Welcome to Garland Hall, Durham's hottest event destination

Nestled in the heart of the city, this architectural masterpiece invites you to unleash your creativity and indulge in a truly remarkable experience.

Imagine walking through the doors of Garland Hall, greeted by the sight of breathtaking architecture that seamlessly blends modern elegance with timeless charm. The possibilities for your event are endless, as this versatile venue offers a range of spaces to cater to your every need. Whether you're planning a corporate gathering or a social extravaganza, Garland Hall is the blank canvas on which your vision can come to life.

Ready to make your dreams a reality? Don't miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories at Durham's most sought-after event destination. Contact us today to book your event and unlock the potential of Garland Hall. Get ready to unleash your imagination and embark on a truly extraordinary experience.

Unforgettable Memories in a Unique Setting

At Garland Hall, the possibilities for creating unforgettable memories are as infinite as your imagination. The unique setting of this exceptional event venue provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion, whether it be a corporate gathering or a social event.

Step inside and be captivated by the hall's enchanting ambiance, which effortlessly blends timeless elegance with modern sophistication. The carefully curated decor and stunning architectural details create a sense of grandeur that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

But it is not just the aesthetics that make Garland Hall an unparalleled choice for hosting memorable events. Its versatile spaces can be customized to suit your specific needs, ensuring that every detail is perfectly tailored to your vision. Whether you're planning a large-scale conference or an intimate celebration, Garland Hall offers the flexibility to accommodate any event size or style.

Imagine a gala dinner bathed in the soft glow of tapered candles surrounded by elegant drapes and intricate floral arrangements. Picture a vibrant networking event buzzing with energy, with seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Or envision a magical wedding reception, with the hall transformed into a dreamlike setting that reflects the unique love story of the couple.

With Garland Hall, the possibilities truly are endless. The combination of its captivating ambiance and adaptable spaces allows you to create an event that will be remembered for years to come.

Endless Event Possibilities

At Garland Hall, the possibilities for events are truly endless. With its versatile spaces, stunning architecture, and impeccable service, this premier destination sets the stage for unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning a wedding, gala, conference, or any other special occasion, Garland Hall offers the perfect canvas for your vision to come to life.

No dream is too big or too small for our dedicated team of event professionals. From intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, we have the expertise and resources to accommodate your every need. Our goal is to create an atmosphere that reflects your unique style and surpasses all expectations. We believe that every event deserves to be extraordinary, and we are committed to making that vision a reality.

By choosing Garland Hall as your event destination, you're not just reserving a venue – you're unlocking a world of possibilities. Our venue is a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into the setting you've always imagined. With its state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities, customizable lighting, and top-notch technology, Garland Hall provides the tools to bring your ideas to life. Whether you envision a themed extravaganza or a sleek, modern affair, their team will work closely with you to ensure that every detail is meticulously executed.

The Perfect Venue for Corporate Gatherings

Imagine hosting your next corporate gathering in a space that exudes professionalism and elegance. Garland Hall boasts a sophisticated ambiance that sets the stage for productive discussions and successful collaborations. Our versatile layout can accommodate a variety of seating arrangements, from theater-style setups for presentations to smaller group settings for interactive workshops. The room is adorned with tasteful decor that adds a touch of class to any corporate event.

In addition to the physical attributes of the venue, Garland Hall offers an array of services and amenities tailored to enhance your corporate gathering. Their expert event planners are well-versed in organizing successful business events, and they will work closely with you to understand your objectives and ensure they are met. From setting up state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment to arranging for professional catering services, our team is dedicated to creating a seamless and unforgettable experience for you and your attendees.

Furthermore, Garland Hall is conveniently located in the heart of East Durham, making it easily accessible for both local and out-of-town guests. With ample parking options and nearby accommodations, your corporate gathering can be a hassle-free affair from start to finish.

So, whether you're hosting a conference, a board meeting, or a team-building retreat, Garland Hall provides the perfect backdrop for your corporate event. Embrace the endless possibilities and let our venue inspire you to unleash the full potential of your organization.

A Dreamy Haven for Social Events

Garland Hall is not only a breathtaking and versatile event venue, but it also holds the power to transform any occasion into a dreamy haven for social events. With its enchanting ambience, elegant architecture, and meticulous attention to detail, Garland Hall sets the stage for a truly unforgettable experience.

Whether it's an intimate wedding reception, a milestone birthday celebration, or a corporate gala, Garland Hall offers the perfect backdrop for any social gathering. The moment you step through its doors, you are transported to a world of refined beauty and sophistication. The grandeur of the hall, with its soaring ceilings and ornate chandeliers, creates an atmosphere that feels both regal and inviting.

