A Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography

Did y’all know Fancy This Photography specializes in destination wedding photography? Destination weddings are for adventurous, romantic couples who like unique experiences—and they deserve equally adventurous photographers like Courtney Collins, a partner at Fancy This Photography. In February 2024, Courtney documented Dana Statkun and Chard Howley’s gorgeous Key West wedding. She was able to photograph the natural beauty of Old Town Key West while capturing the intimate moments between the couple and their closest loved ones.

Fancy This Photography’s team has traveled near and far, capturing weddings in destinations like Glacier National Park and Seville, Spain. With years of experience photographing people and nature, this team guarantees that every detail of your destination wedding is authentically documented. We know the exact time and direction of the sunset to get that perfect shot. Most Key West weddings are outdoors, so it’s important to hire a destination wedding photographer who can shoot outside equally as well as inside.

When Chard (pronounced shard, like Chardonnay) and Dana asked us to photograph their Key West wedding, we were thrilled. Courtney packed her camera gear and headed to the Florida Keys, ready to capture every beautiful moment of this tropical celebration. Chard and Dana are an amazing couple, full of love and kindness. Their adoration for each other and their loved ones shines in every image from their Key West wedding.

Keep scrolling to learn more about Fancy This Photography's destination wedding services and experience the joy of Dana and Chard’s Key West wedding.

A Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography

Dana and Chard's Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography

Key West Wedding: A Weekend to Remember

There’s a special reason why Chard and Dana chose Key West as the destination for their wedding weekend. This tropical location is connected with family tradition and memories for Chard, whose family has vacationed there for many years. On Sunday, February 11, 2024—nine years after they started dating—Chard and Dana shared vows under the warm Florida sun. They turned the dreary month of February into a forever memory of sunshine and joy!

Before their Sunday wedding ceremony, the couple hosted a welcome party on Saturday night at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort. This poolside event under the branches of palm trees set the tone for the weekend. Guests dressed in colorful, tropical attire that perfectly reflected the chic, laid-back elegance of a Key West wedding. In a touching nod to family, Dana wore the top of her mother’s wedding dress to the welcome party, adding a symbolic layer of meaning to the weekend. The next day, Dana and Chard said "I do" aboard the Argo Navis, a luxury sailboat, during a breathtaking sunset ceremony. It really doesn’t get more romantic than tying the knot at sea.

The couple’s destination wedding took place in the heart of Key West’s Old Town". Old Town is a charming part of the island located near Duval Street, surrounded by shopping, dining, and the Conch Harbor Marina. This intimate and convenient location was ideal for Chard and Dana’s destination wedding festivities.

Duval Street: Must-Have Old Town Key West Wedding Photos

If you’re getting married in Old Town Key West, you have to get a picture with your soulmate on Duval Street! This unique local landmark captures the vibrant, iconic spirit of Key West. Duval Street is famous for its cool atmosphere, colorful architecture, and historic charm, which adds a fun element to wedding photos. It showcases the local culture, and gives couples a memorable and distinct photo backdrop that reflects the energy of Old Town Key West. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate the location’s personality into your wedding photo story!

Dana and Chard’s Love Story

Dana and Chard’s journey together began on the first day of their freshman year at Marywood University, where they met after their English class. Their love grew over the years, and their Key West wedding was an authentic celebration of their relationship. The couple was overjoyed to share this moment with close family and friends in a place filled with meaning.

With lifelong friends from college and new friends made in Durham, where Dana and Chard now live, the couple’s wedding weekend was full of unforgettable moments. Many of their guests turned the destination wedding weekend into a mini-vacation, adding to the relaxed and festive atmosphere of the celebration.

First Looks - A Key West WeddinG

Bride and Groom share first look - Key West wedding with Fancy This Photography.

The Bride and Groom share their first look - A Key West wedding with Fancy This Photography.

Why Destination WeddingS Are a Good Idea

Where you go, we go! Fancy This Photography’s team loves to travel. Here are five reasons why you should consider planning a destination wedding:

A Unique Experience: Destination weddings offer a one-of-a-kind setting for creating memories. Whether it's a tropical beach in Key West, or a vineyard estate in California, or a historic city in Italy, the location adds an extra layer of meaning to your celebration.

Intimate Guest List: Destination weddings lead to a smaller, more intimate gathering. Couples who plan destination weddings get to spend more quality time with their closest family and friends. Only the real ones will travel! A smaller wedding guest list can reduce stress and create a more personal experience.

