Michelle & Brian’s Chapel Hill Lavender Oaks Farm Wedding

There’s something truly magical about a fall wedding in North Carolina, especially when it takes place at the beautiful Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill. Michelle and Brian's wedding day was filled with love, laughter, and stunning scenery that made every moment unforgettable. Captured by our talented partner photographer, Courtney Collins, this wedding showcased not only the beauty of Lavender Oaks Farm but also the unique charm of Chapel Hill weddings.

The Elegant Details: Invitations, Rings, and Personal Touches

The detail shots from Michelle and Brian's wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm were beautifully curated to capture the essence of their style and the sentimental touches they chose for their big day. The invitation suite, styled against a soft blue backdrop, set the tone with delicate florals and a wax seal, adding a touch of elegance and personal charm to the couple’s wedding aesthetic. These intricate details helped tell the story of their day, bringing an element of sophistication and grace.

Their wedding rings, photographed alongside the invitation and heirloom pieces, reflected not only the commitment they made to each other but also the timeless nature of their love. A close-up shot of Michelle’s Loeffler Randall shoes highlighted the elegance of her bridal style, with shimmering details that added a hint of glamour to her overall look. These thoughtfully captured details bring out the beauty in every small moment, preserving them for Michelle and Brian to cherish in years to come. Each image showcases Fancy This Photography's dedication to capturing the unique story of each couple through both grand and intimate details.

Honoring Vietnamese Wedding Traditions

One of the most special parts of Michelle and Brian's wedding was the incorporation of Vietnamese tradition. During some bridesmaids’ photos and later at the reception, Michelle changed into a stunning red Vietnamese gown adorned with intricate gold details. In Vietnamese culture, the color red symbolizes joy, prosperity, and good fortune, making it a popular choice for traditional wedding attire. Michelle's choice to wear this dress was a beautiful homage to her heritage, blending the rich traditions of her culture with the elegance of a modern wedding.

Courtney’s photos captured Michelle surrounded by her bridesmaids in the elegant red dress, a moment that beautifully bridged cultural tradition with the joy of her wedding day. It was a touching reminder of the importance of family and tradition in celebrating love.

A Beautiful Ceremony Amidst Lavender Fields

Lavender Oaks Farm is one of Chapel Hill's most beloved wedding venues, known for its picturesque landscapes and rustic elegance. Michelle and Brian exchanged vows beneath a romantic, floral-adorned pergola, surrounded by their closest family and friends. The lush lavender fields and towering oak trees created a serene and timeless atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for their heartfelt ceremony.

With flowers by The English Garden in Raleigh, the pergola was adorned in soft pastel hues that complemented Michelle’s lace gown and Brian’s light blue suit. Every detail was thoughtfully chosen, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings while adding a romantic and refined touch to the ceremony decor.

Elegant Bridal Party Moments

Michelle and her bridesmaids brought a pop of color to the day with their gorgeous pastel blue dresses. Each bridesmaid looked stunning, creating a cohesive and elegant look that matched the serene tones of Lavender Oaks Farm in autumn. The groomsmen, coordinated in stylish suits, added a touch of sophistication, and together, the bridal party looked effortlessly elegant.

Courtney’s skillful eye for detail captured not only the bridal party’s style but also their close connections, making every photo feel genuine and warm. These moments are a testament to the love and support surrounding Michelle and Brian on their special day.

Reception Details and Vendor Highlights

Michelle and Brian's reception was a true reflection of their personalities, with every detail carefully curated by Southern Skies Events to create a welcoming and romantic atmosphere. Rocky Top Caters provided a delicious feast for the guests, who dined under the beautiful wooden beams of Lavender Oaks Farm’s barn, all illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight and twinkling lights.

The tables, adorned with soft florals by The English Garden and elegant rentals from Curated Events, created a refined yet cozy setting. One of the highlights was the cake, crafted by Mrs. Corbetts Cakes, a beautiful multi-tiered creation decorated with delicate pastel floral details and touches of gold. It was as much a treat for the eyes as it was for the palate, and Courtney captured the joy on Michelle and Brian’s faces as they cut into it.

Dow Oak Events kept the celebration lively with music that had guests dancing the night away, while White Elm Films was there to capture every laugh and joyful tear on video, preserving these precious memories for years to come.

