Sarah & Alec’s Wedding at The Carolina Inn

Sarah & Alec’s Chapel Hill Wedding

Photographed by Courtney

Few things are more classic than a wedding at The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill. The hotel’s heart and hospitality are simply unmatched!

This North Carolina wedding venue is located in the heart of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s campus. Selecting The Carolina Inn as their wedding venue was an easy choice for UNC alumni Sarah Eastley and Alec Martschenko. Couples have said “I do” with something Carolina Blue at this stunning establishment for years.

Fine dining from the The Carolina Inn’s own Crossroads Chapel Hill restaurant attracts locals and out-of-towners. Their in-house culinary team creates custom menus for every wedding and event.

Fancy This Photography’s camera lens can’t get enough of The Carolina Inn’s Southern architecture and design. Golden wedding photo opportunities exist inside and outside. From hallways filled with natural light to lush landscaped courtyards.

Take a stroll down dreamy Pittsboro Street and let a warm brick pathway lead you to The Carolina Inn’s famous front porch. Community gathers here for live music and food trucks at Fridays On The Front Porch. This front lawn and porch area can be transformed into an al fresco wedding reception space.

Courtney Collins, partner of Fancy This Photography, captured Sarah and Alec’s wedding at The Carolina Inn on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Courtney was supported by second shooter Amanda Law, another Fancy This Photography partner. The bride and groom took first look photos at the Mormon Institute of Religion - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before their wedding at The Carolina Inn.

The bride and groom took first look photos at the Mormon Institute of Religion - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before their wedding at The Carolina Inn.

Classic Candid Imagery by Courtney with Fancy This Photography

Courtney is a pro at getting posed and candid wedding photos. She has perfected the art of executing wedding portraits and family formals. Simultaneously, she can snap authentic images of moments that happen unpredictably between posed shots. Courtney takes pride in capturing memories that otherwise would have slipped through the cracks.

Look for those candid images in Sarah and Alec’s wedding at The Carolina Inn blog. We see it in Alec’s eyes during their first look and in Sarah’s smile as she steps out of a vintage Rolls-Royce motor car for the reception.

Click here to learn more about Courtney and all of the Fancy This Photography team members.

Keep scrolling to witness more from Sarah and Alec’s wedding at The Carolina Inn. Join us in celebrating this beautiful couple’s love!

Sarah & Alec’s Chapel Hill Love Story

Sarah and Alec first met as undergraduates at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2013. But it wasn't until Sarah returned to Chapel Hill for a church event in 2021, that their relationship truly began. Alec, still in school at the time, saw Sarah’s return and knew he had to make a move.

A few months later, the relationship was official. And just a few months after that, Alec packed his bags to move 300 miles away to Baltimore. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Alec and Sarah’s love grew stronger, thanks to many hundreds of miles on the odometer. After their wedding at The Carolina Inn, Alec moved back to NC, and the couple started a new life together as Mr. and Mrs.

Courtney Collins, partner of Fancy This Photography, captured Sarah and Alec’s wedding at The Carolina Inn on Saturday, July 29, 2023.

Proposal at The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

Alec worked his connections at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and set up a private proposal in the star show theater. There were candles and flowers under the stars. It was an incredibly romantic moment – everything a Carolina girl could want and more.

Morehead Planetarium is located right off Chapel Hill’s downtown Franklin Street. This local attraction is less than a ten-minute walk away from The Carolina Inn. Open Friday through Sunday, Morehead Planetarium is a great pre- or post-wedding activity for wedding guests visiting from out of town. Treat your tastebuds at one of downtown Chapel Hill’s restaurants or take a walk in the arboretum after an adventure at the Planetarium.

Info About Planning a Wedding at The Carolina Inn

Alec and Sarah hosted a beautiful wedding at The Carolina Inn. They shared vows in one of The Carolina Inn’s stunning traditional ballrooms. The room’s beautiful blue carpeting, intricate crown molding and crystal chandeliers call for minimal wedding decorations.

