Anna + Kyle’s Winter Elopement at the Hillsborough, NC Courthouse

Photographed by Courtney

Winter in Orange County, NC is a magical time, with crisp air and breathtaking views, but still mild enough for a beautiful celebration. It’s the perfect season for a romantic and intimate courthouse wedding, even if you take it outside for a short ceremony like Anna and Kyle chose to do. Not only is it cost-effective and stress-free, but it can also be a unique and memorable experience for you, your partner and close loved ones. From personal touches to what to wear, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to create a beautiful and unforgettable experience. So, whether you’re looking for a low-key ceremony or a more elaborate event, say ‘I do’ to a winter courthouse wedding and start planning your special day today.

Holding Family Close

The thing about a wedding with just those closest to you means you have time to really get those candid memories captured. A couple choosing to elope with only a few of their closest family and friends, is a couple that cares so deeply about what this day signifies. The people they hold closest to Anna and Kyle are their biggest fans, their every day cheerleaders, the people that will continue to surround them with love and support through this marriage, all the days ahead.

Why Have a Courthouse Wedding

For couples who are looking for a more low-key ceremony, the courthouse elopement option can be a perfect fit. Winter is an especially good time to consider a courthouse wedding, as it can add a cozy atmosphere and a touch of magic to your special day. In addition, a courthouse wedding can be a great option for those who value simplicity and want to focus on the true meaning of their marriage. The specific courthouse Anna and Kyle were married at is located in Hillsborough, NC. The Orange County Courthouse is a beautifully quaint location.

Winter weddings also lend themselves to a cozy atmosphere that can be hard to replicate in other seasons. The chill in the air and the possibility of snow can make your wedding photographs look like something out of a fairytale. Additionally, the lack of crowds during the winter months means that you'll have a quieter, more intimate experience with your loved one.

Another significant benefit of a courthouse wedding is its simplicity. It allows you to focus on the meaning of your marriage without the distractions of a big wedding. A courthouse wedding can be a meaningful and beautiful way to start your life together.

What does a ceremony at the courthouse look like?

To make the most of your courthouse wedding, it's important to plan ahead and think about the details that will make your day special. First, consider the timing of your ceremony - courthouse weddings are generally shorter than traditional weddings, so plan accordingly. Anna and Kyle invited only the people closest to them so everything moved very quickly, but also allowed for the most epic captures.

Next, think about the attire. While a courthouse wedding is less formal than a traditional ceremony, it is such an amazing opportunity to showcase your unique style. More on that later, because this couple knocked out the styling out of the park with their attire.

When it comes to the ceremony itself, consider adding personal touches that reflect your personalities and values. You can write your own vows, choose readings that are meaningful to you, or incorporate a special song into the ceremony. Anna and Kyle actually chose to take their ceremony outside, check with your local courthouse if this is an option or maybe you just sign the documents inside and have your own personal and intimate ceremony outside!

By taking the time to plan and think about the details, you can make your courthouse wedding a truly memorable and special day. In the next section, we'll go over some creative ideas for adding personal touches to your winter courthouse wedding.

What to Wear for a Winter Courthouse Wedding

As you prepare for your winter courthouse wedding in Orange County, NC, you might be wondering what to wear to your special day. The good news is that you can still look stylish and elegant while staying warm during the colder months. Just wait for these details, drooling. But here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect outfit for your winter courthouse wedding.

First and foremost, think about the weather. If you're getting married in the colder months, you'll want to choose fabrics that will keep you warm. Consider a dress with long sleeves or a jacket to keep you cozy. You can also opt for a faux fur stole or wrap for added warmth. Anna chose a stunning, yet simple coat for the most beautiful monochromatic look for her wedding day. This look was perfectly paired with her grooms warm toned suit and touches.

Next, consider the overall vibe of your wedding. If you're going for a more casual look, you can choose a simple dress or a pantsuit. For a more formal affair, you might opt for a full-length gown or a tailored suit. Regardless of your choice, make sure it reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident and beautiful. I absolutely loved that Anna chose a short and fitted dress but still kept a more traditional short veil to pair and finish her look.

Finally, remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment to each other. Your outfit should be a reflection of that love and joy. As you choose your wedding attire, keep in mind that the most important thing is to feel comfortable and happy in your own skin. These two definitely killed their wedding day looks and glided through their day comfortably and stylishly.

Don’t forget to sneak away

Just because it’s a low stress day and you truly get to spend it with your favorite people. Sneak Away. Just do it. Have time as a newly married couple, just the two of you to capture some shots of that new feeling of new beginnings, you won’t regret it.

Making Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

Your winter courthouse wedding is a special day that you'll cherish forever. To make sure every moment is unforgettable, take the time to plan out ways you can capture those precious memories.