A Sparkling Send-Off and Timeless Memories

As the night drew to a close, Michelle and Brian were sent off with a sparkling farewell, surrounded by friends and family. Holding sparklers, they shared a final kiss under the stars, marking the perfect end to their unforgettable wedding day. This romantic send-off added a magical touch to their wedding album, providing a timeless memory of their first day as a married couple.

Why Lavender Oaks Farm is a Dream for Wedding Photography in Chapel Hill, NC

Lavender Oaks Farm offers endless opportunities for breathtaking wedding photography. Its rustic barn, lavender fields, and elegant ceremony sites make it a top choice for couples in Chapel Hill. If you're looking for a Chapel Hill wedding photographer who can capture the essence of your special day, look no further than Fancy This Photography. We specialize in creating beautiful, candid moments that tell the story of your love.

Michelle and Brian’s wedding is a wonderful reminder of why we love being wedding photographers in Chapel Hill, NC at Fancy This Photography. Every wedding is unique, and we are honored to capture these special memories that our couples will treasure for a lifetime.

If you're planning a wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm or anywhere in the Chapel Hill area, we’d love to be a part of your big day. Contact Fancy This Photography to learn more about our Chapel Hill wedding photography packages and how we can make your wedding day unforgettable.

North Carolina Family Photographer Shares Tips for Family Photo Shoots

Nikki Whitt Belch, Founder and Owner of Fancy This Photography

I first met Chelsey many moons ago when she started Gather Together Events, her Raleigh-based wedding planning business. Believe me when I say that Chelsey knows how to flawlessly plan a knockout wedding. She specializes in private home, outdoor, and tented weddings that are truly stunning. When Chelsey asked me to be her North Carolina family photographer, I was honored and excited. In addition to wedding and branding photography, Fancy This Photography lives for family photo shoots.

As a mom, I understand how quickly time flies. It's important to document the stages of your family because it all goes by so quickly. This is such a sweet time with everyone under one roof. People deserve this.

Using my Nikon z6ii, I captured Chelsey’s family’s contagious love and joy in images they will cherish forever. This family photo shoot in North Carolina is chicken soup for the soul. But I’m all about efficiency, so I’m going to share some tips and tricks for planning an easy, breezy, beautiful family photo shoot alongside these gorgeous family photos.

Families are one of my all-time favorite things to photograph. Whether you have a chaotic family (hello, toddlers) or an awkward family with older kids, each stage needs to be documented in all its glory.

This winter family photo shoot took place at Blackwood Farm Park in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Keep scrolling for more family photo shoot ideas.

If you’re interested in booking a family photo shoot with Fancy This Photography, please email nikki@fancythisphotography.com.

Honest Tips for Family Photo Shoots

The first thing I do for a family photo shoot is try to get to know the kids. They are the heart and soul of the session. Sometimes, trust can be earned with a cake pop—my North Carolina family photographer version of the olive branch. I used this approach with Chelsey’s kids, and it was a sweet success.

If kids have a lot of energy and are acting crazy, running around and loving life, that's what I document. All of it is beautiful. I’ve learned to embrace the chaos, if there is any. That’s why there is a mixture of posed and candid images in this family photo shoot. I love the photos of Chelsey’s kids running through the meadow at Blackwood Farm Park in Chapel Hill.

Back in the day, family photo shoots were stiff, forced, and painful for kids to endure. Imagine hours of standing still and being adjusted by a stranger in a department store photo booth. I do smile at the memory of those awkward photos of families in identical outfits. Don’t worry, we’ll talk about family photo shoot outfit ideas later in the blog.

All this is to say—family photo shoots with Fancy This Photography are authentic, natural, comfortable, and professional. When I take pictures of a family, I want to give them a beautiful snapshot of that moment in their lives. Family photos are vessels for memories and stories. One day, Chelsey will pull out the pictures from this photo shoot and remind her kids of a time when they were young, innocent, and full of silly joy.

Family photo shoots remind me just how sweet life is. It really can’t get much better than this.

Family Photo Shoot Ideas

Before we dive into family photo shoot outfit ideas, let’s give a shoutout to parents. I love kids, but parents are really the best. When two people come together and decide to bring more good human beings into the world, it’s a beautiful thing. That's why I recommend that parents get some quality pictures without the kids during their family photo shoot.

Keep scrolling for more family photo shoot ideas and inspiration from this session at Blackwood Farm Park in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Family Photo Outfit Ideas

My main advice is to find a pattern or color that the family really likes, then find complementary colors that go with it. For instance, if someone has a blue and white dress, another family member could wear a mauve shirt or even orange (if they’re feeling bold) to complement the pattern. I also provide family photo outfit ideas in vision board format for those who need a visual aid.