Built-in Honeymoon: Having your wedding in a destination location doubles as a honeymoon, saving time and travel costs. Start your post-wedding relaxation immediately without the need to plan a separate trip. We hope Dana and Chard took some extra time away from the office to enjoy their gorgeous Key West wedding destination.

Scenic Backdrops for Photos: Destination weddings provide breathtaking backdrops for wedding photos. Whether it's a sunset over the ocean for a Key West wedding or a historic city skyline in France, the venue location enhances the beauty of your special day.

All-Inclusive Packages: Popular destination wedding venues and resorts offer all-inclusive packages that include accommodations, catering, decorations, and entertainment. This can make wedding planning easier, allowing couples to enjoy their day without the pressure of coordinating multiple vendors.

Sunset Ceremony at Sea - Key West wedding with Fancy This Photography

Ceremony at Sea - Key West wedding with Fancy This Photography

Tying the Knot at Sea, Key West Wedding Style

Picture this: exchanging vows beside Key West’s crystal-clear waters aboard the luxury catamaran, Argo Navis. Dana and Chard’s Key West wedding was surreal with stunning views, ocean breezes, and the sun setting on the horizon. The Argo Navis catamaran specializes in intimate weddings, offering an unmatched setting for couples who want to say “I do” at sea.

The luxury Key West catamaran’s experienced crew ensures that every detail of the voyage is perfect. From providing Dramamine to help guests with motion sickness to serving delicious appetizers and cocktails, the team at Argo Navis makes sure your wedding is flawless and unforgettable.

Argo Navis is a 75-foot luxury catamaran and the last commercial sailing vessel built in Key West. In addition to weddings, the catamaran hosts corporate meetings, summits, and special events, ensuring that every occasion is a memorable one.

Vows at Sea - Key West wedding with Fancy This Photography

Bride and Groom at Sea - Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography

Key West WeddIng Reception at Old Town Manor

After the magical at-sea wedding ceremony aboard the Argo Navis, guests took a trolley from the docks to Old Town Manor. This Key West wedding venue was located just a few blocks away, and perfect for dinner and dancing under the stars. The Key West wedding reception was filled with joy as Dana and Chard celebrated their love with their closest friends and family in a stunning setting.

Whether you're planning a destination wedding or looking for a NC wedding photographer, Fancy This Photography will give you beautiful images that tell the true story of your love and your wedding day. From Key West weddings to local events, our team is ready to capture your life milestones with artistry and passion.

A Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography

A Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography

A Key West Wedding with Fancy This Photography

Meet The Vendors

Photography // Fancy This Photography 

Planning // Vicky Furman Events

Rentals // Eventfully Yours Rentals

Florals // Karro Events and Florals

Hair and makeup // Makeup N Giggles

Accommodations // The Marker Key West Harbor Resort

Ceremony Venue // @svargonavis @argonavisevents

Reception // Old Town Manor

DJ // DJ Sanaris

Catering // Catered Affairs of Key West

Cake // Key West Cakes

Award-Winning Wedding at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh

Saturday, November 17, 2023, was an unforgettable day. Picture this – crisp fall weather, trees full of warm color, honest love, and joyful celebration. Katie Conger and Harrison Benson’s wedding at Saint Mary's Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina, was simply stunning. Every detail, from fashion to decor, was thoughtful and beautiful. Nikki Whitt-Belch, owner and founder of Fancy This Photography, was honored to capture the occasion in images that The Bensons and their loved ones will cherish forever.

Katie and Harrison’s classic North Carolina wedding weekend kicked off on Friday with a welcome party at the historic Heights House Hotel. Have y’all ever been to this downtown Raleigh gem? If not, add it to your list of must-see local landmarks. The Heights House Hotel welcome party set the stage for a weekend filled with romance, emotion, and pinch-yourself moments.

Fancy This Photography Receives Award for Best Wedding Photographer 2023

As you scroll through the gorgeous images of this black-tie wedding by Nikki, you'll start to understand why this wedding has gotten so much well-deserved attention. Nikki’s ability to photograph the spirit of this fall wedding day earned her the 2023 title of Best Wedding Photographer from Triangle NACE.

Triangle NACE is the North Carolina chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), an organization that brings together event professionals from different areas of the industry. NACE provides education, networking opportunities, and resources to help members enhance their skills and grow their businesses. Thank you Triangle NACE for all that you do in North Carolina!

