Fancy This Photography captured Nathalia’s intimate 30th birthday party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina in December 2022. The birthday queen glowed all evening as guests enjoyed The Umstead’s fine dining and atmosphere. Catherine Langhart with Raleigh-based planning company La Fête helped Nathalia design a sophisticated soirée. The Umstead’s indoor event space perfectly accomodated this intimate gathering. From fabulous food to furnishings, it’s obvious why this luxury NC hotel has become a Southern destination. Four-time James Beard Semifinalist and chef, Steven Greene, serves guests unparalleled meals made with the best local ingredients.
Nathalia’s energy and presence set the tone for an incredible 30th birthday party at The Umstead. Each image in this blog showcases guests celebrating the beauty of life at The Umstead. This 30th birthday party reminds us of Jennifer Garner’s famous line in the 2004 film 13 Going on 30.
Thirty, flirty and thriving.
Nikki snapped candid and plandid shots on a Nikon D750 that were awarded Best Event Photography at the Triangle’s National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) 2023 awards gala. Fancy This Photography’s team loves to document life’s most special events. From massive weddings to intimate birthday parties like Nathalia’s, we feel honored to capture your life’s milestones.
Keep scrolling to view more images from this gorgeous gallery.
Nathalia hosted her 30th birthday party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa - a five-star hotel in Cary, North Carolina.
Seasoned Professionals Plan 30th Birthday Party
Fancy This Photography documents events planned by amateurs and professionals. That said, we have observed that events planned by professionals run more smoothly. Our clients that work with event planners get to stress less and enjoy their celebration more.
A professional planner's goal is to take your vision for the event and execute. Catherine Langhart of La Fête event planning did exactly that for Nathalia. She delivered a flawless event by listening to her client’s likes and dislikes. Catherine helped Nathlia book the best local vendors for her needs. Planning a swaggy event requires a lot of decision making, budgeting, communication, and precise timing. Balancing party planning with daily life responsibilities such as work or parenting can be a challenge.
North Carolina is full of experienced event vendors who have made it their mission to serve. Whether you are planning a 30th birthday party or a wedding, click here to reference NACE’s directory of distinguished NC event vendors.
Five-Star Events at The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Nathalia’s intimate 30th birthday party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa deserves a round of applause. I’m so happy she selected this five-star North Carolina hotel as her venue. Fancy This Photography has experience documenting several uniquely stunning celebrations at The Umstead in the past.
The Umstead is located on a peaceful property in Cary, just a short drive away from Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Folks looking for outdoor event space will love The Umstead’s lawns and lakeside terrace. Inside you’ll find romantic event spaces of varying sizes. The Umstead’s main indoor event space, the Grand Ballroom, has walls that can be adjusted. This feature helped create an intimate ambiance for Nathalia’s 30th birthday party.
Black and Gold 30th Birthday Party Decor
Black and gold set the tone for Nathalia’s intimate 30th Birthday Party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa. A team of top tier North Carolina event professionals delivered. Each piece of decor added to the overall look of this stylish event. Fancy This Photography loves to document all of the thoughtful details that go into creating an elevated event. Guests dined with gold tableware on black sequin table cloths from Curated Events Raleigh. The dark and moody color palette sparkled in the light of Christmas trees, candles, and a giant neon 30 sign from Alpha-Lit Raleigh-Durham.
Once Gathered florals in Morrisville, North Carolina designed gorgeous white and green centerpieces. But black flowers were the icing on top of Nathalia’s dark and moody birthday cake by Edible Art Bakery in Raleigh. Check out the fabulous flower crown Once Gathered made for fun photo ops!
We can’t go any further in this 30th birthday party blog without mentioning the magical balloon arch designed by Balloon Design Decorating Service. The black and gold balloon installation created a perfect frame for group portraits and cake pics.
Nathalia’s friends and family dressed for the occasion in black evening gowns and saucy suits. They gave toasts to the birthday queen with bubbly and a variety of beverages, including a signature cocktail named “The Nathy.” Custom designed dinner and drink menus by Shop Surcie elevated the special setting.
Bunn DJ Company, one of the best event DJs in the area, kept the party going with an elite soundtrack.
Seven Tips for Planning a Fierce 30th Birthday Party
The big 3-0 is a major life milestone worth celebrating. You made it through your toxic twenties and you’re entering a new, more established era of identity. Fancy This Photography recommends spoiling yourself and loved ones with a special event. Nathalia’s intimate 30th birthday party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa is the perfect example. Here are seven planning tips to help you pull off an event that is the chef’s kiss.
No. 1: Book a professional photographer. It would be Fancy This Photography’s honor to document your special occasion!
No. 2: Pick the perfect venue. Select a setting that showcases your style, whether that’s a five-star hotel like The Umstead or your favorite brewery.
No. 3: Hire an expert planner. Skip the stress. Let a seasoned professional show you how to book the best local vendors and stay on budget.
No. 4: Give your party personality with color and texture. Figure out the vibe and let it shine through each party rental or decoration. We’re talking about tablecloths, dinnerware, centerpieces, candles, chairs and more.
No. 5: Love is in the details. Make sure your decorations complement the venue’s natural beauty and interior design. Elevate your event with items like signage, lighting, and photo backdrops.
No. 6: Eat, drink and be merry. Decide between an open or cash bar. Design a delicious menu that tickles taste buds from cocktail hour to dessert.
No. 7: Dance the night away. Music is everything and should be an integral part of your 30th birthday party from start to finish! We cannot recommend hiring a professional DJ enough.
Nathalia’s 30th birthday cake was made by Edible Art Bakery.
Meet the Vendors …
Photographer // Fancy This Photography
Venue // The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Planner // Catherine Langhart of Events by La Fête
Balloons // Balloon Design Decorating Service
Florals // Once Gathered
DJ // Bunn DJ Company
Cake // Edible Art Bakery Raleigh
Rentals // Curated Events Raleigh
Menu & Paper Goods // Shop Surcie
30 Sign // Alpha-Lit Raleigh-Durham
Buckle up and enjoy Haley and Nathan’s seriously romantic, fiery, heart-melting engagement session in Oxford NC. Amanda Law, partner photographer with Fancy This Photography, captured the couple’s engagement photos as their date in downtown Oxford unfolded.