The aesthetic appeal of Garland Hall is further enhanced by its impeccable design. Every aspect, from the carefully chosen color palette to the stylish furnishings, has been thoughtfully curated to create a harmonious and luxurious setting. The attention to even the smallest details is evident, with exquisite floral arrangements, elegant table settings, and soft, ambient lighting that adds just the right touch of romance.

What truly sets Garland Hall apart as a dreamy haven for social events is its ability to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. The hall boasts a stunning patio adorned with lush greenery and vibrant blooms, offering a picturesque setting for cocktail hours or al fresco dining. The seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas allows guests to enjoy the best of both worlds, creating a truly magical experience.

As the evening unfolds, the captivating ambiance of Garland Hall is further enhanced by its gorgeous natural light. Large windows flood the space with sunlight during the day, casting a warm, ethereal glow across the room. In the evening, the hall is bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, creating an enchanting and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for dancing the night away.

Captivating Ambiance with Gorgeous Natural Light

As the evening unfolds, the captivating ambiance of Garland Hall is further enhanced by its gorgeous natural light. Large windows flood the space with sunlight during the day, casting a warm, ethereal glow across the room. In the evening, the hall is bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, creating an enchanting and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for dancing the night away.

The natural light at Garland Hall not only adds to its charm but also holds the power to transform any event into a truly magical experience. Whether you're planning a wedding reception, a corporate gala, or a private party, the abundant natural light that fills the hall creates a sense of openness and serenity that is unparalleled.

Imagine stepping into Garland Hall and being greeted by the soft, golden rays of sunlight streaming through the windows. The warm glow embraces you, creating a feeling of comfort and tranquility. Natural light has been proven to have a positive impact on mood and well-being, and at Garland Hall, you can reap the benefits firsthand.

As the day transitions into night, the atmosphere takes on a different kind of magic. The moonlight spills through the windows, casting a gentle illumination on every corner of the hall. The space becomes ethereal, as if you've stepped into a fairytale. The interplay between the natural light and the hall's elegant interior design creates an ambiance that is romantic, intimate, and utterly captivating.

You can indulge in the beauty of the venue while mingling with your guests, or you can take advantage of the natural light for stunning photographs that will capture the essence of your event. The possibilities are as endless as the enchantment that comes with the natural light of Garland Hall.

Book Your Event at Garland Hall Today

You can indulge in the beauty of the venue while mingling with your guests, or you can take advantage of the natural light for stunning photographs that will capture the essence of your event. The possibilities are as endless as th

When it comes to hosting a memorable event, the venue plays a crucial role. And at Garland Hall, you'll find a space that not only exceeds your expectations but also adds a sense of wonder to your celebrations. With its abundance of natural light, Garland Hall creates an atmosphere that is both awe-inspiring and inviting.

Imagine walking into Garland Hall, where sunlight streams in through the expansive windows, casting a warm glow on the carefully curated decor and elegant furnishings. The play of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the space, creating a captivating ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.

Whether you're planning a corporate gathering, or a milestone celebration, Garland Hall provides the perfect backdrop for your event. The natural light not only enhances the beauty of the surroundings but also offers endless opportunities for creativity and customization. From soft, romantic hues during a wedding ceremony to vibrant, energetic tones for a lively party, the natural light at Garland Hall adapts to every occasion.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the natural light at Garland Hall brings practical benefits as well. With ample sunlight flooding the venue, you can reduce the need for artificial lighting during daytime events, creating a more eco-friendly and sustainable experience. Furthermore, the natural light illuminates the space in a way that highlights its architectural features, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the beauty of design.

So why wait? Book your event at Garland Hall today and unlock the transformative power of natural light for your special occasion. Whether you're seeking an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Garland Hall offers a unique and enchanting atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

A very special thank you to the vendors that made these images possible.

Balloon Installations: Rolula James
Specialty Rentals: Greenhouse Picker Sisters
Venue: Garland Hall
Rentals: Best Tents and Events
Florals: Bea Morad
Cake: Sugar Euphoria
Party Supply and Rentals: BBJ La Tavola

Fancy This Photography captured Nathalia’s intimate 30th birthday party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina in December 2022. The birthday queen glowed all evening as guests enjoyed The Umstead’s fine dining and atmosphere. Catherine Langhart with Raleigh-based planning company La Fête helped Nathalia design a sophisticated soirée. The Umstead’s indoor event space perfectly accomodated this intimate gathering. From fabulous food to furnishings, it’s obvious why this luxury NC hotel has become a Southern destination. Four-time James Beard Semifinalist and chef, Steven Greene, serves guests unparalleled meals made with the best local ingredients. 

Nathalia’s energy and presence set the tone for an incredible 30th birthday party at The Umstead. Each image in this blog showcases guests celebrating the beauty of life at The Umstead. This 30th birthday party reminds us of Jennifer Garner’s famous line in the 2004 film 13 Going on 30.

