Katie & Paul celebrated their special day with a romantic summer fête filled with delicate details and playful touches.
By kicking off the wedding celebration on a Friday, Katie and Paul had the luxury of taking their time to truly enjoy Charlottesville’s sights and scenery all weekend long with friends and family. In addition to the big day, an intimate gathering the Thursday before paired with a day of summer fun in the mountainside on Saturday made for a weekend-long affair to remember.
Pippin Bride, Katie Nahat, filled us in on all of the special details from their wedding weekend and the best parts of hosting a Friday celebration at Pippin Hill.
Where did you two meet?
We met at a food and wine festival in Delray Beach, Florida in 2016 when a mutual friend introduced us. We ended up spending the entire day together and by the end of the night, Paul told me I was his girlfriend, even if I didn’t know it yet (which I found so charming). We went on our first real date a few days later.
Tell us a little bit about the two of you…
Paul and I share so many similar interests. We both love to travel, explore new restaurants, host friends and family at our home, spend time with our dog Tallulah and spend time in nature. While we share a lot of the same hobbies, our careers are totally different! Paul is a Trial Attorney and I’m in the Wine and Spirits industry and The National Brand Ambassador for The Macallan.
How did you know Paul was “the one”?
I knew pretty quickly, even after the conversations we had on our first date, that we had an immediate and very real connection. He is such a gentleman and has the best sense of humor (and so handsome!) Our lives also fit very well together, we have a lot of friends in common and both love to spend time with our families. We also share so many of the same interests and values.
How did he pop the question?
We had driven up for a weekend at the Cloister at Sea Island, GA, and were sitting on a bench at sunset. I was a little surprised that he was suddenly so interested in catching a sunset, but I didn’t suspect anything. When we got up to go inside he gave me a big hug, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was sweet, intimate, and just perfect. He also hired a photographer to hide and capture it, which I am so thankful for! We spent the rest of the weekend celebrating and sharing the news with our friends and family.
What was your vision for the look and feel of your wedding day?
Organic, romantic, and natural with a touch of whimsy.
How did you choose your dress?
Since a big piece of the vision for the wedding was on florals I really wanted to make sure to keep that in mind while looking for a dress. I especially loved the idea of an all-floral lace gown against the backdrop of the limelight hydrangeas! The dress that I chose was very different in terms of what I would normally choose since it was more fitted but it made me feel really romantic and feminine.
How did you know Pippin was your dream venue?
It was love at first sight! We had taken a weekend vacation to Virginia Wine Country a few years ago and had the most incredible time. Such a hidden gem! On that trip we visited Pippin Hill and we both just knew we would get married there one day. Walking down the hydrangea pathway is something that you will never forget. One of our favorite things about Pippin is the spectacular view of the Blue Ridge mountains. I spent a lot of my childhood in Blue Ridge and it brought back such a sense of home and peace for me. To top off all the beauty of the grounds, the food and wine are exceptional. As Paul and I are both epicureans, these were two things that were vital for our big day. All of the dishes have such beautiful presentations and the wines are delicious.
What would you tell other brides who are considering Pippin as a venue?
I would tell other brides to consider what is most important to them. For us, Pippin hit all our must-haves. The hydrangeas in full bloom, the beautiful backdrop, vineyards, incredible culinary experience, and even surprise things like the Bridal loft and groom’s cellar.
How did the two of you celebrate your wedding eve?
We very much wanted to have a Friday wedding so that we could host all our guests for a long weekend. By having a welcome party on Thursday night, we were able to spend quality time with our loved ones. We had everyone stay at the resort and we hosted a dinner on the outdoor terrace overlooking the lake with cocktails and live music for the evening. Although we stayed up WAY too late that night, it was worth the few extra yawns to be able to celebrate for an entire weekend instead of just one day.
How did you spend time with your guests the Saturday after your wedding?
During the day we decided to have everyone come hang out by the pool and reminisce on the night before. It was so much fun hearing all the stories and reliving all the fun moments from the wedding. After spending the afternoon poolside, we all went over to Potters Cidery for happy hour on the lawn, live music, and bocce ball.
Any special touches that meant a lot to you on your big day?
We both wrote our own vows. It was so special and a way to outwardly express our love to each other and share that moment with the people we care about the most.
What was most important to you on your wedding weekend?
The most important thing for both of us was creating these memories with our families, friends, and each other. Our photographer and videographer captured the day so perfectly and it was the best investment.
Planner: Laurel Elise Events | Photographer: Maddie Kaye Photography | Videographer: David & Sarah Films | Florist: Steel Cut Floral | DJ: Level Up Entertainment | Ceremony Music: DJ Byron | Hair: Boho Braids | Makeup: Captivating Complexion | Cake: Cake Bloom
In search of the perfect venue for a Friday wedding, and beyond? Our team is here to help you plan the celebration of your dreams at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.
