Christina & Wade
Private Family Farm - Nicholasville, Kentucky - Wedding
Private Family Farm - Nicholasville, Kentucky
Christina & Wade’s Wedding
Set against the rolling hills of the Kentucky Bluegrass, Christina Corales and Wade Drake welcomed family and friends to an unforgettable wedding weekend on the Drake family's private farm in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Designed and produced by Makers House™, the celebration blended timeless Southern hospitality, meaningful family traditions, and elevated wedding design to create an experience that felt deeply personal while rivaling the finest luxury wedding venues in Kentucky.
From the very beginning, Christina and Wade envisioned a wedding that reflected the beauty of their family's land and the people who have shaped their lives. Every detail was thoughtfully layered into the celebration, creating a wedding weekend that felt elegant, welcoming, and unmistakably Kentucky.
The ceremony took place on a gently sloping lawn overlooking the Drake family's picturesque pond, one of the most beautiful locations on the property. Guests gathered beneath mature trees with panoramic views of the water and surrounding countryside as Christina made her way down the aisle.
A lush floral installation of white roses, garden blooms, and natural greenery framed the ceremony space while allowing the landscape itself to remain the focal point. The setting felt effortless and timeless, with the open Kentucky sky, rolling pastures, and waterfront views providing a breathtaking backdrop for the couple's vows.
The result was a ceremony that felt intimate despite the scale of the guest count, grounded in family history and surrounded by the natural beauty of the farm.
Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the property's lakeside boat dock and surrounding grounds for cocktail hour. Inspired by the relaxed elegance found at Blackberry Farm and the great Southern sporting estates, the experience encouraged guests to explore the property while enjoying handcrafted cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvres, and sweeping waterfront views.
One of the most memorable design elements was a custom wooden boat installation overflowing with florals and chilled beverages, creating an iconic gathering point overlooking the water. Nearby, an artist captured the landscape live on canvas, documenting the farm and celebration in real time while guests mingled along the shoreline.
The cocktail hour perfectly reflected the spirit of the weekend—elevated without feeling formal, luxurious without losing its connection to place.
As the sun began to set, guests entered an extraordinary sailcloth tent reception that transformed the open field into a sophisticated garden-inspired dining environment.
Towering sailcloth peaks, warm wood poles, custom architectural elements, and layered floral installations created a sense of grandeur while remaining connected to the surrounding landscape. The design palette drew inspiration directly from the property's natural beauty, incorporating rich shades of green, custom toile patterns, heirloom-inspired details, and abundant white florals.
Custom green architectural facades framed the stage and bar areas, while floral-patterned linens, tailored tabletop details, and dramatic suspended lighting installations created visual depth throughout the tent. The overall atmosphere felt timeless, romantic, and distinctly Southern.
Every design decision was intentionally connected back to the family farm, creating an environment that could not have existed anywhere else.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the celebration was the culinary program, catered by Malone's Restaurant Group, the Lexington-based restaurant family that has long been part of the Drake family's story.
Guests enjoyed an elevated dining experience that reflected the hospitality and quality for which Malone's is known throughout Kentucky. The menu showcased exceptional ingredients, impeccable service, and the kind of thoughtful execution that only comes from a team deeply connected to the hosts and their guests.
The reception seamlessly blended fine dining with the warmth and familiarity of a family-hosted gathering, creating an experience that felt both luxurious and welcoming.
As the evening reached its finale, guests gathered along the waterfront once again for a spectacular fireworks display launched over the pond.
The reflections dancing across the water created an unforgettable ending to an already extraordinary celebration. Beneath the Kentucky night sky, Christina and Wade shared one final moment surrounded by family, friends, and the landscape that has shaped so much of their story.
It was the perfect conclusion to a wedding weekend rooted in family, hospitality, and a deep appreciation for home.
Christina and Wade's wedding serves as a beautiful example of what is possible when a private family property is transformed into a world-class wedding destination. By combining thoughtful planning, elevated design, exceptional hospitality, and meaningful personal details, the celebration became far more than a wedding—it became an experience that guests will remember for years to come.
At Makers House™, we specialize in designing and producing luxury weddings on private estates, horse farms, family properties, and premier venues throughout Kentucky and beyond. Christina and Wade's wedding perfectly reflects our passion for creating celebrations that feel deeply personal while delivering an extraordinary guest experience.
Design & Planning — Makers House™
Weekend Coordination - Makers House™
Venue — Augustus Hill Farm - Paris, Kentucky
Photographer — The Brown’s
Florals & Design - Makers House™ x FDL
Cinematography - Moon & Back
Bride’s Dress - Monique Lhuillier
Bride’s Shoes - Christian Loubiton
Groom’s Tux - Stuart Mercer
Catering - Apiary Lexington
Ceremony Harpist - Sally Skelton
Hair & Makeup - The Fenley Studio
Cocktail Hour - Lucy Becker
Cake — Martine’s Pastries
Paper Goods Design — Makers House™
Printing — Hound Dog Press
Tenting — All Occassions
Chairs - Curated Events
Hair & Makeup — Beheld Beauty & Sloan Bespoke Beauty
Transportation — Gold Shield Transportation
Rehearsal Dinner — Apiary Lexington
Welcome Party - Dudley’s On Short & Keeneland Clubhouse
After Party DJ - Dr. Dundiff
Valet - Xpress Valet