Sonia & Jake | The Maxwell Wedding

Multicultural Wedding at The Maxwell in Raleigh

On Oct. 6, 2024, Sonia Kelkar and Jake Strickland celebrated their love with a magical fall wedding at The Maxwell in Raleigh NC. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the bride and groom radiated joy. The day was flawlessly planned by Daniel Varela of Harmony Weddings & Events, a beloved Durham-based event planning team. Courtney Collins, partner of Fancy This Photography, had the honor of capturing every moment of Sonia and Jake’s downtown Raleigh wedding day.

The couple shared vows in a gorgeous outdoor ceremony on The Maxwell’s green lawn before inviting guests into the venue’s Great Room for a seated reception. From the first look to family portraits and fall florals by Color Fields Flowers, Courtney’s photos bring this day to life with warmth and love.

Getting Ready at The Maxwell 

Sonia and Jake’s wedding at The Maxwell in Raleigh NC was filled with thoughtful details and emotional moments. But first, let’s start with their getting ready time in the venue’s luxurious private suite. Featuring cozy couches, giant mirrors, and ample lighting (natural and electric), the space offered the perfect setting for the wedding morning. Sonia and her bridal party began their day with hair and makeup by Tease and Blush. Intricate Indian bridal henna designs by Mystical Henna by Priya, completed just before the big day, added an extra special touch. The floral patterns of Sonia’s henna perfectly complemented her first gown of the day—a fabulous white dress adorned with fabric flower petals and delicate lace.

Jake looked handsome in a sharp blue suit and tie, with a vibrant orange and yellow boutonniere that popped against his jacket. 

Keep scrolling to see more of Sonia and Jake’s wedding at The Maxwell in Raleigh NC, beautifully captured by Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography.

Featuring couches, mirrors, and ample lighting, The Maxwell’s private suite is the perfect for getting ready pictures. Photo by Courtney Collins, partner of Fancy This Photography.

Learn More: Wedding at The Maxwell in Raleigh NC

Located less than four miles from downtown Raleigh, The Maxwell has quickly become one of the most sought-after wedding venues in North Carolina’s Triangle area. At Fancy This Photography, we’ve loved watching the Hand family pour their time, love, and dedication into building this venue from the ground up. The Maxwell is a modern event space that can host up to 400 guests and offers everything you could dream of for your big day. With whitewashed brick walls, oak wood finishes, and good lighting, the venue provides a beautiful blank canvas for any wedding style. Unlike many downtown Raleigh wedding venues, The Maxwell also features outdoor event spaces! Trust us, there are endless options for capturing unforgettable moments.

First Look at The Maxwell

Before their wedding, Sonia and Jake chose to share an intimate first look on The Maxwell’s outdoor patio. Surrounded by fresh greenery and framed by French Quarter gas lanterns, the couple’s first look in front of the whitewashed brick wall was simply magical. Courtney Collins expertly captured their genuine reactions, setting the tone for the rest of the day.

Courtney photographed Sonia and Jake with their closest family and friends outside following the first look. After that, everyone assembled for their heartfelt outdoor ceremony on The Maxwell’s manicured green lawn.

Before their wedding, Sonia and Jake chose to share an intimate first look on The Maxwell’s outdoor patio. Photo by Courtney Collins, partner of Fancy This Photography.

Indian Wedding Henna Traditions

We love how Sonia and Jake added a modern twist to an ancient wedding tradition. Look closely, and you’ll spot NC State University monograms seamlessly included in their henna tattoo designs—a sweet nod to their college love story. At Fancy This Photography, we love capturing the weddings of college sweethearts. Go Pack!

On Oct. 6, 2024, Sonia Kelkar and Jake Strickland celebrated their love with a magical fall wedding at The Maxwell in Raleigh NC.

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at The Maxwell

Sonia and Jake hosted a lovely outdoor wedding on The Maxwell’s expansive 7,500-square-foot lawn in Raleigh, NC. The ceremony began as Sonia, escorted by her father, walked down the bright green aisle. She carried a warm bridal bouquet of orange, yellow, and pink blooms designed by Color Fields Flowers. Her bouquet perfectly complemented the vibrant floral arrangements lining the ceremony aisle, adding a touch of romance and warmth to the setting.

Guests rose from their white chairs as the beautiful bride made her entrance. At the altar, Sonia and Jake exchanged vows surrounded by a breathtaking horseshoe-shaped floral arrangement on the ground. This unique design added a personal and unforgettable touch to the ceremony space, naturally complementing the green, tree-filled backdrop.

The combination of careful details, vibrant colors, and natural beauty made Sonia and Jake’s outdoor wedding ceremony at The Maxwell both intimate and memorable. Keep scrolling to see more photos by Courtney Collins, partner of Fancy This Photography.

Sonia and Jake hosted a lovely outdoor wedding on The Maxwell’s expansive 7,500-square-foot lawn in Raleigh, NC.

Indoor Wedding Reception at The Maxwell

When you first step into The Maxwell’s Great Room, your eyes are immediately drawn upward to its epic vaulted ceilings. One of the standout features of the space is the 15-foot gas fireplace finished with a reclaimed wood mantel. Sonia and Jake made this feature a centerpiece of their reception by placing their sweetheart table right in front of the fireplace. They beautifully draped the fireplace mantel and their sweetheart table in warm, cascading fall wedding florals by Color Fields Flowers. The Great Room’s statement chandeliers and modern lighting added an extra layer of elegance to the ambiance.

For dinner, Under the Oaks Catering delighted guests with a mouthwatering feast, while Capital Cakes created a crisp two-tiered wedding cake decorated with warm florals. The reception tables, covered with rentals from Party Reflections of Raleigh, were styled to perfection, seamlessly tying in with the overall aesthetic.

The celebration continued into the evening as Stylus Weddings DJ kept the energy high with upbeat tunes and a lively dance floor. Toward the end of the night, Sonia and Jake shared a private final dance on the Great Room’s floor—a moment filled with intimacy and love. They concluded their one-of-a-kind evening with a sparkler exit, surrounded by their loved ones lighting up the night sky.

Sonia and Jake beautifully draped the fireplace mantel and their sweetheart table in warm, cascading fall wedding florals by Color Fields Flowers.

For dinner, Under the Oaks Catering delighted guests with a mouthwatering feast, while Capital Cakes created a crisp two-tiered wedding cake decorated with warm florals.

Indian Wedding Style Outfit Change

Adding a touch of tradition and flair to the reception, Sonia and Jake changed into second wedding outfits, a nod to the bride’s Indian heritage. Sonia stunned in a breathtaking red-and-gold saree, while Jake looked dapper in a dark blue formal coat paired with white pants. These outfit changes added yet another layer of beauty and meaning to their wedding at The Maxwell in Raleigh NC.

Photography // Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography 

Venue // The Maxwell Raleigh

Planning // Daniel of Harmony Weddings & Events

Catering // Under The Oaks Catering

Florist // Color Fields Flowers

Dessert // Capital Cakes NC

Rentals // Party Reflections

Beauty // Tease and Blush

Entertainment // Stylus Weddings DJ

Henna & Mendhi // @mysticalhennabypriya