Posts in Weddings
Enchanting Elegance: A Bridal Shower in White and Blue
 

Enchanting Elegance: A Bridal Shower in White and Blue

Experience the captivating beauty of Katie's bridal shower at The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, NC, where a harmonious blend of white and blue created an atmosphere of enchanting elegance.

Photographed by Sarah Gillie

Step into a world of enchantment where elegance meets the serene beauty of white and blue. Picture yourself at Katie's bridal shower, held at the captivating Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, NC. This ethereal celebration showcases the perfect blend of colors that create a truly mesmerizing atmosphere. As we embark on this journey, prepare to be captivated by the stunning photographs captured by Sarah Gillie, giving you a window into a truly enchanting event. In this article, we will explore the dreamy setting of The Carolina Inn, the harmonious combination of white and blue, the visionary planner behind it all, Maggie Beadle of C and D Events, and the talented eye of photographer Sarah Gillie. By the end, you'll be inspired to create your own magical celebration, as we provide you with a roadmap to crafting your very own dream event. So, let's dive in and discover the enchanting elegance of Katie's bridal shower.

The Carolina Inn: A Perfect Setting for a Dreamy Bridal Shower

Set amidst the charming town of Chapel Hill, NC, The Carolina Inn stands as a picture-perfect backdrop for Katie's enchanting bridal shower. With its stately columns, manicured gardens, and timeless Southern charm, this historic venue sets the stage for a truly dreamy celebration. The inn's elegant architecture and rich history effortlessly blend with the ethereal theme of white and blue, creating an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and whimsical.

As guests step foot onto the grounds of The Carolina Inn, they are immediately transported to a world where every detail is carefully curated to evoke a sense of enchantment. From the grand entrance adorned with delicate white blooms to the breathtaking ballroom bathed in soft blue hues, every corner of this venue is a testament to the power of thoughtful design.

Maggie Beadle of C and D Events, the visionary planner behind Katie's bridal shower, has flawlessly brought the theme to life within the walls of The Carolina Inn. Through her meticulous attention to detail and creative flair, Maggie has transformed the spaces into a realm of elegance and magic. From the ornate table settings adorned with white roses and delicate blue accents to the whimsical hanging decorations that create an aura of charm, every element has been carefully chosen to perfectly complement the venue's inherent beauty.

Photographer Sarah Gillie has masterfully captured the essence of The Carolina Inn and its role in this enchanting celebration. Through her lens, Sarah takes us on a visual journey, showcasing the intricate architectural details, the serene beauty of the outdoor spaces, and the timeless elegance that permeates every room. Her photographs serve as a testament to the harmony between the venue, the theme, and the celebration, offering a glimpse into the dreamlike experience that unfolded on that special day.

With The Carolina Inn as the backdrop, Katie's bridal shower becomes a testament to the power of a well-chosen setting. Its elegance and timeless beauty serve as the canvas upon which a dreamy celebration is painted. As we continue to explore the harmonious combination of white and blue in the next section, we will delve deeper into the captivating atmosphere created at this magical venue.

A Harmonious Blend: Celebrating with White and Blue

With The Carolina Inn as the backdrop, Katie's bridal shower becomes a testament to the power of a well-chosen setting. Its elegance and timeless beauty serve as the canvas upon which a dreamy celebration is painted. Photographer Sarah Gillie has masterfully captured the essence of The Carolina Inn and its role in this enchanting celebration. Through her lens, Sarah takes us on a visual journey, showcasing the intricate architectural details, the serene beauty of the outdoor spaces, and the timeless elegance that permeates every room. Her photographs serve as a testament to the harmony between the venue, the theme, and the celebration, offering a glimpse into the dreamlike experience that unfolded on that special day.

As we continue to explore the harmonious combination of white and blue in the next section, we will delve deeper into the captivating atmosphere created at this magical venue. The use of white and blue throughout the bridal shower created a sense of unity and tranquility, perfectly complementing the elegance of The Carolina Inn. White, with its association with purity and new beginnings, served as the foundation for the celebration. It adorned the tables with delicate linens, graced the chairs with elegant covers, and provided a soft backdrop for the stunning floral arrangements.

The addition of blue to the color palette added a touch of serenity and sophistication. Whether it was showcased in the vibrant blue hydrangeas, the carefully selected blue accents on the table settings, or the subtle hints of blue in the invitation suite, it brought a sense of depth and tranquility to the overall aesthetic. The combination of white and blue created a harmonious blend, reminiscent of a clear summer sky, and added a timeless elegance to every aspect of Katie's bridal shower.