Of course we at Fancy This Photography will always suggest hiring a professional photographer to document your day. They can take photos of the ceremony, your first kiss as a married couple, and candid shots of you and your partner celebrating together. You'll have these photos to look back on for years to come. Sometimes it is so easy to forget the details and capturing details in the most beautiful way is our favorite.

Another way to make memories that will last a lifetime is to customize your wedding. You can add personal touches to every aspect of your special day, where will you enjoy your special day after the ceremony or signing of papers? If you are in the Hillsborough area The Wooden Nickel is such a cool and rustic find. Great drinks and food to share with your most loved people.

“People always wonder if they’ll miss out on a large wedding, but being surrounded by the people you love and care about the most makes it all worth it.” - Courtney (Photographer : Fancy This Photography)

Megan & Patrick’s Wedding at The Cloth Mill at Eno River 

It’s not every day that I get to photograph a friend’s wedding! I was beyond excited when Megan Collins, my college suitemate, booked Fancy This Photography. Megan and Patrick Prince hosted a winter-wedding ceremony and reception at The Cloth Mill at Eno River in Hillsborough, NC on Dec. 11, 2021. 

Megan first met Pat through her former roommate Estefany, who dated Pat’s twin brother David (Estefany and David are now engaged). Megan and Pat were just friends until they reconnected as singles in 2018. Pat needed a date for a friend’s wedding in Savannah, Georgia and Megan agreed to go as a friend. Spoiler: Megan and Pat left that wedding as more than friends. 

On Aug. 14, 2020, Patrick proposed to Megan in Spruce Pine, NC. Megan didn’t expect an engagement when they originally set out on the camping trip. But, she grew suspicious when Pat asked if she planned on putting makeup on before a hike. Suspicion grew even more when Pat bribed Megan to finish the hike with a prize. The bribery was necessary because Megan was ready to turn around when the “moderate” trail had them both grasping at roots to reach a romantic waterfall view. 

The couple jumped right into wedding planning after Megan said “yes” to Pat’s hiking proposal. When selecting a photographer, the bride-to-be remembered her fun former college suitemate.

“Ever since [Nikki] began Fancy This Photography, I’ve followed her work and have been a big fan of her style,” says Megan. “Nikki and her team were a dream to work with - neither of us are particularly comfortable in front of a camera, but they made Pat and I both feel at ease, and really captured all of the fun in the day.”

Keep scrolling to witness Megan and Patrick’s winter wedding at The Cloth Mill at Eno River.

Planning a Wedding at The Cloth Mill at Eno River in Hillsborough, NC

The Cloth Mill at Eno River is located in Hillsborough, less than five minutes from I-40 and I-85 and 15 minutes from downtown Durham. Franklin St. is just a 20-minute drive away and it takes approximately 45 minutes to get to downtown Raleigh from the venue. The Cloth Mill can accommodate a maximum of 250 guests for both a ceremony and reception.   

Rental of The Cloth Mill at Eno River includes: 

• Exclusive access to the outdoor courtyard, mill, dressing suites and amenities

• Tables and chairs for 250 guests 

• Market lights

• 10 hours of venue access

• Three custom portable bars

• Catering prep kitchen 

• Privacy

• Ample free parking

Couples who get married at The Cloth Mill can choose from their exclusive list of caterers. The venue also has a full ABC license, which means they offer a wide variety of liquor, beer and wine. Bar packages include beer and wine only, specialty drinks or full-service liquor options.

My favorite thing about The Cloth Mill at Eno River are the gorgeous, cathedral-size windows. Seriously. It looks magical when the sun sets just right, and the warehouse windows create marvelous shadows. The Cloth Mill is a large space, so there is tons of room for creative event design. Combine this with exposed brick walls and original wood beam flooring … It's simply beautiful.   

“We had a wonderful experience at The Cloth Mill,” says Megan. “It was the perfect backdrop for our vision of the day, and Nicole and her staff were super great to work with.” 

Outdoor Wedding at The Cloth Mill at Eno River 

My favorite moment from Megan and Patrick’s wedding at The Cloth Mill happened during the ceremony. It was when Megan's dad, Tim Collins, walked her down the aisle. You could tell that he was so proud and happy for his daughter. Those photos are some of my all-time favorites. 

The ceremony was held outside and began at 4 p.m. Megan’s cousin, Matt Waller, played live guitar during the event. Abbe Collins, the bride’s sister, served as Maid of Honor and Lindsay Finch, the bride’s best friend, was Matron of Honor. The bride’s cousin, Amy Ancone, Estefany Vruwink, sister-in-law, and friend, Ashley Prince, were bridesmaids. Megan and her father walked down the aisle to the song “Bron-Yr-Aur” by Led Zeppelin. 

