The Umstead Hotel and Spa Wedding of the Year

Katie Brown and John Gaito tied the knot on Nov. 16, 2024, and I, Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography, was honored to document their day. The Umstead Hotel and Spa wedding in Cary, North Carolina was filled with warm autumn colors and stunning floral arrangements by Once Gathered. The elegant seasonal theme complemented The Umstead’s natural beauty and earthy forest setting.

Katie and John exchanged vows at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh before celebrating with family and friends at The Umstead. From the first moments of the morning to the last dance of the night, Nikki captured every candid and carefully planned moment—10 hours of blissful joy and love.

The couple chose Fancy This Photography because they wanted a photographer who would help them feel at ease in front of the camera.

“I felt like I had known Nikki my whole life,” says Katie. “She was so personable and excited to be part of our big day. It made me happy knowing she was going to be a big part of creating our memories.”

Nikki first put the bride-to-be at ease during their engagement session on the beach and their boat—one of the couple’s favorite places—which was later featured in Heart of NC Weddings magazine’s 2025 issue.

“Nikki made it so fun and relaxing,” Katie remembers. “She kept hyping me up, and we ended up having a great time.”

On their wedding day, Katie and John were completely at peace. “I’m honestly sad it’s all over,” Katie confesses. “I would highly recommend Nikki and her team!”

The Umstead Hotel and Spa wedding in Cary, North Carolina featuring fall floral arrangements by Once Gathered. Photo by Nikki of Fancy This Photography.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa Wedding

With the help of Elizabeth Flake Events, Katie and her mother brought this dreamy fall wedding to life. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of this real North Carolina wedding, captured by Nikki of Fancy This Photography. Keep scrolling to watch the day unfold!

Love Story: Katie Brown and John Gaito

Katie and John first met in 2016 when John worked for Katie’s father at their family business, Action Ski and Outdoor Tours. At the time, John was attending East Carolina University, while Katie was a student at Meredith College. The two began talking in 2018 and officially started dating that August.

A Thoughtful Engagement in the Highlands

John proposed to Katie in the Highlands of North Carolina, a place filled with special family memories. Each year, John’s parents planned a pre-holiday trip with their children and spouses, a tradition that allowed everyone to enjoy time together without the stress of deciding where to spend the holidays. In November 2023, John, his parents, his brother and sister-in-law, his sister, and Katie all gathered for a long weekend in the mountains.

The couple had designed Katie’s engagement ring together, incorporating sentimental family heirlooms. The ring features an oval diamond flanked by sapphires from Katie’s grandmother, with additional diamonds from her other grandmother’s wedding band set into the band. While Katie knew how the ring would look, the proposal itself remained a surprise.

On Nov. 4, 2023, John got down on one knee outside by a small pond near the house his family had rented for the weekend. John arranged for Katie’s parents to arrive and share in the celebration as a bonus surprise.

“When I saw my parents, I started crying, hugged them, and then immediately asked, ‘Wait, who has my dog?’” Katie recalls.

The newly engaged couple and their family continued the party with a toast at Old Edwards Inn and Spa, where they had the entire rooftop terrace to themselves.

“We were able to call friends and family and celebrate together, which was really special,” Katie says.

John was proud to have his father serve as best man for The Umstead Hotel and Spa wedding. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Nikki of Fancy This Photography captured John and Katie glowing in the light of their love after their intimate first look at The Umstead Hotel and Spa.

A No-Stress, Dog-Friendly Wedding Day at The Umstead

Katie’s dogs played a special role in their wedding day. She adopted a 4-year-old French bulldog named Lilly, while her family rescued an 8-year-old English bulldog named Pearl through Bullies 2 the Rescue. Both dogs stayed with Katie as she got ready at The Umstead Hotel and Spa, bringing a sense of comfort and joy to the morning. She even took Lilly for a peaceful walk around The Umstead’s lake early that morning—a quiet moment before the day’s festivities began.

Nikki captured some of the sweetest photos of the bride and groom celebrating with their pups.

“Since I’m an only child, my dogs are like my siblings, so having them in the room with us while everyone was getting their hair and makeup done made me feel at peace and calm,” Katie says.

The night before the wedding, Katie’s matron of honor stayed with her in her hotel room.

“I was able to take a moment, take it all in, and have a little sleepover before the big day,” she says.

The bride’s family rescued Pearl, an 8-year-old English bulldog, through Bullies 2 the Rescue

Hair and makeup by Reign Beauty, wedding dress from Martina Liana, bridesmaids dresses from Bella Bridesmaids, bouquets by Once Gathered and photo by Fancy This Photography at The Umstead Hotel and Spa wedding venue. 