The Carolina Inn's architectural details, exquisite outdoor spaces, and classic charm provided the perfect canvas for the enchantment of white and blue to unfold. The atmosphere exuded an air of grace and tranquility, inviting guests to revel in the beauty of the surroundings and celebrate the bride-to-be in style. Next, we will discover the creative genius behind the flawless execution of this harmonious blend, as we explore the vision of Maggie Beadle with C and D Events.

Capturing the Magic: Sarah Gillie, the Talented Photographer

Sarah Gillie, the talented photographer, played an integral role in capturing the enchanting elegance of this white and blue bridal shower. With her expertise and keen eye for detail, Sarah expertly documented every moment, ensuring that the memories created during this special occasion would be preserved forever.

Known for her ability to capture the essence and emotions of each event she photographs, Sarah skillfully framed each shot to highlight the beauty and elegance that surrounded the bride-to-be and her loved ones. From the carefully arranged floral centerpieces to the delicate lace details on the bride's dress, Sarah's photographs captured the intricate details that made this bridal shower truly magical.

Throughout the event, Sarah effortlessly moved around the venue, blending into the background while discreetly capturing candid moments and expressions of joy, laughter, and love. She expertly captured the heartfelt speeches, the playful games, and the genuine interactions between the bride and her friends and family. Sarah's photographs became a window into the very essence of this celebration, allowing those who were unable to attend to feel as though they were a part of the day.

Sarah's impeccable timing and ability to anticipate the perfect moment ensured that each photograph was a work of art. Whether it was a stolen glance between the bride and groom or a spontaneous burst of laughter, she effortlessly froze these precious moments in time, allowing the bride and her loved ones to relive them over and over again.

Not only did Sarah capture the candid moments, but she also took the time to orchestrate stunning group shots that showcased the love and support surrounding the bride. Her ability to bring out the genuine smiles of the guests and create a relaxed atmosphere resulted in photographs that exuded warmth and happiness.

As the bridal shower drew to a close, Sarah immortalized the final moments of the day with a series of breathtaking photographs. She framed the bride and groom under a canopy of twinkling lights, capturing their love and excitement as they embarking on this new journey together. The images were nothing short of enchanting, reflecting the dreamy ambiance that had enveloped the entire event.

Special thanks to these vendors!

Photography // Sarah with Fancy This Photography
Planning // Maggie Beadle with C and D Events West
Venue // The Carolina Inn
Flowers // Bowerbird Flowers
Signage // Art by Ashley Triggiano
Dessert // Sugar Euphoria
Rentals // Greenhouse Picker Sisters

 
The McAlister-Leftwich House
 

Discover The McAlister-Leftwich House Wedding Venue in Greensboro, NC

The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue, nestled just outside Downtown Greensboro, North Carolina, is a beautiful choice for any event. As a historic estate, it graces the edge of the Fisher Park Historic District. We're eager to share the charm of this special gathering space on the Fancy This Photography blog. 

This historic venue, steeped in Southern gothic-style and character, provides an exquisite backdrop for our lens. Step inside, and you'll be greeted by an abundance of natural light, dancing off a neutral color palette. Wander outside, and the estate's expansive lawn and picturesque landscape pay homage to Greensboro's name.

Excitement can’t be contained as Fancy This Photography proudly shares a modern styled shoot captured at The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue in Greensboro, NC.

Styled Shoot at The McAlister-Leftwich House Wedding Venue

Witness the power of collaboration as a stacked team of North Carolina's finest wedding professionals joined forces to craft an imaginary wedding! Orchestrated by Maggie Beadle of C&D Events West, this timeless and modern styled shoot was designed for publication in Heart of NC Weddings magazine.

Don't miss out—continue scrolling to delve into the details of The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue in Greensboro, NC. Meet the talented team of local vendors whose creativity and expertise breathed life into this summer styled shoot.

Explore the Artistry of Wedding Paper With Vie Creative Co.

In the world of wedding documentation, capturing stationery and paper details is a sweet memento for couples. Fancy This Photography lends a careful eye to elements like invitations, programs, and place cards. We understand their role in narrating the couple's story and encapsulating the celebration's style.

Enter Vie Creative Co., the vendor behind the paper products that complemented this styled shoot. Their choice of elegant fonts and a soft color palette resonated beautifully. Founder of Fancy This Photography, Nikki, loved the bespoke monogrammed wedding crest, capturing its curving lines with each click. For couples seeking to infuse sophistication into their wedding through paper, consider a signature cocktail sign or the addition of personalized dinner menus to each table setting.

