Drag Brunch at The Maxwell
Drag Brunch Raleigh NC Supports Crape Myrtle Festival
Happy Pride Month, y’all! We’re stoked to share highlights from a Y2K-inspired drag brunch hosted at The Maxwell in Raleigh, North Carolina. This event benefited the Crape Myrtle Festival and was captured by Nikki Whitt Belch of Fancy This Photography, with support from second shooter and partner photographer Sarah Martin.
On March 11, 2025, Nina, owner of Raleigh-based hair and makeup company Wedded Kiss, brought together an amazing group of local vendors and performers to raise funds and awareness for the Crape Myrtle Festival. Nina and her team are passionate about affirming all identities and celebrating every body and every kind of love. We can’t recommend them enough for their commitment to inclusivity.
Nina created an unforgettable celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, community, and human rights, partnering with businesses across the Triangle. From dazzling drag performances to delicious breakfast by Beau Catering and rainbow décor, the brunch was serving Y2K vibes. Nikki, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography, was honored to document every fab moment.
“I have worked with the Crape Myrtle Festival since my wee years in photography school (2013),” says Nikki. “It's funny that it comes full circle as I am in my career. I love what they stand for.”
From left to right: Emory Starr, Chloe Cassidy, Nina of Wedded Kiss, Nikki of Fancy This Photography, and Kayla LaShay. Drag Brunch Raleigh NC Supports Crape Myrtle Festival at The Maxwell 2025.
About the Crape Myrtle Festival
The Crape Myrtle Festival is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals living with HIV by raising funds for financial assistance, outreach, and education within the local LGBTQ+ community. It also promotes creativity, diversity, and inclusion. Crape Myrtle Festival celebrates these efforts through fabulous events like this one. Click here to learn more.
Behind the Scenes of a Y2K-Themed Drag Brunch
This Y2K-themed drag brunch was a colorful collaboration of talented North Carolina wedding and event pros. Nathan Wellman designed the rainbow balloon décor giving major Lisa Frank vibes. Color Fields Flowers styled technicolor blooms over shimmering sequin linens. Neon pink napkins and on-theme party rentals from Curated Events Raleigh added an extra pop to the tablescapes. The Maxwell’s stylish, blank canvas event space was the perfect backdrop for all the fun, nostalgic details.
Of course, the stars of the show were the queens themselves: a huge thank-you and bravo to performers Emory Starr, Kayla LaShay, and Chloe Cassidy for lighting up the room.
Keep scrolling to see more of the magic from this epic Drag Brunch Raleigh NC at The Maxwell, captured by Fancy This Photography.
The Maxwell Raleigh event venue can host up to 400 guests and features whitewashed brick walls, oak finishes, and luxury lighting. Don’t miss that fireplace! Photo by Fancy This Photography.
Y2K Party Details - Drag Brunch Raleigh NC
There were no assigned seats at this fabulous drag brunch. Instead, a sea of bedazzled tables covered in sequin linens, colorful florals and Y2K-inspired décor. The Maxwell’s Great Room served as a sweet setting for the party. This modern Raleigh wedding and event venue can host up to 400 guests and features whitewashed brick walls, oak finishes, and luxury lighting.
Fancy This Photography has captured many weddings and styled editorials at The Maxwell for Heart of NC Weddings magazine, but this event was one-of-a-kind. With its retro, technicolor palette and meaningful mission. This drag brunch was eye candy with a powerful cause. The Crape Myrtle Festival, a nonprofit close to Fancy This Photography’s heart, supports North Carolina’s LGBTQ+ community and individuals living with HIV.
Crape Myrtle Festival events are 100% volunteer-led, and proceeds from this brunch directly benefited the foundation’s work in advocacy, outreach, and support. Click here to learn more.
Brunch by Beau Catering
The brunch menu, served by Beau Catering, was a delicious spread of warm breakfast favorites. And y’all know it wouldn’t be brunch without mimosas! The rainbow drink bar was pure Y2K magic.
Hair & Makeup by Wedded Kiss
Nina of Wedded Kiss brought the beauty to the event. Y’all, she leads one of the top hair and makeup teams in North Carolina. Whether you’re planning your wedding or need a new headshot, we can’t recommend Wedded Kiss enough. Their skill and affirming approach help every client feel seen, celebrated, and confident.
Here’s the thing: Whether you’re all about natural glam or a full beat, we want you feel confident and beautiful in your photos. At Fancy This Photography, our team goal goes beyond just snapping pretty pictures. We’re dedicated to capturing you in a way that is authentic and affirming.
We specialize in documenting moments with true-to-life color and professional composition. We want every image to reflect your truth, your energy, and the memory of the moment. Whether you’re serving soft and subtle eye shadow or bold and bright lipstick, we’ll make sure your photos feel just as good as they look.
From left to right: Kayla LaShay, Chloe Cassidy, and Emory Starr. Drag Brunch Raleigh NC Supports Crape Myrtle Festival at The Maxwell, March 11, 2025.
Photo Backdrop by Nathan Wellman
Do you love balloon décor? So do we. This rainbow installation was a nostalgic nod to the late, great Lisa Frank aka the queen of bold colors and Y2K vibes. Nathan Wellman designed the incredible balloon arch, creating a cool photo backdrop that had guests lining up for pics all brunch long.
Second Shooter Shout-Out
A special shout-out to my fabulous second shooter and partner photographer, Sarah Martin. Fancy This Photography is so thankful for you! Pictured above. :)
Sarah’s couples share that her relaxed, gentle approach puts them completely at ease, allowing their true selves to shine in every frame. That’s her superpower. If you’re looking for a photographer who truly sees you and is committed to helping you feel confident and radiant, Sarah is your girl.
Kayla LaShay greets a table of Drag Brunch Raleigh NC attendees at The Maxwell.
Drag Brunch Raleigh NC
We can’t say it enough, Fancy This Photography was honored to capture this Y2K-inspired Drag Brunch Raleigh NC in support of the Crape Myrtle Festival. This local organization is led by kind, passionate individuals who are deeply committed to giving back to the queer community. They are beautiful people, inside and out!
The Crape Myrtle Festival is a legendary institution in North Carolina, providing resources, education, and support for individuals living with HIV and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Events like this drag brunch are not only a party, they're a powerful force for good. If you’ve never attended one, we highly recommend it. What are you waiting for? Get ready for top-tier entertainment, delicious food, and an atmosphere full of love and pride. Click here to learn more about the Crape Myrtle Festival.
Chloe Cassidy dazzles the audience with her Drag Queen performance at The Maxwell in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Emory Starr shines bright in Drag Queen performance supporting Crape Myrtle Festival at The Maxwell in Raleigh, North Carolina. Photo by Fancy This Photography.
Emory Starr // Drag Brunch Raleigh NC // Fancy This Photography // The Maxwell
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Fancy This Photography would love to help. Click here to schedule a free consultation.
From left to right: Emory Starr, Chloe Cassidy, Nina of Wedded Kiss, and Kayla LaShay.
Photography // Nikki, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography
Host & Beauty // Wedded Kiss
Venue // The Maxwell
DJ // DJ Randy B
Caterer // Beau Catering
Florals // Color Fields Flowers
Balloon Decor // Nathan Wellman
Party Rentals // Curated Events Raleigh
Drag Queens // Chloe Cassidy, Emory Starr, Kayla LaShay