Fancy This Photography captured Nathalia’s intimate 30th birthday party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina in December 2022. The birthday queen glowed all evening as guests enjoyed The Umstead’s fine dining and atmosphere. Catherine Langhart with Raleigh-based planning company La Fête helped Nathalia design a sophisticated soirée. The Umstead’s indoor event space perfectly accomodated this intimate gathering. From fabulous food to furnishings, it’s obvious why this luxury NC hotel has become a Southern destination. Four-time James Beard Semifinalist and chef, Steven Greene, serves guests unparalleled meals made with the best local ingredients. 

Nathalia’s energy and presence set the tone for an incredible 30th birthday party at The Umstead. Each image in this blog showcases guests celebrating the beauty of life at The Umstead. This 30th birthday party reminds us of Jennifer Garner’s famous line in the 2004 film 13 Going on 30.

Thirty, flirty and thriving.

Nikki snapped candid and plandid shots on a Nikon D750 that were awarded Best Event Photography at the Triangle’s National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) 2023 awards gala. Fancy This Photography’s team loves to document life’s most special events. From massive weddings to intimate birthday parties like Nathalia’s, we feel honored to capture your life’s milestones. 

Keep scrolling to view more images from this gorgeous gallery.

Nathalia hosted her 30th birthday party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa - a five-star hotel in Cary, North Carolina.

Seasoned Professionals Plan 30th Birthday Party 

Fancy This Photography documents events planned by amateurs and professionals. That said, we have observed that events planned by professionals run more smoothly. Our clients that work with event planners get to stress less and enjoy their celebration more.

A professional planner's goal is to take your vision for the event and execute. Catherine Langhart of La Fête event planning did exactly that for Nathalia. She delivered a flawless event by listening to her client’s likes and dislikes. Catherine helped Nathlia book the best local vendors for her needs. Planning a swaggy event requires a lot of decision making, budgeting, communication, and precise timing. Balancing party planning with daily life responsibilities such as work or parenting can be a challenge.

North Carolina is full of experienced event vendors who have made it their mission to serve. Whether you are planning a 30th birthday party or a wedding, click here to reference NACE’s directory of distinguished NC event vendors.  

Five-Star Events at The Umstead Hotel and Spa

Nathalia’s intimate 30th birthday party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa deserves a round of applause. I’m so happy she selected this five-star North Carolina hotel as her venue. Fancy This Photography has experience documenting several uniquely stunning celebrations at The Umstead in the past.

The Umstead is located on a peaceful property in Cary, just a short drive away from Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Folks looking for outdoor event space will love The Umstead’s lawns and lakeside terrace. Inside you’ll find romantic event spaces of varying sizes. The Umstead’s main indoor event space, the Grand Ballroom, has walls that can be adjusted. This feature helped create an intimate ambiance for Nathalia’s 30th birthday party.

Black and Gold 30th Birthday Party Decor

Black and gold set the tone for Nathalia’s intimate 30th Birthday Party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa. A team of top tier North Carolina event professionals delivered. Each piece of decor added to the overall look of this stylish event. Fancy This Photography loves to document all of the thoughtful details that go into creating an elevated event. Guests dined with gold tableware on black sequin table cloths from Curated Events Raleigh. The dark and moody color palette sparkled in the light of Christmas trees, candles, and a giant neon 30 sign from Alpha-Lit Raleigh-Durham.

Once Gathered florals in Morrisville, North Carolina designed gorgeous white and green centerpieces. But black flowers were the icing on top of Nathalia’s dark and moody birthday cake by Edible Art Bakery in Raleigh. Check out the fabulous flower crown Once Gathered made for fun photo ops!

We can’t go any further in this 30th birthday party blog without mentioning the magical balloon arch designed by Balloon Design Decorating Service. The black and gold balloon installation created a perfect frame for group portraits and cake pics.

Nathalia’s friends and family dressed for the occasion in black evening gowns and saucy suits. They gave toasts to the birthday queen with bubbly and a variety of beverages, including a signature cocktail named “The Nathy.” Custom designed dinner and drink menus by Shop Surcie elevated the special setting.

Bunn DJ Company, one of the best event DJs in the area, kept the party going with an elite soundtrack.