Pat’s twin brother, David Prince, served as best man. Matt Barnes, Kevin Holmes, Erik Woods and Scott Pitaro are longtime friends and happily claimed the role of groomsmen. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Richard Spell, Patrick’s uncle. Mr. and Mrs. Prince exited the ceremony to the song “I believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness. 

Beautiful Bridal Portraits by Fancy This Photography 

Bride Megan looked angelic in a strapless, ball gown wedding dress from New York Bride & Groom of Raleigh. Statement earrings from Olive + Piper and green shoes from the Sarah Jessica Parker collection completed her winter wedding-day attire. Megan’s hair and makeup were both styled by Wedded Kiss. 

The Best of Both Worlds: Black & White and Colorized Images 

I used two Nikon cameras to capture Megan and Patrick’s wedding. One camera is a Nikon D850 and the other is a Nikon D750. You might notice that some of the images in this blog are in color and some are in black and white. If strong emotion is showcased in a photo, I love to also include a black and white version of the same image. In other words, any black and white photos that clients receive will always also have a colorized version.

How to Capture a Wedding Veil: Let It Be 

Megan had a fabulous wedding veil. Sometimes, a veil will do what it wants to do. My advice? Let it be. Veils that are cathedral length are stunning. As wind catches a veil, it creates a cinematic motion in the air. The best way to photograph the veil when this happens is as-is. I like to lean into my photography organically. To me, this is what made Megan’s bridal portraits so unique.

Winter Wedding at The Cloth Mill at Eno River 

Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour after Megan and Patrick’s ceremony. During this time, the newlyweds sat together and ate dinner in privacy. This brief, intimate moment gave them a chance to breathe and cherish the day. Raleigh-based Donovan’s Dish catered the formal wedding reception. 

The wedding’s theme was under-stated Christmas with lots of candles and greenery. Ivory, white, gold and green filled the color palette. Linens, place settings and glassware rented from American Party Rentals paired perfectly with floral designs by Specialties Events.

Instead of a traditional guestbook, Megan and Patrick asked guests to sign a personalized Jenga game set. Miniature mercury glass holiday ornaments served as escort cards - a nod to Pat’s job as a contractor. 

Raleigh-based Love Cake prepared an incredible, four-tier wedding cake adorned in flowers. Megan’s mother, Judy Ancone Collins, added 600-plus assorted handmade Christmas cookies to the dessert table. These paired perfectly with individual, old-school cartons of milk.

As you can see, I simply adore warehouse-style weddings. Click here to see Joshua and Stephanie’s industrial-chic celebration at The Bottle Factory in Monroe, NC. 

Photographer // Fancy This Photography
Venue // The Cloth Mill at Eno River
Wedding Dress // New York Bride & Groom of Raleigh
Bridal Shoes // Sarah Jessica Parker
Earrings // Olive + Piper
Hair & Makeup // Wedded Kiss
Tux Rentals // Men’s Wearhouse
Cake // Love Cake
Florals // Specialties Events
Catering // Donovan’s Dish
Linens, Place Settings & Glassware // American Party Rentals

Beautiful Mebane NC Wedding on Family Property

It was the Saturday before Halloween and the fall North Carolina weather was perfect. A cool breeze gently stirred the warm air. Yolanda Orellana and Megan O’Reilly invited a few dozen friends and family to their beautiful Mebane NC wedding on Oct. 30, 2021. The ceremony and reception both took place in Megan’s mother’s backyard - an intimate, natural setting with a colorful, fall forest backdrop. 

The October sky remained crystal clear as the brides prepared for their first look. Yolanda got ready at Megan’s brother’s house (conveniently located next door) and Megan got ready at her mom’s house. Everyone felt comfortable, laid back and happy to start the day. 

On Oct. 30, 2021 Yolanda Orellana and Megan O’Reilly said “I do” in Megan’s mother’s backyard.

Backyard Wedding Captured by Fancy This Photography

Although I give all couples some true photojournalistic aspects in their wedding gallery – a backyard wedding just screams photojournalism to me. I document the flow of the wedding dresses, guests interacting, and how comfortable the couple feels because they are at home. There is a wonderful feeling of ease at backyard weddings. I think this is because there is familiarity between the couple and the place.

Fancy This Photography doesn't care where you get married or who you get married to. Whether it's a beautiful backyard or a beach somewhere in the Bahamas. All this NC wedding photographer cares about is celebrating and capturing love in its most authentic and beautiful form for couples. We clicked with brides Yolanda and Megan at the first Zoom meeting. As you can see from these photos, their smiles and laughs are infectious. Keep scrolling to witness more from this special Mebane NC wedding.  

