Alex & Jack’s Timeless Chapel Hill Wedding at The Carolina Inn
A Classic Carolina Inn Wedding in Chapel Hill | Fancy This Photography
From the Blue Zone to “I Do” — A Tar Heel Love Story
Some wedding weekends just feel like Chapel Hill — the kind that weave tradition, elegance, and Carolina blue into every detail. For Alex and Jack, that sentiment ran deep. From their rehearsal at Kenan Memorial Stadium’s Blue Zone to their vows beneath the oaks at The Carolina Inn, their weekend was a love letter to the place where so many of their stories began.
Friday: A Toast to Forever at The Blue Zone
Alex and Jack kicked off their wedding weekend in true Tar Heel fashion — with a rehearsal dinner overlooking the field at Kenan Stadium. Guests gathered in the Blue Zone, sipping cocktails as the evening light softened over the empty stands, their personalized cups reading “Alex & Jack, May 17, 2025 — Chapel Hill, NC.”
It was the perfect start: classic Carolina spirit, the energy of game day, and just a touch of nostalgia for the couple’s alma mater.
Saturday: The Carolina Inn Magic
The next morning, the bridal party gathered in the sunroom of The Carolina Inn, where the air buzzed with laughter, hairspray, and anticipation. Under the coordination of Mandi with Sally Oakley Events, the day unfolded seamlessly — every timeline detail (and there were many!) timed to perfection.
While Alex prepared with her bridesmaids, Jack and his groomsmen toasted the day at The Crunkleton — a pre-wedding ritual that set the tone for the fun ahead.
Their first look in the Inn’s iconic black-and-white hallway was pure joy — a mix of nerves, love, and that quiet pause before everything begins.
A Ceremony Beneath the Oaks
In the Anne Hill Courtyard, guests were welcomed with champagne as Elegant Ensembles played soft prelude music. The courtyard’s soft greenery framed Alex’s walk down the aisle — her lace gown a perfect match for the timeless surroundings.
As vows were exchanged and sunlight filtered through the trees, the moment felt suspended in time — a perfect reflection of classic Carolina grace.
Cocktails, Cake, and Carolina Style
After the ceremony, guests transitioned into the Chancellor’s Ballroom for cocktail hour, where soft jazz set the mood. Meanwhile, Alex and Jack snuck into the Hill Ballroom for a private first look at their reception space — a beautifully orchestrated reveal featuring romantic florals by Carlton’s and a crisp palette of ivory, blue, and green.
Dinner flowed effortlessly into dancing, thanks to the ever-electric Liquid Pleasure Band, who kept the dance floor full from the first dance to the sparkler exit.
(And yes — Alex and Jack cut their cake with a sword. Because if you’re going to do it, you may as well make it legendary.)
The Details We Loved
Venue: The Carolina Inn — where Southern hospitality meets historic charm
Planner: Mandi with Sally Oakley Events — master of calm, coordination, and Carolina poise
Florals: Carlton’s — soft, romantic blooms in ivory and powder blue
Cake: Ashley Cakes — a stunning four-tier masterpiece adorned with roses
Music: Elegant Ensembles (ceremony) + Liquid Pleasure (reception)
Rentals: Curated Events
Photography: Fancy This Photography — Nikki Belch
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The Blue Zone, Kenan Memorial Stadium
A Carolina Sendoff
As the night came to a close, Alex and Jack made their exit in the most fitting way possible — a New Orleans style send off. Guests cheered them on with sparklers, the Inn glowing behind them and “Hark the Sound” echoing softly in the air.
A weekend full of joy, elegance, and Tar Heel pride — a wedding story we’ll never forget.