Groom’s Favorite Memories 

John reflected on some of his favorite moments from the big day. Before the first look, nerves started to set in—as they do for most people. To calm them, he and his brother shared a meaningful drink together at The Umstead’s bar before the festivities began.

One of the most memorable moments for John was seeing his grandfather in a tuxedo. The wedding was a black-tie affair, and his grandfather hadn’t worn a tux since John’s mother married his father more than 30 years ago. Seeing him dressed up for the occasion made the day even more special.

One of the standout elements of Katie and John’s wedding at The Umstead Hotel and Spa was the stunning fall floral design by Once Gathered. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Ceremony at White Memorial Presbyterian Church

Katie grew up attending White Memorial Presbyterian Church with her family, and John went there for preschool. Choosing it as their ceremony location felt natural, given its deep family connection, beautiful architecture, and amazing organ.

Katie and John chose The Umstead Hotel and Spa wedding reception venue because Katie grew up at the Umstead. They also wanted a venue where their friends and family could dance all night and then go right up to their rooms for sleep after the reception.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa wedding venue was an easy choice for their reception. Katie grew up visiting The Umstead and knew it would provide a romantic and comfortable destination for their guests. Plus, they loved the convenience of letting everyone dance the night away and then head straight upstairs to their rooms for sleep.

“The Umstead is a stunning place, and we knew they would do an amazing job—and they surely did!” says Katie.

Katie grew up attending White Memorial Presbyterian Church with her family, and John went there for preschool. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa Wedding Reception

For The Umstead Hotel and Spa wedding reception, Katie found a unique way to honor her mother—by transforming her mom’s wedding dress into a chic two-piece outfit. She wore the repurposed ensemble for the entire evening following the ceremony at White Memorial Presbyterian Church.

“It was so unique to have something that special with me throughout the night, and it was so different,” says Katie.

Adding a personal touch to the celebration, the couple treated guests to a fun late-night snack: Frenchie fries—Parmesan truffle fries—in honor of their dog, Lilly.

From sentimental fashion choices to playful nods to their pup, Katie and John’s wedding reception at The Umstead was a perfect reflection of their love and personality.

Venue // The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Flowers // Once Gathered, Dance Floor Monogram // JM Creative Designs, Tabletop Rentals // Curated Events Raleigh, Photo // Fancy This Photography

Floral installation by Once Gathered on the ceiling of The Umstead Hotel and Spa for Katie and John’s fall wedding reception. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Photography // Fancy This Photography

Ceremony Venue // White Memorial Presbyterian

Reception Venue // The Umstead Hotel and Spa - Kayla

Planning // Elizabeth Flake Events

Florist // Once Gathered

Band // The Embers

Tabletop Rentals & Tenting // Curated Events

Specialty Rentals // Greenhouse Picker Sisters

Drapery // Party Tables

Hair & Makeup // Reign Beauty

Cake // Around The Table 

Calligraphy // Jean Clarke 

Wedding Gown // Martina Liana

Bridesmaids Dresses // Bella Bridesmaids

Wedding Party Transportation // Southern Express

Live Painter // MBH Designs

Dance Floor Monogram // JM Creative Designs 

Award-Winning Wedding at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh

Saturday, November 17, 2023, was an unforgettable day. Picture this – crisp fall weather, trees full of warm color, honest love, and joyful celebration. Katie Conger and Harrison Benson’s wedding at Saint Mary's Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina, was simply stunning. Every detail, from fashion to decor, was thoughtful and beautiful. Nikki Whitt-Belch, owner and founder of Fancy This Photography, was honored to capture the occasion in images that The Bensons and their loved ones will cherish forever.

Katie and Harrison’s classic North Carolina wedding weekend kicked off on Friday with a welcome party at the historic Heights House Hotel. Have y’all ever been to this downtown Raleigh gem? If not, add it to your list of must-see local landmarks. The Heights House Hotel welcome party set the stage for a weekend filled with romance, emotion, and pinch-yourself moments.

Fancy This Photography Receives Award for Best Wedding Photographer 2023

As you scroll through the gorgeous images of this black-tie wedding by Nikki, you'll start to understand why this wedding has gotten so much well-deserved attention. Nikki’s ability to photograph the spirit of this fall wedding day earned her the 2023 title of Best Wedding Photographer from Triangle NACE.

Triangle NACE is the North Carolina chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), an organization that brings together event professionals from different areas of the industry. NACE provides education, networking opportunities, and resources to help members enhance their skills and grow their businesses. Thank you Triangle NACE for all that you do in North Carolina!