Chelsey’s skirt set the tone for the fashion in this family photo shoot. The rest of her family looked amazing in complementary shades of Carolina blue and coral. I loved that the colors were bright and joyful yet suitable for winter. I also appreciated that the oldest child wore a suit jacket to match his father, while the younger two wore soft sweaters.

Outfit changes can be a good idea, but when doing a family photo shoot with small kids, their attention spans are limited. If you have small kids, I suggest sticking to one outfit for the family photo shoot. Chelsey’s family did not have any outfit changes, and I think that was the best decision. We added variety to their images by changing locations, walking from the meadow to the front porch of the historic farmhouse at Blackwood Farm Park in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Should You Bring Your Pet to Your Family Photo Shoot?

If you have a pet who is a big part of the family and can handle the spotlight, bring them to the family photo shoot! However, if your pet has a lot of anxiety or doesn’t do well in public places, it might be best to leave them at home. If you do bring your furry friend, I suggest bringing a pet handler. This way, they can hold the pet while you take pictures with just the family. We’ll want to get pictures both with and without the pet.

Book Your Session with a North Carolina Family Photographer

Thank you for visiting our blog and exploring Fancy This Photography’s work and advice for family photo shoots. As a seasoned North Carolina family photographer, I would be honored to capture your family.

If you’re interested in booking a family photo shoot with Fancy This Photography, please email nikki@fancythisphotography.com.

Summer Wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina

Andria Fernandez and Darren Kataja's wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina was the chef's kiss. Not even rain could dampen the joy radiating from this couple. Nikki took the lead with a Nikon d750 and Nikon d850. She was supported by Fancy This Photography partner, Amanda Law, as second shooter.

Andria and Darren gave their NC wedding vendors creative liberties. The result? An eye candy event, from florals to event design layout. This modern-minimalist midsummer celebration on July 8, 2023, oozed romance. Once Gathered flowers popped with warm green and peach hues. Originally planned for The Carolina Inn's largest outdoor courtyard, the ceremony had to be relocated indoors due to rain. The Old Well Room became the perfect backup backdrop for vows. Wedding planner Katie Costa from Kast Events and Co. made the wedding pivot look easy. Fortunately, the rain stopped, and we snapped stunning pics between The Carolina Inn's floral-covered columns after the ceremony.

Photographing Andria and Darren together, especially with Andria's wedding veil, was simply the best. This wedding was one of my favorites, because the happiness between them translated effortlessly into images. Andria and Darren were the life of the party! Keep scrolling to witness their wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina.

Real Review of Fancy This Photography

“In addition to being an incredibly talented, creative, and fun photographer, Nikki (and her team) made us feel special and supported leading up to the wedding and throughout the wedding day. When we met Nikki, we knew she was our gal. Here is one critical piece of advice we received when we began wedding planning: when it comes to your photographer, make sure you go with someone you enjoy spending time with because you'll spend more time with them on your wedding day than almost anyone else. We are so grateful for Fancy This Photography.” - Andria

Chapel Hill Wedding Rehearsal Dinner and Welcome Party

Andria and Darren kicked off wedding weekend festivities with a rehearsal dinner at 411 West. This popular Italian restaurant is a short walk away from a wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina. It's the same spot where Andria celebrated her graduation dinner. Darren, a faithful fan, will always be obsessed with 411 West's chicken parmesan.

The couple kept the celebration going with a laid-back welcome event at He’s Not Here after the rehearsal dinner. He’s Not Here is a classic UNC Chapel Hill joint, known for its beer, blue cups, and sport lore. He’s Not Here set the perfect tone for mingling with wedding guests.

Planning a Wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina

Both Andria and Darren share a deep connection with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They met on campus, just a few blocks away from The Carolina Inn! Many of their friends, old and new, also have ties to UNC. Initially considering their new home in Washington, D.C., for the wedding, the couple found themselves drawn to features reminiscent of The Carolina Inn during their venue search. They wanted beautiful brick architecture, romantic porches, and a black-and-white checkered marble dance floor.

"It wasn't long before we realized that our dream wedding venue had been a part of our lives for over 10 years," says Andria. "Of course, it had to be The Carolina Inn."

Reflecting on their wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina, Andria and Darren struggled to pick a single favorite memory. They narrowed it down to three: the emotion-filled first look, the heartfelt exchange of written vows, and the precious 10 private minutes they shared right after the ceremony exit. Fancy This Photography was honored to capture it all.