Thirty, flirty and thriving.

Nikki snapped candid and plandid shots on a Nikon D750 that were awarded Best Event Photography at the Triangle’s National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) 2023 awards gala. Fancy This Photography’s team loves to document life’s most special events. From massive weddings to intimate birthday parties like Nathalia’s, we feel honored to capture your life’s milestones. 

Keep scrolling to view more images from this gorgeous gallery.

Nathalia hosted her 30th birthday party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa - a five-star hotel in Cary, North Carolina.

Seasoned Professionals Plan 30th Birthday Party 

Fancy This Photography documents events planned by amateurs and professionals. That said, we have observed that events planned by professionals run more smoothly. Our clients that work with event planners get to stress less and enjoy their celebration more.

A professional planner's goal is to take your vision for the event and execute. Catherine Langhart of La Fête event planning did exactly that for Nathalia. She delivered a flawless event by listening to her client’s likes and dislikes. Catherine helped Nathlia book the best local vendors for her needs. Planning a swaggy event requires a lot of decision making, budgeting, communication, and precise timing. Balancing party planning with daily life responsibilities such as work or parenting can be a challenge.

North Carolina is full of experienced event vendors who have made it their mission to serve. Whether you are planning a 30th birthday party or a wedding, click here to reference NACE’s directory of distinguished NC event vendors.  

Five-Star Events at The Umstead Hotel and Spa

Nathalia’s intimate 30th birthday party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa deserves a round of applause. I’m so happy she selected this five-star North Carolina hotel as her venue. Fancy This Photography has experience documenting several uniquely stunning celebrations at The Umstead in the past.

The Umstead is located on a peaceful property in Cary, just a short drive away from Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Folks looking for outdoor event space will love The Umstead’s lawns and lakeside terrace. Inside you’ll find romantic event spaces of varying sizes. The Umstead’s main indoor event space, the Grand Ballroom, has walls that can be adjusted. This feature helped create an intimate ambiance for Nathalia’s 30th birthday party.

Black and Gold 30th Birthday Party Decor

Black and gold set the tone for Nathalia’s intimate 30th Birthday Party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa. A team of top tier North Carolina event professionals delivered. Each piece of decor added to the overall look of this stylish event. Fancy This Photography loves to document all of the thoughtful details that go into creating an elevated event. Guests dined with gold tableware on black sequin table cloths from Curated Events Raleigh. The dark and moody color palette sparkled in the light of Christmas trees, candles, and a giant neon 30 sign from Alpha-Lit Raleigh-Durham.

Once Gathered florals in Morrisville, North Carolina designed gorgeous white and green centerpieces. But black flowers were the icing on top of Nathalia’s dark and moody birthday cake by Edible Art Bakery in Raleigh. Check out the fabulous flower crown Once Gathered made for fun photo ops!

We can’t go any further in this 30th birthday party blog without mentioning the magical balloon arch designed by Balloon Design Decorating Service. The black and gold balloon installation created a perfect frame for group portraits and cake pics.

Nathalia’s friends and family dressed for the occasion in black evening gowns and saucy suits. They gave toasts to the birthday queen with bubbly and a variety of beverages, including a signature cocktail named “The Nathy.” Custom designed dinner and drink menus by Shop Surcie elevated the special setting.

Bunn DJ Company, one of the best event DJs in the area, kept the party going with an elite soundtrack.

Seven Tips for Planning a Fierce 30th Birthday Party

The big 3-0 is a major life milestone worth celebrating. You made it through your toxic twenties and you’re entering a new, more established era of identity. Fancy This Photography recommends spoiling yourself and loved ones with a special event. Nathalia’s intimate 30th birthday party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa is the perfect example. Here are seven planning tips to help you pull off an event that is the chef’s kiss.

No. 1: Book a professional photographer. It would be Fancy This Photography’s honor to document your special occasion!

No. 2: Pick the perfect venue. Select a setting that showcases your style, whether that’s a five-star hotel like The Umstead or your favorite brewery.

No. 3: Hire an expert planner. Skip the stress. Let a seasoned professional show you how to book the best local vendors and stay on budget.

No. 4: Give your party personality with color and texture. Figure out the vibe and let it shine through each party rental or decoration. We’re talking about tablecloths, dinnerware, centerpieces, candles, chairs and more.

No. 5: Love is in the details. Make sure your decorations complement the venue’s natural beauty and interior design. Elevate your event with items like signage, lighting, and photo backdrops.

No. 6: Eat, drink and be merry. Decide between an open or cash bar. Design a delicious menu that tickles taste buds from cocktail hour to dessert.

No. 7: Dance the night away. Music is everything and should be an integral part of your 30th birthday party from start to finish! We cannot recommend hiring a professional DJ enough.

