Sarah & Alec’s Wedding at The Carolina Inn

Sarah & Alec’s Chapel Hill Wedding

Photographed by Courtney

Few things are more classic than a wedding at The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill. The hotel’s heart and hospitality are simply unmatched!

This North Carolina wedding venue is located in the heart of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s campus. Selecting The Carolina Inn as their wedding venue was an easy choice for UNC alumni Sarah Eastley and Alec Martschenko. Couples have said “I do” with something Carolina Blue at this stunning establishment for years.

Fine dining from the The Carolina Inn’s own Crossroads Chapel Hill restaurant attracts locals and out-of-towners. Their in-house culinary team creates custom menus for every wedding and event.

Fancy This Photography’s camera lens can’t get enough of The Carolina Inn’s Southern architecture and design. Golden wedding photo opportunities exist inside and outside. From hallways filled with natural light to lush landscaped courtyards.

Take a stroll down dreamy Pittsboro Street and let a warm brick pathway lead you to The Carolina Inn’s famous front porch. Community gathers here for live music and food trucks at Fridays On The Front Porch. This front lawn and porch area can be transformed into an al fresco wedding reception space.

Courtney Collins, partner of Fancy This Photography, captured Sarah and Alec’s wedding at The Carolina Inn on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Courtney was supported by second shooter Amanda Law, another Fancy This Photography partner. The bride and groom took first look photos at the Mormon Institute of Religion - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before their wedding at The Carolina Inn.

The bride and groom took first look photos at the Mormon Institute of Religion - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before their wedding at The Carolina Inn.

Classic Candid Imagery by Courtney with Fancy This Photography

Courtney is a pro at getting posed and candid wedding photos. She has perfected the art of executing wedding portraits and family formals. Simultaneously, she can snap authentic images of moments that happen unpredictably between posed shots. Courtney takes pride in capturing memories that otherwise would have slipped through the cracks.

Look for those candid images in Sarah and Alec’s wedding at The Carolina Inn blog. We see it in Alec’s eyes during their first look and in Sarah’s smile as she steps out of a vintage Rolls-Royce motor car for the reception.

Click here to learn more about Courtney and all of the Fancy This Photography team members.

Keep scrolling to witness more from Sarah and Alec’s wedding at The Carolina Inn. Join us in celebrating this beautiful couple’s love!

Sarah & Alec’s Chapel Hill Love Story

Sarah and Alec first met as undergraduates at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2013. But it wasn't until Sarah returned to Chapel Hill for a church event in 2021, that their relationship truly began. Alec, still in school at the time, saw Sarah’s return and knew he had to make a move.

A few months later, the relationship was official. And just a few months after that, Alec packed his bags to move 300 miles away to Baltimore. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Alec and Sarah’s love grew stronger, thanks to many hundreds of miles on the odometer. After their wedding at The Carolina Inn, Alec moved back to NC, and the couple started a new life together as Mr. and Mrs.

Courtney Collins, partner of Fancy This Photography, captured Sarah and Alec’s wedding at The Carolina Inn on Saturday, July 29, 2023.

Proposal at The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

Alec worked his connections at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and set up a private proposal in the star show theater. There were candles and flowers under the stars. It was an incredibly romantic moment – everything a Carolina girl could want and more.

Morehead Planetarium is located right off Chapel Hill’s downtown Franklin Street. This local attraction is less than a ten-minute walk away from The Carolina Inn. Open Friday through Sunday, Morehead Planetarium is a great pre- or post-wedding activity for wedding guests visiting from out of town. Treat your tastebuds at one of downtown Chapel Hill’s restaurants or take a walk in the arboretum after an adventure at the Planetarium.

Info About Planning a Wedding at The Carolina Inn

Alec and Sarah hosted a beautiful wedding at The Carolina Inn. They shared vows in one of The Carolina Inn’s stunning traditional ballrooms. The room’s beautiful blue carpeting, intricate crown molding and crystal chandeliers call for minimal wedding decorations.

