The Lake at Willow Oaks Weddings & Events

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

"I have found the one whom my soul loves" (Song of Solomon 3:4)We met at Coker University, a small school in South Carolina where we were both student athletes. We knew of each other for a while and even had a little crush on each other, but when we finally started talking we both realized just how much we had in common. From the start, time together felt easy and natural. We started learning more about each other everyday, laughing together, cooking together, meeting each other's family, and going to church together. We started to realize the Lord sent us both to Coker for more than sports, but to find each other. We share a love for Jesus, for the outdoors, our families, and doing anything and everything together. We are each other's best friend, and that is what makes our relationship so special. Everything is better when we are together. Looking back, it is clear that God’s timing was perfect. We are beyond excited to spend forever together, and we can't wait for all of our guests to join us in celebrating the love that we share.Love, Lauren and Cody

Our Story

Photos

Madison Crane

Rachel Brabson

Jenna Forster 

Alexis Wilkinson 

Maya Alves

Leoni Kunz

Allie Patterson

Lily Beaver 

Jody Chapman 

Bennett Stowe 

Keaton Anderson

Jacob Maness

William Loveday

Reid Watkins 

Jordan Beaver

Gavin Wilkinson

Wedding Party

Semi-Formal: Semi-formal wedding attire is polished but comfortable, sitting between casual and formal; for women, think cocktail dresses or a nice dress (knee/midi or full length), dressy jumpsuits, or elegant separates, while men wear a suit or sport coat with dress pants or nice shirt and dress pants; avoid overly casual items like denim or sneakers, and don't go as formal as a tuxedo or ball gown. Stylish, but not overly dressy or casual.For shoe selection: The venue has a variety of grass, gravel, concrete and wood flooring areas.For consideration: Avoid shades of white. No hats or shorts please.

Dress Code

We are so grateful to everyone traveling to celebrate with us on our special day, and we are praying for safe and smooth travels for you all! There are additional hotel options in the area, but we’ve highlighted the ones we know offer great quality for the price. Our wedding venue is located in a beautiful rural setting in Maryville, so while some of these hotels aren’t right next door, they’re the closest options that still offer convenient access to dining and shopping. Two of the recommended hotels are in Alcoa/Maryville near the McGhee Tyson Airport, one is in downtown Maryville, and another is in Townsend if you’d like to stay near the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you prefer to be closer to us in Knoxville, you’ll find many hotels in the popular Turkey Creek district, which is nearest to my parents’ (Lauren’s) home in the Knoxville/Farragut community. Lastly, there are also wonderful Airbnb rentals throughout the area if you’re looking for something more unique for you and your family—or even a place to share with other families.Thank you again, and we can’t wait to see you all! Love, Lauren &amp; Cody

Downtown Maryville, upscale boutique lodge. They do not allow room blocks. Limited availability and website link below.

RT Lodge

Close to the airport. This is not a room block. Contact hotel at time of booking. Website link below.

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Knoxville Airport Alcoa

Home2 Suites by Hilton Alcoa Knoxville Airport

Turkey Creek- Knoxville/Farragut area. This is not a room block. Contact hotel at time of booking. Website link below.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Knoxville West at Turkey Creek

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Knoxville at Turkey Creek

Townsend area at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. This is not a room block. Contact hotel at time of booking. Website link below.

Dancing Bear Lodge Townsend

Vrbo website link with featured accommodations near "The Lake at Willow Oaks" Wedding Venue. Website link below.

Vrbo website link with featured accommodations near "The Lake at Willow Oaks" Wedding Venue.

Travel & Accommodations

Shopping, dining, and hotel district.

Turkey Creek

shopping, dining, hotel district downtown Knoxville

Downtown Knoxville

Scenic driving loop, nature, and wildlife preserve within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cades Cove Loop is the place we got engaged on October 25. 2025! :)

Lauren & Cody

Lauren & Cody

Wedding Party