Sarah and Alec’s ceremonial altar consisted of gorgeous floral arrangements on golden pedastals by Flowers by Expressions of Love Florist NC. White, green and blue blossoms were the icing on top of this classic Carolina Inn wedding. Smaller floral arrangements lined the wedding aisle leading to the altar. A live musician, harpist Leigh Stringfellow, played throughout the ceremony.

Event Space Variety + Photo Opportunities

The Carolina Inn has six traditional ballrooms and multiple lawn areas and courtyards for outdoor events. Regardless of where you host your wedding events, every Carolina Inn couple gets to take photos around the gorgeous property! Think black-and-white checkered floors, whimsical archways and lush landscape. Plus, if you’re UNC alumni like Sarah and Alec, landmarks such as the Old Well and Bell Tower are only a short stroll away.

The Carolina Inn has space for up to 350 guests for a standing reception, or 250 seated.

The Carolina Inn has space for up to 350 guests for a standing reception, or 250 seated.

Catering by Crossroads Chapel Hill at The Carolina Inn

Dine with Executive Chef Jeremy Blankenship at Crossroads Chapel Hill, The Carolina Inn's on-site restaurant. Crossroads serves up classic Carolina cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try the Crossroads fries or, invite guests to experience afternoon tea, a unique and scrumptious Southern tradition.

Not hungry? Order a handcrafted cocktail from the bar and drink it outside beside a fire pit on the front porch. Sarah and Alec chose a yummy watermelon and mint mojito as a signature mocktail to sip at their wedding reception.

Planning by Sally Oakley Weddings & Events

From saying “I do” to exiting through a tunnel of Carolina Blue streamers, the day went smoothly thanks to planning by Sally Oakley Weddings & Events. All couples who wed at The Carolina Inn are required to hire a professional planner. Fancy This Photography appreciates this rule. We love working with local wedding planners such as Sally Oakley!

Sarah and Alec’s signature drink was a watermelon mint mojito mocktail.

Details Behind Sarah & Alec’s Wedding at The Carolina Inn

Courtney’s lens captured all of the details behind Sarah and Alec’s wedding at The Carolina Inn. We loved the mixture of low and tall table centerpieces filled with white and blue hydrangeas. Tall floral arrangements draw your eyes upward to The Carolina Inn’s gorgeous ceilings. Table settings looked elegantly set against white table linens and Carolina blue napkins.

For dessert, the bride and groom cut into a fabulous four-tier wedding cake by Ashley Cakes NC. Each layer of the cake was divided by fresh white blooms and greenery. Catering by The Carolina Inn had guests asking for seconds. Sarah and Alec’s signature drink was a watermelon mint mojito mocktail. As a late night snack, the newlyweds gave guests scrumptious bags of popcorn!

Guests had fun snapping silly selfies and group pics in a ZimZoom Photo Booth. Sarah and Alec danced the night away with loved ones to music by Bunn DJ Co. The dance floor even had a custom monogram visual.

Sarah and Alec's shared faith and strong family ties made this wedding incredible to shoot. So many moments were truly lovely because you could feel the warmth and kindness surrounding these two, as well as the kindness they showed to each other. Their wedding was classic, and their photos speak to the timelessness that their wedding radiated.

After their wedding at The Carolina Inn, Sarah and Alec enjoyed a honeymoon on The Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Fancy This Photography was honored to document the beginning of this special life chapter.

Congrats Sarah and Alec, we are cheering for you!

Courtney Collins, partner of Fancy This Photography, captured Sarah and Alec’s wedding at The Carolina Inn on Saturday, July 29, 2023.

