NCMA Wedding in Raleigh NC

We just love an NCMA wedding in Raleigh NC. Everyone on the team at Fancy This Photography agrees—this venue is unparalleled. And why stop at weddings? We love any event hosted at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Not only is the space fully equipped, but the NCMA wedding and event staff embodies Southern hospitality and professionalism.

Today, we’re excited to share images and behind-the-scenes details from a styled NCMA wedding in Raleigh NC. The event was planned by Amy Plant-Perdue, owner of Plume Events, for the 2025 edition of Heart of NC Weddings magazine.

The theme of this styled shoot was “art and nature”—a perfect fit for the NC Museum of Art. An impressive list of talented North Carolina wedding and event vendors came together to make it happen. Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography, and her partner photographer Courtney Collins were honored to capture the artistry of the day.

Amy with Plume Events is a rockstar with a peaceful presence.

“She is a true artist in her own form,” says Nikki. “She helped put everything together and created the ultimate mood board for the NCMA wedding shoot. It was wonderful working with her on this.”

Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography, and her partner photographer Courtney Collins were honored to capture this styled NCMA wedding in Raleigh NC.

Styled Wedding Photo Shoot at NCMA

Fabulous floral arrangements by Bloom Works added romance and life to the museum’s clean, minimalist event spaces. After the shoot, the luxury event design served a second purpose as decor for Heart of NC Weddings’ annual vendor mixer. Catering Works wowed with colorful grazing tables and stations, and Sugar Euphoria delivered confectionary excellence, as always.

We’re tickled to tell you more about the incredible vendors who made this dreamy styled NCMA wedding a reality. While Fancy This Photography captured every angle, Mark Maya Films + Photography provided video coverage. We love collaborating with our fellow North Carolina wedding and event pros!

Want to do a styled shoot with us? Email [insert appropriate email]. Keep scrolling for more romantic inspiration from this NCMA wedding in Raleigh NC.

Dress // Gilded Bridal, Beauty // Pinup Studio, Jewelry // Diamonds Direct & Hushed Commotion, Venue // NCMA, Photo // Fancy This Photography

Learn More: NCMA Wedding in Raleigh NC

Have you ever visited the North Carolina Museum of Art? We give it a 10 out of 10—highly recommend! NCMA is the perfect spot for a romantic date, a family picnic, or even a solo outing. The cavernous indoor exhibits are stunning, and the museum grounds offer walking trails, sculpture gardens, water features, and gorgeous outdoor event spaces.

Most of the museum’s walls are made of glass, which floods the building with natural light. It’s an absolute dream for us North Carolina wedding photographers.

For this Heart of NC Weddings styled shoot, Nikki and Courtney of Fancy This Photography captured the bride and groom as they strolled through the outdoor spaces adjacent to the West Building’s galleries. We loved how Amy with Plume Events drew inspiration from NCMA’s natural surroundings and landscape for the wedding design. Rather than use a rainbow of color, she focused on earthy colors and materials with texture—smooth black stones and uniquely shaped driftwood added a cool touch to the head table.

We really cannot recommend an NCMA wedding in Raleigh NC, enough. The venue’s airy, open spaces and contemporary art galleries offer a unique, modern backdrop and built-in entertainment for guests. Many couples choose NCMA’s North Courtyard for outdoor wedding ceremonies. This peaceful space features a reflection pool, water lilies, and refined art sculptures. It’s a must-have location for NCMA wedding photos.

Despite a few rain showers, Nikki and Courtney were determined to photograph the bride and groom in the North Courtyard. The result? Timeless, romantic images in one of Raleigh’s most iconic wedding venues.

Chermere looked breathtaking in a strapless wedding dress from Gilded Bridal, with flawless hair and makeup by Pinup Studio. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

NCMA Wedding in Raleigh NC: Fashion & Beauty

Model Chermere McAllister and her real-life husband, TJ McAllister, got all dressed up for Heart of NC Weddings’ styled shoot. Chermere looked breathtaking in a strapless wedding dress from Gilded Bridal, with flawless hair and makeup by Pinup Studio. Rings from Diamonds Direct and chic gloves and earrings from Hushed Commotion completed her modern bridal look.

