How did you and your partner meet?

We met through work. Our friends and coworkers pushed us together/set us up and after a year of working together professionally, we unexpectedly but quickly struck up a personal connection that was so natural.

Tell us about the engagement?

Billy surprised Kate with a family day at a local roadside farm-stand to purchase seasonal flowers, fruits and veggies. As we walked the grounds, we made our way to an area that was perfect for snapping photos. While posing for photos, Billy, with the help of Kate’s nephew who handed over the ring box, got down on one knee and it was all caught on camera without Kate having any idea what was happening.

What made Fearrington the place for you to say “I do?”

Fearrington was our special place before getting engaged. When we could, we would make reservations for dinner in the bar and enjoy amazing cocktails and cheese donuts, followed by dinner, of course ending our night with a chocolate soufflé and a moonlight stroll around the grounds. We also enjoyed tea with family around the holidays. It just felt like magic to us and we started to dream about whether it would be possible to get married there.

Describe the highlight moment of your wedding day.

The highlight moment of our wedding day was the long and beautiful walk down the aisle from the Sun Terrace. We didn’t do a first look, so the first time we saw each other was that tear-filled emotional walk down the aisle. Kate walked down the steps, through the gardens, and up to the most amazing natural setting. It was a picture perfect weather day and the Fearrington landscape provided the most stunning backdrop for our ceremony.

What was the biggest surprise of the day?

The biggest surprise of the day was how quickly it flew by. Everyone says that your wedding day goes by quickly, but it really did feel like you blinked and it was over. So make sure you savor every moment! We celebrated an entire wedding weekend at Fearrington, from our rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding in the Cottage Room, to our ceremony and reception on the Garden Terrace, and then breakfast again on the Terrace the next morning. We also held our bridal shower at Fearrington, which was an intimate tea. It was such a fitting venue and dining experience for a shower and we highly recommend leveraging the many rooms and grounds Fearrington has to offer to get the full experience of this stunning and dynamic venue.

What was your biggest surprise about wedding planning?

Our biggest surprise about wedding planning was how pain-free it was! One of the greatest benefits of hosting our wedding at Fearrington is the experienced wedding Director and planning support that you get. Gilda is the perfect blend of helpful, confident, and calming. She made the entire process so easy and efficient. She ensured all of our wishes/must-haves for our wedding were possible, and gave us guidance when guidance was needed. Every time we thought we needed something, Gilda and the amazing staff were there or already had it under control.

 

Photos: Michelle Elyse