Wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill

On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Danny Baker and Kelly Anne Johns hosted their spring wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill. Embracing a pink theme 100%, the day was a colorful celebration of love! Think pink – pink wedding stationery, flowers, linens and even a rosy ring. Clean lines modernized the event design and a touch of purple pulled in the venue’s lavender fields. Wedding guests joined the pink party by wearing an array of pink dresses and suits. It was a whole vibe. A colorful slay. Fancy This Photography's partner, Sarah Martin, captured the wedding with a Sony A7R III and a 70-200mm, and a Sony A7III with a 24-70mm. She documented the magic of this 70-degree day with Sarah Gillie as second shooter—Sarah squared for the win!

Wedding weekend festivities began the night before at the iconic Linda’s Bar and Grill. Danny and Kelly Anne’s welcome party became an extra special memory as the Franklin St. staple bid adieu on Jan. 5, 2024. The beloved bar and grill closed its doors after nearly five decades. Danny and Kelly Anne's celebration added another unforgettable night to Linda’s history.

The historic barns at Lavender Oaks Farm stood ready to witness wedding vows when the big day arrived. Danny and Kelly Anne selected the venue for its proximity to hotels and the airport, while also being a laid-back space surrounded by nature. Lavender Oaks Farm balances modern elegance without being overly rustic. The all-inclusive nature of this Chapel Hill wedding venue, complete with planning and decor, was a major stress-reliever for the couple. Danny and Kelly Anne were able to bring their vision of a springtime Chapel Hill wedding to life without any constraints.

Fancy This Photography DocumeNts Wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm

Serendipity played a role in the couple’s selection of Fancy This Photography. Kelly Anne has ties to Nikki from their shared days managing a bridal shop in Durham. This set the stage for a perfect match. Recommended by Karen Macdonald, owner and planner at Lavender Oaks Farm, Fancy This Photography joined the vendor team. The bride and groom loved working with Sarah—her personable presence made everyone feel at ease, resulting in candid and beautiful moments.

In the words of Kelly Anne, "Sarah was calm and witty; everyone in our family complimented about how funny she was but also how you didn't even feel like you were being photographed, which is perfect." These photographs tell a story of laughter, love, and a celebration that will be remembered for years to come.

Dan & Kelly Anne’s Engagement Story

Dan and Kelly Anne had their first date at Lynnwood Brewery in Raleigh after matching on Tinder. By the end of 2021, the couple talked about getting engaged and went to look at rings. Kelly Anne, aware of the ring's presence, awaited the mystery of when and how Dan would propose. She envisioned a few special dates for the moment.

Their anniversary seemed an obvious choice, yet with Kelly Anne's desire to celebrate with family, the timing didn't align. The NC State Fair was considered, but the COVID-19 pandemic made Kelly Anne grateful for a more intimate setting. Her 30th birthday on Dec. 15, 2021 turned out to be the perfect day.

Dan's original plan involved a restaurant in Raleigh, but a lackluster experience led them back to Lynnwood, the sentimental setting of their first date. Doubts crept in for Kelly Anne as the evening unfolded. She wondered if the question would ever be asked. To Kelly Anne’s surprise, with a second round of drinks, Dan invited her to stand. Kelly Anne blacked out as Dan dropped to one knee. Two kind strangers captured the proposal on video and even covered the couple's tab! Engagement celebrations with family continued over the following days. It was a festive time of love and joy!

Wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill

Let's dive into the details of this fabulous wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill. The outdoor ceremony took place on the main barn's patio, complete with a breathtaking stone fireplace. Folie à Deux Events worked their magic and created an ombre aisle with pink and red rose petals. Floral arrangements bursting with pink, red, and purple blossoms framed the fireplace altar.

Kelly Anne's twin sister, whose name is Danielle, walked as maid of honor in a deep pink gown. The couple asked Danny's younger brother Andy, who was ordained online at the age of 18, to officiate the wedding. Andy brought a hilarious, lighthearted vibe to the wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill. Kelly Anne and Danny gave Andy creative freedom, resulting in a ceremony that surpassed all expectations.

Kelly Anne and Danny had no idea that their wedding ceremony would be so funny. Kelly Anne reflects, "I mean, how many people can say that there was a Queen Elizabeth and Falkland Island reference in their wedding ceremony?"

All-In-One Venue - Wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill

Kelly Anne and Danny's wedding day unfolded smoothly at Lavender Oaks Farm. Every moment of the day was held at this Chapel Hill wedding venue. The farm's warm atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop. From the lens of Fancy This Photography, the decision to keep everything at one venue added a layer of convenience and flexibility.

According to Sarah Martin, partner at Fancy This Photography, hosting everything at Lavender Oaks Farm simplifies the flow of wedding day events. The ability to adjust timelines or navigate delays with ease becomes an added bonus. Choosing one venue instead of multiple allows couples and their wedding photographer to explore every nook of the space thoroughly. Without transportation hassles, we can find the best spots for couple portraits.

While Fancy This Photography can capture weddings in both single and multiple locations, the benefits of an all-in-one venue are undeniable. Fancy This Photography adapts to the unique preferences of each couple.

