Rock Senior Pictures Smoky Mountain Session | Lila

Gatlinburg Senior Portrait Photographer

Oh, Look Rock! One of my very, very favorite spots for pictures!! It’s a bit of trek to get through the woods to the cliff overlook, but man! Just look at the views; it’s so worth it! Right off the Foothills Parkway, Lookrock is a must stop in the area. If you don’t mind a short hike, the views from the Firetower there are amazing.

Lila wanted her 13th birthday pictures to be a bit more grownup and in the style of Gatlinburg senior pictures. She’s a spunky, animal-loving, mountain girl at heart, so of course, a mountain view backdrop was a must. We wanted to really focus on the beauty of Look Rock and the Smoky Mountains in her portraits. When you’re visiting Gatlinburg on vacation, mountains are a must!!!

Here’s some of my favorite’s of Lila in the mountains <3

How Do You Plan a Proposal in the Smokies?

How Do you plan a proposal in the smokies??

• Choose your vacation dates

• Choose a location in the Smoky Mountains

• Find a Photographer you love ( Your soon-to-be-wife will thank you!!!)

• Plan Something To Justify Dressing Up ( If you want it to be a surprise)

• Show up at the chosen location, breathe, and pop the question!

4 Gatlinburg photo locations you can't miss! | Where to take family photos on Gatlinburg Vacation

Picture locations in Gatlinburg TN you MUST see

The Foothills Parkway

The Foothills Parkway is my absolute favorite for mountain views! Mountains for DAYS! It’s just the most beautiful scenic drive, over bridges and rivers, with mountains as far as you can see at every pull-off. It’s a must-visit spot on your Gatlinburg vacation, even if you aren’t looking for a family picture location in the Smoky Mountains. The drive itself is perfection; trust me!

For family photos in Gatlinburg, this spot is all around number 1! It’s an easy drive over from Pigeon Forge, super scenic, and best of all? There is NO HIKING for these views. The location is just steps away from your car, which makes a session so much easier, especially for those with babies and elderly attending.

Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area

If you’re looking for a short drive, and beautiful woods and river for your family photos in Galinburg, look no further! Metcalf Bottoms is located near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, nestled back into the National Park. It’s beautiful year round, but the rich greens in the summer, and Autumn colors in the fall are my favorites.

This spot has several locations, all only around 5 minutes away from your car.

Cades Cove

No Smoky Mountain picture location list would be complete without Cades Cove! It just doesn’t get any prettier than this stunning motor-tourism spot. Whether you want a great spot for family portraits, an jaw-dropping drive, or a spot for nature photography, Cades Cove should be on everyone’s list when they visit the Smokies. Eve if you just drive through, you’re likely to spot a bear or two.

This spot is a bit further out, with a twisty drive, but if you’re up for it, Cades Cove is so worth it! You’re literally surrounded by mountains; you can spin around and see them in every direction. The little cove is full of beautiful spots. It offers mountain views, fields, rivers, and rustic cabins. There’s so much t see, it’s best to do with our Deluxe package to make the most of it <3.

Greenbriar

What a magical and whimsical spot! The roaring river, the mossy logs, the sundrenched woods; all so perfect!!! Depending on where you’re staying, it may not be quite as central as other location choices, but it’s absolutely worth it.

It’s another one to add to your list, even if you aren’t doing photos while you’re in town. It’s a beautiful drive, with roadside wild flowers, tons of trails, and some of the best spots to stop and play in the river.

SIMPLY ELOPED IN GATLINBURG | ELOPE TO THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS | KYLE AND DIXIE'S ELOPEMENT

ELOPE TO GATLINBURG TN

Ohhh, young love! Kyle and Dixie traveled up to the Smoky Mountains to tie the knot with Effortless Elopements in Gatlinburg. They wanted a simple, organic ceremony with a few pictures to look back on with their kids, and grand children in years to come and we were happy to oblige with an amazing location, and gorgeous Gatlinburg wedding pictures.

It was CHILLY on their elopement date, but they were such troopers, despite the cold. You’d never know they were shivering by the end of their pictures. I couldn’t ask for a better couple to help get married in Gatlinburg TN! They really embody what we are all about at Effortless Elopements. A classy way to get married in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains with a professional Gatlinlinburg wedding photographer to photograph the moment. Amazing pictures shouldn’t be reserved for just big weddings!

Here’s some of my favorite moments:

Get to know your Gatlinburg Photographer - Alisha Bacon | Photographer in Pigeon Forge TN | Smoky Mountain photographers

Fun Facts About Your Photographer in Gatlinburg TN

Hi all! Getting to know you all at our smoky mountain session is the highlight of my day, so I thought you all might like to know some fun facts about me; your Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg photographer before our session! First, I like lists, so I’m going to introdue myself with… drumroll, please….. a list!

