Katie & John | The Umstead Hotel and Spa
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