Nina and Matthew's Ethereal Vineyard Celebration: A Hobbit-Chic Wedding at RGNY Winery

Love Story

Nina, a New Yorker chasing adventure in London, and Matthew, a charming Englishman with roots in the countryside, met in the most modern way—through a right swipe on Hinge. Though their first meeting was delayed by Nina’s trip to New York for her sister’s wedding, fate wasn’t in a rush. Upon her return, their first date at a cozy Whitechapel pub blossomed into something special. What started as casual outings soon deepened into a connection that neither could ignore. Despite challenges, like Matthew's focus on his exams and Nina’s uncertainty about staying in London, their bond only grew stronger as they shared long conversations and discovered an undeniable spark between them.

The turning point came over the holidays when Matthew, free from his studies, asked Nina to be his girlfriend, and she decided to stay in London, embracing the love she had been quietly nurturing. Just months later, during a romantic trip to Romania, Matthew confessed his love. Their story came full circle after moving to New York when, during a walk on Sagg Main Beach, Matthew proposed, his words as sincere as the love that had grown between them. With tears of joy, Nina said yes, and now, five years later, they are preparing to marry on the same holiday weekend they first matched, a beautiful testament to their unexpected and unforgettable journey together.

Nina and Matthew's wedding was a beautiful reflection of their shared passions and unique style. When asked about their vision, the couple enthusiastically shared, "A big party with family and friends, with non-stop dancing til the end of the night with beautiful greenery and a touch of the outdoors."

The celebration took place at RGNY Winery in Riverhead, NY, on May 26, 2024 – a date that held special significance as it was the same holiday weekend when they first connected on Hinge. With 143 guests in attendance, the couple's dream of a lively, nature-inspired celebration came to life.

Describing their wedding style, Nina and Matthew grinned as they explained, "Very hobbit-chic lite. We're big LOTR fans and wanted our day to feel elegant but very ethereal." This unique concept perfectly encapsulated their love for fantasy and the outdoors, creating a magical atmosphere for their special day.

When asked about their inspiration during the wedding preparation, the couple's eyes lit up. "Each other," they said in unison. "Just choosing the things we love and that reflect our passions and shared interests. It was pretty easy choosing everything together because our tastes align almost perfectly and we both had the same mindset on the kind of wedding we wanted." This harmony in their vision made the planning process a joyful experience, allowing them to create a celebration that was truly representative of their relationship and shared interests.

As for the most memorable moment of their wedding day, Nina and Matthew shared a laugh as they recounted, "When the photographer/videographer stole us away and onto a golf cart to take photos and shots in different part of the vineyard to catch the golden hour. We totally didn't expect it and it felt like fun mini getaway in the midst of the chaos of the day. It was really fun." This spontaneous adventure amidst their meticulously planned day became a cherished memory, capturing the essence of their relationship – full of unexpected joy and shared experiences.

From the lush greenery of the vineyard to the ethereal, hobbit-inspired decor, every element of Nina and Matthew's wedding was carefully chosen to create a day that was uniquely theirs. The result was a celebration that not only honored their love story but also promised an exciting new chapter in their adventure together.

Morning details

The morning of Nina and Matthew's wedding was filled with personal touches that highlighted their creativity and family heritage. Nina, an art director by profession, designed their wedding invitations herself, incorporating the elegance and simplicity that matched their vision for the day. These invitations were printed by Paperlust, an invitation printing service in Australia, ensuring that every detail was perfect.

The couple’s wedding rings held deep personal significance. They chose James & Co., a jeweler in Manhattan’s diamond district that Nina’s family had known for years, to create custom white gold bands. "We chose white gold because that was the same metal on my engagement ring,” Nina shared. Matthew’s ring featured a beautiful milgrain edge, continuing the vintage aesthetic of Nina’s engagement ring, which was an heirloom passed down from her paternal great-grandmother. This ring was especially meaningful, as it was one of the few possessions her great-grandmother had brought with her when she fled Nazi Germany.

Every aspect of their morning was thoughtfully curated, from the custom-designed invitations to the sentimental jewelry, creating a seamless blend of their shared love and family history.

Bride getting ready

Nina’s wedding day began in the familiar surroundings of her parents’ living room in Sagaponack, NY,where she had her getting-ready photoshoot. She was surrounded by her sister, mum, and bridesmaids, creating an intimate and joyful atmosphere as she prepared for the big day.

Nina’s dress was a stunning creation called “Magnolia” by Watters. “It took me a few months to find the right gown but not that many try-ons,” Nina shared. “But when I tried on my dress, I fell in love with it and I'm still obsessed with it months later.” She had found the gown at The White Gown, a bridal boutique in Chelsea, NY.

