PEOPLE Magazine Feature: Ovi Kabir & Hannah Blackwell Marry at Nichols Heir Wedding Venue

Hannah Blackwell, Nichols Heir Wedding Venue, Ovi Kabir

September 24, 2025

Ovi Kabir and Hannah Blackwell marry in a beautiful weekend wedding celebration at Nichols Heir wedding venue in the Smoky Mountains. The festivities unraveled over two days and included a traditional Bangladeshi Gaye Holud, followed by a formal Western wedding ceremony and reception. In fact, their stunning, well-attended wedding received a full feature on People, who shared the exclusive details.

Their chic, multicultural wedding day celebration followed their eight-year relationship, which all began when they were attending the University of Tennessee. Ovi and Hannah met in their shared poli-sci class, where Hannah sat in the row ahead of Ovi every day for the entire semester. Ovi found it incredibly difficult to focus on his studies, and after some time, decided he should make a move.

The move in question? An email to the whole class inviting everyone to a group study session. This move was quickly followed up by a second email, which was sent directly to Hannah and included Ovi’s phone number. The group study sessions commenced, week after week, without Hannah in attendance. That is, until just hours before their final. When Hannah finally arrived at a study session, they sat down together with the full intention of preparing for their final.

Instead, they found themselves spending the night entrenched in conversation. Everything from their families and childhood to taste in music (and their favorite snacks!) was a point of deep conversation. After that fateful night, they planned a first date. Before long, things between them were official, and they were falling in love.

When it was time to propose, Ovi deployed a new plan, one that didn’t involve study groups or emails. While living in NYC, they planned a road trip to Tennessee to visit family, stopping in Boston along the way. Boston was always a place of reprieve for them during stressful times, somewhere they could relax together and be by one another’s side. This time, though, Boston would become the place where their relationship would take on a whole new meaning.

Ovi planned a surprise proposal at Boston Public Library, a place that would honor their initial meeting, where studying for an exam instead became a place of connection. He deployed the help of a photographer and a fake reservation for afternoon tea. Their walk to the library, down the historic cobblestone streets of Boston, found them running into a photographer who just happened to be nearby and looking for a couple willing to capture for “test photos.”

Needless to say, they agreed. As Hannah turned toward the camera, Ovi seized the moment and got down on one knee, with a gorgeous ring in hand. Hannah immediately said yes, and they were engaged to be married.

Wanting to honor the location where their relationship began, Hannah and Ovi chose to celebrate this next chapter in their lives in Tennessee. The Smoky Mountains were the birthplace of their love story, and the couple decided to host their weekend wedding at Nichols Heir wedding venue in Sevier County.

Friday’s Gaye Holud at the Glass House at Nichols Heir Wedding Venue

Hannah and Ovi’s weekend wedding kicked off on Friday night with their Gaye Holud, which was hosted at the glass house at Nichols Heir wedding venue. This exquisite space is nestled amongst a sprawl of greenery and features 2000 square feet of framed windows tucked between towering white oak and pine trees, providing stunning panoramic views in every direction.

This magical setting was filled with vibrant tones of yellow, red, orange, and cream, honoring the cherished pre-wedding ritual in Bangladeshi culture. During this event, turmeric paste was applied to Hannah and Ovi, signifying forthcoming good fortune and the cleansing of their souls for their upcoming union.

The evening unfolded with fun, choreographed dances, music, blessings for the couple, beautiful decor, and a delectable menu. The spirit of the evening was that of joy, love, and community

Gaye Holud at Nichols Heir Wedding Venue

Gaye Holud at the Glass House at Nichols Heir Wedding Venue

Wedding Day at the Grand Hall at Nichols Heir

On Saturday, their wedding ceremony and reception celebration awaited at the Grand Hall at Nichols Heir. On the morning of their wedding, we began working with Hannah and Ovi as they put the finishing touches on their wedding day attire. Hannah and her wedding party were keeping things fun and light in the getting-ready suite with a champagne pop, while Ovi fastened his suspenders.

A first look in the gardens of Nichols Heir wedding venue was the perfect way for Hannah and Ovi to spend a few private moments together before joining their family and friends at the ceremony. Ovi was brought to tears at the sight of his beautiful bride, and they enjoyed this moment in each other’s arms, with their pup by their side.

Ovi Kabir Wedding at Nichols Heir Wedding Venue

Their outdoor wedding ceremony was officiated by their college best friend, Don; meanwhile, Ovi’s brother, Ontor Kabir, and Hannah’s brother-in-law, Adam Kemper, shared personal reflections and heartfelt stories about the couple. Staying true to their love story, Hannah and Ovi drew on the love of those they know to make their ceremony deeply meaningful.

But their wedding celebration at Nichols Heir wedding venue in the Grand Hall was just getting started. Every aspect was planned intentionally from beginning to end. Each detail, from the color palette to the floral installations, the live watercolor artist, and the spread of Southern food served alongside classic Bangladeshi dishes, was enjoyed by guests, with Hannah and Ovi seeing their wedding day vision brought to life. Their weekend wedding celebration was a true reflection of their love, personalities, and cultures, and you can step inside each moment through the photos below.