Andria & Darren | The Carolina Inn
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
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