Unique Details - Wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill

Danny and Kelly Anne's wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill was filled with unique details and heartfelt personal touches. Their celebration reflected their individuality and love story. Kelly Anne wore her great-grandmother's wedding necklace from 1929 and her hair in braids, a skill passed down by her great-grandmother. Danny and Kelly Anne honored family by featuring old wedding photos of their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents at the reception.

Sarah Martin, Fancy This Photography partner, captured the day's details and carefully curated decorations. Kelly Anne's background in stage design for theater showcased in the cohesive, and beautifully flowing pink-themed decor.

Fancy This Photography's favorite moments took place during the reception. The reception became one big hangout as everyone mingled and shared in the joy. This inclusive style made the party feel like a collective celebration.

#DONTGOBAKERMYHEART

Danny and his brothers sported matching donut pins, adding a sweet twist to the wedding theme. Duck Donuts took center stage instead of a traditional wedding cake. The bride and groom cut into a giant donut complete with adorable alpaca cake toppers. Delicious food by Beau Catering complemented the evening.

Guests went home with lavender satchels from the venue and monogrammed heart-shaped sunglasses in shades of purple and pink. Kelly Anne's love for Bravo led to a life-size Andy Cohen cutout at the wedding reception photo booth. Embracing Danny and his brothers' passion for The Simpsons, a cutout of Homer Simpson added another playful touch.

Here's to the incredible pink celebration of love that was Danny and Kelly Anne's wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill! Being a part of their day brought so much joy to Fancy This Photography.

If you find yourself inspired and contemplating your own wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill, click the link below. Witness another real wedding documented by Fancy This Photography at this local venue.

Brendan & Morgan’s Wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm - 2023

Meet The Vendors

Photography // Fancy This Photography 

Venue and Planning // Lavender Oaks Farm

DJ // Dow Oak Events

Florist // Folie à Deux Events

Hair & Makeup // Wink Hair & Makeup

Wedding Dress // Design: Wtoo by Watters from Gilded Bridal 

Caterer // Beau Catering

Dessert // Duck Donuts in Durham 

Rentals // Curated Events Raleigh

Stationery & Signage // Kelly Anne Johns Baker

UNC Chapel Hill Wedding at The Carolina Inn

Donna Steinbacher and Christian Caveness celebrated their union with a beautiful UNC Chapel Hill wedding at The Carolina Inn in July 2023. Even the sweltering summer heat couldn’t dim the sparkle of this special day. Most of the wedding festivities took place within the cool Southern sanctuary of The Carolina Inn. Fancy This Photography owner and founder, Nikki Whitt Belch, led from behind the lens with support from collaborator Sarah Martin. They used the combo of a Nikon D750 and Nikon Z6II mirrorless camera.

For photography enthusiasts curious about the technical details, a mirrorless camera adds distinct style to images. DSLR cameras rely on mirrors to reflect images into viewfinders, whereas mirrorless cameras capture moments through electronic viewfinders, offering a unique perspective. At Fancy This Photography, we pride ourselves on providing couples with high-end, professional wedding photography. Hiring a professional photographer to document your wedding is essential because their expertise ensures that your memories are preserved. Fancy This Photography team’s knowledge of composition, lighting, and storytelling will make your wedding photos unique and timeless.

Ceremony at St. Thomas More Catholic Church

The wedding photo journey begins as Donna and Christian get ready for the day with loved ones at The Carolina Inn. St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Chapel Hill set the stage for a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony, beautifully incorporated within Mass. The short 8-minute drive from The Carolina Inn easily connected these two iconic Chapel Hill wedding venues.

This colorful UNC Chapel Hill wedding at The Carolina Inn was planned by Catherine Langhart of La Fête. With 12 bridesmaids and five groomsmen, Donna and Christian's wedding party was a ball of fun. Their positive energy created sincere moments for Fancy This Photography to capture. The vibrant floral arrangements, designed by Tre Bella, added a burst of color to this wedding photo gallery. We think Donna and Christian’s wedding at The Carolina Inn perfectly represents the spirit of a southern summertime celebration. From bodacious bouquets to playful pocket squares, altar arrangements to table centerpieces, every detail was a slay.

As you continue to scroll, get lost in the visual story of Donna and Christian’s wedding day. It was an honor for Fancy This Photography to document their stunning UNC Chapel Hill wedding at The Carolina Inn.

Getting Ready for Romance - UNC Chapel Hill Wedding at The Carolina Inn

Fancy This Photography loves to document intimate getting ready moments shared between couples and their closest friends and family. The gorgeous guest rooms and suites of The Carolina Inn are the perfect backdrop for wedding preparation pictures. Each room is a treasure trove of details. Swoon with us over colorfully patterned wallpaper, whimsical window panes, and cozy furnishings. This Chapel hill hotel offers 185 romantic rooms and seven luxury suites. Every room is equipped with refrigerators—perfect for storing mimosa and breakfast supplies—along with bath toiletries and flat-screen televisions.