Katie Conger and Harrison Benson tied the knot at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Wedding Invitation Details

We were smitten kitten with Katie and Harrison’s wedding stationery. Their wedding invitation suite was a dream come true for any hopeless romantic, featuring a modern blue color palette, elegant fonts, and sweet Southern monograms. It was the perfect match for their wedding at Saint Mary's Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina. Katie and Harrison designed their stationery from If It’s Paper, a local gem in Raleigh. The styling was so stunning that we couldn’t resist capturing every detail in a dedicated photo shoot, showcasing its beauty and detail.

Katie Conger got ready with her best friends and closest family at the Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Getting Ready in Style at The Carolina Country Club

Katie and Harrison started the wedding day surrounded by their closest friends and family at the Carolina Country Club. You better believe that mimosas were involved! We had so much fun photographing the bride and groom in those exciting minutes leading up to the ceremony at Saint Mary’s Chapel.

At 5:00 p.m., the bride and groom exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony at Saint Mary's Chapel. The celebration of love continued with a reception at the Carolina Country Club. I can attest, guests danced the night away in true Raleigh style.

The wedding was seamless. We have to shoutout Jessica Alexander Events for planning and coordinating such an exceptional event. It was the perfect combination of sophistication and warmth.

Keep scrolling to experience more from this extraordinary fall wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina. See for yourself why Fancy This Photography is recognized as one of the best in the industry. Truly outstanding!

The Groom and his groomsmen take a walk across the gorgeous grounds at the Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Katie Conger and Harrison Benson posed for some candid and plandid photos at the Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Katie and her bridesmaids held onto beautiful wedding bouquets by Kelly Odom Flowers.

Wedding at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina

Location: 900 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, North Carolina

Saint Mary’s Chapel is straight out of a fairytale. Nestled within the historic campus of Saint Mary’s School, this Gothic Revival chapel whispers timeless romance. The North Carolina wedding venue can host up to 230 guests. Whether or not a couple has ties to the school, they can exchange vows in this ethereal space. Saint Mary’s Chapel is affiliated with the Episcopal Church but welcomes couples of all denominations.

Built in 1855, Saint Mary’s Chapel is a testament to history and architecture. Its steeply pitched roof and whimsical stained glass windows create an atmosphere that was made for weddings. While the chapel is pretty in every season, there’s something especially magical about a fall wedding at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Fun Fact: Saint Mary’s Chapel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Things to Know: Wedding Photography at Saint Mary’s Chapel

Capturing the magic of a wedding at Saint Mary’s Chapel comes with unique rules. The chapel has guidelines for wedding photographers and videographers to preserve the spirituality and sacredness of the space. Photos can only be taken from the back of the chapel, and movement is restricted during the ceremony. After the vows are exchanged, there’s a brief window for photos inside the chapel.

To maintain the chapel’s unique ambiance, additional lighting or external microphones are not permitted. North Carolina wedding photographers must rely solely on the camera’s built-in microphone and keep the camera stationary on a tripod throughout the service.

Fancy This Photography takes special care to respect the rules set in place by wedding venues, especially when they are places of worship.

Saint Mary’s Chapel Weddings

When it comes to decor, Saint Mary’s Chapel has a few special guidelines. Altar flowers must not exceed the height of the cross, and while candelabras and candles for the altar are provided, additional candles are not allowed. Flower petals can be scattered outside, but not inside on the chapel carpet. Birdseed and rice are also prohibited, as is any food or drink inside the chapel, with the exception of bottled water.

These guidelines ensure that every wedding at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina, is as beautiful and special as the setting itself.

Katie Conger and Harrison Benson stand by their closest friends at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

The Newlyweds took The Great Raleigh Trolley from Saint Mary’s Chapel to their reception at the Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Wedding Reception at The Carolina Country Club

After their beautiful wedding at Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, Katie and Harrison invited their guests to continue the celebration at the Carolina Country Club. Y’all, this is honestly one of North Carolina’s best wedding venues.

The 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, perched overlooking a green golf course, provided a picture-perfect backdrop for the reception. With its traditional yet luxurious interior design, the Carolina Country Club offers cool views of the manicured lawns and tranquil lakes. You can even see the Raleigh, North Carolina landscape from the clubhouse bar, the parlor, and all of the venue’s event spaces.

Capturing Katie and Harrison’s wedding reception here was a joy for Fancy This Photography. The Carolina Country Club’s classic architecture, paired with the scenic beauty of the surroundings, offered endless opportunities for striking candid and formal portraits. We had a hard time picking our favorite images from this fall wedding day!

The bride and groom’s guests were treated to a culinary experience crafted by Chef Jalen Williams. Carolina Country Club’s head chef guarantees the menu is as unforgettable as the venue. The attentive service provided by the venue’s staff makes the evening even more special. It’s really easy for couples to relax and enjoy their celebration here.

