Lavender Wedding in Chapel Hill North Carolina

Morgan May and Brendan Hogan’s lavender wedding in Chapel Hill, North Carolina took place on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Festivities began with a traditional wedding ceremony at Holy Infant Catholic Church in Durham, North Carolina. Fancy This Photography partner, Courtney Collins, captured the day frame by frame as it unfolded. After the ceremony, guests gathered for a reception at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill. If you are looking for a wedding venue in North Carolina, we highly recommend Lavender Oaks Farm. Discover historic barns surrounded by lavender fields and forest just off Jones Ferry Road and Highway 54. Book an in-person tour today by emailing venue owner Karen Macdonald at karen@lavenderoaks.farm

Lavender Wedding Inspiration

From lavender wedding flowers to lavender bridesmaid dresses, this real wedding blog is poppin’ with purple. The sweet southern details from this lavender wedding are undeniably pin-worthy! Light blue, sage, blush and ivory complete Morgan and Brendan’s dreamy wedding color palette. The mixture of pastel colors is at once light and ethereal. Fancy This Photography appreciates the amount of time and sweat people pour into planning weddings. This is why we prioritize capturing detail shots in addition to people and moments. The story is in the details. Morgan and Brendan’s wedding story is the perfect example. Join us, as we swoon over this lovely lavender wedding in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Exceptional Photography for Every Wedding Color Palette

Fancy This Photography wedding galleries always include a combination of black and white and color images. We want your photos to authentically memorialize the color story of your wedding day. Whether your wedding color palette is dark and moody or light and airy, our team will photograph it beautifully. Fancy This Photography cameras love color. It’s one of the first statements on our homepage.

Wedding photography for the madly in love couple. Enticed by bold color & emotions.

Courtney beautifully captured the color and movement in Morgan and Brendan’s lavender wedding. From the groom’s boutonniere, a bold burst of color, to the bride’s veil, a delicate waterfall of white lace. All of these photos commemorate the colorful essence of this wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm.

That Lavender Wedding Haze

Let’s hear it for lavender weddings! Taylor Swift isn’t the only one raving about this magical color. If you’re thinking about including lavender in your wedding color palette, we support you. Especially if your wedding takes place in spring or summer, like Morgan and Brendan’s did.

It’s easy to understand why this elegant color is a popular choice for wedding flowers and decor. The color lavender can be connected to a range of meanings like healing and love. The purple plant smells and tastes good, has medicinal properties, and is simply beautiful.

We do a little dance when couples incorporate lavender into their wedding color palette or theme. Scroll all the way through this blog for bookoos of lavender wedding inspiration. From flowers to decor, Morgan and Brendan’s lavender wedding in Chapel Hill, North Carolina was lovely.

Lavender Oaks Farm Wedding Venue

Lavender lovers lookout! There is a 60-acre lavender farm and event space in the countryside of Chapel Hill. Lavender Oaks Farm is a real-life functioning lavender farm! This fabulous farm offers several indoor and outdoor event spaces. Morgan and Brendan utilized both by hosting cocktail hour on the outdoor patio and dinner and dancing inside the main barn. Y’all, this ain’t your grandma’s patio. The patio at Lavender Oaks Farm comes with a spectacular stone fireplace, whimsical wrought iron gazebo and view of lavender fields and forestry. Discover rustic exposed beams, crystal chandeliers and modern amenities inside the main barn. Peep the loft! Fancy This Photography loves to get wedding reception photos from this unique bird’s eye view.

Guess what, this Chapel Hill wedding venue is beautiful even if the lavender fields are not in bloom! But just in case you’re wondering, the farm’s lavender blooms in late May and through July. You can purchase the purple plant in the venue’s adorable on-site farm shop. Lavender lotions, teas, sachets and more make for sweet wedding favors.

Lavender Oaks Farm is a 15-minute drive away from downtown Chapel Hill and 30 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Burying The Bourbon Wedding Tradition

"Burying the bourbon" is a Southern wedding tradition that Lavender Oaks Farm welcomes. This whimsical and witchy ritual is believed to bring good weather on your wedding day. A month before the ceremony, Morgan and Brendan buried a bottle of bourbon at Lavender Oaks Farm, aiming to ward off rain. On their wedding day, they dug up the bottle and shared a drink, turning the tradition into a playful photo opportunity. Fancy This Photography loves when couples add this Southern ritual to the celebration! It's a simple yet fun way to infuse regional folklore into wedding preparations, and it creates a fun moment of excitement for all.