Sarah and Alec’s ceremonial altar consisted of gorgeous floral arrangements on golden pedastals by Flowers by Expressions of Love Florist NC. White, green and blue blossoms were the icing on top of this classic Carolina Inn wedding. Smaller floral arrangements lined the wedding aisle leading to the altar. A live musician, harpist Leigh Stringfellow, played throughout the ceremony.

Event Space Variety + Photo Opportunities

The Carolina Inn has six traditional ballrooms and multiple lawn areas and courtyards for outdoor events. Regardless of where you host your wedding events, every Carolina Inn couple gets to take photos around the gorgeous property! Think black-and-white checkered floors, whimsical archways and lush landscape. Plus, if you’re UNC alumni like Sarah and Alec, landmarks such as the Old Well and Bell Tower are only a short stroll away.

The Carolina Inn has space for up to 350 guests for a standing reception, or 250 seated.

The Carolina Inn has space for up to 350 guests for a standing reception, or 250 seated.

Catering by Crossroads Chapel Hill at The Carolina Inn

Dine with Executive Chef Jeremy Blankenship at Crossroads Chapel Hill, The Carolina Inn's on-site restaurant. Crossroads serves up classic Carolina cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try the Crossroads fries or, invite guests to experience afternoon tea, a unique and scrumptious Southern tradition.

Not hungry? Order a handcrafted cocktail from the bar and drink it outside beside a fire pit on the front porch. Sarah and Alec chose a yummy watermelon and mint mojito as a signature mocktail to sip at their wedding reception.

Planning by Sally Oakley Weddings & Events

From saying “I do” to exiting through a tunnel of Carolina Blue streamers, the day went smoothly thanks to planning by Sally Oakley Weddings & Events. All couples who wed at The Carolina Inn are required to hire a professional planner. Fancy This Photography appreciates this rule. We love working with local wedding planners such as Sally Oakley!

Sarah and Alec’s signature drink was a watermelon mint mojito mocktail.

Details Behind Sarah & Alec’s Wedding at The Carolina Inn

Courtney’s lens captured all of the details behind Sarah and Alec’s wedding at The Carolina Inn. We loved the mixture of low and tall table centerpieces filled with white and blue hydrangeas. Tall floral arrangements draw your eyes upward to The Carolina Inn’s gorgeous ceilings. Table settings looked elegantly set against white table linens and Carolina blue napkins.

For dessert, the bride and groom cut into a fabulous four-tier wedding cake by Ashley Cakes NC. Each layer of the cake was divided by fresh white blooms and greenery. Catering by The Carolina Inn had guests asking for seconds. Sarah and Alec’s signature drink was a watermelon mint mojito mocktail. As a late night snack, the newlyweds gave guests scrumptious bags of popcorn!

Guests had fun snapping silly selfies and group pics in a ZimZoom Photo Booth. Sarah and Alec danced the night away with loved ones to music by Bunn DJ Co. The dance floor even had a custom monogram visual.

Sarah and Alec's shared faith and strong family ties made this wedding incredible to shoot. So many moments were truly lovely because you could feel the warmth and kindness surrounding these two, as well as the kindness they showed to each other. Their wedding was classic, and their photos speak to the timelessness that their wedding radiated.

After their wedding at The Carolina Inn, Sarah and Alec enjoyed a honeymoon on The Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Fancy This Photography was honored to document the beginning of this special life chapter.

Congrats Sarah and Alec, we are cheering for you!

Courtney Collins, partner of Fancy This Photography, captured Sarah and Alec’s wedding at The Carolina Inn on Saturday, July 29, 2023.

Photography // Fancy This Photography

Venue // The Carolina Inn

Planning // Sally Oakley Weddings & Events

Cake // Ashley Cakes NC

Florist // Expressions of Love Florist NC

Photo Booth // ZimZoom Photo Booth

Harpist // Leigh Stringfellow

DJ // Bunn DJ Company

Light Blue & Classic Wedding at the Carolina Inn - Unique Touches for a Memorable Day | Ashton & Mike’s Wedding

Photographed by Sarah Martin

With a bright and light atmosphere, this North Carolina venue was the perfect backdrop for a classic wedding with unique touches. In this article, we'll explore the elements that made this wedding truly special, including the venue, color scheme, first look, bridal party and ceremony details, the custom cake toppers and signature cocktail. Whether you're planning your own wedding or simply enjoy a good love story, read on to discover how small details can make a big impact on your special day.