Katie Conger and Harrison Benson tied the knot at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Wedding Invitation Details

We were smitten kitten with Katie and Harrison’s wedding stationery. Their wedding invitation suite was a dream come true for any hopeless romantic, featuring a modern blue color palette, elegant fonts, and sweet Southern monograms. It was the perfect match for their wedding at Saint Mary's Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina. Katie and Harrison designed their stationery from If It’s Paper, a local gem in Raleigh. The styling was so stunning that we couldn’t resist capturing every detail in a dedicated photo shoot, showcasing its beauty and detail.

Katie Conger got ready with her best friends and closest family at the Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Getting Ready in Style at The Carolina Country Club

Katie and Harrison started the wedding day surrounded by their closest friends and family at the Carolina Country Club. You better believe that mimosas were involved! We had so much fun photographing the bride and groom in those exciting minutes leading up to the ceremony at Saint Mary’s Chapel.

At 5:00 p.m., the bride and groom exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony at Saint Mary's Chapel. The celebration of love continued with a reception at the Carolina Country Club. I can attest, guests danced the night away in true Raleigh style.

The wedding was seamless. We have to shoutout Jessica Alexander Events for planning and coordinating such an exceptional event. It was the perfect combination of sophistication and warmth.

Keep scrolling to experience more from this extraordinary fall wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina. See for yourself why Fancy This Photography is recognized as one of the best in the industry. Truly outstanding!

The Groom and his groomsmen take a walk across the gorgeous grounds at the Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Katie Conger and Harrison Benson posed for some candid and plandid photos at the Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Katie and her bridesmaids held onto beautiful wedding bouquets by Kelly Odom Flowers.

Wedding at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina

Location: 900 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, North Carolina

Saint Mary’s Chapel is straight out of a fairytale. Nestled within the historic campus of Saint Mary’s School, this Gothic Revival chapel whispers timeless romance. The North Carolina wedding venue can host up to 230 guests. Whether or not a couple has ties to the school, they can exchange vows in this ethereal space. Saint Mary’s Chapel is affiliated with the Episcopal Church but welcomes couples of all denominations.

Built in 1855, Saint Mary’s Chapel is a testament to history and architecture. Its steeply pitched roof and whimsical stained glass windows create an atmosphere that was made for weddings. While the chapel is pretty in every season, there’s something especially magical about a fall wedding at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Fun Fact: Saint Mary’s Chapel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Things to Know: Wedding Photography at Saint Mary’s Chapel

Capturing the magic of a wedding at Saint Mary’s Chapel comes with unique rules. The chapel has guidelines for wedding photographers and videographers to preserve the spirituality and sacredness of the space. Photos can only be taken from the back of the chapel, and movement is restricted during the ceremony. After the vows are exchanged, there’s a brief window for photos inside the chapel.

To maintain the chapel’s unique ambiance, additional lighting or external microphones are not permitted. North Carolina wedding photographers must rely solely on the camera’s built-in microphone and keep the camera stationary on a tripod throughout the service.

Fancy This Photography takes special care to respect the rules set in place by wedding venues, especially when they are places of worship.

Saint Mary’s Chapel Weddings

When it comes to decor, Saint Mary’s Chapel has a few special guidelines. Altar flowers must not exceed the height of the cross, and while candelabras and candles for the altar are provided, additional candles are not allowed. Flower petals can be scattered outside, but not inside on the chapel carpet. Birdseed and rice are also prohibited, as is any food or drink inside the chapel, with the exception of bottled water.

These guidelines ensure that every wedding at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina, is as beautiful and special as the setting itself.

Katie Conger and Harrison Benson stand by their closest friends at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

The Newlyweds took The Great Raleigh Trolley from Saint Mary’s Chapel to their reception at the Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Wedding Reception at The Carolina Country Club

After their beautiful wedding at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, Katie and Harrison invited their guests to continue the celebration at the Carolina Country Club. Y’all, this is honestly one of North Carolina’s best wedding venues.

The 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, perched overlooking a green golf course, provided a picture-perfect backdrop for the reception. With its traditional yet luxurious interior design, the Carolina Country Club offers cool views of the manicured lawns and tranquil lakes. You can even see the Raleigh, North Carolina landscape from the clubhouse bar, the parlor, and all of the venue’s event spaces.

Capturing Katie and Harrison’s wedding reception here was a joy for Fancy This Photography. The Carolina Country Club’s classic architecture, paired with the scenic beauty of the surroundings, offered endless opportunities for striking candid and formal portraits. We had a hard time picking our favorite images from this fall wedding day!