Photography // Fancy This Photography

Venue // The Carolina Inn

Planning // Sally Oakley Weddings & Events

Cake // Ashley Cakes NC

Florist // Expressions of Love Florist NC

Photo Booth // ZimZoom Photo Booth

Harpist // Leigh Stringfellow

DJ // Bunn DJ Company

21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding

Rebecca Lehrman and Bradford Dubik’s 21c Museum Hotel Durham wedding was a beautiful fever dream. Fancy This Photography was honored to capture all of their wedding festivities – from first looks to first dances – on April 23, 2022. Heather Bonawitz Kids of Paisley and Pearl Events planned Becca and Brad’s downtown Durham wedding. Paisley and Pearl Events is a Durham-based wedding planning company that helps couples produce stress-free events. Fancy This Photography loves collaborating with local event professionals to give couples top-tier wedding experiences!

I recommend selecting a wedding venue that is relatively close to an airport, especially if guests must travel long distances to attend your wedding. Becca and Brad’s friends and family flew into Raleigh-Durham International Airport from near and far to celebrate their love. Located in the heart of downtown Durham, 21c Museum Hotel is a quick 20-minute drive away from RDU airport. Guests can conveniently stay the night at the hotel after the wedding, or at any of the quality hotels in downtown Durham.

Couples can host weddings for up to 250 guests in the Main Gallery at 21c Museum Hotel Durham.

Wedding Traditions Honored at 21c Museum Hotel Durham

Becca and Brad shared some of the sweetest wedding vows Fancy This Photography has ever witnessed. They committed themselves to one another beneath a colorful chuppah designed by Blossom and Bone Florals in Durham. A chuppah is a canopy beneath which Jewish marriage ceremonies are performed. Becca and Brad also stood upon a embroidered rushynk during their 21c Museum Hotel Durham wedding ceremony. The rushynk is a traditional Ukrainian wedding cloth that symbolizes purity, fertility, and hope for the couple's future.

The reception was equally as meaningful and heartfelt as the ceremony. Toasts shared at this 21c Museum Hotel Durham wedding reception are some of the best Fancy This Photography has ever heard. It is an honor to be a part of such special celebrations. Congratulations, Becca and Brad!

Keep scrolling for more gorgeous images and information about this unique downtown Durham wedding venue.

White Wedding Shoes and Ring 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Fancy This Photography

Bride Getting Ready at 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Fancy This Photography

Fine Art Bridal Portrait 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Fancy This Photography

Beautiful Bride at 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Fancy This Photography

Smiling Bride at 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Fancy This Photography

Black and White Bridal Portrait 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Fancy This Photography

Downtown Durham WeddinG Style

Becca and her besties got ready in one of the luxury art deco rooms at 21c Museum Hotel Durham. ERMC Hair Stylist did the bridal party’s hair, and makeup was done by Artistry by Angela. I loved the unique mismatched green dresses worn by each bridesmaid. Becca’s wedding dress was contemporary and stunning with clean lines and a square neckline. Brad looked dapper in a gray suit and blue tie. His groomsmen donned dark green suits and handsome hats.

Fancy This Photography had a blast photographing the entire wedding party around downtown Durham. That’s the beauty of getting married at 21c Museum Hotel Durham! It’s close to awesome downtown Durham landmarks and makes wedding portraits more fun. Becca and Brad shared their first look in front of a colorful mural of Frida Kahlo titled I Am My Own Muse by Cecilia Lueza (2019). And of course, we had to stop at CCB plaza for portraits with the city’s mascot statue, Major the bronze bull. Lastly, we made our way to the top of a nearby parking garage for group and individual portraits in front of an iconic Durham skyline.

Becca and Brad shared their first look in front of a colorful mural of Frida Kahlo titled I Am My Own Muse by Cecilia Lueza (2019).

Wedding photos in front of this iconic Downtown Durham skyline are essential.

Planning a 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding

Locals and tourists alike love visiting 21c Museum Hotel Durham for its fine dining, art and culture, events and one-of-a-kind overnight stays. Fancy This Photography’s team often explores 21c’s exhibits just for fun! This is honestly one of the best wedding venues in Durham. First, let’s talk about the hotel’s style and event spaces.