The Simple Touches

The Carolina Inn served as the perfect venue for this light blue and classic wedding. The historic building exuded elegance and charm, making it a memorable backdrop for the couple's special day. The lush greenery and pristine gardens surrounding the Inn provided a stunning setting for the outdoor ceremony. Inside, the intimate ballroom boasted vintage chandeliers and luxurious details that complemented the couple's simple and classic décor. The venue's timeless beauty and attention to detail truly elevated the overall ambiance of the wedding.

The light blue and classic theme of this wedding was carried out flawlessly through the use of a soft color scheme. The pastel blue hues were evident in the bridesmaids' dresses, and the groomsmen’s navy blue suits were a beautiful contrast. The color scheme flawlessly aligns with the decor and colors of the Carolina Inn itself. The delicate touches of blue complemented the venue's regal decor, creating a cohesive look that was both refined and timeless. With the delicate use of color, the Carolina Inn's beauty was enhanced to provide an enchanting background for the couple's nuptials. As the soft blue tones gently blended with the natural surroundings, the guests were transported into a dreamy world of pastel beauty, setting the perfect tone for the first look, full of light, that would capture the couple's love and joy.

The bride in her elegant gown and even more elegant scent of Chanel No. 5 stole the show that day. A fun fact! We have many brides that choose to wear Chanel No. 5 on their day and there is no surprise why with its classic, soft, floral and feminine scent. It is the perfect scent for any classic bride.

The First Look, Full of Light

As the bride and groom prepared for their first look, the Carolina Inn's breathtaking surroundings provided the perfect setting for a magical moment. The soft pastel blue tones that had been so thoughtfully incorporated into the wedding's decor blended seamlessly with the lush greenery of the Inn's gardens, seen through the windows, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. The sun was shining bright, casting a warm glow over the entire space and providing ample natural light for the couple's first glimpse of each other. The anticipation was palpable as the bride made her way towards her groom, the light illuminating her classic and elegant gown. I also have to mention her Swiss dot veil that was maybe overlooked by some, but the detail and elegance of it caught my eye. It was such a beautiful and simple, unique touch. The couple beamed with joy as they locked eyes for the first time that day, their love and happiness radiating in the fullness of their embrace. This beautiful moment, full of light and love, set the tone for the entire celebration that followed, creating an unforgettable wedding day that will be cherished for years to come.

A veil to remember

Bridal Party and Ceremony Details

The bride's bridal party was dressed in stunning floor-length gowns in a light shade of blue that perfectly complemented the wedding's color scheme. Each dress had been carefully chosen to reflect the bridesmaid's unique sense of style, yet the cohesive color palette brought them all together seamlessly. The groomsmen looked equally sharp in their classic navy tuxedos was such a nice compliment.

As the ceremony began, guests were welcomed by a beautiful rose petals sprinkled along the sides of the aisle. The couple chose to say their nuptials in the courtyard between two buildings and in front of a grand tree on the Carolina Inn’s property.

The bride and groom chose to walk down the aisle together. With the brides arm through her soon to be husband’s, the couple made their entrance together. The bride carrying her late parents photos within her bouquet of elegant white and red flowers, paired with beautiful greens.

Custom Cake Toppers and Signature Cocktails

As guests arrived at the reception, they were greeted with photo books of the couple throughout their relationship, a unique guest book and a signature cocktail. The guest book was a phone that guests could speak a message into for the couple to listen to later. With a guest list of only 89, I thought this was the cutest idea to really hear what the guests were thinking and what they wanted to share with the couple of their special day.

The signature cocktail was a highlight of the evening. It was a drink named after the couple’s beloved cat Linguine, the “Gin-guine” a cocktail with gin, champagne, lemon and simple syrup. Very refreshing!