And let's not forget the delightful touch of mini jars of honey serving as wedding favors—a sweet gesture that harmonizes perfectly with the Southern charm of The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue in Greensboro, NC.

Bride Getting Ready The McAlister-Leftwich House Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography

Two Homes - The McAlister-Leftwich House Wedding Venue

Two gorgeous homes make up The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue in Greensboro, NC. Originally built in the 1800 and 1900s, this venue has a history spanning more than 100 years. The McAlister-Leftwich House was lovingly transformed by a family into a luxury event space in 2017. This historic estate offers couples a blank canvas for their celebration’s unique style. Fancy This Photography loves to capture the venue’s natural light and unique architecture.

Explore The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue through this styled shoot. Get a glimpse of the Southern style and beauty that this downtown Greensboro wedding venue offers.

Getting Ready at The McAlister-Leftwich House Wedding Venue 

The second and third floors of The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue are dedicated getting-ready spaces. A dreamy 1,600-square-foot bridal suite includes a dressing room, sitting room, dining room, and hair and makeup room. Every corner of this luxury getting ready suite is filled with vintage furniture, gold accents and gilded mirrors. Fancy This Photography loves taking pre-ceremony photos of couples getting ready in this space A bar, putting green, poker table, lounge and dressing room can be found in the Groom’s getting ready suite.

Hair and Makeup // The Beauty Tribe

Wedding Dress // Vow’d Weddings

Formwalwear // Bernard's Formalwear 

Jewelry // Diamonds Direct

Models // Jasmine Brown and Rony Thomas

Imagine Your Wedding Here

Picking your wedding venue is the first thing when it comes to planning your wedding. From getting ready to cocktail hour, you want to imagine your wedding while touring a venue. We hope that this styled shoot will help give you a picture for what your wedding could look like here.

The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue is one of our new favorites to work with! It’s not just dreamy, but their incredible staff make your wedding their top priority. We can’t wait to work with more couples at this Greensboro, NC wedding venue.

Maximum Guest Capacity: 150

Keep scrolling to learn more about The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue.

Bar with Flowers and Desserts The McAlister-Leftwich House Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography

Flowers by Bowerbird Flowers and Apothecary

The Connector Hallway at The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue is a sweet photo opportunity between the two houses. It offers the perfect setting for capturing beautiful bridal and couple portraits. This couple looked stunning with flowers by Bowerbird Flowers and Apothecary. The whole scene was bathed in soft, natural light streaming through windows. Whether adorned with minimalist decor or elaborate floral archways, this hallway is one of Fancy This Photography’s favorites.

Bride and Groom Bowerbird Flowers and Apothecary The McAlister-Leftwich House Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography

Outdoor Events at The McAlister-Leftwich House Wedding Venue 

The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue welcomes outdoor events. The historic estate’s manicured lawns lend themselves perfectly to outdoor ceremonies, photo shoots, cocktail hours, and receptions. The outdoor reception tables designed for this styled shoot feature blue taper candles, yellow napkins and pink flowers on neutral linens. Charming table settings and rentals from Curated Events Raleigh set the tone for a sweet summer soiree. The feast for this styled shoot was provided by Chez Genese GSO French Cafe. 

Al Fresco Reception Table The McAlister-Leftwich House Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography
Summer Table Settings The McAlister Leftwich House Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography

Staircase Wedding Photos

The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue features stunning staircases inside and outside! Please let Fancy This Photography capture you and your partner in your wedding outfits on these stairs. We love how the train of a wedding dress or veil cascades down steps. Plus, what better symbol to represent stepping into the next chapter of your lives together?

Colorful Desserts by Sugar Euphoria

Raleigh-based Sugar Euphoria made a beautiful ombre wedding cake and rainbow macarons for this styled shoot. Each colorful confection popped against The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue’s neutral decor. Having alternate desserts alongside your wedding cake offers a fun variety for guests and adds a creative touch to the celebration. Not only are Sugar Euphoria’s macarons delicious, but they add a playful visual bite to this styled shoot. We love the rainbow assortment!

Love in Color at The McAlister-Leftwich House Wedding Venue 

We had fun photographing the bright colors and patterns selected by Maggie Beadle of C&D Events for this wedding design. Lemonade yellows and strawberry pinks popped against the neutral backdrop of The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue. Our cameras ate up the bride and groom, portrayed by models Jasmine Brown and Rony Thomas. Their wedding looks and chemistry sparkled in each wedding scene. From getting ready to painting in a modern ceremony ritual, they nailed it.  

