If you're planning a wedding and want to incorporate a touch of magic and whimsy, a fairy garden theme may be just what you're looking for. In this post, we'll share some inspiration for creating a beautiful and enchanting and colorful fairy garden wedding. Joy and Patrick are as whimsical and colorful as their wedding ended up being. They were involved in every detail of planning and this, absolutely came through when we saw it all come together the day of.

I think it is possible to create this fun whimsical theme at many different venues, but The Borden building at Fletcher Park might have been as close to perfect as you can get. Take a look, even the front garden is filled with colorful blooms just in time for this springtime fairytale day.

Add Some Fairy Magic

Joy is such a kind and colorful person, there is no other option than pink hair on her special day. She also shared that she ordered her shoes online, but customized them with ribbons from her mother in law. Such a special touch and they were definitely a talking point because of Joy’s short dress! The bride’s bouquet was made by her maid of honor, using mostly flowers from her garden, a few from the bride and grooms, and a couple of roses from their niece. It is truly stunning! The bride and groomed shared that Patrick wore cuff links that belonged to his late grandfather and a favorite detail of theirs was including all of their “flower children” nieces and nephews.

a ceremony change of plans

Joy’s word of advice for your wedding day, don’t plan on it raining, plan on a downpour. But above all else, remember you are marring your love and the rest is extra. It rained. It was a downpour. The Borden building at Fletcher Park has indoor and outdoor space, which is such an awesome option. The space holds up to 150 guests and utilizing the covered porch was perfect for Joy and Patrick’s day. Joy’s dad is a retired pastor and married the two on their special day, something Joy has thought of since she was a little girl.

“Walking down the isle- for me was so emotional and overwhelming in the best way. I hadn’t seen the set up at all and everything was so beautiful! Seeing our many loved ones and especially my Patrick waiting there to marry me with tears in his eyes was just the absolute best most intense feeling.” - Joy

Time to have a magic party

Another favorite part of the couple’s day was sneaking away after dinner to have a moment together. They danced all night long, it was so fun to watch and be a part of. When you know how to have fun and relax, the night will be flawless, no matter what.

Why Fancy This photography

“I knew I wanted Fancy This to shoot my wedding before I met my husband! Having had the privilege of going to photo school with Nikki, posing for her in the past, and being her friend I knew exactly how fun, professional, kind, and SKILLED she is! The wedding was our first time meeting Courtney and she really blew us away with her know how, great attitude and resolve. I’ve been admiring the work of fancy this for almost a decade now (woah!) and We’re so lucky we were able to have such an incredible team there for us on our big day. The photos were even more beautiful than we could have anticipated and Nikki and Courtney both went above and beyond all day to make everything work around changing schedules and crazy weather. It was also great to have a trusted friend in my bridal suite to help keep me calm (ish) while I got ready. We are so grateful!” — Joy, the bride

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Photographer // Nikki Owner of Fancy This Photography

Venue // Gordon Building at Fletcher Park

Catering // City BBQ

Cake // Walmart

The sun rises over the rolling hills of The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve on a warm September morning. In the air, the smell of a North Carolina summer sets the scene for a day of beauty, creativity, and wonder.

“The general vibe was that of imagination. Everyone was eager to try on all of the apparel, have their hair and makeup done, and look at the beauty that surrounded the venue. I love days like this because although we are on a timeline, there is room to experiment and create our own interpretation.” Nikki of Fancy This explains.

By her side, partner photographer Sarah Gillie was also eager to create some magic. Nikki is no stranger to the Heart of NC Weddings team. Working together since 2016, their partnership blossomed over fun collaboration and countless photo shoots. But this shoot was a bit different. This shoot would host a few firsts for Fancy This.

The day began with hair and makeup by Reign Beauty. Timeless and romantic touches were added to each of the models ready to compliment any dress they’d be wearing over the course of the day. One of these models stands out a bit more as a friend of Nikki, as well as her muse. Nathan Wellman would be the subject of an artistic vision Nikki knew she had to create.

“My favorite part of the day was when I took my one and only photo meant truly for myself. That photo was of Nathan and the makeup brushes. This image was not meant to make headlines for the magazine--however, it was a fabulous social media post when we posted it! Whenever I photograph any type of session, the entire session is dedicated to that client. BUT, I always take ONE photo for myself. It can be completely ridiculous, or soft and sweet--meant only for the client and myself to view. This photo was truly meant for my artistic pleasure, and it was my favorite one from the day.” 