Wedding LoopholeS

Andria and Darren were unwavering in their decision to have a family member officiate their wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina. Their criteria: someone who knew them well, could handle the responsibility with grace, and make them feel special and at ease on the big day. Arturo, Andria's brother, was the perfect person for the job.

As Arturo began the online ordination process, he discovered that North Carolina had recently tightened the rules on who could legally officiate a wedding. Faced with new obstacles, the couple had a few options on the table. Option No. 1: Tie the knot in the courthouse the day before or after their wedding at The Carolina Inn. Option No. 2: Opt for a wedding in Washington, D.C., either before or after the main event. Option No. 3: Ask Arturo to co-officiate with a reverend.

In the end, Andria and Darren settled on a pre-wedding mini ceremony. This ensured compliance with North Carolina State Law on the planned day without compromising their unique vision. It was a strategic move that allowed them to say "I do" in style and in accordance with the rules.

Ceremony: Wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina 

When life handed Andria and Darren lemons on their wedding day, they didn't just make lemonade; they juiced something amazing! Rain forced a difficult decision to relocate the outdoor ceremony into the Old Well Room. The couple held out until the last moment, making the call to move the ceremony inside only 30 minutes before showtime.

The Old Well Room is a playground of timeless beauty for wedding photographers. Its classic, neutral colors provide a clean canvas for light, bouncing off those white walls.

The decision to pivot to the Old Well Room was a no-brainer for Andria and Darren. Not only is the space naturally stunning, but its quick flip into a ceremony space sealed the deal. The couple agrees that their wedding day unfolded just as it was meant to.

"The mirrors, chandeliers, banisters, and checkered floor create such a romantic and elegant look," shares Andria.

The Old Well Room underwent a fabulous flip from Andria and Darren's ceremony to reception. It's evidence that even when plans change, a good wedding venue and planner can turn the unexpected into the unforgettable.

Reception: Wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina

Fancy This Photography’s team has an eye for the details that go into planning a wedding from start to finish. That's why we go beyond capturing images of people. We document the decor and details that make your celebration unique. Our hats are off to NC wedding planner Katie Costa of Kast Events Co., whose magic transformed the Old Well Room from a ceremony to a reception space.

Andria and Darren's wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina was warm and personalized. The event shared their style and love story. After a heartfelt ceremony, guests were greeted by a green wall of Champagne glasses—a cheers to love. Sip on the signature cocktails: an Espresso Martini for the bride and an Old Fashioned for the groom. Take a closer look at the cocktail napkins, they feature a sweet sketch of their cat, Mochi. Every detail, from the non-traditional guest book (a deck of cards) to the subtle nods, showcased Andria and Darren’s distinct story.

Details: Wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina

This wedding reception at The Carolina Inn was a collaborative masterpiece created by North Carolina wedding vendors. Once Gathered's floral centerpieces, combined with rentals from Curated Events Raleigh and Greenhouse Picker Sisters, gave the room a romantic drip. The Old Well Room's black-and-white checkered marble floor became the dance floor. The newlyweds and guests danced the night away, fueled by fire beats from DJ Dow Oak Events.

Dessert was a sweet showstopper. Sugar Euphoria delivered a summery citrus bombshell of a wedding cake. And for an extra scoop of fun, guests were treated to a custom ice cream sundae bar by Andia's Homemade Ice Cream. Andria and Darren's wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina was full of flavor and life. We hope these photos not only capture the joyful memories but let you savor them too.

We were honored to capture the love and joy shared at Andria and Darren’s wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina. Couples like this are the GOAT. We are so thankful to be a part of the wedding vendor team. For more real wedding inspiration, check out the blog links below.

Donna & Christian’s real wedding at The Carolina Inn - 2023

Sarah & Alec’s real wedding at The Carolina Inn - 2023

Leslie & Dan’s real wedding at The Carolina Inn - 2021

MEET THE VENDORS

Photography // Fancy This Photography 

Venue // The Carolina Inn

Planning // Katie Costa with Kast Events and Co.

Florals // Once Gathered

Dj & Photobooth // Dow Oak Events

Hair and makeup // Reign Beauty NC

Dress // Garnish Boutique and Alyssa Kristin Bridal

Rentals // Curated Events Raleigh and Greenhouse Picker Sisters

Cake // Sugar Euphoria

Ice cream // Andia’s Ice Cream