The majority of this styled shoot took place inside and outside The Leftwich house (1875). This home features four rooms with 14’ ceilings, massive windows, and romantic interior decor. Couples like to use this home for cocktail hour or an intimate ceremony or reception. The first floor can host up to 125 people for a seated ceremony or reception, and 150 for a cocktail-style reception.

Meaningful Wedding Painting Ceremony

Staff at The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding venue love working with couples to bring their event visions to life. No couple is the same. Some Fancy This Photography couples are traditional, while others are more modern and then there are those who float somewhere in the middle. Whether you desire a unique reception seating design or a romantic painting ceremony, The McAlister-Leftwich House wedding staff will help make it happen! 

In this alternative wedding ceremony, the bride and groom each pour their own paint color onto a blank canvas. Unity painting rituals let a couple celebrate their commitment to one another in an artistic, non-religious way. The final painting symbolizes the start of a new journey together.

Meet all of the fabulous vendors behind this styled shoot for Heart of NC Weddings magazine.

Photography // Fancy This Photography

Publication // Heart of NC Weddings 

Planner // C and D Events West

Venue // The McAlister-Leftwich House 

Videographer // Serrano Film Co.

Paper Products // Vie Creative Co.

Hair and Makeup // The Beauty Tribe

Wedding Dress // Vow’d Weddings

Cake & Desserts // Sugar Euphoria

Florist // Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary 

Rentals // Curated Events Raleigh

Models // Jasmine Brown and Rony Thomas

Jewelry // Diamonds Direct

Catering // Chez Genèse | GSO French Café

Formalwear // Bernard's Formalwear 

Specialty Rentals // Sweet Everlasting Rentals

 
Brendan & Morgan | Lavender Oaks Farm Wedding
 

Lavender Wedding in Chapel Hill North Carolina

Morgan May and Brendan Hogan’s lavender wedding in Chapel Hill, North Carolina took place on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Festivities began with a traditional wedding ceremony at Holy Infant Catholic Church in Durham, North Carolina. Fancy This Photography partner, Courtney Collins, captured the day frame by frame as it unfolded. After the ceremony, guests gathered for a reception at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill. If you are looking for a wedding venue in North Carolina, we highly recommend Lavender Oaks Farm. Discover historic barns surrounded by lavender fields and forest just off Jones Ferry Road and Highway 54. Book an in-person tour today by emailing venue owner Karen Macdonald at karen@lavenderoaks.farm

Lavender Wedding Inspiration

From lavender wedding flowers to lavender bridesmaid dresses, this real wedding blog is poppin’ with purple. The sweet southern details from this lavender wedding are undeniably pin-worthy! Light blue, sage, blush and ivory complete Morgan and Brendan’s dreamy wedding color palette. The mixture of pastel colors is at once light and ethereal. Fancy This Photography appreciates the amount of time and sweat people pour into planning weddings. This is why we prioritize capturing detail shots in addition to people and moments. The story is in the details. Morgan and Brendan’s wedding story is the perfect example. Join us, as we swoon over this lovely lavender wedding in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Wedding Party Lavender Wedding in Chapel Hill North Carolina Fancy This Photography
Invitation Lavender Wedding in Chapel Hill North Carolina Fancy This Photography

Exceptional Photography for Every Wedding Color Palette

Fancy This Photography wedding galleries always include a combination of black and white and color images. We want your photos to authentically memorialize the color story of your wedding day. Whether your wedding color palette is dark and moody or light and airy, our team will photograph it beautifully. Fancy This Photography cameras love color. It’s one of the first statements on our homepage.

Wedding photography for the madly in love couple. Enticed by bold color & emotions.

Courtney beautifully captured the color and movement in Morgan and Brendan’s lavender wedding. From the groom’s boutonniere, a bold burst of color, to the bride’s veil, a delicate waterfall of white lace. All of these photos commemorate the colorful essence of this wedding at Lavender Oaks Farm.

Beautiful Wedding Ceremony Holy Infant Catholic Church Durham North Carolina Fancy This Photography

That Lavender Wedding Haze

Let’s hear it for lavender weddings! Taylor Swift isn’t the only one raving about this magical color. If you’re thinking about including lavender in your wedding color palette, we support you. Especially if your wedding takes place in spring or summer, like Morgan and Brendan’s did.