The bride and groom’s guests were treated to a culinary experience crafted by Chef Jalen Williams. Carolina Country Club’s head chef guarantees the menu is as unforgettable as the venue. The attentive service provided by the venue’s staff makes the evening even more special. It’s really easy for couples to relax and enjoy their celebration here.

As the night unfolded, the sounds of Irresistible Groove, one of North Carolina’s top wedding bands, filled the air. They kept the dance floor packed and the energy high. The blend of music, laughter, and toasts made for some surreal moments, all captured by Fancy This Photography.

The Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, with its mix of elegance, charm, and top-tier service, was the perfect backdrop for this one-of-a-kind wedding.

The Bensons at Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Wedding Flowers that Make You Say “Wow”

Throughout the day, fabulous floral arrangements by Kelly Odom Flowers adorned both the ceremony and reception spaces. As a photographer, these wedding flowers added an extra layer of detail and beauty to the celebration. From the towering table centerpieces and entryway displays to the thoughtfully crafted altar decor and bouquets, each piece was designed specifically for Katie and Harrison’s big day.

The Art of Wedding Reception Photos

Capturing action photos during wedding receptions is all about being in the moment and anticipating the energy of the event. From the couple’s first dance to unpredictable moves on the dance floor, candid photos document the genuine joy and excitement of the celebration. For Fancy This Photography, the key is to blend into the background while staying ready to capture those fleeting moments that tell the story of the night. Whether it’s a groom spinning his bride around or a family member sharing an emotional toast, action photos bring the spirit of the reception to life. These photos preserve the raw emotions that make each wedding unique.

Katie Benson and Harrison Benson’s first dance as newlyweds at the Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Meet The Vendors

Photography // Fancy This Photography

Event Management // Jessica Alexander Events

Chapel // Saint Mary's School

Reception // Carolina Country Club 

Floral Design // Kelly Odom Flowers

Entertainment // Irresistible Groove

Rentals // Curated Events Raleigh

Beauty // Reign Beauty NC

Lighting // Stylus Events

Stationery // If It's Paper

Transportation // Great Raleigh Trolley & White Horse Transportation

Dress // Alexia's Bridal

Unique Raleigh Wedding Venue Options You Should Consider

No two weddings are the same. That said, if you’re saying “I do” in the Triangle of North Carolina, it’s likely that we have photographed your venue(s) before. In 2022, over 7,000 weddings were held in the City of Oaks. There are approximately 80 wedding venue options in and around Raleigh. For this reason, we are excited to share two unique Raleigh wedding venue options with you on our blog. 

Elisa Christopher and Joseph Hurd held their fall wedding ceremony at All Saints Chapel - a vintage Episcopal chapel in downtown Raleigh’s historic Oakwood neighborhood. All Saints Chapel features heart pine wood beams and 19th-century stained glass windows.‍ After the ceremony, Elisa and Joe’s loved ones were whisked to Whitaker & Atlantic for a fabulous wedding reception. Unlike All Saints Chapel, Whitaker & Atlantic is a more modern event space with contemporary lighting and decor. This unique Raleigh wedding venue can host 150 seated guests or 300 standing. In contrast, All Saints Chapel can seat up to 200 guests for a ceremony and only 120 for a seated dinner. It is not unusual for Raleigh couples to host their ceremony at All Saints Chapel and reception at an alternate wedding venue with a bit more wiggle room. All Saints Chapel and Whitaker & Atlantic are only an 8-minute drive apart and pair perfectly for a North Carolina wedding extravaganza. 

Elisa and Joe’s wedding weekend went off without a hitch thanks to Premier Party Planners. Raleigh-based Premier Party Planners is a full-service wedding and event planning boutique that serves the Triangle area and beyond. Their philosophy is simple: couples should feel like a guest at their own wedding. Fancy This Photography couldn’t agree more! This is why we (your wedding vendor team) spend hours preparing for your event by analyzing timeline details, ceremony and reception locations, and more. Nikki used a Nikon D750 and D850 with support from second shooter Sarah Gillie to capture Elisa and Joe’s special day. Keep scrolling to see more images from this beautiful Raleigh wedding.  

Built in 1875, consider All Saints Chapel one of the most unique Raleigh wedding venue options.

Raleigh wedding hair and makeup by Hello Pretty You and The Pretty Barrette.

Unique Raleigh Wedding Venue Options: All Saints Chapel 

All Saints Chapel is an architectural wonder that has witnessed weddings for over 145 years. There are many reasons why this is one of Fancy This Photography’s favorite unique Raleigh wedding venue options. Sandwiched between live oak trees and wrought iron fences, All Saints Chapel’s iconic entrance is just a taste of the beauty that awaits inside. 

