Virginia Weddings Magazine
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Real Virginia Weddings: Katelynn & Nicholas

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  • The Bride: Katelynn Alexandra Burns | 31 | Actress/Pilates Instructor
  • The Groom: Nicholas Levan Tabidze | 32 | Director
  • Date: September 27, 2025
  • Location: Forest, Virginia
  • Guest Count: 124

Love on Stage

Katelynn and Nicholas fell in love at West Virginia University during a theatrical production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” Katelynn studied musical theatre and Nicholas happened to be directing the show. Sensing a connection, they decided their show must go on — together!

Nicholas proposed at sunset during a vacation in Italy. After an enthusiastic “Yes,” from Katelynn, the couple savored a Michelin-star dinner at La Caravella dal 1959, a stroll along the coast and a surprise fireworks show.

Katelynn and Nicholas. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Fuchs)

Whimsical Virginia Fairytale

Both raised in West Virginia, the couple knew that late September in Virginia would offer pleasant weather and moody pre-fall foliage. They couldn’t imagine their wedding taking place anywhere else.

The venue’s moody foliage provided the perfect photo backdrop. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Fuchs)

“I wanted a whimsical, fairytale feel with shades of plum, mauve and gold in place of the classic oranges and reds of the season,” Katelynn said. “Fruit accents on the tables and cake were also a recurring theme. I drew inspiration from still life paintings and the symbolism of fruit — growth, luck, love and abundance — everything Nicholas and I wanted for our union and for our loved ones gathered around us.”

The Details

The couple worked with Entwined Events in Forest, Virginia. “Everything from the venue and catering to florals and music was handled in-house,” they explained. “As an out-of-state couple planning a large event, having a true one-stop shop at such a beautiful venue was one of our best decisions.”

Invitations featured rose gold foiling, a sheer ribbon and a customized wax stamp. The couple wanted the stationery to feel romantic and elegant, like a fairytale invitation to a ball.

Fairytale florals complemented the theme. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Fuchs)

Florals also nodded to the magical theme. Katelynn’s bouquet highlighted roses in shades of blush, cream and lavender. Eucalyptus and burgundy ranunculus rounded out the arrangement.

The bride’s bouquet highlighted roses. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Fuchs)

The bride’s A-line Justin Alexander gown had delicate off-the-shoulder lace sleeves in a warm, sand color.  She paired the gown with a cathedral-length veil and floral-patterned shoes. Katelynn also wore gifted heirloom pearl jewelry.

The bride wore a catherdral-length veil. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Fuchs)
Heirloom pearls completed the wedding look. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Fuchs)

Nicholas wore a traditional Georgian Chokha, a ceremonial garment symbolizing heritage and honor. He completed the look with a family dagger.

The groom carried a traditional family dagger. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Fuchs)

Maggie Fuchs photographed the event, capturing the couple’s cinematic creative vision.

Take Me Home

In honor of Nicholas’ Georgian heritage, the couple held a rehearsal dinner Supra. The feast was led by the groom’s father, who guided guests through toasts honoring family, love, ancestry and the joining of two cultures.

Signage stamped with gold wax seals directed guests to their tables. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Fuchs)

The wedding itself ended on a West Virginian note, with guests linking arms and singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver.

The Day

The couple held their ceremony and reception at The West Manor Estate in Forest, Virginia.

Guests enjoyed a bevy of delicious local foods and drinks at the reception. The couple served Aperol Spritzes, a nod to their engagement along the Amalfi Coast.

A note greeted guests. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Fuchs)

Gabrielle’s Sugar Blush Bakery crafted a three-tiered lemon cake with a raspberry jam, fruit and floral accents and a gold decoration featuring the couple’s initials. Plus, guests took home jars of homemade berry cobbler and blackberry peach jam from Southern Jams & Jelly as favors.

Figs, flowers and decor sat atop the cake. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Fuchs)
Guests took home mini jars of jam as favors. (Photo courtesy of Maggie Fuchs)

To launch the party, Katelynn danced with her father to “Blessings” by Hollow Coves and Nicholas danced with his mother to “Let It Be” by The Beatles. As the night continued, guests flooded the dance floor. During some especially energetic moves, Nicholas’ wedding ring flew off his finger into the dancing crowd! Thankfully, it was recovered quickly.

Relaxing Retreat

After the festivities, the newlyweds headed to Joshua Tree National Park for an outdoorsy honeymoon getaway.

Wedding Ingredients:

Virginia Weddings features weddings weekly on the blog. Being featured on the blog does not necessarily mean being featured in the print magazine.

Elizabeth Kanzeg Rowland

The author: Elizabeth Kanzeg Rowland

Elizabeth Kanzeg Rowland is a freelance writer and editor. When she’s not poring over manuscripts and searching for misplaced commas, Elizabeth can be found reading in a cozy chair with her cats, performing onstage at her local community theatre or antiquing with her husband.

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