Summer Wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina

Andria Fernandez and Darren Kataja's wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina was the chef's kiss. Not even rain could dampen the joy radiating from this couple. Nikki took the lead with a Nikon d750 and Nikon d850. She was supported by Fancy This Photography partner, Amanda Law, as second shooter.

Andria and Darren gave their NC wedding vendors creative liberties. The result? An eye candy event, from florals to event design layout. This modern-minimalist midsummer celebration on July 8, 2023, oozed romance. Once Gathered flowers popped with warm green and peach hues. Originally planned for The Carolina Inn's largest outdoor courtyard, the ceremony had to be relocated indoors due to rain. The Old Well Room became the perfect backup backdrop for vows. Wedding planner Katie Costa from Kast Events and Co. made the wedding pivot look easy. Fortunately, the rain stopped, and we snapped stunning pics between The Carolina Inn's floral-covered columns after the ceremony.

Photographing Andria and Darren together, especially with Andria's wedding veil, was simply the best. This wedding was one of my favorites, because the happiness between them translated effortlessly into images. Andria and Darren were the life of the party! Keep scrolling to witness their wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina.

Real Review of Fancy This Photography

“In addition to being an incredibly talented, creative, and fun photographer, Nikki (and her team) made us feel special and supported leading up to the wedding and throughout the wedding day. When we met Nikki, we knew she was our gal. Here is one critical piece of advice we received when we began wedding planning: when it comes to your photographer, make sure you go with someone you enjoy spending time with because you'll spend more time with them on your wedding day than almost anyone else. We are so grateful for Fancy This Photography.” - Andria

Chapel Hill Wedding Rehearsal Dinner and Welcome Party

Andria and Darren kicked off wedding weekend festivities with a rehearsal dinner at 411 West. This popular Italian restaurant is a short walk away from a wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina. It's the same spot where Andria celebrated her graduation dinner. Darren, a faithful fan, will always be obsessed with 411 West's chicken parmesan.

The couple kept the celebration going with a laid-back welcome event at He’s Not Here after the rehearsal dinner. He’s Not Here is a classic UNC Chapel Hill joint, known for its beer, blue cups, and sport lore. He’s Not Here set the perfect tone for mingling with wedding guests.

Planning a Wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina

Both Andria and Darren share a deep connection with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They met on campus, just a few blocks away from The Carolina Inn! Many of their friends, old and new, also have ties to UNC. Initially considering their new home in Washington, D.C., for the wedding, the couple found themselves drawn to features reminiscent of The Carolina Inn during their venue search. They wanted beautiful brick architecture, romantic porches, and a black-and-white checkered marble dance floor.

"It wasn't long before we realized that our dream wedding venue had been a part of our lives for over 10 years," says Andria. "Of course, it had to be The Carolina Inn."

Reflecting on their wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina, Andria and Darren struggled to pick a single favorite memory. They narrowed it down to three: the emotion-filled first look, the heartfelt exchange of written vows, and the precious 10 private minutes they shared right after the ceremony exit. Fancy This Photography was honored to capture it all.

Wedding LoopholeS

Andria and Darren were unwavering in their decision to have a family member officiate their wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina. Their criteria: someone who knew them well, could handle the responsibility with grace, and make them feel special and at ease on the big day. Arturo, Andria's brother, was the perfect person for the job.

As Arturo began the online ordination process, he discovered that North Carolina had recently tightened the rules on who could legally officiate a wedding. Faced with new obstacles, the couple had a few options on the table. Option No. 1: Tie the knot in the courthouse the day before or after their wedding at The Carolina Inn. Option No. 2: Opt for a wedding in Washington, D.C., either before or after the main event. Option No. 3: Ask Arturo to co-officiate with a reverend.

In the end, Andria and Darren settled on a pre-wedding mini ceremony. This ensured compliance with North Carolina State Law on the planned day without compromising their unique vision. It was a strategic move that allowed them to say "I do" in style and in accordance with the rules.

Ceremony: Wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina 

When life handed Andria and Darren lemons on their wedding day, they didn't just make lemonade; they juiced something amazing! Rain forced a difficult decision to relocate the outdoor ceremony into the Old Well Room. The couple held out until the last moment, making the call to move the ceremony inside only 30 minutes before showtime.

The Old Well Room is a playground of timeless beauty for wedding photographers. Its classic, neutral colors provide a clean canvas for light, bouncing off those white walls.

The decision to pivot to the Old Well Room was a no-brainer for Andria and Darren. Not only is the space naturally stunning, but its quick flip into a ceremony space sealed the deal. The couple agrees that their wedding day unfolded just as it was meant to.