On the Front Lines of Love 

Yolanda and Megan first met in the military. They both served in the Army National Guard in their home-state of New Jersey in 2015. Some years later, Megan surprised Yolanda by popping the question while they were at home with their pups. Like their intimate Mebane NC wedding, the engagement was romantic and authentic to them. After Yolanda said “yes,” the brides-to-be called their closest friends and family to share the good news. 

Basset hound Presley and Jack Skellington, the bull-boxer with one eye, participated in wedding festivities.  

Both dogs are rescue pups and you can tell that the brides love them.

Favorite Mebane NC Wedding Moment

Both Yolanda and Megan said their favorite wedding-day moment was the first look. Both brides looked stunning in white wedding dresses from David’s Bridal. Hillsborough-based hair stylist Katie Reagan Lilly and Ministry-Makeup completed their beauty team. There is something so special about a couple seeing each other for the first time in their wedding attire. First look reactions are typically raw and filled with relief and happy tears. 

However, Yolanda says the most unforgettable moment happened at the altar. 

“I completely lost control of my feelings and was crying happy tears. It truly felt like it was just Megan and I at that moment.” - Yolanda 

Meaningful Mebane NC Wedding Ceremony 

On Oct. 30, 2021, Yolanda and Megan held hands and shared vows in front of a gold, geometric wedding arch decorated with green and lavender florals. Pumpkins and hay bales lay at the base of the altar. Yolanda and Megan’s favorite colors, lavender and lilac, were featured throughout the ceremony and reception decor.

Friends and family participated in Yolanda and Megan’s Mebane NC wedding ceremony. Yolanda’s bridal party included her brother Elvis and Maid of Honor and sister Glendy. Megan’s bridal party included her twin brother Patrick, Maid of Honor Matt and two friends Andrew and Alison. The couple’s two pups, Presley the basset hound and Jack Skellington the bull-boxer mix with one eye, also participated as wedding party members.  

I have photographed so many weddings where the couple's pets are present. Seriously, cats included. I think that having Yolanda and Megan's dogs at the wedding made this day extra special. Both dogs were rescue pups and you can tell that the ladies loved them.

Mebane NC Wedding Ceremony Officiated by Rev. Dupree 

Reverend Katherine Dupree is an ordained NC wedding officiant who creates ceremonies for all couples. From cathedrals to backyards to barns, there isn’t a venue where love cannot be celebrated. Rev. Dupree works with couples to build ceremonies with unique elements - from infusing different faith traditions to showcasing love through symbols and rituals. 

This was my first time working with Rev. Dupree, and I fell in love. She has a great sense of humor and is super professional. She is especially good at talking with people, a talent that helps put guests at ease. My favorite thing about her is that she believes all people deserve love. 

A Word on Working With Fancy This Photography

“[Nikki with Fancy This Photography] was understanding, patient and honest with us,” says Yolanda. “She answered all our questions, plus thought of all the little details and asked for our input. Although it is not her job she helped us create an itinerary for our wedding day. Which was greatly appreciated since we didn’t have a wedding planner or anything!”

How Do You Avoid Awkwardness During Formal Photos? 

Being able to talk to people and make them feel comfortable is half the battle. Once people trust the photographer, then beautiful images can be captured of them because they feel at ease. Yolanda and Megan cherish their loved ones and it was important to them that everyone who participated be photographed in beautiful photos that will last a lifetime.

Tented Mebane NC Wedding Reception 

After the ceremony, Yolanda and Megan invited guests to celebrate beneath a semi-enclosed white reception tent. Lavender, ivory and gold flowers and decor filled the space. The restaurant where Yolanda and Megan shared their first date, Olive Garden, catered. Dancing and dessert followed. 

There are lots of ways to share your special day with passed loved ones by honoring them through photos, a dedicated chair, or a poem/scripture. A beautiful detail from Yolanda and Megan’s wedding was their remembrance table. This remembrance table included images of Yolanda’s grandmother Irenee, cousin Tavito, pups Junior and Linda and Megan’s cat Simba and bird who passed away in 2021 at the age of 21. 

Pro Tip: Wedding Reception Toasts

When it comes to photographing wedding reception toasts, it’s all about the emotion. Simply put. So many stories to share, tears to shed and laughter to be heard. These speeches are priceless and worth documenting.

Click here to see another beautiful backyard wedding in Littleton, North Carolina. Katelyn and Chad said “I do” beside Lake Gaston, and there’s a cute dog included in their special day too! 

Photographer // Fancy This Photography
Venue // Private Residence 
Officiant // Reverend Katherine Dupree
Wedding Dresses // David’s Bridal
Flowers // Walmart 
Decor // Etsy, Amazon & Party City
Catering // Olive Garden
Hair Stylist // Katie Reagan Lilly 
Makeup Artist // Ministry-Makeup