After influencer and stylist Natalie Hudson Simkins and William Christopher Conway Schatzman, who works in private equity, briefly met at a University of Georgia vs. Ole Miss football game, he flew to Atlanta to take Natalie on their first date. 10 months later, he proposed in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama. "I had gray nails and not even a cute outfit to change into because I honestly thought for sure it was going to be a few weeks later," Natalie laughs. "It was really low-key, which I loved, and we celebrated with family."
For their autumn wedding, the aesthetic goal was "traditional and timeless," Natalie says. "The venue is so old-school New York and didn't really require much, so I went with a primarily green and white color scheme with a few colorful fun New York touches," she says of The University Club of New York. To bring this vision to life, the couple enlisted the help of Peony Events with Katheryn Jeanne Photography lensing every moment. Dogwood Hill set the tone with a sophisticated invitation suite. And once the big planning pieces were in place, the frequent OTM collaborator curated her effortless Over The Moon Dream Registry.
With Natalie working in fashion, she had front-row access to up-and-coming designers during her time at New York Bridal Fashion Week. While her wedding dress was by Anne Barge, the bride-to-be discovered LEIN during market week and worked with designer Meredith Stoecklein on a custom topper that was heavily inspired by Grace Kelly's own bridal dress. LEIN also outfitted Natalie for her rehearsal dinner and after-party—she wore The Gail Dress to the latter event.
On the day-of, Natalie got ready with her longtime makeup artist, Madeleine Gibson, and hairstylist Corey Perschall. She accessorized with family friend Laura Pearce's jewelry and a bouquet by Floralies Events. Christopher looked handsome in a look by Billy Reid.
On November 15, 2025, guests gathered at St. Thomas Church for the ceremony. "Our priest is from Augusta, Georgia, where my parents are from and was baptized in the church where they got married, which felt like such a 'God wink,' since we met him all the way up here in NYC," Natalie shares. "I was shocked by how calm and at ease I felt the entire day, and that’s exactly what everyone said I was supposed to feel like! I got a little choked up during the vows section, but it was just so special."
After being announced as officially married, the newlyweds joined their guests for a seated dinner but were constantly being pulled to the dance floor because of Alex Donner Entertainment's rousing band. "I’d never been to a reception with that kind of setup before and wasn’t sure how it would feel," Natalie reflects. "It was honestly the best!"
"Love on Top" was the soundtrack for Natalie and Christopher's first dance. "We didn’t even practice, so I had no idea how it would go, but Christopher is a great dancer so I just followed his lead!" Natalie smiles. The bride's other favorite moment of the night was a bit . . . unexpected. "Christopher's childhood friends got on stage and sang 'Lets Get it On' by Marvin Gaye. I know how that sounds, but he is actually an incredible singer; it was like a party trick of his, and everyone was singing along and just dying laughing."
At the end of the night, Natalie and Christopher made their grand exit into a vintage yellow cab. They took it a total of two blocks, before being dropped off at Papillon Bistro & Bar for the after-party—an idyllic end to a quintessential New York City wedding weekend.
