Indoor-Outdoor Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh

Rachel Ann Stephens and Nick Niedzwiadek’s wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh was stunning. This family-owned venue showcases the natural beauty of North Carolina. Photographed by Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography, the day blended garden party vibes with the whimsical charm of a late-summer evening. From the lush green pastures to the rolling hills of the private estate, Walnut Hill provided the perfect setting for both indoor and outdoor events.

Walnut Hill is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Raleigh, known for its modern barn and expansive 20-acre property. The estate offers two houses where each side of the wedding party can comfortably prepare for the big day. Courtney captured both sides of the wedding party as they got ready, ensuring no special moment was missed. Couples who choose Walnut Hill enjoy a full 14 hours of rental time, allowing them to host every part of their celebration—from getting ready to the ceremony and reception all in one place.

The couple’s late-summer garden party theme came to life with a color palette of sage green, dark green, ivory, and copper. Rachel Ann and Nick’s wedding style and colors complemented Walnut Hill’s natural beauty. They loved the authenticity and artistry that Fancy This Photography brought to their day. Courtney’s attention to detail made documenting candid and posed moments effortless.

Whether you're planning a wedding at Walnut Hill or searching for an NC wedding photographer, the Fancy This Photography team delivers incredible results. Keep scrolling to see more heartfelt images by Courtney from Rachel Ann and Nick’s wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh.

Rachel Ann and Nick's Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh 

Getting Ready - Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh

Rachel Ann and her wedding party began their day at Walnut Hill in Raleigh, enjoying the cozy amenities of the Estate House and Hill House. These spacious accommodations, included in Walnut Hill’s wedding packages, provided the perfect place for the couple and their loved ones to relax and prepare. With tons of room for hair and makeup, plus cool spots in the bedrooms and on the porch, there were plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos.

Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography was on-site at sunrise to capture every unique and intimate moment. From the excitement of getting ready to the quiet reflection before the ceremony, Courtney’s images were both honest and beautiful. The Raleigh-based team at Pinup Bridal gave Rachel Ann and her bridal party elegant, natural hair and makeup looks, perfectly complementing the day’s timeless late-summer garden party theme.

Rachel Ann’s off-the-shoulder bridal gown, from White Bridal Boutiques, was a one-of-a-kind beauty, and she wore it like a queen. Courtney’s photography highlighted each detail—the gown, the joyful energy in the room, and the moments shared between Rachel Ann and her bridal party—showcasing the authentic emotions of the day.

The grounds at Walnut Hill offer couples a variety of indoor and outdoor settings for their ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Each wedding at Walnut Hill can be as unique as the couple. Whether exchanging vows in a garden, by sparkling water, or beneath the venue’s open-air chapel, as Rachel Ann and Nick did, every event space is breathtaking. Courtney’s expert photography captured the beauty of these surroundings, making each moment feel timeless and natural.

Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh Photographed by Courtney Collins, Fancy This Photography Partner

The Love Story - Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh

Rachel Ann and Nick’s love story began at a Halloween party in 2017, when a mutual friend introduced them. It was a meeting of contrasts—Halloween is Rachel Ann’s favorite holiday, while it happens to be Nick’s least favorite. Despite their differing opinions on spooky season, a connection was made that would lead them to their wedding day.

Fast forward to July 9, 2022, and Nick was ready to get down on one knee. The couple was on a surprise anniversary trip to Virginia wine country, planned by Rachel Ann. Despite the rain and an unexpected stroll down the side of a highway, Nick carried the engagement ring all day, waiting for the right moment. He proposed on the balcony of their bed and breakfast, catching Rachel Ann completely off guard. “I knew you wouldn’t expect me to propose on a trip you planned,” Nick joked afterward.

For their wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh, Rachel Ann and Nick wanted a venue that reflected their love of nature. The estate’s rolling hills and peaceful countryside atmosphere offered the best backdrop for the couple’s celebration. Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography captured the essence of their wedding with authenticity and attention to detail, documenting each moment in a way that felt natural and true to who they are.

Keep scrolling to learn more about Rachel Ann and Nick’s wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh.

Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh Photographed by Courtney Collins, Fancy This Photography Partner

Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh Photographed by Courtney Collins, Fancy This Photography Partner

Whimsical Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh 

Rachel Ann and Nick’s wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh was a reflection of their love for each other and North Carolina. Their late summer garden party theme embraced Walnut Hill’s natural beauty. The couple chose a playful yet elegant color palette of sage green, dark green, ivory, and pops of copper and pink to complement the green surroundings of the 20-acre estate.

Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography was there to capture every meaningful detail, from the ceremony to the reception. The couple's wedding vision came to life in the photos. At the entrance to the barn reception, guests were greeted by a vintage piano table, beautifully decorated with flowers. Walnut Hill’s warm wooden bars, tables, cocktail tables, and ceremony chairs helped set the stage for the day’s festivities.

Dogwood Gatherings, the professional planning team behind this stunning barn wedding, ensured every aspect of the day ran smoothly. Rocky Top Catering treated guests to a delicious reception feast and desserts, while Petal & Oak designed exquisite floral arrangements that brought the garden theme to life. Unique signage created by Let’s Revel and rentals from Party Reflections added the final touches to this unforgettable day.

One of the most touching moments of the day was Rachel Ann’s decision to honor both of her parents. While many weddings feature a special father-daughter moment, Rachel Ann wanted to celebrate her mother’s impact on her life as well. Both of her parents walked her down the aisle, and she shared a first dance with each of them to the tune of “Hallelujah I Love Her So” by Ray Charles. Another personal touch was Rachel Ann’s “something blue,” an embroidered handkerchief she made with her and Nick’s initials.

Despite some weather challenges leading up to the big day, every loved one made it to Walnut Hill. Courtney’s photography captured not only the beautiful details of the wedding but also the joy of having all their friends and family together to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

More Wedding Inspiration From Walnut Hill

Rachel Ann and Nick’s wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh was a beautiful celebration of love, nature, and family. From the garden party theme to the heartfelt moments captured by Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography, every detail came together to create an unforgettable day.

To see more wedding magic at Walnut Hill, click here to view Alexa and Eric’s wedding, and click here to view Cassandra and Jessica’s wedding.

Photography // Fancy This Photography 

Planning // Dogwood Gatherings

Catering // Rocky Top Catering

Florals // Petal & Oak

Rentals // Party Reflections

Hair and makeup // Pinup Bridal

Signage // Let’s Revel

Bridal Gown // White Bridal Boutiques

Cake // Once in a Blue Moon Bakery

Discover Walnut Hill Wedding Venue 

There’s something special about a curving country road, baby blue skies and pastureland as far as the eye can see. We love the hustle and bustle of downtown Raleigh, don’t get us wrong. But, at Walnut Hill wedding venue, couples receive rustic romance without compromising the convenience of downtown Raleigh. Located just 20-minutes from the heart of downtown, Walnut Hill is one of North Carolina’s best barn wedding venues. 

Alexa Cotton and Eric Howe chose Walnut Hill wedding venue as the backdrop for their big day for this reason and many more. The couple invited friends and family to a ceremony and reception in the Carolina countryside on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2021. Fancy This Photographer, Sarah Martin, says the weather that day was perfect for an indoor-outdoor wedding. 

Sarah has documented a total of four weddings at Walnut Hill wedding venue. She used a Sony A7RIII camera to capture each magical moment of Alexa and Eric’s day. Every wedding Sarah witnesses at Walnut Hill feels comfortable due to tons of space and diverse photo spots. And yet, each Walnut Hill wedding has its own uniqueness. 

“No two weddings photographed [at Walnut Hill] have had the same flow nor the same placement of wedding parties and ceremony space,” Sarah says. “There are two houses for the couple to get ready in as well as two possible ceremony spaces. This makes each wedding seem special and unique to the couple’s tastes.”

Keep scrolling for more inspiration from this stunning Walnut Hill wedding planned and coordinated by The Gathering Co. 

Getting Ready at Walnut Hill

There are two separate houses for each respective wedding party to get ready in. The Estate House is perfect for brunch and beauty preparation. On the opposite side of the pond (literally), you’ll find the Hill House. This farmhouse is stocked. Guests of the Hill House get to enjoy a full kitchen, living room, private back porch, game room (with foosball table and air hockey) and three guest rooms.

First Look at Walnut Hill Wedding Venue 

Most of us have heard about the “first look” trend by now. Just in case you’re new here, a first look is when a couple decides to see each other alone and dressed in wedding attire before the ceremony. First looks are intimate and generally filled with raw emotions, candid reactions and romance, duh. 

For some, a first look relieves stress and pre-ceremony jitters. For others it’s a great way to get wedding photos done before festivities. Typically, first looks are coordinated by the wedding photographer and planner in tandem.  