Seven Tips for Planning a Fierce 30th Birthday Party

The big 3-0 is a major life milestone worth celebrating. You made it through your toxic twenties and you’re entering a new, more established era of identity. Fancy This Photography recommends spoiling yourself and loved ones with a special event. Nathalia’s intimate 30th birthday party at The Umstead Hotel and Spa is the perfect example. Here are seven planning tips to help you pull off an event that is the chef’s kiss.

No. 1: Book a professional photographer. It would be Fancy This Photography’s honor to document your special occasion!

No. 2: Pick the perfect venue. Select a setting that showcases your style, whether that’s a five-star hotel like The Umstead or your favorite brewery.

No. 3: Hire an expert planner. Skip the stress. Let a seasoned professional show you how to book the best local vendors and stay on budget.

No. 4: Give your party personality with color and texture. Figure out the vibe and let it shine through each party rental or decoration. We’re talking about tablecloths, dinnerware, centerpieces, candles, chairs and more.

No. 5: Love is in the details. Make sure your decorations complement the venue’s natural beauty and interior design. Elevate your event with items like signage, lighting, and photo backdrops.

No. 6: Eat, drink and be merry. Decide between an open or cash bar. Design a delicious menu that tickles taste buds from cocktail hour to dessert.

No. 7: Dance the night away. Music is everything and should be an integral part of your 30th birthday party from start to finish! We cannot recommend hiring a professional DJ enough.

Nathalia’s 30th birthday cake was made by Edible Art Bakery.

Meet the Vendors …

Photographer //  Fancy This Photography
Venue // The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Planner // Catherine Langhart of Events by La Fête
Balloons // Balloon Design Decorating Service 
Florals // Once Gathered
DJ // Bunn DJ Company 
Cake // Edible Art Bakery Raleigh
Rentals // Curated Events Raleigh
Menu & Paper Goods // Shop Surcie
30 Sign // Alpha-Lit Raleigh-Durham

The sun rises over the rolling hills of The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve on a warm September morning. In the air, the smell of a North Carolina summer sets the scene for a day of beauty, creativity, and wonder.

“The general vibe was that of imagination. Everyone was eager to try on all of the apparel, have their hair and makeup done, and look at the beauty that surrounded the venue. I love days like this because although we are on a timeline, there is room to experiment and create our own interpretation.” Nikki of Fancy This explains.

By her side, partner photographer Sarah Gillie was also eager to create some magic. Nikki is no stranger to the Heart of NC Weddings team. Working together since 2016, their partnership blossomed over fun collaboration and countless photo shoots. But this shoot was a bit different. This shoot would host a few firsts for Fancy This.

The day began with hair and makeup by Reign Beauty. Timeless and romantic touches were added to each of the models ready to compliment any dress they’d be wearing over the course of the day. One of these models stands out a bit more as a friend of Nikki, as well as her muse. Nathan Wellman would be the subject of an artistic vision Nikki knew she had to create.

“My favorite part of the day was when I took my one and only photo meant truly for myself. That photo was of Nathan and the makeup brushes. This image was not meant to make headlines for the magazine--however, it was a fabulous social media post when we posted it! Whenever I photograph any type of session, the entire session is dedicated to that client. BUT, I always take ONE photo for myself. It can be completely ridiculous, or soft and sweet--meant only for the client and myself to view. This photo was truly meant for my artistic pleasure, and it was my favorite one from the day.” 

This wouldn’t be the only meaningful image created by the dynamic duo. Nestled in a shaded valley near one of the ceremony sites, Nikki captured Nathan as the very first male to wear a dress in Heart of NC Wedding history. There was talk throughout the day in anticipation for these images, and a comment was made that if anyone were to capture these photos, it would be Fancy This. Upon hearing these comments, Nikki shared,

“As someone who is an active ally and supporter of the LGBTQ community, it just makes me feel heard and seen. I think it was said because people notice what you stand for, and this is something that I have and will always stand for.”

Romantic and eclectic dresses took center stage throughout the day. Favorites of Nikki included a ballgown from Dany Tabet’s Zou Bisou collection, worn by Bredetta Huffman and Jimme Huang from Thornbury Brides worn by Pashara Black.