As the night unfolded, the sounds of Irresistible Groove, one of North Carolina’s top wedding bands, filled the air. They kept the dance floor packed and the energy high. The blend of music, laughter, and toasts made for some surreal moments, all captured by Fancy This Photography.

The Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, with its mix of elegance, charm, and top-tier service, was the perfect backdrop for this one-of-a-kind wedding.

The Bensons at Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

Wedding Flowers that Make You Say “Wow”

Throughout the day, fabulous floral arrangements by Kelly Odom Flowers adorned both the ceremony and reception spaces. As a photographer, these wedding flowers added an extra layer of detail and beauty to the celebration. From the towering table centerpieces and entryway displays to the thoughtfully crafted altar decor and bouquets, each piece was designed specifically for Katie and Harrison’s big day.

The Art of Wedding Reception Photos

Capturing action photos during wedding receptions is all about being in the moment and anticipating the energy of the event. From the couple’s first dance to unpredictable moves on the dance floor, candid photos document the genuine joy and excitement of the celebration. For Fancy This Photography, the key is to blend into the background while staying ready to capture those fleeting moments that tell the story of the night. Whether it’s a groom spinning his bride around or a family member sharing an emotional toast, action photos bring the spirit of the reception to life. These photos preserve the raw emotions that make each wedding unique.

Katie Benson and Harrison Benson’s first dance as newlyweds at the Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Meet The Vendors

Photography // Fancy This Photography

Event Management // Jessica Alexander Events

Chapel // Saint Mary's School

Reception // Carolina Country Club 

Floral Design // Kelly Odom Flowers

Entertainment // Irresistible Groove

Rentals // Curated Events Raleigh

Beauty // Reign Beauty NC

Lighting // Stylus Events

Stationery // If It's Paper

Transportation // Great Raleigh Trolley & White Horse Transportation

Dress // Alexia's Bridal

Liz Burke and Christian Hausle’s Downtown Raleigh Courthouse Wedding

Courtney Collins, a fabulous partner at Fancy This Photography, captured the downtown Raleigh courthouse wedding of Liz Burke and Christian Hausle on December 15, 2023. This Raleigh elopement oozed sophistication and coolness. Liz and Christian served major Hollywood vibes. We were thrilled to document their intimate and chic downtown Raleigh courthouse wedding.

Courtney photographed Liz and Christian’s sentimental getting ready moments before their courthouse ceremony. The bride and groom included their sweet cat and dog in some iconic family photos on the couch. After snapping photos with their pets, Courtney followed Liz and Christian to the train station for downtown Raleigh elopement pictures.

This real wedding blog is full of advice for planning a fierce Downtown Raleigh Courthouse wedding day from start to finish.

Bride and groom with cat and dog moments before Downtown Raleigh Courthouse wedding.

Raleigh, North Carolina Elopement Photography

Downtown Raleigh offers tons of sweet locations for elopement or wedding photos. We recommend the train station for its unique architecture and vibes. The exposed brick walls, curved archways, and ironwork provide excellent backdrops, neutral and consistent with cool textures and angles. Courtney’s photos, a mix of black-and-white and color, portray Liz and Christian as a modern, authentic, fierce, and utterly timeless couple.

Raleigh Union Station, located at the Boylan Wye railroad junction used by CSX and Norfolk Southern, is right next to the Depot Historic District in downtown Raleigh.

Another cool downtown Raleigh elopement photo location we recommend is the Boylan Bridge. The bridge offers a unique view of downtown Raleigh’s skyline and is just a three-minute drive from the train station.

Keep scrolling for more downtown Raleigh courthouse wedding photos and downtown Raleigh elopement photo ideas.

Downtown Raleigh Courthouse Wedding Tips 

A courthouse elopement can be perfect for couples who want a more intimate or affordable wedding ceremony. Even though elopements are typically less formal than traditional weddings, we still recommend hiring a professional photographer. You’ll never regret capturing precious moments of you and your significant other as you prepare for the day, participate in the ceremony, and enjoy any post-“I do” festivities.

A lot of times, couples will invite a few close friends and family to the courthouse for the ceremony or a nearby restaurant to celebrate afterward. We love big milestones just as much as the little moments in between, like walking across the street with high heels in your hand or kissing your dog on the snoot before heading to the courthouse. Fancy This Photography was honored to capture Liz and Christian’s downtown Raleigh courthouse wedding.