Have you ever considered doing a first look with other friends or family members? First looks shared between father and daughter and bride and bridesmaids are growing more and more popular. Alexa chose to do a first look with her father instead of the groom. 

After The Makeup Addict finished Alexa’s bridal beautification, she met her father outside Walnut Hill wedding venue’s Estate House. The moment was magical. Alexa’s father’s face was filled with pride and joy at the sight of his daughter in her wedding dress.   

Interested in planning a first look(s)? Let our team at Fancy This Photography know. We’re happy to help you take care of the details. 

 Outdoor Ceremony at Walnut Hill Wedding Venue 

Alexa and Eric’s outdoor ceremony at Walnut Hill wedding venue began at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, 2021. A young ring bearer and flower girl led the procession, which entered from the Estate House. Alexa was glowing as her father escorted her down a grassy aisle covered in white rose petals. 

Eric could not stop himself from smiling at the sight of his beautiful bride. A simple piece of white cloth draped from the branches of an enormous oak tree marked the altar. The white cloth caught the October breeze as NC wedding officiant, Hardison Perry, began the ceremony.

Fancy This Photographer Sarah Martin’s favorite moment from the day was taking photos of the couple after the ceremony. 

“While taking photos of Alexa by herself, Eric would stand off by himself just absolutely infatuated with Alexa, watching her have her photos taken,” Sarah says. “I was able to snap a few photos where you could see him doing so in the background.”

Meet Alexa & Eric’s Wedding Party 

Eliza Jones - Matron of Honor

Elisabeth Crawford - Bridesmaid

Katie Pullen - Bridesmaid

Elizabeth Howe - Bridesmaid

Blaire Howe - Bridesmaid

Jon Woodhull-Smith - Best Man

Zach Howe - Groomsman

Seth Howe - Groomsman

Patrick Frank - Groomsman

Mary Marshall and Copeland Howe - Flower Girls

Jackson Howe - Ring Bearer

Romantic Reception at Walnut Hill Wedding Venue

Following ceremony and cocktail hour, Alexa and Eric invited guests to a reception in the barn at Walnut Hill wedding venue. The newly built, white barn can seat up to 200 guests comfortably. Large windows and wood beams shine beneath the barn’s lights. One of the coolest things about this barn is that one entire wall can be opened to create an indoor-outdoor reception. Alexa and Eric’s sweetheart table was placed right in front of the open side of the barn. 

Each table was decorated in white and blue party rentals from Party Reflections in Raleigh. Cook Shack Catering provided dinner and guests enjoyed a diverse array of desserts by Edible Art Bakery & Cafe. Guests danced the night away to music by DJ Dow Oak Events.

We love Walnut Hill wedding venue! Click here to see Cassie and Jess’ special day.

Photographer //  Fancy This Photography
Venue // Walnut Hill 
Planner & Coordinator // The Gathering Co.
Caterer // Cook Shack Catering
DJ // Dow Oak Events
Cake // Edible Art Bakery & Cafe
Florist // Teacup Floral
Rentals // Party Reflections
Hair & makeup // The Makeup Addict
Officiant // Hardison Perry

Rustic Romance at Walnut Hill NC Wedding Venue 

Cassaundra Vondrak and Jessica Hirschbuhl tied the knot at Walnut Hill NC wedding venue on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2021. This indoor-outdoor event space is the perfect mix of rustic and modern and is located just 20 minutes away from downtown Raleigh. Cassie and Jess became fast friends with Walnut HIll NC venue owner, Amanda Peoples, throughout the booking process.  

“We could not have asked for a better venue or person to be a part of our wedding day,” says Cassie. “We are so grateful to have had our wedding at this beautiful venue, but more importantly, for everyone that was involved in planning our day.” 

The Vondrak-Hirschbuhl wedding had a rustic yet modern theme similar to Walnut Hill’s style. Navy, burgundy, burnt orange and copper completed the color palette. Cassie and Jess shared vows beside Walnut Hill’s sparkling pond and fountain. Following the ceremony, guests moseyed over to the front lawn for a sunset cocktail hour. 

October Walnut Hill NC Wedding

Cassie and Jess’ reception took place in Walnut Hill’s newly constructed white barn, which can host up to 200 wedding guests. The barn has modern restrooms and an on-site kitchen for a caterer of your choice. Windows along one wall of the barn offer views of the farm and can be opened to create an alfresco cocktail hour or reception area. Walnut Hill couples receive access to tables, linens, chairs, bars and a vintage piano – which Cassie and Jess used as their dessert display table (pictured later in the blog)! 