You can see Linguine again with the bride and groom, on their custom cake topper. This is another simple touch that can show the couples personality in a unique way. On top of an elegant cake and fun ways to showcase the couple, they hit it out of the park with their menu. Setting up “entree stations” is an excellent way to offer variety, as well as making sure there is something for everyone! They included Beef Tenderloin, Shrimp and Grits, Butternut Squash Ravioli and Penne Pasta with Sausage. Their cake was a light lemon flavor. Perfection.

As the night came to a close and the lights dimmed, the newlyweds took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. The room was filled with love and happiness, and it was clear that this light blue and classic wedding at the Carolina Inn was a day that would be remembered for years to come.

The light blue and classic wedding at the Carolina Inn showcased the power of simplicity and personalization in creating an unforgettable event. From the choice of venue to the unique cake toppers, every detail of the wedding was carefully chosen to reflect the couple's personality and style. As you plan your own special day, remember that it's the simple touches that can make all the difference. Incorporate personal elements and add a touch of creativity to make your wedding truly one of a kind. After all, as Maya Angelou said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Make your wedding a reflection of your love and personality, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Photographer // Sarah, Fancy This Photography

Reception Venue // Carolina Inn

Planner // Lafete Planning & Design

DJ + Videography // Island Sound + Video

Florist // English Garden, Raleigh

Makeup // Reign Beauty NC

Cake // Capital Cakes

The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill Wedding of Your Dreams

Does your blood bleed Carolina blue? Are freshly baked biscuits your love language? Is the front porch your happy place? If you said “yes” to any of these questions, then this is The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill wedding of your dreams. Fancy This Photography has captured dozens of weddings at The Carolina Inn, but Leslie Bumgarner and Dan Pascucci's was unlike any they’ve ever witnessed. From the Hill Ballroom ceremony to the breathtaking Old Well Ballroom reception, every moment was pure photo gold. Y’all, this Carolina Inn Chapel Hill wedding was a combination of swagger and sophistication. 

For several reasons, The Carolina Inn is North Carolina wedding venue royalty. The first being its prime location in the heart of one of the nation’s sweetest college towns. UNC Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789, making it one of the oldest public universities in the U.S. The Carolina Inn was established in 1924, 135 years after UNC, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. UNC’s landmark, the Old Well, is just a block away from the hotel. But you do not have to be a UNC alum to get married at The Carolina Inn. This historic town has enough southern flavor for all of your friends and family to enjoy. Explore restaurants and bars lining downtown’s Franklin Street or take a stroll through campus in between wedding festivities. If you’re ravenous, you don’t even have to stray far from the inn. 

Dine with Executive Chef Jeremy Blankenship at Crossroads Chapel Hill, The Carolina Inn's on-site restaurant. Crossroads offers classic Carolina cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We highly recommend trying the Crossroads burger with fries or the Crossroads breakfast! Or, invite guests to experience afternoon tea, a unique and scrumptious Southern tradition. Not hungry? Order a handcrafted cocktail from the bar and sip it outside beside a fire pit. 

This gorgeous Carolina Inn Chapel Hill wedding was photographed by Fancy This Photography team member Sarah Martin. To meet Sarah and learn more about her wedding photography services, click here.

Leslie Bumgarner and Dan Pascucci said "I do" at The Carolina Inn on Oct. 9, 2021.

All-Inclusive Chapel Hill Wedding Venue 

The Carolina Inn is an all-inclusive venue. Which is one of the many reasons why Leslie and Dan chose The Carolina Inn as their Chapel Hill wedding venue. All-inclusive venues also offer on-site guest accommodations, catering, cake, rentals, décor and coordination. All-inclusive venues are ideal for couples who value convenience and want a stress-free experience. 

So, sit back and relax with your friends and family at The Carolina Inn. This historic hotel has maintained its southern style while embracing modern comforts. Host your bridal shower, engagement party or rehearsal dinner in one of the inn’s more intimate, indoor event spaces. There are also six ballrooms available for hosting large, indoor events. Or take the party outside! There are multiple outdoor event spaces at The Carolina Inn that can be used for the ceremony, cocktail hour or even a tented reception. The fact that guests can comfortably spend the night at the venue makes The Carolina Inn a 10/10 all-inclusive wedding venue.