The groom joined his wife at the play-pretend altar in a sharp black tuxedo from Bernard’s Formalwear. From indoor art galleries to outdoor sculpture gardens, Chermere and TJ McAllister’s authentic love brought even more beauty to the already inspiring NCMA wedding venue.

Rings from Diamonds Direct and chic gloves and earrings from Hushed Commotion completed this modern bridal look. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Quick Facts: Planning an NCMA Wedding in Raleigh NC

Location: The North Carolina Museum of Art sits on 164 acres in Raleigh, offering both indoor and outdoor event space options.

West Building Great Hall: Accommodates up to 200 seated guests or 275 standing.

East Building Main Hall: Accommodates up to 200 seated guests or more with a cocktail-style layout.

North Courtyard: Outdoor space accommodates up to 100 standing guests; best for ceremonies, cocktail hours or intimate dinners.

Catering: Catering Works is NCMA’s exclusive in-house catering partner.

Florals & Event Design: Bloom Works is NCMA’s in-house floral and design team.

Venue Rental Window: Primary rental time is from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Many couples choose NCMA’s North Courtyard for outdoor wedding ceremonies. This peaceful space features a reflection pool, water lilies, and refined art sculptures.

Despite a few rain showers, Nikki and Courtney were determined to photograph the bride and groom in the North Courtyard at NCMA.

NCMA Wedding in Raleigh NC: Florals & Design

Amy with Plume Events brought the garden party indoors for this nature-inspired faux NCMA wedding in Raleigh NC. We’re obsessed with the abundance of greenery and whimsical floral textures by Bloom Works. The distressed stone statue centerpieces are giving serious garden party for the gods vibes. Revel NC added warmth and tactile beauty through paper goods and signage. Take a peek at the dinner menus and table numbers. We’re in love!

Fabulous floral arrangements by Bloom Works added romance and life to the museum’s clean, minimalist event spaces.

Model Chermere McAllister and her real-life husband, TJ McAllister, looked beautiful and in love for Heart of NC Weddings’ styled shoot.

NCMA Weddings

Whenever Fancy This Photography is lucky enough to capture an NCMA wedding, we always make time to photograph the couple in front of the massive branch mural by artist Patrick Dougherty. Titled “Out of the Box,” the 75-foot-by-15-foot installation makes for a striking and unforgettable portrait backdrop.

This tree-branch art installation by Patrick Dougherty is an NCMA wedding photo must-have. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Fancy This Photography rates NCMA weddings 10 out of 10. Highly recommend!

Thank you to all the amazing North Carolina wedding and event vendors who made this styled shoot possible. Fancy This Photography is so grateful to have documented such a special day. After the shoot, we joined Heart of NC Weddings magazine and event professionals from across the state for a well-deserved celebration of creativity, collaboration, and talent.

Venue // North Carolina Museum of Art 

Photography // Fancy This Photography 

Videography // Mark Maya Films + Photography 

Florals // Bloom Works 

Catering + Bar // Catering Works 

Dress // Gilded Bridal 

Formalwear // Bernard's Formalwear 

Hair & Makeup // Pinup Studio 

Tabletop Rentals + Linens // Curated Events Raleigh 

Bar + Additional Seating // Greenhouse Picker Sisters 

Paper + Signage // Revel NC 

DJ // Stylus S.E. 

Rings // Diamonds Direct 

Cake // Sugar Euphoria 

Gloves + Earrings // Hushed Commotion

Planner // Plume Events with Heart of NC Weddings magazine

The Mayton Cary NC Wedding

On Feb. 8, 2025, Grace Burton and Jack Sinopoli said “I do” at The Mayton Cary NC wedding venue. This boutique hotel, formerly known as The Mayton Inn, is located within walking distance of downtown Cary shops and restaurants. This NC wedding venue is charming and convenient. It’s the best of both worlds for couples and their guests.