Keep scrolling to see more beautiful images from Morgan and Brendan’s lavender wedding in Chapel Hill North Carolina.

Lavender Wedding Flowers and Decorations

Lavender wedding flowers by Folie à Deux Events set the tone for Morgan and Brendan’s ceremony and reception. Folie à Deux Events is a luxury floral design and creative studio based in Carrboro, North Carolina. Like Fancy This Photography, Folie à Deux Events has also been featured on the cover of Heart of NC Weddings magazine, a beloved local publication.

Folie à Deux Events’ wedding flower arrangements served up looks of elegance and love! How dreamy are those bouquets? The purple blooms add a touch of color without being overpowering. Did you see the flowers on and around the sweetheart table?These lavender wedding flowers and decorations created a look that is at once romantic and sophisticated.

Lavender tablecloths and napkins added to the splendor. There are even a few sprigs of real lavender decorating the wedding cake. Candles set the whole lavender wedding scene aglow.

Local Lavender Wedding in Chapel Hill North Carolina

Booking local event professionals is a smart choice for couples planning a wedding. Not only does it support the community but it also brings practical benefits to couples. For example, Fancy This Photography has a deep understanding of the Triangle area. We have experience photographing the best NC wedding venues, including Lavender Oaks Farm.

When you work with local wedding professionals, communication is fast and easy. Don’t be surprised if we become friends by the end of your wedding journey! Seriously, supporting local businesses contributes to the economic well-being of the community. From florists to photographers, local vendors will add ease and authenticity to your wedding.

Cheers to Morgan and Brendan! Thank you for choosing Fancy This Photography to capture your wedding in photos that will last a lifetime. We love you and wish you the best!

Photography // Fancy This Photography

Venue // Lavender Oaks Farm

Florals // Folie à Deux Events

Catering // Donovan’s Dish

DJ // Stylus Events

Hair & Makeup // Wedded Kiss

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

Caitlin and Dan

A Summer Carolina Inn Wedding in Chapel Hill, NC

“We are absolutely LOVING the gallery - I’ve looked through it at least 4 times now so I can just relive it all over again. The photos are just incredible!! We’re truly in awe of some of the moments you were able to capture.

We’re trying to decide on some favorites to display in our new home and it is SO HARD. I love all of the post-ceremony shots of me and Dan - the joy we were feeling just radiates through. And Dan really loves how the sparkler exit shots turned out! Plus all of those little candid family moments, and some serious gems from the reception...to say we are thrilled with these photos is an understatement. I also love the lighting/color variations (even though it makes it even harder to choose), and I’m grateful for all the details shots (florals, bar setups, etc) because some of those things I didn’t even get a chance to see in person!

I promise I’m not just saying this - choosing you as our photographer was one of the best wedding decisions we made. We are so happy with how everything turned out and we’ll definitely be ordering some prints/wall art once we can finally narrow down our very favorites!!”

— Caitlin, the Bride

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Caitlin and Dan’s wedding had this classic charm to it. They kept things simple, and focused more on the agenda items that mattered. For instance, their wedding party consisted of just the two of them; which, is probably my one of my favorite details about the wedding. Friends and family flew and drove in from all over. It was such a treat to see all of their people in one place at this time.

They married one another at United Presbyterian Church on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. It was a stunning scene as Caitlin was walked by here dad down the aisle. The tufts of white in the florals, mixed with those beautiful brass from the organs was just such a beauty to see in person. The church even had the sweetest of courtyards—which we used for family photos shortly after the wedding. It was lush and green, and with these two in the middle it made it all the merrier.

Their reception took place at the stunning Carolina Inn. It was dassled with lush florals curated by Wild Flora Farm, and decorated with the sweetest of linens and details that matched quite perfectly. It was a night to remember, not just from these details, but by the love that was radiating from guests and the couple.

Honored to know these two, and so happy to have been able to document their sweet day.

Special thanks to all of their vendors!

Venue // The Carolina Inn
Planning // Becca with C and D Events
Rentals // CE Rental
DJ // Joe Bunn with Bunn DJ Co
Videography // Wrinkled Blanket Media
Dessert // Slice Pie Company
Paper Products // Mason Dixon Designs
Hair and makeup // Tease and Blush
Florals // Wild Floral Farm
Ceremony Venue // United Presbyterian Church