Danny Baker & Kelly Anne Johns | Lavender Oaks Farm Wedding
Wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Danny Baker and Kelly Anne Johns hosted their spring wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill. Embracing a pink theme 100%, the day was a colorful celebration of love! Think pink – pink wedding stationery, flowers, linens and even a rosy ring. Clean lines modernized the event design and a touch of purple pulled in the venue’s lavender fields. Wedding guests joined the pink party by wearing an array of pink dresses and suits. It was a whole vibe. A colorful slay. Fancy This Photography's partner, Sarah Martin, captured the wedding with a Sony A7R III and a 70-200mm, and a Sony A7III with a 24-70mm. She documented the magic of this 70-degree day with Sarah Gillie as second shooter—Sarah squared for the win!
Wedding weekend festivities began the night before at the iconic Linda’s Bar and Grill. Danny and Kelly Anne’s welcome party became an extra special memory as the Franklin St. staple bid adieu on Jan. 5, 2024. The beloved bar and grill closed its doors after nearly five decades. Danny and Kelly Anne's celebration added another unforgettable night to Linda’s history.
The historic barns at Lavender Oaks Farm stood ready to witness wedding vows when the big day arrived. Danny and Kelly Anne selected the venue for its proximity to hotels and the airport, while also being a laid-back space surrounded by nature. Lavender Oaks Farm balances modern elegance without being overly rustic. The all-inclusive nature of this Chapel Hill wedding venue, complete with planning and decor, was a major stress-reliever for the couple. Danny and Kelly Anne were able to bring their vision of a springtime Chapel Hill wedding to life without any constraints.
Fancy This Photography DocumeNts Wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm
Serendipity played a role in the couple’s selection of Fancy This Photography. Kelly Anne has ties to Nikki from their shared days managing a bridal shop in Durham. This set the stage for a perfect match. Recommended by Karen Macdonald, owner and planner at Lavender Oaks Farm, Fancy This Photography joined the vendor team. The bride and groom loved working with Sarah—her personable presence made everyone feel at ease, resulting in candid and beautiful moments.
In the words of Kelly Anne, "Sarah was calm and witty; everyone in our family complimented about how funny she was but also how you didn't even feel like you were being photographed, which is perfect." These photographs tell a story of laughter, love, and a celebration that will be remembered for years to come.
Dan & Kelly Anne’s Engagement Story
Dan and Kelly Anne had their first date at Lynnwood Brewery in Raleigh after matching on Tinder. By the end of 2021, the couple talked about getting engaged and went to look at rings. Kelly Anne, aware of the ring's presence, awaited the mystery of when and how Dan would propose. She envisioned a few special dates for the moment.
Their anniversary seemed an obvious choice, yet with Kelly Anne's desire to celebrate with family, the timing didn't align. The NC State Fair was considered, but the COVID-19 pandemic made Kelly Anne grateful for a more intimate setting. Her 30th birthday on Dec. 15, 2021 turned out to be the perfect day.
Dan's original plan involved a restaurant in Raleigh, but a lackluster experience led them back to Lynnwood, the sentimental setting of their first date. Doubts crept in for Kelly Anne as the evening unfolded. She wondered if the question would ever be asked. To Kelly Anne’s surprise, with a second round of drinks, Dan invited her to stand. Kelly Anne blacked out as Dan dropped to one knee. Two kind strangers captured the proposal on video and even covered the couple's tab! Engagement celebrations with family continued over the following days. It was a festive time of love and joy!
Wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill
Let's dive into the details of this fabulous wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill. The outdoor ceremony took place on the main barn's patio, complete with a breathtaking stone fireplace. Folie à Deux Events worked their magic and created an ombre aisle with pink and red rose petals. Floral arrangements bursting with pink, red, and purple blossoms framed the fireplace altar.
Kelly Anne's twin sister, whose name is Danielle, walked as maid of honor in a deep pink gown. The couple asked Danny's younger brother Andy, who was ordained online at the age of 18, to officiate the wedding. Andy brought a hilarious, lighthearted vibe to the wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill. Kelly Anne and Danny gave Andy creative freedom, resulting in a ceremony that surpassed all expectations.
Kelly Anne and Danny had no idea that their wedding ceremony would be so funny. Kelly Anne reflects, "I mean, how many people can say that there was a Queen Elizabeth and Falkland Island reference in their wedding ceremony?"
All-In-One Venue - Wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill
Kelly Anne and Danny's wedding day unfolded smoothly at Lavender Oaks Farm. Every moment of the day was held at this Chapel Hill wedding venue. The farm's warm atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop. From the lens of Fancy This Photography, the decision to keep everything at one venue added a layer of convenience and flexibility.
According to Sarah Martin, partner at Fancy This Photography, hosting everything at Lavender Oaks Farm simplifies the flow of wedding day events. The ability to adjust timelines or navigate delays with ease becomes an added bonus. Choosing one venue instead of multiple allows couples and their wedding photographer to explore every nook of the space thoroughly. Without transportation hassles, we can find the best spots for couple portraits.
While Fancy This Photography can capture weddings in both single and multiple locations, the benefits of an all-in-one venue are undeniable. Fancy This Photography adapts to the unique preferences of each couple.
Unique Details - Wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill
Danny and Kelly Anne's wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill was filled with unique details and heartfelt personal touches. Their celebration reflected their individuality and love story. Kelly Anne wore her great-grandmother's wedding necklace from 1929 and her hair in braids, a skill passed down by her great-grandmother. Danny and Kelly Anne honored family by featuring old wedding photos of their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents at the reception.
Sarah Martin, Fancy This Photography partner, captured the day's details and carefully curated decorations. Kelly Anne's background in stage design for theater showcased in the cohesive, and beautifully flowing pink-themed decor.
Fancy This Photography's favorite moments took place during the reception. The reception became one big hangout as everyone mingled and shared in the joy. This inclusive style made the party feel like a collective celebration.
#DONTGOBAKERMYHEART
Danny and his brothers sported matching donut pins, adding a sweet twist to the wedding theme. Duck Donuts took center stage instead of a traditional wedding cake. The bride and groom cut into a giant donut complete with adorable alpaca cake toppers. Delicious food by Beau Catering complemented the evening.
Guests went home with lavender satchels from the venue and monogrammed heart-shaped sunglasses in shades of purple and pink. Kelly Anne's love for Bravo led to a life-size Andy Cohen cutout at the wedding reception photo booth. Embracing Danny and his brothers' passion for The Simpsons, a cutout of Homer Simpson added another playful touch.
Here's to the incredible pink celebration of love that was Danny and Kelly Anne's wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill! Being a part of their day brought so much joy to Fancy This Photography.
If you find yourself inspired and contemplating your own wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill, click the link below. Witness another real wedding documented by Fancy This Photography at this local venue.
Brendan & Morgan’s Wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm - 2023
Meet The Vendors
Photography // Fancy This Photography
Venue and Planning // Lavender Oaks Farm
DJ // Dow Oak Events
Florist // Folie à Deux Events
Hair & Makeup // Wink Hair & Makeup
Wedding Dress // Design: Wtoo by Watters from Gilded Bridal
Caterer // Beau Catering
Dessert // Duck Donuts in Durham
Rentals // Curated Events Raleigh
Stationery & Signage // Kelly Anne Johns Baker