As photographers, we especially love The Carolina Inn’s architecture and interior design. Hello whimsical doorways and black-and-white checkered marble floors! If it rains, like it did on Leslie and Dan’s special day, there are equally gorgeous photo backdrops inside. 

Keep scrolling to learn more about Leslie and Dan’s love story and to witness their timeless Carolina Inn Chapel Hill wedding. It will knock your argyle socks right off.

Are You Planning a Chapel Hill Wedding?

Pro Tip: Because The Carolina Inn is located on UNC Chapel Hill’s campus, it’s important to consider campus events that might impact your wedding. Hotel rooms in Chapel Hill tend to require a two-night minimum stay on weekends when events such as commencement or the UNC vs. Duke men’s basketball take place. The football schedule is released in mid-February and the basketball schedule is released in late-August/September. Click here to see the UNC Chapel Hill academic calendar.

Press Rewind: Leslie & Dan’s Love Story

Leslie Bumgarner is originally from Raleigh, NC and went to school at UNC-Chapel Hill while Dan is from Binghamton, NY and went to school at James Madison University in VA. Leslie and Dan’s love story started on the wrong foot. Dan and Leslie were set up by friends. They started with an email, then a phone call (not even a Facetime), and finally met in person for a first date a few weeks later. On Dec. 11, 2016 Dan canceled his first date with Leslie last minute. As you might’ve guessed, she immediately wrote him off. But, Leslie has a big heart and on Dec. 16 she went on a successful first date with Dan. Almost five years after that, they got married! They got engaged on Valentine's Day of 2021.

Many more dates followed that first one and in September of 2017, the couple said “I love you” in the kitchen of Dan’s house. In 2019, Leslie moved in with Dan. Then the world shut down. A pandemic is the ultimate test for any relationship. Luckily, they passed with flying colors. They actually started looking at rings together in September of 2020 and found the one on a pre-Thanksgiving trip to New York City to visit several vintage jewelry shops. They then went through Thanksgiving, their dating anniversary, Christmas, New Year's, and Leslie’s birthday before Dan proposed. Needless to say, at that point Leslie just wanted it to happen and wasn't too concerned with the details!

On Feb. 14, 2021, after Valentine’s Day dinner at their first-date restaurant, Dan proposed. What’s the phrase that people usually say? Oh yes, the rest was history! 

This iconic hallway at The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill wedding venue is lined with windows, filled with natural light and adorned by vintage light fixtures and greenery. Perfect for taking wedding photos!

The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill Wedding Weekend 

Leslie and Dan chose the Carolina Inn as their back as they loved the down-home glamour of the Inn. They had checked out several hotel venues close to where they live in northern VA, but didn't feel particularly inspired by any of them. The Inn was the perfect mix of beautiful and classic (those black-and-white floors!) without feeling stuffy or lacking personality. Plus, they knew their guests would be able to cut loose and have fun!

Leslie and Dan kicked-off wedding festivities with a warm welcome party at the Fearrington Village Garden Terrace on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021. The next day, rain threatened to ruin their original plans for an outdoor, courtyard wedding ceremony. The Carolina Inn’s staff sprung into action and transitioned the outdoor ceremony into the Hill Ballroom. Named after The Carolina Inn’s founder, John Sprunt Hill, this ballroom offers 3,690 square feet of exquisite carpeting and crystal chandeliers. Photo quality was not impacted at all because The Carolina Inn is such a beautifully diverse wedding venue.

Each room and space within The Carolina Inn delivers its own unique character and ambiance. One of Fancy This Photography’s favorite spots for portraits and/or formals is the black-and-white checkered marble hallway. This iconic hallway is lined with windows, filled with natural light and adorned by vintage light fixtures and greenery. Add the length of the hallway and you get wedding photos with depth and drama. Luckily, the rain stopped enough for the bride and groom to pose for some more beautiful wedding portraits outside. 