It’s easy to understand why this elegant color is a popular choice for wedding flowers and decor. The color lavender can be connected to a range of meanings like healing and love. The purple plant smells and tastes good, has medicinal properties, and is simply beautiful.

We do a little dance when couples incorporate lavender into their wedding color palette or theme. Scroll all the way through this blog for bookoos of lavender wedding inspiration. From flowers to decor, Morgan and Brendan’s lavender wedding in Chapel Hill, North Carolina was lovely.

Wedding Party Group Lavender Wedding in Chapel Hill North Carolina Fancy This Photography
Flowers Lavender Wedding in Chapel Hill North Carolina Fancy This Photography

Lavender Oaks Farm Wedding Venue

Lavender lovers lookout! There is a 60-acre lavender farm and event space in the countryside of Chapel Hill. Lavender Oaks Farm is a real-life functioning lavender farm! This fabulous farm offers several indoor and outdoor event spaces. Morgan and Brendan utilized both by hosting cocktail hour on the outdoor patio and dinner and dancing inside the main barn. Y’all, this ain’t your grandma’s patio. The patio at Lavender Oaks Farm comes with a spectacular stone fireplace, whimsical wrought iron gazebo and view of lavender fields and forestry. Discover rustic exposed beams, crystal chandeliers and modern amenities inside the main barn. Peep the loft! Fancy This Photography loves to get wedding reception photos from this unique bird’s eye view.

Guess what, this Chapel Hill wedding venue is beautiful even if the lavender fields are not in bloom! But just in case you’re wondering, the farm’s lavender blooms in late May and through July. You can purchase the purple plant in the venue’s adorable on-site farm shop. Lavender lotions, teas, sachets and more make for sweet wedding favors.

Lavender Oaks Farm is a 15-minute drive away from downtown Chapel Hill and 30 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Burying the Bourbon Tradition Lavender Wedding in Chapel Hill North Carolina

Burying The Bourbon Wedding Tradition

"Burying the bourbon" is a Southern wedding tradition that Lavender Oaks Farm welcomes. This whimsical and witchy ritual is believed to bring good weather on your wedding day. A month before the ceremony, Morgan and Brendan buried a bottle of bourbon at Lavender Oaks Farm, aiming to ward off rain. On their wedding day, they dug up the bottle and shared a drink, turning the tradition into a playful photo opportunity. Fancy This Photography loves when couples add this Southern ritual to the celebration! It's a simple yet fun way to infuse regional folklore into wedding preparations, and it creates a fun moment of excitement for all.

Keep scrolling to see more beautiful images from Morgan and Brendan’s lavender wedding in Chapel Hill North Carolina.

Lavender Wedding Flowers and Decorations

Lavender wedding flowers by Folie à Deux Events set the tone for Morgan and Brendan’s ceremony and reception. Folie à Deux Events is a luxury floral design and creative studio based in Carrboro, North Carolina. Like Fancy This Photography, Folie à Deux Events has also been featured on the cover of Heart of NC Weddings magazine, a beloved local publication.

Folie à Deux Events’ wedding flower arrangements served up looks of elegance and love! How dreamy are those bouquets? The purple blooms add a touch of color without being overpowering. Did you see the flowers on and around the sweetheart table?These lavender wedding flowers and decorations created a look that is at once romantic and sophisticated.

Lavender tablecloths and napkins added to the splendor. There are even a few sprigs of real lavender decorating the wedding cake. Candles set the whole lavender wedding scene aglow.

Flowers and Decor Lavender Wedding in Chapel Hill North Carolina

Local Lavender Wedding in Chapel Hill North Carolina

Booking local event professionals is a smart choice for couples planning a wedding. Not only does it support the community but it also brings practical benefits to couples. For example, Fancy This Photography has a deep understanding of the Triangle area. We have experience photographing the best NC wedding venues, including Lavender Oaks Farm.

When you work with local wedding professionals, communication is fast and easy. Don’t be surprised if we become friends by the end of your wedding journey! Seriously, supporting local businesses contributes to the economic well-being of the community. From florists to photographers, local vendors will add ease and authenticity to your wedding.

Cheers to Morgan and Brendan! Thank you for choosing Fancy This Photography to capture your wedding in photos that will last a lifetime. We love you and wish you the best!

Photography // Fancy This Photography

Venue // Lavender Oaks Farm

Florals // Folie à Deux Events

Catering // Donovan’s Dish

DJ // Stylus Events

Hair & Makeup // Wedded Kiss