21c Museum Hotel Durham has a variety of event spaces that feature modern amenities without compromising the building’s art deco style. The museum hotel lives and breathes in the bones of the historic Hill Building aka CCB Building, built in 1937. Durham Bank & Trust Company—as well as its successor, the Central Carolina Bank— operated from this 17-story building on Corcoran Street for several decades.

Most ceremonies and receptions at 21c Museum Hotel Durham take place in its Main Gallery. This was true of Becca and Brad’s wedding! After their ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour in an art exhibit while the Main Gallery was flipped into a reception space. The Main Gallery features wooden paneled walls and columns, tall ceilings and windows, and modern chandeliers. Couples can host weddings for up to 250 guests here.

The Main Gallery at 21c Museum Hotel Durham features wooden paneled walls and columns, tall ceilings and windows, and modern chandeliers.

Quick FAQs About 21c Museum Hotel Durham

• Located in the heart of Downtown Durham - close to resstaurants, bars, entertainment

• 125 spacious guest rooms with large windows and custom furnishings

• More than 10,500 square feet of exhibition space

• Counting House restaurant bar and lounge

• In-room dining and catering provided by Counting House

• Spa, sauna, and steam room

• 24-hour fitness center

• Business center

• Laundry service

• 21c Museum Shop

• 24-hour valet service

• Pet-friendly rooms

• Designed by Deborah Berke Partners

• Free Wi-Fi

Counting House at 21c Museum Hotel Durham

21c Museum Hotel Durham couples get access to their on-site restaurant, Counting House. This top-tier culinary team can prepare custom wedding menus that wow your guests. Fancy This Photography even snapped a few photos of Becca and Brad sitting in the Counting House’s cool restaurant bar and lounge.

21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Details

Becca and Brad said “I do” in the Main Gallery of 21c Museum Hotel Durham. Colorful florals designed by Durham-based Blossom and Bone Florals gave the space a warm and welcoming vibe. Becca’s bright bouquet popped brilliantly against her white wedding dress. The chuppah flowers were jaw-dropping. Look closely, each column in the event space was wrapped in flower arrangements that looked to be growing upward!

For cocktail hour, guests were invited to explore an art exhibit with drinks and appetizers. Meanwhile, the Main Gallery was transformed from ceremony to reception space. Ceremony chairs were replaced by round tables and the chuppah became a backdrop for the newlywed’s sweetheart table. I love that Becca and Brad did not shy away from color in their wedding decor. Each table centerpiece was so vibrant and photo worthy!

Becca and Brad danced the night away to music by DJ Play Play. The rushynk even made a guest-star appearance during some traditional Ukrainian wedding dances! Fancy This Photography is so thankful to have been a part of this special day. To learn more about how we can capture your wedding day, click here.

Photography // Fancy This Photography
Venue and Caterer // 21c Museum Hotel Durham
Planning // Paisley and Pearl Events
Florist // Blossom and Bone Florals
DJ // Play Play
Hair // ERMC Hairstylist
Makeup // Artistry by Angela

Hi everyone! Nikki here— I am a premier wedding photographer in Belhaven, NC. Today I’m excited to share my experience photographing Abby and Kyle’s wedding at River Forest Manor and Marina. This luxe wedding was held in a tented reception area, and had some really unique touches that made it stand out from the rest. When I arrived at the venue, I was blown away by the sheer beauty of this place. The views of the river and the lush greenery were absolutely stunning. The wedding party was just as beautiful as the scenery, with Abby and Kyle both looking so in love and radiant.

The first look was one of my favorite moments of the day. Watching Abby and Kyle’s reactions as they saw each other for the first time was so special and made for some truly magical photos. After the first look, we were able to capture some truly stunning photos of the couple with the gorgeous views of the river and surrounding area as the backdrop. The ceremony was held in front of the Manor and was filled with love and emotion. Abby and Kyle said their vows and sealed them with a kiss, and it was a beautiful sight to behold.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before the reception. I was able to capture some wonderful candid photos of guests catching up and celebrating. The reception was held in the tented area, and it was decorated to perfection. The reception was so much fun!