For her final look, Nina added a deeply sentimental touch by wearing her mother’s veil, which was also the same veil her older sister, Eva, had worn at her wedding. Her bouquet, a beautiful mix of white and off-white small buds and wildflowers, was arranged by Peggy from Riverhead Flower Shop, adding a natural elegance to her ensemble.

Nina’s bridesmaids wore dresses they had selected themselves, ensuring each felt comfortable and beautiful in their chosen style, shape, and shade of color. “I only asked that it remained within a particular palette and was floor-length due to our black tie dress code for the wedding,” Nina admits. The morning was filled with laughter and excitement as Nina, her family, and her bridesmaids prepared for the unforgettable day ahead.

Groom getting ready

Matthew’s preparations took place at the beautiful RGNY Winery. Surrounded by his dad, brothers, and groomsmen, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and excitement as they shared stories and laughs while getting dressed.

Matthew looked sharp in a classic Calvin Klein tuxedo, perfectly suited for the elegance of the day. The setting at the winery, with its lush vineyards and natural beauty, added a serene backdrop to these special moments.

First Look

Nina and Matthew’s first look took place in a picturesque spot outside, on the grass near a row of tall trees just before the vineyard’s grapevines. The moment was filled with anticipation as Nina approached Matthew, her heart racing with excitement.

When Matthew turned around and saw Nina for the first time in her beautiful Magnolia dress, his face lit up. “Wow, she looks wonderful. I’m so lucky,” he thought, taking in the moment. For Nina, it was just as magical. “I'm excited to see how he's going to react seeing me in my dress and a veil for the first time,” she shared.

Their first look was an emotional and intimate moment, filled with joy and love as they took in the reality of their wedding day about to unfold.

Ceremony

The ceremony was a beautiful blend of nature and tradition, held outdoors next to the lush grapevines of RGNY Winery. The setting provided a serene, open-air backdrop that perfectly complemented the elegance and sentiment of the day. Nina, honoring her Jewish heritage, and Matthew exchanged vows in a deeply meaningful Jewish ceremony. They incorporated traditional prayers, two kiddish cups, and the symbolic act of Nina circling Matthew seven times. To conclude the ceremony, Matthew stomped on the glass, a joyful and significant ritual symbolizing the start of their new life together.

As the ceremony began, Nina walked down the aisle to the hauntingly beautiful melody of May It Be by 2CELLOS. With no flower girls or ring bearers, the focus was entirely on the couple as they took these monumental steps together.

A particularly touching moment was the special mention of Nina’s Uncle Steven, who had passed away from cancer just a few weeks before the wedding. His memory was honored during the ceremony, adding a poignant layer to an already emotional day.

Every aspect of the ceremony was infused with meaning and love, leaving a lasting impression on both the couple and their guests.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Post-ceremony, the newlyweds posed among the trees, in a classic car they had rented for the occasion, and in the lush grapevines of the vineyard.

Wedding Venue & Decor

Nina and Matthew’s wedding at RGNY Winery in Riverhead, NY, was a perfect reflection of their style—elegant with a touch of nature. The venue, nestled amidst rolling vineyards, provided a stunning backdrop for both the ceremony and reception. “Matthew found the venue and had to do a lot of research based on the kind of place we wanted and one that would hold the amount of guests we planned to have,” Nina shared.

The décor was kept simple yet timeless, with a color palette of whites, off-whites, brass metals, and plenty of greenery. This combination created an ethereal, natural atmosphere that perfectly complemented the vineyard surroundings. The venue and décor came together to create a seamless blend of elegance and nature, setting the perfect stage for their celebration.

Reception

Nina and Matthew’s reception was filled with laughter, love, and dancing under the stars. Their first dance was to As Time Goes By by Andy Williams, a classic choice that captured the timeless elegance of the day. The moment was sweet and intimate, setting the tone for the night ahead.

Food and drink were important aspects of their reception, reflecting the couple’s personality and their desire to make every guest feel special. “We were excited that we were able to serve Apple Cider doughnuts with Apple Cider for dessert. We also made sure we had a tea/coffee station for the entire day due to the majority of our guests being British! We also had packs of McVities Digestive Biscuits available so that any guest could have a cup of tea and a biscuit at any point,” the couple adds with excitement.

The wedding cake, however, was a standout moment. While Nina and Matthew had a faux cake from Beautifaux Cakes for the traditional cake-cutting, the actual cake served to guests was crafted by Bake Me A Cake by Angela. “It was honestly one of the best wedding cakes we ever had. It was delicious. We had so many guests tell us how delicious it was,” Nina shared.

With heartfelt speeches, dancing, and delicious food, the reception was the perfect conclusion to a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.