What was the couples favorite moment from their wedding weekend?

The couple chose to do a first look an hour and a half before the ceremony was one of their favorite moments of the weekend. It was just for them and they got to connect and celebrate, before the rest of the celebrating! Reciting their vows, being introduced for the first time as Mr. and Mrs., and stealing a few moments alone in the Old Well ballroom before enjoying a sparkler exit are all favorite memories. 

The Old Ballroom at The Carolina Inn is 2,016 square feet and features art-deco inspired décor.

Classic Carolina Inn Chapel Hill Wedding Reception

Leslie and Dan hosted their reception in the Old Well Ballroom. This magnificent event space is 2,016 square feet and features art-deco inspired décor. The terrazzo floor of the ballroom was installed in the 1940s by famous designer Otto Zenke. ​​From 1950 to 1980, Zenke designed some of the finest luxury homes and hotels in North Carolina and along the East Coast. Leslie and Dan adorned the Old Well Ballroom with a color palette of gold, ivory and emerald green. 

Cocktail attire was the dress-code for Leslie and Dan's Carolina Inn wedding. We place cocktail attire somewhere in the middle of elegant and comfortable. Slightly fancier than the office, but less formal than a black-tie event. 

Leslie and Dan wanted a wedding that represented who they are as a couple, while also being visually beautiful and a great party for all of their guests. No small feat, but they focused on choosing details that were important to them and trusted that it would all come together in the end. As far as particulars, they knew they wanted a darker color palette to go with a fall wedding. Their florist, Flowers by Milla, was also amazing at listening to what they wanted and pulling together absolutely amazing flowers that went above and beyond their dreams!  

The terrazzo floor of the Old Well Ballroom was installed in the 1940s by famous designer Otto Zenke.

Leslie and Dan share a beautiful first dance in the Old Well Ballroom at The Carolina Inn.

Book live band, Mr. Potato Head, through EastCoast Entertainment for your upcoming wedding.

Leslie and Dan’s cake cutting ceremony took center stage. Cake by Ambrosia Cake Creations and gelato bar by La Vita Dolce.

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Why Choose Fancy This Photography as your wedding Photographer

We interviewed with several photographers because we decided early on that pictures of the day were something that were very important to both of us. Lots of the people we spoke with had lovely photos of weddings they had been involved in, but there was something special about the work at Fancy This. Once we spoke with Nikki and Sarah, we knew for sure: these were the people we wanted recording every aspect of our big day. Not only could they do beautiful portraits of us, but their photos of ceremonies and receptions had a photojournalistic feel that we knew would be perfect for helping us relive the day, over and over again. —Leslie Bumgarner, the Bride

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Unique and personal details about Leslie and Dan’s wedding weekend

Leslie's father passed away several years ago and it was really important to them that he was still part of their day. One of his favorite bow ties (something blue!) was wrapped around Leslie's bouquet and Dan wore a wristwatch of his. Seeing those little reminders of him helped Leslie feel like he was smiling down on them.

To honor Dan's Italian heritage, they also had a gelato bar available to guests who wanted something other than (or in addition to!) wedding cake as a dessert. Tasting all of the gelato options and narrowing it down to four was one of the funnest, hardest parts of wedding planning!

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If you’re planning a wedding or vacation in Orange County (Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough) we highly recommend using Visit Chapel Hill as your resource guide. Their website offers a list of things to do, must-see landmarks, wedding venues, hotels and more. 

Already gone to Carolina in your mind? Click here to witness Caitlin and Dan’s summer wedding at The Carolina Inn. 

Photographer // Sarah with Fancy This Photography
Venue // The Carolina Inn 
Planner // Mclean Events
Videographer // Heritage Weddings
Florals // Flowers by Milla
Cake // Ambrosia Cake Creations
Rentals // CE Rental 
Gelato Bar // La Vita Dolce
Hair & Makeup // The Makeup Culture
Transportation // Carolina Livery
Ceremony Music // Arioso Strings
Live Band // Mr. Potato Head