There was a Pittsburgh cookie table set up, which was a really nice surprise. The couple even brought in Abby’s grandmother’s vanity for her to use on the day of the wedding. This was a really special moment and made for some beautiful photos. At the end of the night, the couple had their last dance and said their final goodbyes. It was such a beautiful day and I am so grateful to have been able to capture it.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your Belhaven wedding, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to be a part of your special day and capture all of the beautiful memories. XO, Nikki

The Must-See Details of Abby & Kyle's Belhaven Wedding

Weddings are often touted as the most important day of a person's life, but what sets Abby and Kyle's Belhaven wedding apart was the incredible attention to detail in every aspect of the event. From personalized signage and decor to the incorporation of their unique ideas, this wedding was a true reflection of their personalities and love for one another. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the must-see details of Abby and Kyle's Belhaven wedding, including the stunning color palette, the use of a grandmother's vanity as a decorative element, and the infamous Pittsburgh cookie table that made an appearance in North Carolina. Whether you're planning your own wedding or just love a good love story, this article is for you.,

Personalized Signage and Decor

Abby and Kyle's Belhaven wedding was not only visually stunning but also incorporated their unique ideas and personalities, making it a truly unforgettable event. If you're looking for inspiration on how to add a personal touch to your own wedding, look no further than the personalized signage and decor that Abby and Kyle incorporated throughout their celebration.

Personalized signage is another way to add unique touches to your wedding. Consider creating signs that showcase your love story, like a timeline of your relationship or a list of your favorite things about each other. You could also use quirky signs to direct guests, like an arrow pointing towards the dance floor that reads "Time to bust a move."

From custom welcome signs to unique table numbers, every detail was thoughtfully designed to reflect the couple's style and love story.

By taking inspiration from the personalized signage and decor at Abby and Kyle's Belhaven wedding, you too can create a unique and memorable celebration that reflects your own love story.

Incorporating Abby and Kyle's Ideas into Your Own Wedding

There's no doubt that Abby and Kyle's Belhaven wedding was a reflection of their personalities and love story. From the vintage red car, every detail was carefully thought out and personalized. If you're planning your own wedding, there are plenty of ways to incorporate similar ideas and make your celebration unique to you and your partner.

Begin by thinking about what you and your partner love. Is there a shared interest or hobby that you can incorporate into your wedding decor? Maybe you both love the beach, and you can use seashells as table decor or create a beach-themed photo booth. Or perhaps you're both avid readers, in which case stacks of books could make for a charming centerpiece.

Finally, don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to guest books or favors. Rather than a traditional guest book, you could ask guests to sign a puzzle or write on Jenga blocks that you can later play together. And when it comes to favors, consider something that reflects your personalities, like mini succulents for the couple with a green thumb or personalized shot glasses for the party animals.

By taking inspiration from Abby and Kyle's personalized wedding, you can create a celebration that truly reflects you and your partner. And with a little creativity, you can add unique touches that will make your wedding day one to remember.

The Brides Grandmothers Vanity Dresser

One such detail was the bride's grandmother's vanity dresser, which had been carefully moved to the bridal suite upstairs for Abby to use. The dresser is a treasured family heirloom.

This sentimental touch added a bit of charm to the already beautiful setting, making Abby feel at home and special. The attention to detail and thoughtfulness put into each element of the wedding was a testament to the love shared between Abby and Kyle.

The personalized elements didn't end there. The color palette of the wedding was another detail that reflected the couple's unique style and personality.

The color palette of the wedding

The attention to detail and thoughtfulness put into each element of Abby and Kyle's Belhaven wedding was a testament to the love shared between the couple. From the personalized décor to the sentimental touches, every aspect of the wedding was carefully thought out. One detail that particularly stood out was the color palette. The couple chose a unique palette that reflected their personalities and added a special touch to the day.