One of my favorite things about Walnut Hill NC wedding venue are the plethora of picturesque backdrops. From the gorgeous getting ready farmhouse, hello wraparound porch, to the checkerboard lawn stones - there are endless photo backdrop options on this 400-acre property. If you’re lucky, you might even get Belted Galloway cows grazing peacefully in the foreground of your wedding photos. Seriously, it’s a NC wedding photographer’s dream venue. 

Keep scrolling to witness more of Cassie and Jess’ Walnut Hill NC wedding.

Hair // Battle Born Beauty, Makeup // Erin Kelly from Reverie Hair Co.

Live, Love, Pitch 

Cassie and Jess’ careers in softball coaching brought them together. Jess played Division 1 Softball at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York and Cassie played Division 1 Softball at Long Island University Brooklyn in Brooklyn, New York. Both began coaching after college.

The coaches were recruiting players in June of 2017 at the same softball tournament in Colorado when Jess asked Cassie out to dinner. At the time, Jess coached for East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina and Cassie coached for Columbia University in New York. Although Cassie couldn’t make dinner, she agreed to meet Jess for a fun miniature golf date later that evening. They haven’t gone a single day without talking since.

From the Diamond to Down on One Knee

Jess planned the perfect marriage proposal three years after her first date with Cassie. Due to work, the coaching couple lived two hours apart. Cassie’s boss let her leave work early on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 so that she could drive to Jess’ house in Greenville, North Carolina for the weekend. Fighting off exhaustion, Cassie gathered up enough energy for a date night. Jess took Cassie out for a romantic dinner at local Italian restaurant, Ninos. Cassie says that Jess must have used the restroom five times during dinner out of nervousness. Jess only uttered one sentence to Cassie over the car ride home. As they stepped inside Jess’ house, Cassie’s jaw dropped.  

Rose petals and candles decorated the floor and the couple’s favorite song, “Speechless” by Dan + Shay, played in the background. Jess got down on one knee and asked Cassie to marry her. Cassie said “yes” and friends popped out from behind hiding spots. After the shock settled, Cassie’s best friends rushed through the front door. Jess surprised Cassie by asking them to fly into town and celebrate the engagement. The rest of the weekend was filled with joy and love. 

Cassie’s dad built the geometric arch that set the stage for this outdoor wedding ceremony at Walnut Hill.

Sentimental Ceremony at Walnut Hill NC Wedding Venue 

Cassie and Jess invited friends and family to witness and participate in their wedding ceremony at Walnut Hill. Jess’ nephew, Will Hirschbuhl, successfully played the role of ring bearer. Cassie’s brother, Derek Vondrak, served as officiant and filled the ceremony with his love, humor and wisdom. The brides said “I do” before a gorgeous, geometric wooden arch created by Cassie’s dad. The ceremony was authentic and emotional. Even when Cassie forgot every word she was supposed to repeat after Derek and when Derek forgot to have the brides kiss as wife and wife (spoiler, they kissed anyways). 

“[Derek] is a huge role model in our lives and has always been so supportive of our relationship,” shares Cassie. “We wrote our own vows for each other and it was so special for the both of us to be able to share our love in our own words.” 

Cassie and Jess released butterflies to represent and honor the people they love who have passed away during their wedding ceremony at Walnut Hill. The brides also reserved a seat in the first row for Jess’ dad who passed away when she was younger. After Jess walked down the aisle escorted by her step dad, Chip, she placed a single rose on the empty chair.    

Planner // Jacyln Hamilton with Timeless Love Weddings, Florist // Bloom Works Raleigh

Group Wedding Photos by Fancy This Photography 

You might be wondering, how does one NC wedding photographer capture so many beautiful people on the same day? Great question! My talented second shooter and fabulous associate photographer, Sarah Martin, documented Jess’ getting ready portion of the day while I captured Cassie’s. This way, both bridal parties received excellent and equal coverage.

For every wedding that I photograph, I try to memorize all names of the wedding party. It’s a skill that I never knew I had until I tried a few years ago. It’s worth the attempt, because I know that this makes my couples feel special and taken care of. Cassie and Jess’ wedding party was genuine and fun, which makes my job easy. 