Nathalia’s 30th birthday cake was made by Edible Art Bakery.

Meet the Vendors …

Photographer //  Fancy This Photography
Venue // The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Planner // Catherine Langhart of Events by La Fête
Balloons // Balloon Design Decorating Service 
Florals // Once Gathered
DJ // Bunn DJ Company 
Cake // Edible Art Bakery Raleigh
Rentals // Curated Events Raleigh
Menu & Paper Goods // Shop Surcie
30 Sign // Alpha-Lit Raleigh-Durham

The sun rises over the rolling hills of The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve on a warm September morning. In the air, the smell of a North Carolina summer sets the scene for a day of beauty, creativity, and wonder.

“The general vibe was that of imagination. Everyone was eager to try on all of the apparel, have their hair and makeup done, and look at the beauty that surrounded the venue. I love days like this because although we are on a timeline, there is room to experiment and create our own interpretation.” Nikki of Fancy This explains.

By her side, partner photographer Sarah Gillie was also eager to create some magic. Nikki is no stranger to the Heart of NC Weddings team. Working together since 2016, their partnership blossomed over fun collaboration and countless photo shoots. But this shoot was a bit different. This shoot would host a few firsts for Fancy This.

The day began with hair and makeup by Reign Beauty. Timeless and romantic touches were added to each of the models ready to compliment any dress they’d be wearing over the course of the day. One of these models stands out a bit more as a friend of Nikki, as well as her muse. Nathan Wellman would be the subject of an artistic vision Nikki knew she had to create.

“My favorite part of the day was when I took my one and only photo meant truly for myself. That photo was of Nathan and the makeup brushes. This image was not meant to make headlines for the magazine--however, it was a fabulous social media post when we posted it! Whenever I photograph any type of session, the entire session is dedicated to that client. BUT, I always take ONE photo for myself. It can be completely ridiculous, or soft and sweet--meant only for the client and myself to view. This photo was truly meant for my artistic pleasure, and it was my favorite one from the day.” 

This wouldn’t be the only meaningful image created by the dynamic duo. Nestled in a shaded valley near one of the ceremony sites, Nikki captured Nathan as the very first male to wear a dress in Heart of NC Wedding history. There was talk throughout the day in anticipation for these images, and a comment was made that if anyone were to capture these photos, it would be Fancy This. Upon hearing these comments, Nikki shared,

“As someone who is an active ally and supporter of the LGBTQ community, it just makes me feel heard and seen. I think it was said because people notice what you stand for, and this is something that I have and will always stand for.”

Romantic and eclectic dresses took center stage throughout the day. Favorites of Nikki included a ballgown from Dany Tabet’s Zou Bisou collection, worn by Bredetta Huffman and Jimme Huang from Thornbury Brides worn by Pashara Black.

“I truly enjoyed photographing Pashira in the white walled space. The ones in that sequence are just so mesmerizing to me, as I legit only had one white wall to produce some magic. These came out ethereal and just delicious.”

As the sun started to set on this September evening, the time had come to capture some golden hour images. Models Eion Dockery and Grace Harrington from UC Models cozied up in front of one of the large pastures available at The Meadows for photos just like this. Behind them, the sun danced through trees as it made way for the moon. Casting a blanket of beautiful haze, Nikki began shooting. Accompanied by enchanting florals from Joneswell Flowers and a ballgown from White of Raleigh, it was here that the cover for the 2023 Heart of NC Wedding magazine would be captured. A simple yet elegant portrait of Grace looking gently into the distance would set the tone for this year’s issue. This honor was made more exciting as it was Nikki’s first ever cover on a magazine. After receiving the news, Nikki was feeling a lot (in a good way!)

“Honestly, it was a ball of emotions. I have never been on the cover of any magazine, so to see my work on the cover of my favorite publication- wow, a lot of emotions were felt. I remember when I was younger and I kept telling people that I was going to be a photographer and having those same people scoff at me, only because they didn't think I could be successful. Wow, how the tables turned. I grew up not having as many opportunities as I should have. It was tough. It's just a testament that if I believe in myself, make honest connections, and take pride in my work, I can do great things. I am so happy that I was able to show myself that I can do great things, and showcase true art and soul into my work. It felt good. It truly felt good.” 

Want to see more? Pick up your copy of Heart of NC today or click here to view a digital copy.

Fancy This wants to thank all vendors who made this magical day possible!

• Heart of NC

• The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve

• Joneswell Flowers

• Reign Beauty

• Thornbury Brides

• Diamonds Direct

• Bernards Formalwear

• Vow'd Weddings

• Bailey's Fine Jewelry

• White of Raleigh

• Kannon's Clothing

• UC Models

• Gilded Bridal