In 2023, The Carolina Inn received modern updates while keeping its distinctive southern vintage vibe. For wedding guests who stay here, the raves are inevitable. This Chapel Hill hotel has an authentic soul and comfortable accommodations. The rooms and suites provide a clean and peaceful space for getting ready and resting. Friendly staff members go above and beyond, bending over backward to cater to the needs of your wedding party.

Stepping into this historic gem is like entering a world of elegance and charm. The interior design and architecture honor the hotel's history, creating a backdrop for countless photo opportunities. Each room tells a story, surrounding you with beauty as you prepare for one of the biggest days of your life. The Carolina Inn is more than a wedding venue; it's a window into the past and the future.

First Looks - UNC Chapel Hill Wedding at The Carolina Inn

Donna and Christian's UNC Chapel Hill Wedding at The Carolina Inn featured two unforgettable first looks. The first one unfolded in the hotel's main lobby, where Donna shared a moment with her father. The emotion on his face as he saw his daughter in her wedding dress was priceless.

The second first look was between Donna and Christian. It took place in the legendary hallway of The Carolina Inn. You know the one–where natural light bathes miles of timeless black-and-white-checkered marble floors. As Donna tapped Christian's shoulder, the vintage lantern hanging overhead gave the scene a warm glow. Splashes of color from greenery and a Carolina blue-painted bench added to these romantic first look photos.

The dramatic length of this hallway adds excitement and anticipation to first look images. After their first look, we took more individual and couple portraits of Donna and Christian walking through the hallway. We even took our cameras outside, which let us frame cool shots of the couple from a distance as they cozied up on a bench.

Chapel Hill Wedding Ceremony at St. Thomas More Catholic Church

Donna and Christian tied the knot in the sacred sanctuary of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Chapel Hill. This local landmark set the tone for timeless vows. Couples who want to get married here must contact the church office at 919-942-1040, nine months in advance. Wedding ceremonies and rehearsals at St. Thomas More Catholic Church are officiated by a priest or deacon. St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Chapel Hill has a unique "sponsor couple program." Donna and Christian were paired with married members of the church, and received guidance and support as they prepared for marriage.

Couples can use flower and decor stands placed in front of the sanctuary's columns or at the foot of each candle set. Tre Bella's artistry came to life with colorful arrangements that complemented the warm ambiance of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Our Fancy This Photography cameras ate up the juxtaposition of colorful florals with the sanctuary's stained glass mural.

The church has a few wedding guidelines—no throwing flower petals, rice, or bird seed. As wedding photographers, we check on what is permitted, always respecting a couple’s venue. Discretion is key. We often limit the use of flash or anything that might disrupt the wedding ceremony or mass. Fancy This Photography is committed to capturing your entire ceremony. It starts with the anticipatory moments before the couple enters the ceremony space to joyful newlywed exits. This way, our wedding galleries promise a rich story of candid and formal photos that thoroughly document this special milestone.

Wedding Photos Under The Carolina Inn’s Porte-cochère

The Carolina Inn has a fierce porte-cochère. Do you know what that is? We also had to do a quick Google search. A porte-cochère is a grand entrance to a building or courtyard, through which carriages or cars can enter from the street. The dramatic archway provides people protection from the elements and a cool wedding photo frame.

Fancy This Photography loves to capture couples and wedding parties beneath The Carolina Inn’s porte-cochère. Donna’s bridesmaids slayed in elegant green dresses and Christian’s groomsmen looked snatched in navy blue tuxedos and black bow ties. The Carolina Inn’s brick pathways, black window shutters and fabulous porte-cochère create a sensational backdrop for wedding photos.

UNC Chapel Hill Wedding at The Carolina Inn

Donna and Christian's UNC Chapel Hill wedding at The Carolina Inn was held in the Hill Ballroom, the largest space in the venue. The Hill Ballroom features 14-foot ceilings and crystal chandeliers, creating an impressive reception setting. Architectural details add to the southern charm. I’m begging you to take a moment and look up at the ceiling!

A memorable detail from their wedding reception was a custom beer can design made by a friend. The couple also opted for a crowd-pleasing late-night snack – pizza and subs. These choices added a personal and practical element to their reception. Fancy This Photography documented every detail, capturing the uniqueness of Donna and Christian's wedding in each shot.

Planning a UNC Chapel Hill wedding at The Carolina Inn? Consider booking Fancy This Photography – a seasoned vendor at this historic gem of a wedding venue. Proudly featured on The Carolina Inn's list of recommended wedding photographers, we humbly bring our experience to the table. For a deeper dive into more real weddings, explore the blog links below. Let Fancy This Photography tell your wedding story with authenticity and artistry.

Sarah & Alec’s Wedding at The Carolina Inn - 2023

Leslie & Dan’s Wedding at The Carolina Inn - 2021

Meet The Vendors

Photographer // Fancy This Photography 

Planner // Catherine Langhart of Events by La Fête

Ceremony // St. Thomas More Catholic Church

Venue // The Carolina Inn

Videography // Dean Garris Films

Reception Music // DJ Randy Bennett

Florist // Tre Bella

Cake // S. Richardson Cakes

Hair and Makeup // Perfection By Patricia

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