Hotel weddings are the GOAT. Not only does The Mayton feature a variety of romantic indoor and outdoor event spaces, but it also has cozy rooms and suites. This Cary NC hotel is a dream location for a stress-free wedding weekend. And, of course, we can't talk about The Mayton without mentioning Peck & Plume—the hotel’s on-site restaurant, known for its fine dining and Southern hospitality.

Keep scrolling to see more moments from Grace and Jack’s wedding at The Mayton in Cary, photographed by Nikki Whitt Belch.

On Feb. 8, 2025, Grace Burton and Jack Sinopoli said “I do” at The Mayton Cary NC wedding venue. Photographed by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography.

Timeless Winter Wedding at The Mayton

Grace and Jack’s wedding at The Mayton was a sweet celebration of love on a classic winter day in Cary, NC—clear, calm and pretty. This isn’t the first time Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography, has photographed a wedding at this venue. In 2018, she captured Marina Galante and Dustin Harris’ October wedding at The Mayton. Over the years, the hotel has undergone major renovations, only increasing its appeal to couples and the community.

“The place just has good vibes,” says Nikki. “It's perfect for a smaller wedding. Everything is in one place.”

Nikki loves the Cary NC wedding venue’s clean lines, Art Deco-style curtains and furnishings. She used her Nikon Z6II camera to capture Grace and Jack’s wedding at The Mayton. Nikki documented their day with a smaller photography package—an option Fancy This Photography offers for couples seeking coverage for six hours or less. This package does not include a second shooter, which is no problem for intimate weddings.

Grace and Jack wanted to have a local wedding, so they chose to work with vendors based in NC. They love the charm of downtown Cary and The Mayton’s cozy accommodations.

“It’s charming and quaint and The Mayton is beautiful and was a convenient option for being able to stay there if people wanted,” says Grace.

Their winter wedding was coordinated by Events by Melanie NC, with floral arrangements by Cary Florist.

Real Reviews: Fancy This Photography

Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography, came highly recommended to Grace—not once, but twice! A longtime friend who had booked Nikki for her own wedding first suggested her, and then Grace’s next-door neighbor, a NC wedding planner, also recommended her.

“We would recommend Nikki a million times over—she was wonderful to work with and had such a fun, easygoing personality. She got the job done efficiently and effortlessly, and we love our photos!” — Grace Sinopoli, 2025

“We would recommend Nikki a million times over—she was wonderful to work with and had such a fun, easygoing personality. She got the job done efficiently and effortlessly, and we love our photos!” — Grace Sinopoli, 2025

The Terrace at The Mayton Cary, NC wedding venue can accommodate approximately 125 guests. 

Grace & Jack’s Love Story: The Mayton Cary NC Wedding

Grace and Jack’s journey began with a Bumble match, but they soon realized they had countless mutual connections in the Raleigh-Cary area. They discovered they had grown up just five minutes apart. They even both attended North Carolina State University, and yet their paths had never crossed.

“It’s like we were living parallel lives for our entire lives until we met online in our 30s,” says Grace. 

Jack’s proposal was sweet and low-key. On Oct. 18, 2024, he made dinner reservations in downtown Raleigh. Before heading out, the couple was enjoying a drink at home when Jack, suddenly nervous, got down on one knee on the deck. Their golden retriever, Lucy, was the only witness.

Jack had one more surprise after dinner. He invited all their siblings and their significant others to join them for a celebratory engagement drink.

Not wanting a big wedding or a long engagement, the couple quickly booked The Mayton for a February 2025 wedding and jumped into planning. 

“Luckily, getting married in February—when it’s not peak wedding season—made planning easier, and vendors (and guests) were available,” says Grace.

Grace and Jack said “I do” on The Terrace at The Mayton Cary, NC wedding venue.