“I truly enjoyed photographing Pashira in the white walled space. The ones in that sequence are just so mesmerizing to me, as I legit only had one white wall to produce some magic. These came out ethereal and just delicious.”

As the sun started to set on this September evening, the time had come to capture some golden hour images. Models Eion Dockery and Grace Harrington from UC Models cozied up in front of one of the large pastures available at The Meadows for photos just like this. Behind them, the sun danced through trees as it made way for the moon. Casting a blanket of beautiful haze, Nikki began shooting. Accompanied by enchanting florals from Joneswell Flowers and a ballgown from White of Raleigh, it was here that the cover for the 2023 Heart of NC Wedding magazine would be captured. A simple yet elegant portrait of Grace looking gently into the distance would set the tone for this year’s issue. This honor was made more exciting as it was Nikki’s first ever cover on a magazine. After receiving the news, Nikki was feeling a lot (in a good way!)

“Honestly, it was a ball of emotions. I have never been on the cover of any magazine, so to see my work on the cover of my favorite publication- wow, a lot of emotions were felt. I remember when I was younger and I kept telling people that I was going to be a photographer and having those same people scoff at me, only because they didn't think I could be successful. Wow, how the tables turned. I grew up not having as many opportunities as I should have. It was tough. It's just a testament that if I believe in myself, make honest connections, and take pride in my work, I can do great things. I am so happy that I was able to show myself that I can do great things, and showcase true art and soul into my work. It felt good. It truly felt good.” 

Want to see more? Pick up your copy of Heart of NC today or click here to view a digital copy.

Fancy This wants to thank all vendors who made this magical day possible!

• Heart of NC

• The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve

• Joneswell Flowers

• Reign Beauty

• Thornbury Brides

• Diamonds Direct

• Bernards Formalwear

• Vow'd Weddings

• Bailey's Fine Jewelry

• White of Raleigh

• Kannon's Clothing

• UC Models

• Gilded Bridal

A Luxury Experience with Anthem House

a styled shoot at The Bradford wedding venue

Anthem House, a luxury event planning team based in Raleigh, NC, coordinated this vibrant styled shoot in September of 2021

Months after the fact, I am still living for this colorful wedding inspiration at The Bradford, NC wedding venue. Big, beautiful, bold weddings are back in 2022. The intimacy and romance of microweddings will always have my heart. But dang - there’s something about a large-scale, luxury wedding that lifts the spirits and ignites imaginative, innovative experiences. The possibilities for your wedding theme, style and vibe are truly infinite. 

One of the main reasons wedding vendors in NC create styled shoots is for the opportunity to try new techniques and designs. Experimentation is something that wedding vendors/creatives simply don’t have time for on a couple’s real wedding day. In a styled shoot, vendors can be playful with color palette, textures and more without ruining someone’s special day.  

In case you don’t know, a styled shoot is a wedding display created by a team of vendors to showcase their skills in a collaborative effort where everyone provides services in exchange for marketing images of their work. I simply could not pass up the opportunity to participate in a styled shoot at The Bradford! Located just a 30-minute drive away from downtown Raleigh, The Bradford is nestled on 12 acres of beautifully maintained land in New Hill, North Carolina. This NC wedding venue combines the countryside of Europe with the Southern hospitality of home.  

Keep scrolling for more colorful wedding inspiration and to find out why you should book vendors who participate in styled shoots.

Colorful wedding inspiration at The Bradford NC wedding venue.

Bunn DJ Company let the bride and groom hop up into the booth.

How to Pick The Best Wedding Vendor Team 

Couples who are building a wedding vendor team or searching for a NC wedding photographer should check to see that their prospective vendor has participated in styled shoots. A vendor’s participation in styled shoots signals several things. One, they are team players. Two, they are reputable entrepreneurs and three, they are the kind of people who are always challenging themselves to grow and learn more about their art/trade. 

This colorful wedding inspiration at The Bradford, NC may look like it took an entire day to set up, but actually, it took less than five hours. PRO TIP: Most styled shoots are done in a short amount of time with models. Why should you care? Well, f a Raleigh, NC wedding photographer can make a couple look like they are newlyweds in a few hours (sometimes the models have never met), then that photographer is a magician and you should hire them. Think about it, they created and captured romance in a short amount of time and made you think it was real! 

