Real Wedding: Nikki + Jay

Katelyn Allison Photography

Nikki and Jay got married on a gorgeous spring day in May 2021.

Rewind three years ago to when they first met through Bumble. Nikki messaged Jay through the app and remembers thinking, “Should I really message this guy decked out in Ohio State gear?” She says she was never an OSU fan before meeting Jay.

Nikki remembers Jay walking in on their first date. “He was just being so welcoming and energetic in his hello and hug, like wide-armed and so excited, which made me feel instantly less nervous.” She says it’s been love ever since.

One of their first dates was to go see Infinity War together. Jay is a huge Marvel fan. Nikki had never seen any Marvel movie up until that point, so Jay knew she was a keeper if she was willing to go see this one with him.

Since then, they’ve watched just about every Marvel movie together.

After two years of dating, Jay decided to pop the question.

“We got engaged during COVID, so things did not go according to Jay’s plan,” Nikki explained.

“Originally we were going to Atlanta to watch the Men’s NCAA basketball Final Four and also visit my parents. Jay was going to propose during the games, but unfortunately, the tournament was canceled and Jay had to reinvent his proposal.”

Instead, Jay planned a special dinner for their 2nd anniversary.

“We had a nice candlelit dinner in our backyard and the proposal couldn’t have been any more perfect, despite the change in plans.”

As dinner was wrapping up, Jay had Nikki open a present, a pair of champagne glasses that said “Future Mrs. Wiezbiski” and “Lucky Mr. Wiezbiski” and next thing Nikki knew, Jay was down on one knee asking her to marry him. Nikki’s brother and girlfriend were also there to capture the proposal.

“We spent the rest of the night celebrating and FaceTiming with all of our family and friends and had so much fun sharing our exciting news!”

​As soon as they got engaged, the planning began!

When looking at venues, Nikki says they were looking for an outdoor venue that was both unique and comfortable for their guests.

“We were interested in a venue that offered a unique space for getting ready. We are both pretty laid back and also wanted that reflected in our wedding. Our ultimate theme was an ‘elegant backyard wedding’ with lots of greenery and bold florals.”

Nikki started looking online at venues near her parents and right away knew Four Oaks would be a great fit. Within a week of getting engaged, her mom toured the venue, and then Nikki and Jay took a day trip down the following weekend to make a final decision.

“As we walked around the house, I saw how things were just my style – vintage and antique. The backyard area for the ceremony and reception also fit our vision – an elegant backyard wedding.”

After booking their venue, the real planning began. Nikki got to work hiring vendors, taking dance lessons with Jay, and envisioning her perfect day.

​“It was so nice to have a venue that offered a coordinator and planning meetings, décor items, rental items, and delicious food!!! Like seriously, the food was amazing. We truly could make our wedding custom to our wishes, giving us so much flexibility!”

Nikki and her friends spent the morning getting ready in Four Oaks’ bridal suite, all wearing adorable silk floral robes. Nikki gifted them each with personalized tumblers as a way to say thanks for all their friendship and help.

Meanwhile, Jay got ready downstairs. As a true superhero fan, he wore none other than Superman cufflinks with his classic black tux.

Nikki’s bouquet was put together beautifully by Laurens Floral Art. With its flowing greenery, white ranunculus, and pops of wildflowers, this bouquet is a garden-inspired dream.

Their outdoor arbor was decorated beautifully by Laurens Floral Art with full greenery to match their perfect ‘elegant backyard wedding’ theme. Nikki walked down the aisle with her father to the harp played by Harpist for the King – as if things weren’t magical enough!

Nikki and Jay decided to have Nikki’s brother perform their ceremony. They chose to read their own vows to each other as well as perform a tree-planting ceremony. Both mothers came up to pour dirt into the pot, and then Nikki and Jay watered the tree.

​All that was left were the rings and “I dos!” After their first kiss as husband and wife, Nikki and Jay walked down the aisle as guests tossed biodegradable dried potpourri.

Guests were dismissed to cocktail hour to enjoy drinks and charcuterie boards. Meanwhile, Nikki and Jay snuck away to take some couple portraits together through the gardens.

Their reception decor was a floral affair. Laurens created beautiful wildflower and greenery centerpieces that adorned the banquet-style tables. Atlanta Vintage Glassware brought in floral salad plates and pastel-tinted crystal glasses for each place setting. Kelly at Kleinfelter Designs created simple, elegant menu cards to place on top of each plate.

​Their head table was also decorated with elegant floral arrangements sitting atop glass stands. They brought in “better together” gold signs to decorate their Mr. and Mrs. chairs, which they attached with pastel pink ribbons. Karen and Laurens added greenery to give it an extra whimsical touch.

For their grand entrance, Nikki and Jay wanted to make sure it was grand. So why not take dance lessons and perform a waltz for your first dance? That’s exactly what they did. They took lessons at First Dance Charlotte to prepare for their first dance and they crushed it!

Following their first dance, Nikki’s dad joined her for the father-daughter dance, and then Jay’s mother followed for the mother-son dance. 

Their guests enjoyed a reception dinner of beef tenderloin, chicken florentine, Four Oaks signature salad, asparagus, and garlic mashed potatoes. They ate their dinner under the bistro lights in the cool spring air to music provided by DJ Aaron.

Next up: cake! Nikki and Jay cut the bottom layer of this 3-tier intricately-frosted cake from Blue Rooster to reveal a strawberry cake with buttercream. In classic cake-cutting fashion, Nikki shoved cake into Jay’s face to celebrate.

DJ Aaron took it away from there. Guests hopped on the outdoor dance floor and boogied all night light, not stopping until it was time to say goodbye. I’ve never seen a crowd have so much fun!

Nikki and Jay were sent off by a sparkler grand exit and drove off to their new life together as husband and wife. Congratulations to the Wiezbiskis!

Photographer: Katelyn Allison Photography
Videographer: Adair Kucera
DJ: Disc Jockey Etc.
Florist: Laurens and Karen
Cake: Madison Golden at Blue Rooster
Hair and Makeup: Brushworx
Officiant: Taylor Harris
Venue & Catering: Four Oaks Manor
Invites and Signage: Kelly at Kleinfelter Designs
Dress: Ladies of Lineage
China and Glassware Rental: Atlanta Vintage Glassware
Harpist: Harpist for the King
Dance Lessons: First Dance Charlotte

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