This wouldn’t be the only meaningful image created by the dynamic duo. Nestled in a shaded valley near one of the ceremony sites, Nikki captured Nathan as the very first male to wear a dress in Heart of NC Wedding history. There was talk throughout the day in anticipation for these images, and a comment was made that if anyone were to capture these photos, it would be Fancy This. Upon hearing these comments, Nikki shared,

“As someone who is an active ally and supporter of the LGBTQ community, it just makes me feel heard and seen. I think it was said because people notice what you stand for, and this is something that I have and will always stand for.”

Romantic and eclectic dresses took center stage throughout the day. Favorites of Nikki included a ballgown from Dany Tabet’s Zou Bisou collection, worn by Bredetta Huffman and Jimme Huang from Thornbury Brides worn by Pashara Black.

“I truly enjoyed photographing Pashira in the white walled space. The ones in that sequence are just so mesmerizing to me, as I legit only had one white wall to produce some magic. These came out ethereal and just delicious.”

As the sun started to set on this September evening, the time had come to capture some golden hour images. Models Eion Dockery and Grace Harrington from UC Models cozied up in front of one of the large pastures available at The Meadows for photos just like this. Behind them, the sun danced through trees as it made way for the moon. Casting a blanket of beautiful haze, Nikki began shooting. Accompanied by enchanting florals from Joneswell Flowers and a ballgown from White of Raleigh, it was here that the cover for the 2023 Heart of NC Wedding magazine would be captured. A simple yet elegant portrait of Grace looking gently into the distance would set the tone for this year’s issue. This honor was made more exciting as it was Nikki’s first ever cover on a magazine. After receiving the news, Nikki was feeling a lot (in a good way!)

“Honestly, it was a ball of emotions. I have never been on the cover of any magazine, so to see my work on the cover of my favorite publication- wow, a lot of emotions were felt. I remember when I was younger and I kept telling people that I was going to be a photographer and having those same people scoff at me, only because they didn't think I could be successful. Wow, how the tables turned. I grew up not having as many opportunities as I should have. It was tough. It's just a testament that if I believe in myself, make honest connections, and take pride in my work, I can do great things. I am so happy that I was able to show myself that I can do great things, and showcase true art and soul into my work. It felt good. It truly felt good.” 

Want to see more? Pick up your copy of Heart of NC today or click here to view a digital copy.

Fancy This wants to thank all vendors who made this magical day possible!

• Heart of NC

• The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve

• Joneswell Flowers

• Reign Beauty

• Thornbury Brides

• Diamonds Direct

• Bernards Formalwear

• Vow'd Weddings

• Bailey's Fine Jewelry

• White of Raleigh

• Kannon's Clothing

• UC Models

• Gilded Bridal

Whitaker & Atlantic Wedding in Raleigh, NC

Chenoa Hill and Ricky Saltzer hosted one of the most epic events that Whitaker & Atlantic wedding venue has ever seen on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. This totally rad wedding was bright, bold, beautiful and filled with personal touches and traditions. From the yellow and blue color palette to the neon signage, Chenoa and Ricky decorated Whitaker & Atlantic’s industrial interior with rockin’ retro glamor. 

If you live in or around Raleigh, you might not know about Whitaker & Atlantic (yet). Located within Dock 1053, near Five Points, Whitaker & Atlantic is sandwiched between a brewery, bar and other cool businesses. This 3,500 square foot warehouse event space features high ceilings, concrete floors, modern light fixtures and a beautiful wooden bar. Inside, Whitaker & Atlantic can seat up to 150 or 300 standing. 

Indoor-Outdoor Event Space, Minutes Away From Downtown

When you visit Whitaker & Atlantic wedding venue, you’ll first walk across an enormous outdoor patio before entering the space. This covered, open-air patio is perfect for cocktail hour or even an intimate al fresco reception. Three glass garage doors open to connect the patio with the indoor space. Y’all, t’s a whole vibe!

Whitaker & Atlantic opened in 2017 and is also home to PoshNosh Catering company. Couples who get married at Whitaker & Atlantic wedding venue don’t have to use PoshNosh Catering. That said, if you do book PoshNosh, you’ll get a 10% discount on the event space rental fee. Which is definitely worth it, considering PoshNosh is delicious.

We still can’t get over Chenoa and Ricky’s personal style and interpretation of the space at Whitaker & Atlantic! There’s so much excitement to be shown in their wedding gallery. Keep scrolling to witness their wedding planned by Jennifer V. Events.

Getting Ready at Whitaker & Atlantic Wedding Venue

As if Whitaker & Atlantic wedding venue could be any cooler, it also has a getting ready suite located at the top of a little staircase covered in eclectic bird wallpaper. Let your wedding party store their personal stuff here, or escape to this room for a quiet moment alone with your spouse amidst wedding chaos.