Architecture is everything. First, let us praise the venue’s symmetry and shapes. Curved archways and exposed wooden beams create picturesque frames for wedding day portraits. Natural light filtering through 19th century stained glass windows creates a magical ambiance. Fancy This Photography delights in capturing the light as it casts rainbows upon the betrothed and their loved ones. All Saints Chapel rental includes on-site getting ready suites, a sound system with wireless mics, and parking. 

Elisa and Joe hired Durham-based flower shop Tre Bella to adorn the chapel with ceremonial blooms. Candles encased in glass lanterns and loose greenery decorated each side of the aisle. At the altar, Tre Bella placed two ornate vessels filled with white and green florals on both sides of a magnificent mantel. The classic wedding flowers and decor complimented All Saints Chapel’s natural beauty.

Autumn Brand, member of The One Eighties band, played live violin music as Elisa was escorted down the aisle. The entire wedding ceremony scene dripped with romance. Keep scrolling as we move from All Saints Chapel to Whitaker & Atlantic, another unique Raleigh wedding venue to consider.

These beautiful wedding bouquets were created by Tre Bella in Durham, North Carolina.

“I love the quaintness and color inside All Saints Chapel,” Nikki says. “It is romantic and gives off an old time love feeling.”

Unique Raleigh Wedding Venue Options You Should Consider: Whitaker & Atlantic

If you have ever grabbed drinks at Lynnwood Brewing Concern or sandwiches at Wilson’s Eatery, you were in close proximity to one of Raleigh’s best wedding venues. Whitaker & Atlantic is a local gem hiding in plain sight within Dock 1053. High ceilings, concrete floors, and modern light fixtures are just a few features that attract couples to this warehouse event space. 

Whitaker & Atlantic can seat up to 150 or 300 standing. Elisa and Joe hosted cocktail hour on the venue’s extensive outdoor patio and saved the indoor space for dinner, dessert, and dancing. The covered, open-air patio is spacious and sparkles beneath bistro string lights.

Couples who get married at Whitaker & Atlantic also have the option to work with in-house caterer PoshNosh. Scrumptious cocktail hour appetizers by PoshNosh set the tone for an exquisite evening. 

Fancy This Photography’s Favorite Wedding Moment

One of Nikki’s favorite moments from Elisa and Joe’s wedding happened before the newlyweds joined the reception. Above Whitaker & Atlantic’s grand room is a private suite used for wardrobe changes and quiet moments. The suite’s vibrant pink couch and retro gold decor make it a can’t-miss photo opportunity.  

“I loved photographing Elisa and Joe on that pink couch at Whitaker & Atlantic,” Nikki says. “They were so at ease with one another, joking and having fun. The playfulness came out in them, because the hard part was done. This was just a sweet time to witness.” 

Rad Reception at Whitaker & Atlantic Raleigh Wedding Venue 

Elisa and Joe’s wedding reception at Whitaker & Atlantic was warm, bright, and full of joy. A head table anchored the room with candles and an asymmetrical floral backdrop by Tre Bella. Timeless linens and party rentals from Party Reflections decorated each table. Mid-century modern chairs with warm wood finishes were the cherry on top of this wedding reception design. 

“Whitaker & Atlantic is dark inside, but that is where the magic of light comes in,” Nikki says. “I love the exposed brick and rolling garage doors.”

Photos in Motion 

You need to know that a photographer can take high-quality photos of people in motion when selecting the person to capture your wedding. Dances, toasts, and cake cutting are just a few of the action-packed moments you’ll want to remember forever in film. Request to see a full real wedding gallery from a photographer before booking. That way, you can see how the photographer captures people in motion from walking down the aisle to sparkler exits.

Cake // Once in a Blue Moon Bakery

DJ // Just Drew

Want to see more Fancy This Photography real wedding galleries at All Saints Chapel and Whitaker & Atlantic? Click on the links below. 

Zach Durham and Jessie Nash’s All Saints Chapel Wedding 

Chenoa Hill and Ricky Saltzer’s Whitaker & Atlantic Wedding

Photographer //  Fancy This Photography
Ceremony // All Saints Chapel 
Reception // Whitaker & Atlantic 
Planning // Premier Party Planners
Violinist // Autumn Rose Brand
Catering // PoshNosh Raleigh
Beauty // Hello Pretty You & The Pretty Barrette 
Flowers // Tre Bella
DJ // Just Drew
Cake // Once in a Blue Moon Bakery
Party Rentals // Party Reflections