Fall Wedding Fashion For All 

Cassie bought her wedding dress at Swoon Bridal in her hometown of Reno, Nevada. Soft curls and an expertly braided updo by Battle Born Beauty framed Cassie’s natural-glam makeup by Erin Kelly from Reverie Hair Co. Matron of Honor and sister, Allison Ross, and bridesmaids Bethany Want, Tiffany O’Day, Krista Mattice, Madison Zymokowitz, Lauren Walsh and Jen Draovitch looked beautiful in red bridesmaid dresses. 

Jess wore a chic, custom made suit from Ventresca's in her hometown of Philadelphia. Her hair looked sophisticated in a sleek updo and a bright boutonniere by Bloom Works Raleigh completed the bridal look. Jess’ Maid of Honor and sister, Julia Hilger, wore a navy blue dress and bridal party members Sara Marino, Tessa Ziemba, Krista Hayes, Rob Hirschbuhl, Andrew Hilger and John Hirschbuhl wore an assortment of elegant navy blue dresses and suits. 

After the ceremony, Cassie and Jess dug up a bottle of bourbon that they had buried at Walnut Hill wedding venue for good weather. As wife and wife they took shots, and I took shots on my Nikon d 750 and Nikon d 850 cameras. I loved watching their bourbon-tasting reactions and seeing how excited they were for an amazing reception. 

“We know everyone says that their wedding day is the most perfect day there is, but we truly were blessed with our friends, family and entire vendor team. They made our day so special and more than we could have ever asked or dreamed of.” - Cassie Hirschbuhl

Cocktail Hour and Reception at Walnut Hill NC Wedding Venue 

Jess and Cassie made guests a college-inspired corn hole set to play at cocktail hour. Personalized corn hole boards were a perfect wedding detail for this competitive couple. Cassie and Jess played corn hole against each other for hours at a local bar on their first date!  

Jess’ step dad Chip made a giant, wooden softball scoreboard for a seating chart. Reception tables were decorated by Bloom Works Raleigh with warm wedding flowers, greenery, wheat and pampas grass. Table settings featured classic white and gold dinner plates atop a wicker chargers with an orange napkin, gold silverware and personalized escort card. 

Catering Works served guests a delicious meal and for dessert, Cassie and Jess cut into a beautiful cake (also by Catering Works). The couple also ordered donuts and displayed them on a cool board built by Jess’ step dad Chip. Between dancing and tossing the bouquet, the newlyweds posed with friends and family in a photo booth by Dow Oak Events.

Cassie and Jess hosted their cocktail hour on the checkerboard front lawn of Walnut Hill.

Walnut Hill NC wedding venue has both wedding and elopement packages available.

Planner // Jacyln Hamilton with Timeless Love Weddings, Party Rentals // Party Reflections 

Why Did You Choose Fancy This Photography?

“Nikki was the perfect choice for our wedding. We Zoomed with a few photographers and we knew she was the one we wanted within minutes of talking with her! We matched so well with her style of photography but more importantly with how she made us feel as a couple. She was so easy to be around, funny, warm, welcoming and just the energy we were looking for. She was so easy to work with, enjoyable to be around her, as well as the other photographers she brought with her. She fell nothing short of perfection for our perfect day!” - Cassie

“We absolutely loved Nikki and her team at Fancy This Photography! She made us feel so comfortable from the first time we met! It was like we were old friends with how easy she is to be around. She was everything we were looking for with her style of photography and personality. Nikki is warm, welcoming, funny, easy going and fun to be around! She helped make our entire wedding vision possible. Oh, and did I mention, her photography is flawless!” - Jess

Walnut Hill’s newly constructed white barn can host up to 200 wedding guests.

DJ + Photobooth // Dow Oak Events

The newlyweds no longer coach college softball. Cassie is a kindergarten and first-grade special needs teacher and Jess works as sales manager for a roofing company called Best Choice Roofing. Cheers to The Hirschbuhls! Thank you for inspiring us with your love and sharing your wedding with Fancy This Photography. 

Click here to witness another beautiful barn wedding by Fancy This Photography. This wedding took place at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill, NC.   

Photographer // (Nikki!) Fancy This Photography
Venue // Walnut Hill
Planner // Jacyln Hamilton with Timeless Love Weddings
Florist // Bloom Works Raleigh
Catering & Baker // Catering Works
Hair // Battle Born Beauty
Makeup // Erin Kelly from Reverie Hair Co.
Cassie’s Dress // Swoon Bridal 
Jess’ Suit // Ventresca
DJ + Photobooth // Dow Oak Events
Party Rentals // Party Reflections 
Videography // Jon Warlick Media