1. I love coffee!

   Really caffeine in general in any form. Coffee is my go-to though. I love regular coffee, lattes, espresso, you name it! You’ll often find me editing pictures in our fabulous local coffee shop that I just adore- Vienna Coffee. They have some of the best coffee I’ve ever had, and their flavors are to die for; don’t even get me started on their baked goods. They’re local and roast on site, so if you’re in Maryville while you visit, definitely give them a go!

2. Photography is my full-time job

   A question I get quite a lot, actually! Yes, I do Smoky Mountain photography full-time! I work some crazy hours, so in honesty, it’s probably more than full time. You know what they say though - Do what you love and youu’ll never work a day in your life. I do adore what I do and have so much fun with my clients, as well as the hobby side of photography, photographing bears and mountains.

3. I LOVE dogs!

   Seriously, your pups are always welcome to sessions when location permits. I might spend far too much time petting them, but always welcome! For years, I was just not a dog person, but after we got our first dog, Nox, I fell in love, and we ended up with 3. We have to Poodle Schnauzer mixes ( one blind rescue dog) and a Golden Doodle that identifies as a Golden Retriver. They bring me so many smiles, so of course, I love meeting your dogs too!

4. Harry Potter is my jam

Seriously, I’m kind of obsessed: All of our dogs have Harry Potter names (Nox, Norbert and Dumbledore), I have half sleeve tattoo dedicated to it, and I’ve read the books at least 6 times all the way through. Something about it was love at first read. I’m a big book worm in general, but I never get tired of this series. We even have a Dumbledore Quote above our stairs at home. It’s just a fantastic series; if you haven’t tried it, give it a go. If you have, then we’ll have plenty of trivia to challenge each other to during your session.

5. We run a Christmas light show and charity

Random fact, me and my family run a HUGE ( over 100, 000 lights) Christmas light show set to music every year.Random, I know! Think Great Christmas Light Fight 

If you’d like to see some of our videos, look on our Facebook page.
It’s become so big, that we do huge charity events in our own driveway, giving away free cookies and hot cocoa while taking food donations for a our local Little Pantry. The Little pantry is a box ( like the little libraries you sometimes see) where people can drive up and take what they need anonymously. I love the idea and it’s very near and dear to my heart; I’m honored we’re able to help support it.

There it is! 5 random facts about your Pigeon Forge vacation photographer!

Gatlinburg TN Wedding Photographer | Pigeon Forge Elopement | Whitney and Colt

Tennessee Waterfall Elopement

Ahhhhhhhhhhh! This is AMAZING!!!! I got the absolute pleasure of photographing a Gatlinburg TN elopement with a freaking waterfall AND on top of a mountain. It doesn’t get any better. Seriously….

Whitney and Colt wanted beautiful images that screamed mountains at the top of their lungs, and I can assure you I was 100% on board with that vision. Planning their day, I could just feel the mist coming off of the Smoky Mountain waterfall, and see the sunset on the mountains. It was going to be absolute perfection. Now lately our weather has been hit and miss, and they were coming from two states over just for this, fo I had my fingers crossed and prayers said, and we ended up with a stunning day!

This fun couple and me had a great evening; the kind where the time passes WAY too quickly and sunset is there before you know it. After the “I dos”, we took phenomenal elopement couple’s pictures in the Smoky Mountain National Park. I love them all, and choosing favorites was kind of like choosing a favorite child! So, you better seriously enjoy these!!!!

Just for funsies! Here’s a few behind the scenes shots of me sitting in poison ivy.

Gatlinburg TN Photographer | Smoky Mountain Engagement Photographers | Cades Cove Couple's Session

Corrine and Ian’s Smoky Mountain Engagement Photos

PERFECTION!!! Corrine and Ian’s engagement photos on their Gatlinburg vacation in Cades Cove fell during peak leaf season, and the colors Blew. My. Mind!!! This beautiful couple was so obviously in love, that they shone brighter than the reds and yellows, but the leaves sure were a nice compliment.

It was the last week of October, just a bit of chill in the air when I met Ian and Corrine; they were so sweet and easy to work with. With just a little posing guidance, and they were naturals in front of the camera and made it look so easy! From posing, to dancing, or just walking hand in hand, every Gatlinburg engagement picture in their gallery makes my heart smile.

Love, laughs, smiles, and the mountains makes for unforgettable engagement pictures in Gatlinburg TN!