Photo by Nicole Ivanov
Kara Lewis Webb and West Webb found their wedding venue at a gas station in East Tennessee. PEOPLE told the story in an exclusive feature on October 23, 2026, and our team is still grinning about it!
If the article brought you here, welcome. Here's how a quick stop for gas turned into a wedding at Ramble Creek, a full-service wedding venue in Athens, Tennessee.
A pit stop, a Sphynx cat, and one question
Kara and West live in California. They'd driven to Gatlinburg to revisit the spot where West proposed. On the way back, they pulled off for gas and noticed a man with a hairless cat riding on his shoulders.
Kara had never seen a Sphynx cat in person. (Most people haven’t!) They had to say hello.
The man was Buck Yates, one of the owners of Ramble Creek. The cat was Romeo. Kara and West, who create content for a living, asked if they could film. Buck said yes. He noticed Kara’s beautiful engagement ring, and asked whether they'd found a venue yet.
They hadn't. Their search had stayed in California, and Tennessee wasn't on the list. Buck told them about the venue he built and how it works: one team handling the planning, the food, and the details. He invited them to come see it that afternoon, and they followed him down the road.
Kara admitted to PEOPLE that trailing a stranger with a hairless cat isn't the usual way to tour a venue. But hey, she's glad they trusted their gut!
A tour (and Taste!) of Ramble Creek
Buck promised the detour would be worth it. As Kara and West came down the hill onto the property, the Grand Hall came into view above the vineyard and open fields.
Our team set aside what we were doing to say hello. Our Executive Chef made them a plate of brisket mac and cheese to try. Buck walked them through the ceremony sites, introduced the staff, and the team invited them to spend the night at The Manor, one of our three onsite guest houses.
Before they left, Kara and West stopped at the Vine Arbor to pray. They asked for a clear sign about whether this was the place. Kara told PEOPLE they felt deep peace in that moment, and their venue search ended right there.
The video that reached millions
Kara shared the gas station meeting and the tour on her Instagram on September 21 and asked her followers whether they should get married here. According to PEOPLE, the video passed 8.3 million views and about 560,000 likes.
Our team left a comment with one small offer: "we're already looking at kitty tuxedos in case you decide Romeo needs to be your ring bearer."
What followers didn't know yet: Kara and West had already said yes to Ramble Creek.
Their wedding day, with Romeo as ring bearer
Kara and West married at Ramble Creek on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with 100 guests. Rain sat in the forecast all week. It held off, and the sun broke through during their vows beneath the Vine Arbor.
The brisket mac and cheese from their tour came back for cocktail hour. Romeo served as ring bearer, tuxedo and all. To close the night, the newlyweds stopped at a gas station for snacks and a dance in the parking lot before leaving for their honeymoon. (Who knew THAT would turn into getting pulled over on their wedding night?!)
Kara told PEOPLE the whole Ramble Creek experience became "one of the biggest blessings of our lives."
Want the flowers, the menu, and the foot-washing ceremony? Read the full recap of Kara and West's Ramble Creek wedding.
What their story shows about planning a wedding here
Take away the cat and the viral video, and the rest is what we do every week, though we’re happy to introduce you to Romeo!
One team, one contract. Planning, menu design, day-of coordination, setup, and cleanup come from people who work here. See everything included in our wedding services.
Food made on site. Our full-time Executive Chef cooks everything in our onsite kitchen, so you know your day-of menu is fresh and delicious! Explore our wedding cuisine.
Rain plans built in. Every wedding includes rain plan support, so a shaky forecast doesn't mean a scramble.
Room for your people. Up to 42 guests can stay on the property across The Manor, The Villa, and The Cottage.
Easy to reach. Athens sits between Knoxville and Chattanooga along I-75, which makes Ramble Creek a convenient wedding venue 1-hour from Knoxville and Chattanooga for guests flying in from anywhere.
Curious what other couples say? Read our reviews or browse the gallery.
Start planning your Ramble Creek wedding
Most couples start with a questionnaire instead of a gas station. Tell us your date, guest count, and what matters most. We'll send a personalized price range, then set up a tour so you can walk the property yourself.
As featured in PEOPLE, October 23, 2026, by Ashlyn Robinette.
PHOTO: @nicoleivanovphoto · GAS STATION AND TOUR PHOTOS: @karaxlewis