The Mayton Cary NC Wedding

Grace and Jack’s wedding weekend was intimate and special from start to finish. Guests were mostly made up of family members and very close friends. All the festivities took place in the couple’s shared hometown, and few guests had to travel far to attend.

The bride and groom both stayed with their parents in the homes they grew up in the night before The Mayton Cary NC wedding. Jack went to a golf simulator with his dad the morning of the wedding and Grace got ready at home with family and friends. The vibe was comfortable and relaxed. 

Grace and Jack held their ceremony on The Terrace at The Mayton Cary NC wedding venue. This open-air space has a retractable awning, built-in sound system and views of Downtown Cary Park. The brick-laid terrace can accommodate approximately 125 guests. 

Grace and Jack’s winter wedding was coordinated by Events by Melanie NC, with floral arrangements by Cary Florist. Photo by Nikki, Fancy This Photography.

Winter Wedding at The Mayton

“We loved our couples photos right after the ceremony,” says Grace. “It was our quiet time with just us two and Nikki and we really loved her and she made us feel comfortable - we even had fun doing that, which we didn’t expect.”

For the reception, Grace and Jack invited guests to The Park Room. This elegant indoor event space can host 64 seated, or 90 for cocktail style. When combined with Peck & Plume’s main dining room, The Park Room can host up to 140 guests. 

Everyone enjoyed a fabulous dinner catered by Peck & Plume and cake by Once In A Blue Moon Bakery. Nikki raved about the catering.

“They served me a delicious vendor meal! I don't remember what I had but I do remember feeling amazing afterwards and taken care of. Sometimes this is rare for a vendor meal. I did not try a cocktail, as I don't drink on the job.”

Reception highlights include sibling toasts and warming up the dance floor with music by AGB Productions. 

 When combined with Peck & Plume’s main dining room, The Park Room can host up to 140 guests.

We had to capture photos of Grace and Jack with Lucy, their 4-year-old golden retriever. The floral collar by Cary Florist was the perfect touch.

“We loved our couples photos right after the ceremony,” says Grace. “It was our quiet time with just us two and Nikki and we really loved her and she made us feel comfortable - we even had fun doing that, which we didn’t expect.”

Grace & Jack’s winter wedding at The Mayton was photographed by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography.

Photography // Nikki Whitt Belch, Fancy This Photography

Venue // The Mayton

Caterer // Peck & Plume

Coordination // Events By Melanie

Flowers // Cary Florist

Cake // Once In A Blue Moon Bakery & Cafe

DJ // AGB Productions

Wedding Dress // Jenny Yoo

Bridal Makeup // Beauty with Alys

Bridal Hair // Studio Em

Orange County Courthouse Wedding in Hillsborough NC

The secret is out. Hillsborough is one of the most sought-after spots in North Carolina for newlyweds and families looking to plant roots. If you’re considering an Orange County Courthouse wedding in Hillsborough NC, our team at Fancy This Photography has insider tips. We want to help you plan a seamless, stress-free day. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.

It’s easy to see why more couples are choosing courthouse weddings over traditional ceremonies and receptions. They’re intimate, cost-effective, and free from the pressures of large-scale event planning. But let it be said here—courthouse weddings deserve professional photography, too! Your wedding day is a milestone, whether it happens in a courthouse or a place of worship, and Fancy This Photography would be honored to capture it.

The first group of images featured in this blog are from Samantha Tulenko and Kerry Martin’s real Orange County Courthouse wedding in July 2024, beautifully captured by Courtney Collins, a partner photographer with Fancy This Photography. Keep scrolling for more details on the legal requirements for getting married at the Orange County Courthouse in Hillsborough NC.

Where to Get a Marriage License and Certificate in Hillsborough

The Register of Deeds office in Hillsborough, NC is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and certificates in Orange County. The office is located on the third floor of the Gateway Center Building at 228 S. Churton St.