Lucky for me, the models in this styled shoot happened to be a couple in real life! And boy did they look stunning. She wore a sleek, contemporary wedding dress from White of Raleigh with a sophisticated ponytail and glam makeup by Marie Bullock. He wore a dapper suit and tie from Glenwood South Tailors. Keep scrolling to meet more of the vendors who created this colorful wedding inspiration at The Bradford NC wedding venue.   

Dress / White of Raleigh, Hair & Makeup / Marie Bullock, Suit & Tie / Glenwood South Tailors

How to Plan a Successful Styled Shoot  

The concept for this colorful wedding inspiration at The Bradford NC was assembled by Anthem House. This luxury wedding planning team based in Raleigh, NC, was launched in 2021 and is a boutique division of C and D Events. I have personally known the women behind Anthem House and C and D Events for many years and I cannot recommend them enough. If you want an easy, breezy, beautiful wedding with intentional details and flawless flow, look no further. Another reason I participate in styled shoots is to work with other wedding and event creatives in my community. I love being a part of a fabulous vision and seeing my peers do what they do best! 

When it comes to capturing a styled shoot with many details, I approach the assignment by photographing each area as its own. The Bradford had two rooms, their newly renovated ballroom and their original ballroom, adorned with colorful wedding decorations and flowers. Each unique display popped against The Bradford NC’s clean and contemporary interior design. I divided my time between the two rooms to ensure that I documented every detail. In the new ballroom, I started with the big picture then worked my way through each element. Take the head table for example, I photographed the entire table so that you can see the entire scene and then from there, I captured details such as individual floral arrangements, table settings and signage. After the tables are photographed, I move on to the next display, which could be the lounge area or the DJ booth. When I use this styled shoot strategy, I’m not in a rush. Instead, I’m making sure that each carefully curated section gets their time to shine. 

Planner / Anthem House, Rentals / American Party Rentals and Paisley & Jade / Florals / Fresh Affairs

The bride and groom share a dance in front of Bunn DJ Company’s booth.

Colorful Wedding Inspiration at The Bradford NC Wedding Venue   

Please let me take a moment to gush over some of the ridiculously amazing details from this styled shoot at The Bradford NC. 

Two words: hanging florals. Do I need to say more? Raleigh-based florist Fresh Affairs brought the heat with these fierce floral arrangements. Especially the floral installation that was suspended above the bar. Flower and greenery chandeliers draw the eye upward and create a whimsical ambiance. Love is in the air, literally!  

Florals / Fresh Affairs, Planner / Anthem House, Venue / The Bradford

Mid-century modern paper and signage by Sunago Studio for the win. The key ingredients for creating a cool, classic mid-century mod look are bright colors, geometric shapes, clean lines and minimalist design. I’m head over heels in love with this color-coded seating chart. The best part? Guests don’t have to stare in confusion at indecipherable cursive to find their table! 

This might be the coolest and most colorful cake display I’ve ever seen in my life. Set before an exposed brick backdrop with greenery dripping down the wall, each of Ashley Cakes’ confections are displayed on their own unique pedestal. Placing the cakes on pedestals of varying height gives the display depth and visual interest. As if these cakes weren’t stunning enough on their own, even their stands have texture and style! Colorful floral arrangements by Fresh Affairs add to the cake display’s delicious decor.

Cakes / Ashley Cakes, Planner / Anthem House, Florals / Fresh Affairs, Venue / The Bradford

Hungry for more vibrant wedding inspiration? Click here to see a Palm Springs-inspired styled shoot that took place at Raleigh Union Station. 

Photographer // Fancy This Photography
Planner // Anthem House 
Catering // HL Catering 
Rentals // American Party Rentals and Paisley & Jade
Videography // Heritage Weddings
Paper // Sunago Studio
Florals // Fresh Affairs
Cake // Ashley Cakes
Formalwear // Glenwood South Tailors
Wedding Dress // White of Raleigh
Specialty gifts // Small Batch Gallery + Goods 
Hair & Makeup // Marie Bullock 
Venue // The Bradford
DJ // Bunn Dj Company