Merriweather and Jason's Family Wedding at Morlunda in WV

On May 9, 2026, Merriweather Franklin and Jason Nerenberg were married at Swift Level, historically known as Morlunda, her family’s estate near Lewisburg, West Virginia. Set among the rolling hills of the Greenbrier Valley, the celebration blended refined design, meaningful family traditions, and the kind of gracious hospitality that made the entire day feel deeply personal.

Morlunda was far more than a beautiful setting for the wedding. It was Merriweather’s mother’s home as a child and a favorite destination for Merriweather and her brother, Cabell, to visit with close cousins. She spent her childhood in the rooms where she would eventually prepare to become a bride.

Her family descends from Oscar & Harriet Nelson, who purchased the property in 1934 and gave it the name Morlunda, meaning “rolling ground.” Mr. Nelson later commissioned prominent West Virginia architect Walter F. Martens to expand and redesign the residence, helping shape the elegant country estate that remains part of the family today.

That history gave the wedding a sense of place that could not have been recreated anywhere else. Merriweather was not simply returning to a family property for her wedding day. She was stepping back into the home and landscape that had shaped her childhood.

She prepared for the ceremony upstairs in the rooms where she had once played as a little girl. Although both of her parents have passed away, the morning was filled with love from her brother, aunts, uncles, and countless cousins. Their presence gave the day an unmistakable sense of warmth and continuity.

If the wedding had one defining theme, it was family.

Merriweather and Jason made certain that their loved ones were included in every part of the celebration. One of the most memorable moments came when Jason shared a first look with his daughter, Zela, who was arguably the most special member of the wedding party. Their private interaction was tender and emotional, setting the tone for a day centered on connection rather than formality.

Merriweather also brought her professional experience into every aspect of the wedding design. She is the Lead Designer at Greenbrier Interiors, located at The Greenbrier resort, only a short drive from Morlunda. She approached the celebration with a trained eye for interiors, color, scale, atmosphere, and guest experience.

Rather than creating a wedding that competed with the historic property, she designed one that felt completely at home there.

The result was polished, layered, and highly personal. A Thibaut wallcovering brought texture and pattern to the escort wall, while flowers and tent rentals by Gillespie’s Events and Florals created an elegant garden-inspired setting across the grounds. A Dorothy Draper chandelier from The Greenbrier added another meaningful connection between Merriweather’s professional life and her family home.

Her wedding dress was from Anjolique Bridal, while the bridesmaids wore dresses by Dressy Group. Fashion sketch artist and designer, Thomas Ruggerio, added an artistic element to the day, creating keepsakes inspired by the wedding fashion. Jason and the ring bearer wore handcrafted bow ties by Brackish, adding texture and personality to their attire.

From the beginning, Merriweather and Jason wanted guests to feel welcomed rather than managed. Friends and family arrived early and were invited to enjoy pre-ceremony drinks, snacks, and specialty cocktails before taking their seats.

That relaxed welcome shaped the atmosphere of the entire day. Guests mingled comfortably, chatted across the lawn, and moved through the property as though they were gathering at their own family home place.

The ceremony honored Jason’s Jewish heritage and included traditions that placed family at the center of the marriage. Ceremony music by Erica Marks created an intimate setting as the couple exchanged vows.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Jason broke the glass with his parents standing beside him. The moment was joyful, symbolic, and deeply connected to his family’s traditions.

During cocktail hour, Merriweather and Jason stepped away for portraits across the family land. One of the most meaningful locations was the large Morlunda sign that sits on the property. The sign bears the name given to the estate by Merriweather’s ancestors and overlooks the rolling landscape that inspired it.

Photographing the couple beneath the sign created a striking visual connection between the property’s past and the new family chapter beginning that day. The portraits were not only beautiful; they were specific to Merriweather’s story and could have not been created anywhere else.

When the couple returned, they joined their guests as the event team began lighting the candles on each reception table.

As daylight faded, the tent became warm and luminous. Candlelight reflected across the tables, flowers softened the space, and the chandelier from The Greenbrier glowed above the celebration.

The reception felt elegant without becoming overly formal. Guests gathered around the tables with the ease of an intimate family dinner, enjoying a meal prepared by James Beard Award winner Chef Paul Smith.

Matt Davis with Lifestage Films documented the day on video, preserving both the larger moments and the quieter exchanges that gave the celebration its emotional depth. Matt has also produced a film about the history of Morlunda for Merriweather’s family.

After dinner, The Original Moonlighters filled the reception with live music. Guests danced late into the night beneath the tent, surrounded by candlelight, flowers, and the historic landscape of Swift Level.

Merriweather and Jason’s wedding was sophisticated, but its beauty came from more than design.

It was found in Merriweather preparing in the rooms of her childhood. It was present in the family members who surrounded her with love. It was seen in Jason’s first look with his daughter, in the Jewish ceremony traditions, and in the way his parents stood beside him as he broke the glass.

It could also be felt in the hospitality extended to every guest. Merriweather and Jason created a wedding that was beautiful enough for a publication, yet warm enough to feel like home.

By combining family history, professional design, cultural tradition, and a genuine sense of welcome, they created a celebration that belonged entirely to them.

Their wedding at Swift Level was not simply an event held on historic family land. It was the continuation of a story.

Wedding Vendor Team

Wedding Design: Merriweather Franklin of Greenbrier Interiors

Wedding Venue: Swift Level Farm

Wedding Photographer: Kelli Carrico Photography

Wedding Dress: Anjolique Bridal

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dressy Group

Fashion Sketch Artist: Thomas Ruggerio

Escort-Wall Wallpaper: Thibaut Design

Caterer: 1010 / Chef Paul

Videographer:LifeStage Film

Flowers and Tent Rentals: Gillespies Florals and Events