The suite is filled with vintage furniture and warehouse windows. It’s the perfect spot for bridal portraits - whether you sit pretty on a hot pink, suede settee or look lovingly out industrial-chic windows. Chenoa got her wedding hair and makeup done in the getting ready suite. We love the boho, fishtail braid she chose and the soft curls that framed her face. White flowers, pearls and a pair of statement wedding earrings put the finishing touches on Chenoa’s bridal look. Instead of a traditional veil, Chenoa selected a cool cape that connected to her wedding dress straps and doubled as a sheer train.  

We had fun photographing Chenoa’s bedazzled denim jackets, electric blue shoes and bright bridal bouquet in Whitaker & Atlantic’s getting ready suite. The yellow bouquet popped beautifully against Chenoa’s white wedding dress. Keep scrolling to see more colorful wedding flowers by Raleigh-based florist Bloom Works.

Fabulous Flowers by Bloom Works - Whitaker & Atlantic Wedding

Raleigh-based florist, Bloom Works, brought loads of creativity and color to Chenoa and Ricky’s Whitaker & Atlantic wedding ceremony. Bloom Works built a dynamic floral arch for the ceremony altar in addition to the bridal bouquet and boutonnieres. The arch grows out of two gold vessels at the base and is composed of greenery and white, yellow and blue blossoms. Later, the bride and groom repurposed this floral arch as decor for the head table.

Chenoa’s father escorted her down the bird wallpaper staircase and an aisle of carefully laid bohemian rugs. She met Ricky at the altar, and together they shared vows before friends and family. Bright yellow and blue wedding flowers and decor complemented the dark blue, velvet curtain that separated the ceremony from the reception space.

Old Traditions With a Modern Twist

A few things made Chenoa and Ricky’s Whitaker & Atlantic wedding ceremony especially unique. First, they had small wedding parties. The bride and groom both chose just one friend to stand beside them at the altar. We love when couples do this! Sometimes, one or two close friends is less distracting and more sentimental than inviting 20-plus friends to join you on the wedding ceremony stage. Either way, our team at Fancy This Photography supports you.

Second, Chenoa and Ricky offered their guests a pre-wedding ceremony shot! For many, drinking alcohol plays a major role in family or wedding traditions. Keep scrolling to witness more of Chenoa and Ricky’s family traditions showcased through wedding drinks, dessert and decor.

Neon Wedding Signage by Glas

It’s no secret that neon wedding signs have taken the event industry by storm. These trendy signs are colorful, cute and add a modern twist to traditional wedding signage. Plus, they make for a perfect photo backdrop! Popular neon wedding signs have sayings like “dearly beloved” or “‘till death do us part,” but we also love personalized signs that include the couple’s name(s).

Lucky for Chenoa & Ricky, Whitaker & Atlantic is literally just steps away from Glas - a Raleigh-based art and collaborative workshop that specializes in custom neon signage and restoration. Afraid to break your bank account by purchasing a cool, custom neon sign for your wedding? Don’t worry, you can rent neon wedding signs from Glas.

Rockin’ Reception at Whitaker & Atlantic Wedding Venue

One of the best things about Whitaker & Atlantic wedding venue is that it truly is a blank canvas. We have seen this warehouse venue adorned with turquoise and coral, blush and mauve and now electric blue and yellow. Every Whitaker & Atlantic event is different, and yet, every event here has that same cool, chic ambiance.

For the reception, Chenoa and Ricky invited guests to circular tables covered in white lace linens set with white, wooden chairs. Blue napkins and yellow centerpieces popped against each white table. Gold candle votives set gold centerpiece vessels and gold flatware aglow.

Catering Works, Bloom Works’ sister company, served Chenoa and Ricky’s guests a delicious wedding feast. Check out the ornate German beer steins scattered across tabletops as decor. Each stein is carved with beautiful scenes of German life and culture. In between sips of beer and bites of pretzel, guests danced the night away to live music played by a polka band as well as DJ Stylus S.E.

If you’d like to see more Whitaker & Atlantic wedding inspiration, click here to see a gorgeous styled shoot we photographed for local magazine Heart of NC Weddings.

Photographer //  Fancy This Photography
Venue // Whitaker & Atlantic
Planner // Jennifer V. Events
DJ // Stylus S.E.
Rentals // CE Rental
Caterer // Catering Works
Florals // Bloom Works 
Rentals // Petal & Oak 
Dessert // lucettegrace
Neon Signage // Glas