"The mirrors, chandeliers, banisters, and checkered floor create such a romantic and elegant look," shares Andria.

The Old Well Room underwent a fabulous flip from Andria and Darren's ceremony to reception. It's evidence that even when plans change, a good wedding venue and planner can turn the unexpected into the unforgettable.

Reception: Wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina

Fancy This Photography’s team has an eye for the details that go into planning a wedding from start to finish. That's why we go beyond capturing images of people. We document the decor and details that make your celebration unique. Our hats are off to NC wedding planner Katie Costa of Kast Events Co., whose magic transformed the Old Well Room from a ceremony to a reception space.

Andria and Darren's wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina was warm and personalized. The event shared their style and love story. After a heartfelt ceremony, guests were greeted by a green wall of Champagne glasses—a cheers to love. Sip on the signature cocktails: an Espresso Martini for the bride and an Old Fashioned for the groom. Take a closer look at the cocktail napkins, they feature a sweet sketch of their cat, Mochi. Every detail, from the non-traditional guest book (a deck of cards) to the subtle nods, showcased Andria and Darren’s distinct story.

Details: Wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina

This wedding reception at The Carolina Inn was a collaborative masterpiece created by North Carolina wedding vendors. Once Gathered's floral centerpieces, combined with rentals from Curated Events Raleigh and Greenhouse Picker Sisters, gave the room a romantic drip. The Old Well Room's black-and-white checkered marble floor became the dance floor. The newlyweds and guests danced the night away, fueled by fire beats from DJ Dow Oak Events.

Dessert was a sweet showstopper. Sugar Euphoria delivered a summery citrus bombshell of a wedding cake. And for an extra scoop of fun, guests were treated to a custom ice cream sundae bar by Andia's Homemade Ice Cream. Andria and Darren's wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina was full of flavor and life. We hope these photos not only capture the joyful memories but let you savor them too.

We were honored to capture the love and joy shared at Andria and Darren’s wedding at The Carolina Inn North Carolina. Couples like this are the GOAT. We are so thankful to be a part of the wedding vendor team. For more real wedding inspiration, check out the blog links below.

Donna & Christian’s real wedding at The Carolina Inn - 2023

Sarah & Alec’s real wedding at The Carolina Inn - 2023

Leslie & Dan’s real wedding at The Carolina Inn - 2021

MEET THE VENDORS

Photography // Fancy This Photography 

Venue // The Carolina Inn

Planning // Katie Costa with Kast Events and Co.

Florals // Once Gathered

Dj & Photobooth // Dow Oak Events

Hair and makeup // Reign Beauty NC

Dress // Garnish Boutique and Alyssa Kristin Bridal

Rentals // Curated Events Raleigh and Greenhouse Picker Sisters

Cake // Sugar Euphoria

Ice cream // Andia’s Ice Cream

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

Over the course of the year I have become so close with this lady; in all seriousness, she has my heart. From us both planning our own weddings to actually sharing the same circle of friends (how did we not meet each other until this past year?!) she and I have become two peas in a pod--well, at least in my eyes. My business has taken me all over to countless countries, and many states across this nation, but the best place is to the home of a friendship. I know, that sounds so corny and cliche! I can't help it! What I am really trying to say is that this journey has been so much more than entrepreneurship; it's been about making some great relationships with some great people. Jayme [& Elliott] have definitely fallen in to that category.

 Jayme sported a custom embellished and totally romantic Martina Liana gown received from Lana Addison's Bridal Boutique located right here in Cary, NC. Her tousled up-do paired with her soft and natural beauty made for a breathtaking site, don't you agree? I have to admit, my favorite part of her attire was her Betsey Johnson shoes! Oh my how I love Betsey; no wonder Jayme stole my heart so early, ha! 

We enjoyed our day at the beautiful and historic Carolina Inn; it was so much fun walking the halls and basically playing dress up--a precursor to the wedding, what girl doesn't want to wear their dress twice?! I love how all of the colors of the Carolina Inn came out, especially when I saw the film after it was developed. The halls give off a romantic feel, and it meshed so well with Jayme's wedding day look! 

Vendors

Venue The Carolina Inn
Gown Designer Martina Liana
Bridal Boutique Lana Addison
Florals Teacup Floral
Engagement Ring Diamonds Direct
Shoes Betsey Johnson
Hair Blown Away Raleigh
Earrings Kate Spade
Film Processing Richard Photo Lab
Alterations Olga's Alterations