Couples must complete an application and schedule an appointment before their Orange County Courthouse wedding in Hillsborough NC. To schedule a civil ceremony, contact the magistrate during office hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee is $20. For courthouse wedding ceremonies in Hillsborough, call (919) 644-4690. For Chapel Hill, call (919) 929-5707.

Know Before You Go: Orange County Courthouse Weddings

While the Orange County Courthouse previously hosted outdoor civil ceremonies, this option was discontinued in 2022. However, downtown Hillsborough still provides a beautiful setting for photos before or after your indoor ceremony. Capture candid moments under the large, historic tree in front of the current courthouse or in front of the old Orange County Courthouse, which has cool Grecian columns.

Samantha Tulenko and Kerry Martin’s Orange County Courthouse wedding took place in July 2024 and was beautifully captured by Courtney Collins, a partner photographer of Fancy This Photography.

To schedule a civil ceremony, contact the magistrate. For courthouse wedding ceremonies in Hillsborough, call (919) 644-4690. For Chapel Hill, call (919) 929-5707.

Orange County Courthouse Wedding Requirements

Couples must complete an application and schedule an appointment before their Orange County Courthouse wedding in Hillsborough NC. To arrange a civil ceremony, contact the magistrate during office hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee is $20. For ceremonies in Hillsborough, call (919) 644-4690. For Chapel Hill, call (919) 929-5707.

Once your date and time are set, here’s what you’ll need to bring:

• Identification: A valid ID for both partners (driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or passport).

• Social Security Number for both partners.

Marriage License & Certificate Fees

Marriage license cost: $60, payable by cash, debit/credit card, money order, or certified bank check.

Marriage certificate cost: Available in person at the Register of Deeds office or by mail. Certified copies cost $10 each, and uncertified copies are 15 cents each.

License validity: Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and can only be used within North Carolina. After the ceremony, the officiant must complete the marriage certificate and return it to the Register of Deeds office.

Good news! Premarital physical exams or blood tests are not required.

To schedule a civil ceremony, contact the magistrate. For courthouse wedding ceremonies in Hillsborough, call (919) 644-4690. For Chapel Hill, call (919) 929-5707.

Here’s How It Goes: Orange County Courthouse Weddings

On your wedding day, meet your photographer, guests, and any other essential vendors at the Hillsborough Courthouse before your scheduled time. Take a moment to soak in the love and excitement. Fancy This Photography would love to be there to capture every beautiful moment.

After your arrival, check in with the magistrate, then head inside to pay the ceremony fee and sign your marriage license. Fancy This Photography’s team will discreetly document the experience as it unfolds. Once everything is in order, it’s time for your civil ceremony.

Photos by Courtney Collins, partner photographer of Fancy This Photography.

Samantha and Kerry’s North Carolina Love Story and Engagement

Samantha and Kerry first met as graduate students at UNC-Chapel Hill while competing on the club triathlon team. They remained close friends for years before their relationship turned romantic during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Kerry’s marriage proposal came as a surprise–even though the couple had already discussed a wedding timeline. In February 2024, Samantha had a rare free week between medical school rotations. Kerry suggested a trip, and she told him, “I’ll go anywhere, but you have to plan it because I don’t have time.”

Kerry understood the assignment. He planned an unforgettable surprise trip to Montreal and Quebec City, where he proposed to Samantha on an outdoor ice-skating trail nestled in a forest between the two cities.

“It was lightly snowing as we weaved in and out of the trees—completely magical!” Samantha recalls of the engagement on Feb. 18, 2024.

Wanting to keep their wedding simple and budget-friendly, the couple opted for an intimate courthouse ceremony.

“I was on a fairly inflexible timeline with medical school, and we didn’t feel like we needed a long engagement. I’ve always loved the idea of a chic courthouse wedding,” Samantha says. “We’ve lived in Carrboro for our whole relationship and wanted to get married at our local courthouse.”

