Kate & Paul's Lavender Oaks Farm Wedding
Lavender Oaks Farm Chapel Hill NC Wedding
In case you missed it, there is a lavender farm and event space in the heart of North Carolina. Lavender Oaks Farm Chapel Hill NC wedding venue is truly a local gem. This precious property is nestled in the forest and features fields of purple glory. The owners, Karen and Robert Macdonald, are even sweeter than the goodies they sell in their farm shoppe! The Macdonalds have transformed 60-acres of forest and farmland into a luxurious Chapel Hill wedding venue.
Kate and Paul’s wedding was set to take place at Lavender Oaks Farm Chapel Hill NC wedding venue in October of 2020. I think you can all guess what happened. They postponed it due to the pandemic. Instead, Kate and Paul buried a bottle of bourbon at Lavender Oaks Farm and hosted a microwedding at an adorable Airbnb in Durham, NC. Keep reading to learn more about this fun Southern wedding tradition.
On Oct. 16, 2021, Kate and Paul renewed their vows before friends and family at Lavender Oaks Farm.
Burying the Bourbon at Lavender Oaks Farm
According to Southern folklore, couples should bury a bottle of bourbon at their wedding venue one month (or one year in this case) before the date to prevent rain on the big day. Thanks to ‘rona, Fancy This Photography had a little extra time to document this fun tradition. Paul even built a beautiful, wooden box for the bourbon to be buried in.
On Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, Kate and Paul unburied the bourbon box and each took a sip of the superstitious spirits. They renewed vows and celebrated among friends and family at Lavender Oaks Farm Chapel Hill NC wedding venue. Ironically, it rained the day that they buried the bourbon and the day that they drank it. Luckily, rain on your wedding day is also good luck!
The warm color of bourbon paired beautifully with Kate and Paul’s October wedding color palette.
Paul gave his groomsmen matching bourbon-inspired socks to wear on wedding day.
Fall in Love With Lavender Oaks Farm Chapel Hill NC Wedding Venue
One of the best things about Lavender Oaks Farm Chapel Hill NC wedding venue is its convenient location. Your guests do not have to drive out into the boondocks for a beautiful barn bash. Lavender Oaks Farm is an easy 15-minute drive away from downtown Chapel Hill and 30 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. You’ll find this Chapel Hill wedding venue just off Jones Ferry Road and Highway 54. Upon arrival, purple signs guide guests through a gated entrance and down a quaint gravel lane. Lavender and barn signs lead to the main Visitor Parking area.
Another luxury that Lavender Oaks Farm Chapel Hill wedding venue offers are gorgeous, on-site getting ready suites. The suites are filled with mirrors, countertop space and natural light – perfect for intimate getting ready photos! It’s an honor to witness those sweet moments shared between the couple and their closest friends and family before the ceremony.
Photo // Fancy This Photography, Planner // Southern Skies Events, Venue // Lavender Oaks Farm
Hair // Modern Alchemy, Makeup // Monarch Brow & Facial Studio, Bouquets // Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary
October Wedding Fashion & Inspiration
Kate looked angelic in her wedding dress. The dress had a sheer, scoop neckline and straps. Kate’s hair, styled by Modern Alchemy, and makeup by Monarch Brow & Facial studio, looked soft, natural and effortless. Fall wedding flowers by Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary in her updo were the icing on top! Kate’s bridal party wore an assortment of blue bridesmaids dresses in different shades and styles. Warm bouquets filled with orange and burgundy blossoms popped against the cool, floor-length gowns. Light-blue ribbon tied around the stem of the bride’s bouquet added texture and movement to each photo.
The groom and groomsmen looked handsome in classic, gray suits and Carolina-blue ties. I love that Paul’s suit was a shade lighter than the groomsmen’s suits - this set him apart in photos and made him stand out. On your wedding day, standing out is a good thing y’all! Bourbon bottle socks completed the look.
Lavender Oaks Farm Chapel Hill NC Wedding Ceremony
On Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, Kate and Paul renewed their vows before friends and family in the open-air pavilion barn at Lavender Oaks Farm Chapel Hill NC wedding venue. This rustic-elegant, outdoor event space overlooks fields of lavender and is perfect for ceremonies or cocktail hour. Chapel Hill-based floral design company, Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary, created a romantic ceremony backdrop. This floral installation also served as a backdrop for bourbon-drinking photos of the bride and groom.
Kate’s father officiated the outdoor wedding ceremony.
A live musician played as Kate walked down the aisle, escorted by Paul’s best man. Autumn afternoon light ignited each blossom and set a warm glow over the sheltered outdoor event space. Kate’s dad officiated the ceremony and her mom led the couple through a special ritual in which they both drank mead from an heirloom vessel.
Wedding Reception in The Main Barn at Lavender Oaks Farm
After formal photos, Kate and Paul rejoined friends and family for a reception in The Main Barn at Lavender Oaks Farm Chapel Hill NC wedding venue. Built in 1900 and restored by The Macdonalds, The Main Barn is a 7,000 square foot air-conditioned event space. Exposed ceiling beams and chandeliers make this Chapel Hill wedding venue breathtaking. There’s even a loft that provides extra seating and a unique bird's-eye view. P.S Your caterer will love the on-site kitchen! The Food Fairy catered this lovely affair.
Kate and Paul’s reception tables featured fall wedding floral arrangements by Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary and pottery by local artist Matt Hallyburton. Onyx Club Boys kept the party going through cocktail hour and the reception. But the entertainment didn’t stop there! Kate and Paul invited The Poetry Fox aka Chris Vitiello to write and read poems for guests. This may sound strange, but I promise you it’s an amazing experience. Guests give The Poetry Fox a word to write about, then receive a keepsake poem. Hello wedding favors! For dessert, Kate and Paul chose Durham-based Monuts Donuts and a homemade sweetheart cake - served from a table suspended above the ground like a swing. #Goals
Kate and Paul served their guests philly cheesesteak sandwiches as a late-night snack.
Onyx Club Boys play music beneath Lavender Oaks Farm’s fairytale gazebo.
More Info About Lavender Oaks Farm Chapel Hill NC Wedding Venue
Lavender Oaks Farm Chapel Hill NC wedding venue grows nine varieties of lavender plants. The lavender begins to bloom in late May and continues through July. The farm charges $5.00 per person per visit during lavender season (Children 12-years-old and under visit free). It is also free for Active Duty Military and their families with ID.
Lavender Oaks Farm makes both culinary and apothecary products from lotions, salves and bath salts, to spices, teas, syrups, jams and more! Their on-site farm shoppe sells lavender-themed fine linen tea towels and sachets, too. For more information about Lavender Oaks Farm Chapel Hill NC wedding venue, click here.
Donuts // Monuts Donuts, Cake // Clare Studwell
The lavender blooms in late May and continues through July.
Instead of sparklers, Kate and Paul exited their wedding reception through a cloud of bubbles.
Lavender Oaks Farm is just one of the many incredible wedding venues located in Chapel Hill, NC. Click here to check out Leslie & Dan’s wedding at The Carolina Inn.
Photographer // Fancy This Photography
Venue // Lavender Oaks Farm
Planner // Southern Skies Events
Hair // Modern Alchemy
Makeup // Monarch Brow & Facial Studio
Florals // Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary
Caterer // The Food Fairy
Donuts // Monuts Donuts
Cake // Clare Studwell
Invitations // Billy French
Live Band // Onyx Club Boys
Live Poet // The Poetry Fox
Jewelry // Hamilton Hill Jewelry
Pottery // Matt Hallyburton