A candid portrait of the bride during her Downtown Raleigh Courthouse wedding ceremony photographed by Courtney Collins, Fancy This Photography partner.

Real moments from Liz and Christian’s Downtown Raleigh Courthouse wedding.

Liz and Christian sealed the deal with a kiss at their Downtown Raleigh Courthouse wedding.

More About The Courthouse in Downtown Raleigh 

The courthouse located in downtown Raleigh is called the Wake County Courthouse. For clarification: marriages are not conducted in the Wake County Courthouse. Marriages take place in the Wake County Justice Center. The courthouse is located off Fayetteville Street, and the Justice Center is next door on Salisbury Street.

For couples who want classic Raleigh courthouse wedding photos, the Wake County Justice Center is in a prime spot. The Justice Center’s downtown location places you near local landmarks, beautiful public parks, and legendary restaurants and bars. Here are a few of Fancy This Photography’s favorite places to take Raleigh courthouse wedding photos:

• Raleigh Union Station 

• City Market and Moore Square Park 

• The Dillon Rooftop (Downtown Raleigh skyline) 

• Warehouse District and Nash Square Park 

• Marbles Kids Museum 

• Boylan Heights neighborhood 

• Boylan Bridge (Downtown Raleigh skyline) 

• North Carolina State Capitol 

• NC State University campus 

• WRAL Azalea Gardens

• Dorothea Dix Park and Fred Fletcher Park

• North Carolina Museum of Art

Liz and Christian looked sharp in their Raleigh courthouse wedding attire and fierce sunglasses on the rooftop of The Dillon.

About The Dillon in Downtown Raleigh 

Fancy This Photography loves an urban-industrial photo shoot, especially when it celebrates the union of a couple like Liz and Christian. This dynamic bride and groom duo was made for a rooftop photo shoot. Have you ever been on the rooftop of The Dillon? The Dillon is a mixed-use property in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Located in the Warehouse District, The Dillon’s rooftop has epic views of the downtown Raleigh skyline from the ninth floor.

From the rooftop of The Dillon, you get a unique view of downtown Raleigh’s oldest and newest buildings as they reach up and kiss the sky. Liz and Christian looked sharp in their Raleigh courthouse wedding attire and fierce sunglasses. The Dillon’s downtown Raleigh location is prime for Raleigh couples photo shoots.

Post-Elopement Restaurant and Bar Recommendations in Downtown Raleigh

Here are a few of Fancy This Photography’s favorite restaurants and bars near The Dillon in downtown Raleigh:

• Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing

• The Raleigh Times Bar

• Dram and Drought 

• A Place at the Table 

• The Pit Authentic Barbecue 

• Trophy Brewing & Pizza

• Morgan Street Food Hall 

• Flying Saucer Draught Emporium 

• Fiction Kitchen 

• Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern 

Fun Fact: A new restaurant and bar has recently opened on the rooftop of The Dillon in downtown Raleigh. Discover La Terrazza, a Mediterranean-Southern Italian concept by Raleighite Samad Hachby (of Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar).

Parking: The Dillon’s ground-floor parking deck offers access, or there is street parking available.

***Public access: No reservation needed—La Terrazza is open to the public for skyline views.

Raleigh NC Elopement Fashion  

Elopement fashion is free and non-conforming. Fancy This Photography has seen couples in everything from matching suits to tea-length dresses, and not always in traditional black-and-white wedding color palettes.

Liz and Christian’s elopement outfits were sophisticated and glamorous. Christian looked handsome in a classic black-and-white tuxedo with a matching bow tie. Liz stopped traffic in a stunning elopement dress featuring off-the-shoulder sleeves, a drop-down square neckline, and a sleek ankle-length skirt. She completed her flawless courthouse wedding look with smart, walkable heels and an ivory overcoat.

Liz held a beautiful bouquet of wedding flowers. Her minimalist bouquet featured white calla lilies, greenery, and a whisper of baby’s breath. The unique trumpet-shaped flowers complemented the contemporary structure of Liz’s elopement dress. A soft piece of sheer white ribbon was tied around the bouquet’s stems.

North Carolina Elopement Photographer

Whether you’re planning a courthouse wedding or a more elaborate celebration, remember that the magic is in the details and the moments you share. Hiring a professional photographer ensures that these memories are captured beautifully, creating a timeless keepsake of your special day.

For more courthouse wedding or elopement inspiration, check out Anna and Kyle’s winter elopement in Hillsborough, North Carolina.

Anna + Kyle’s Winter Elopement at the Hillsborough, NC Courthouse