Finding Fancy This Photography

While searching for inspiration, Samantha came across Fancy This Photography’s blog and was drawn to previous Hillsborough Courthouse weddings.

“I kept coming back to these because they really captured the energy I was looking for—especially the ones shot by Courtney,” she says. “We loved working with Courtney. She had the perfect energy for a wedding day and immaculate attention to detail, and our photos are perfect. We could not be happier with the decision!”

Samantha and Kerry’s Favorite Wedding Day Moments

• Getting ready at home with their sweet dog, Dory, an 8-year-old border collie/golden retriever mix, lying at the bride’s feet.

• Laughing about saying their vows to a magistrate through bulletproof glass in a cinder block hallway—and cherishing that private moment together when nothing else mattered.

• Seeing the "Just Married" sign and cans that a friend had secretly added to their getaway car.

• Popping into Weaver Street Market in wedding attire (at Courtney’s suggestion) to cool off.

• Enjoying every bite of food at Tesoro—especially when dessert after dessert kept arriving (there were maybe four in total?), each one better than the last.

For courthouse wedding ceremonies in Hillsborough, call (919) 644-4690. For Chapel Hill, call (919) 929-5707. Photo by Courtney Collins, a partner photographer with Fancy This Photography.

Hillsborough NC Weddings

Hillsborough, North Carolina is simply the best. No, seriously–we are obsessed with this soulful Southern town nestled along the Eno River. The historic district in downtown Hillsborough is the perfect backdrop for wedding, elopement or engagement photos. Best of all, the Orange County Courthouse sits in the heart of it all, just steps away from historic landmarks and scenic nature parks.

Before or after your civil ceremony, take a stroll with your wedding photographer down Churton Street. Old oak trees and brick buildings line the sidewalk, home to family-owned restaurants and art galleries, including fan-favorite Weaver Street Market. Picket fences and cobblestone roads add a whimsical, Americana vibe to wedding photos in Hillsborough. We especially love when couples include their pets in their wedding portraits!

Photo by Amanda Law, partner photographer of Fancy This Photography. Matt & Christine | Orange County Courthouse Wedding December 2024

Orange County Courthouse Wedding Photos by Amanda Law

The second group of images featured in this blog are from Christine and Matt’s real Orange County Courthouse wedding in December 2024, beautifully captured by Amanda Law, a partner photographer with Fancy This Photography.

To arrange a civil ceremony, contact the magistrate during office hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee is $20. For ceremonies in Hillsborough, call (919) 644-4690. For Chapel Hill, call (919) 929-5707.

Keep scrolling for more beautiful real wedding inspiration at the Orange County Courthouse in Hillsborough NC.

Matt and Christine December 2024 - Hillsborough River Walk art sculpture - photo by Amanda Law, partner photographer of Fancy This Photography.

How to Change Your Name After Marriage

So, you had your dream Orange County Courthouse wedding in Hillsborough NC—now what? If you plan to change your name, you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage license.

• Social Security Administration: Present a certified copy of your marriage license to update your Social Security card.

• Department of Motor Vehicles: Bring a certified copy of your marriage license to the DMV to update your driver’s license. (Note: The DMV does not keep the copy.)

Orange County Courthouse Wedding Photos by Nikki Whitt Belch

The images featured in this final section of the blog are from Jeff and Sabrina’s real Orange County Courthouse wedding in July 2024, captured by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography. Cheers to love!

Fancy This Photography would be honored to capture your Orange County Courthouse wedding in Hillsborough NC. Click here to schedule a free consultation.

Jeff and Sabrina’s real Orange County Courthouse wedding took place in July 2024, captured by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography.

Jeff and Sabrina on the Riverwalk in Hillsborough, NC - July 2024, captured by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography.

Jeff and Sabrina on the Riverwalk and at The Wooden Nickel in Hillsborough, NC - July 2024, captured by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography.

Fancy This Photography would be honored to capture your Orange County Courthouse wedding in Hillsborough NC. Click here to schedule a free consultation.