Today we’d like to introduce you to Jody Hafey.
Hi Jody, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Discovering Nantahala
I first visited Fontana Lake as a kid and never forgot how beautiful that area was. Years later, after moving from Germany to Florida with my husband Stephan, we realized Florida summers were just too hot. I remembered that childhood trip and suggested we explore North Carolina. We searched all over for property near water, but when we saw Nantahala Lake, we were instantly hooked. It was peaceful, stunning, and felt like home right away. We bought land in 2008, and that view still takes my breath away.
From Dream Job to Dream Destination
I was working remotely for SAP, a German software company, splitting time between Florida’s beaches and summers in Nantahala. It was the dream—until a work reorg made my job miserable. I didn’t want to give up our lifestyle, so I started thinking about building something seasonal in Nantahala.
We bought a run-down piece of land across from the Rocky Branch Boat Launch on the lake—trailers, trash, the works. But the place had soul. Locals told us it once belonged to Dr. Birchfield, a Nantahala native who became a beloved LSU professor. Fun fact: Kandy Barnard, Wray Birchfield’s niece, just published a book called The Clan and the Kinsmen: In-Laws and Outlaws. It tells the wild story of the Birchfield family—and Wray plays a big part in it.
The Wayah Café Experiment
In 2010, with only one restaurant in town, we opened a coffee and ice cream airstream called the Wayah Café. It was charming but hard. I was working full-time at SAP, managing the café on nights and weekends. It didn’t really take off, and my husband wanted to shut it down. But then, one day, an older woman came by, ordered ice cream, and told me, “You’re going to do something very good for this community.” I didn’t think much of it—yet.
My Daughter’s Wedding Sparked Everything
In 2012, my daughter Jess got engaged before heading out on a Navy deployment. Since she couldn’t plan much from a ship, I ended up organizing the whole wedding. We held the ceremony at Wayah Bald and the reception above the Wayah Café. It was simple but magical—swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, ziplining, horseback riding, and sangria with 88 happy guests. Everyone said it was the best wedding they’d ever been to. That’s when it clicked: maybe this was the future.
Starting Nantahala Weddings
In 2015, we tested the waters with three weddings. I was still working at SAP while building up the venue. My talented nieces, both landscape architects, helped us create a beautiful plan for the property, including a covered chapel. Right before Christmas 2016, a mudslide took out the plain grassy hill we’d been debating replacing—almost like fate. We rebuilt it and brought the vision to life with stonework and gardens.
Growth and a Big Setback
By 2016, we had a website, and word started spreading. We hosted about 20 weddings that year. Then came a big blow in 2018: the Forest Service told us we couldn’t use Wayah Bald anymore for ceremonies. Total panic—until a miracle happened. Alaska Presley, a local legend from Maggie Valley, NC, dropped the price on the adjacent property I’d had my eye on for years. I bought it while my husband was on a business trip (he forgave me, eventually).
Fie Top and the Chapel in the Sky
That property became “Fie Top,” named after Alaska’s adopted son Doug, a colorful local character. We cleared the land and, during the pandemic, built “Chapel in the Sky”—a stunning ceremony spot overlooking the lake and mountains. We also added lodging: a bridal salon, groom’s lounge, and four tiny houses with lake views.
A Community Effort
The magic of this venue isn’t just the scenery—it’s the people. Locals like David and Jennifer Moore (landscape and facilities management) and Chef Tracey Passmore, and Sally the Baker have been vital. It’s amazing what the tiny Nantahala community of 300 full-time residents can pull off. But we’ve also built a network of incredible vendors from Franklin, Sylva, Asheville, Bryson City, and even Atlanta and Charlotte.
Full Circle
The best part? My daughter and her family moved to nearby Franklin so she could help run the business with me. Now it’s a true family venture—built on a dream, a lot of grit, and a deep love for this place.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel like that last question touched on both the peaks and the valleys. This whole journey is anything but static—it’s a winding road with fresh struggles and unexpected epiphanies at every turn. Just when I think I’ve figured something out, a new layer unfolds.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We’re all about creating unforgettable, multi-day celebrations that feel true to you. Think stunning mountain views, peaceful lake vibes, and a weekend your guests will talk about for years. We take the natural beauty of Nantahala and mix it with your personal style to make something really special.
We call our ceremony spot the “Chapel in the Sky” for a reason—it’s perched at 3,500 feet with incredible lake and mountain views. Nature really does most of the decorating. Nearby, there are a few favorite photo ops couples love to include. Wayah Bald is a top pick for a first look, with its romantic stone tower and 360° mountain views—it feels like straight out of a fairytale. And then there’s the “Cascades” on the Nantahala River—a dramatic waterfall that looks intense in photos, but it’s easy to walk right out onto a boulder in front of it. We even had a couple in their 70s take a photo there after their elopement.
When couples book with us, the entire 6.5-acre estate is theirs to use as they wish for the duration of their stay. No strangers, no overlapping events—just you, your favorite people, and your vendors. There are no noise restrictions or mandatory end times to worry about, and yes, pets are totally welcome—even in the guest lodging!
We’ve got onsite accommodations for up to 18, plus plenty of nearby vacation homes—some just a short walk away. You’ll wake up to lake and mountain views that feel like something out of a postcard. And at night? No city lights, just stars and a peaceful mountain breeze.
Our venue is fully ADA-compliant, so everyone—from grandparents to guests with mobility issues—can relax and enjoy. We’ve thought about everything from wide paths to uniform surfaces for wheelchairs and walkers. We also have a wheelchair-accessible bedroom and bathroom. Everyone deserves to be part of the celebration.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
My daughter, Jess Kawamura, has added her own fun, personal touches to the venue lately. One of her little discoveries is what we now call the “Hiding Tree.” It’s this sweet spot where brides love to pause (and hide!) right before walking down the aisle. She even made a sign that says “The Hiding Tree”—it always gets a laugh and makes for a super cute, Instagram-worthy moment. It’s the perfect way to ease those pre-aisle jitters.
Jess also created a little gem we call the Secret Garden. It’s tucked just beside the ceremony area and actually has the best view on the whole property. We set up a cozy table for two there, so couples can slip away for a quiet toast—or even a private dinner—before making their big entrance to the reception. It’s peaceful, romantic, and feels like a moment just for them.
This is kind of crazy – and definitely unusual for a wedding venue – but Jess also created the Adventure Wedding Dress Challenge. Here’s the deal—within three days of your wedding, if you’re up for it, you’ll hike, paddle board, bike, and go whitewater rafting in your wedding dress. Yep, really. It’s all about embracing the moment, feeling strong, and showing that you can handle anything—no matter what you’re wearing. It’s not just about the challenge. It’s about celebrating love, strength, and the wild beauty of what’s ahead. She was captain of the U.S. Naval Academy’s triathlon team while a student there, so it was fitting personal touch.
Pricing:
- Weekend Weddings for up to 118 people, $11,750 (3 days, excludes lodging)
- Weekday Weddings for up to 50 people $8,750 (3 days, excludes lodging)
- 3-Hour Elopement for up to 10 people $1250
- 3-Hour Elopement for up to 25 people $1750
- 4-Hour Minimonies for up 45 people $3250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nantahalaweddings.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nantahalaweddings/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nantahalaweddings
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3F4DmTkBQWEFAbMyntLiFg/videos