With shades of white, green, and blue, the color palette added a warm and inviting feel to the already beautiful setting. The bridesmaids looked stunning in their light blue-colored dresses, while the groomsmen looked dapper in their black tie suits. The venue was also adorned with floral arrangements that matched the color palette.

This personalized touch added a bit of charm to the already beautiful setting, making guests feel like they were part of something truly special. The colors not only reflected the couple's unique style, but also created a cohesive look throughout the wedding.

Speaking of unique touches, Abby and Kyle also incorporated a Pittsburgh tradition into their North Carolina wedding: the cookie table. Learn more about this delicious detail in the next section.

The Pittsburgh Cookie Table in NC

Speaking of unique touches, Abby and Kyle incorporated a traditional Pittsburgh detail into their North Carolina wedding: the cookie table. For those unfamiliar with this delectable tradition, it involves a table full of homemade cookies baked by family and friends.

The cookie table is a beloved tradition that is said to have originated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It has since become a staple at weddings and other celebrations in the city and beyond. Abby and Kyle wanted to share this tasty tradition with their guests, many of whom had never heard of it before.

The table was beautifully set up with various types of cookies that ranged from classic chocolate chip to cookies shaped like peaches. The cookies were made by Abby's family and friends, and they were delicious. The table became a popular spot for guests to gather and sample the treats, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

This personalized touch added a bit of charm to the already beautiful setting, making guests feel like they were part of something truly special. The cookie table not only reflected the couple's unique style but also created a sweet addition to the wedding.

The Pittsburgh cookie table in NC was just one of the many ways Abby and Kyle made their wedding day unique and unforgettable. It was clear that every detail was thoughtfully planned to create a cohesive and memorable experience for everyone in attendance.

Other Must See Details

There are almost too many precious details to mention, but you have to see them… The details on Abby’s dress, the stitching on Kyle’s tux, the personalized stationary with hand written notes , the bridesmaids robes and let’s not forget the Chance Chanel Bottle. Perfectly suited for a bride taking the last name Chance.

A First Look

Abby and Kyle opted for a first look before the ceremony, away from the chaos on a close by dock. Not only does a first look create a special moment of peace and connection between the couple before the wedding chaos begins, but it also removes some of the traditional pressure of the ceremony. This moment gives the couple a chance to reconnect and relax with one another – before sharing with others, it is a beautiful memory that will last a lifetime. Abby and Kyle couldn’t be more stunning.

A Breathtaking Backdrop for a Wedding

With breathtaking views of the Belhaven River and a peaceful atmosphere, the River Forest Manor and Marina offers a romantic and secluded spot for your special day. Your day is sure to be just as unique as your love story. Abby and Kyle’s ceremony showed was unbelievably beautiful, yet simple. The details to create such a romantic and intimate ceremony were achieved seamlessly.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

You have to let loose and have some fun! Fancy This Photography is here to help! Not only do you deserve to enjoy your day, but when you enjoy it helps create a positive atmosphere, which is absolutely contagious and spread to your guests. Your guests are there to support and celebrate with you, and having a good time will make them feel more connected to you and your partner. This can help create lasting memories and strengthen relationships with family and friends.

Abby and Kyle's Belhaven wedding was a true testament to the power of creative, personalized touches. From the handcrafted signage to the incorporation of family heirlooms, every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed. By taking inspiration from their wedding, you can add unique elements that reflect your own love story and make your special day unforgettable. So, go ahead and let your imagination run wild - your guests will thank you for it. As Abby and Kyle proved, it's the small details that make all the difference.

Photographer // Nikki Owner of Fancy This Photography

Venue // River Forest Manor

Wedding Planner // Plume Events

Catering // HL Catering Company

Hair // Ginger Roots

Makeup // Contour Beauty Lounge

Video // Dunlow Productions

Rentals // Greenhouse Picker Sisters

Flowers // Plume Events

Cake Plates // Southern Vintage Table

Linens // Party Reflections

Cake // Sugar Euphoria

Tabletop Decor // Table of Contents

Invitations // Em Paper Co.