The thing about Gatlinburg is that there are hundreds of cute little shops that sell anything and everything you could possibly think of. I really loved how so many of the shops were locally owned, and the craftsmanship was handmade in many cases. I really wanted to get a laser-cut wood carving with our names and our wedding date on it, but the thing about quality, handmade goods is that they are quite costly, so I’ll pick one up next time around. 🙂  I did, however, find a few items that I picked up that I liked. (It’s very hard for me to resist anything that could make a good photo prop for the future!)

There was a store called the Earthbound Trading Company that had a great vibe, and sold many cultural items.  They had Indian saris, belly dancing costumes, African drums (which Otman really loved playing!), and a huge glass container of hermit crabs.  They were playing some great music in there that just made me want to shake my hips, so I had to pick up the CD! I also got some really beautifully decorated masks (photo prop!).

If you have ever been to my house, you know that I love to decorate my fridge with magnets. They’re the perfect useful souvenir! I admit I overdo it a little, but I don’t care. 🙂  I found three new magnets to add to my refrigerator collage:

Otman picked up some gorgeous candlesticks from the Kirkland’s outlet in Pigeon Forge. I can’t wait to rearrange some shelves and put them out! They have tiny sparkles in them…. I love shimmer and sparkles. I can’t help myself.

While we were at the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, there was a photo booth in there, and although I knew the quality would be horrible, I just couldn’t resist squeezing in there with Otman and Dexter and taking some silly candids! (Yes, Dexter came into the museum with us! The guy at the ticket booth asked if Dexter was a service dog, and I replied, “Believe or Not, he is!”  LOL!) He is such a great dog.  Now don’t hate: I had NO makeup on, and we had been walking in the freezing cold snow for hours, so I don’t want you to be overwhelmed by my devastating beauty in these photos!

Oh yeah – and we got DOGGLES for Dexter.

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South Carolina Wedding Photographer, Portrait Photographer and Boudoir Photographer
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