Multicultural Wedding at The Maxwell in Raleigh

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

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

Getting Ready at The Maxwell 

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

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

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

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

Learn More: Wedding at The Maxwell in Raleigh NC

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

First Look at The Maxwell

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

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

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

Indian Wedding Henna Traditions

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

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

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at The Maxwell

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

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

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

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

Indoor Wedding Reception at The Maxwell

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

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

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

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

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

Indian Wedding Style Outfit Change

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

Photography // Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography 

Venue // The Maxwell Raleigh

Planning // Daniel of Harmony Weddings & Events

Catering // Under The Oaks Catering

Florist // Color Fields Flowers

Dessert // Capital Cakes NC

Rentals // Party Reflections

Beauty // Tease and Blush

Entertainment // Stylus Weddings DJ

Henna & Mendhi // @mysticalhennabypriya

Elopement at Palacio 7 Balcones in Sevilla Spain 

Y’all, it’s true—elopements in Sevilla, Spain, just hit different. This styled elopement at Palacio 7 Balcones in Sevilla Spain is full of vibrant colors, romance, and a zest for life and love.

Once an ancient Roman villa, Palacio 7 Balcones is a dream setting for a destination wedding photographer (aka me, Nikki). Nestled in a cozy plaza in Castilleja de la Cuesta, the palace is a hidden gem featuring picturesque archways, Spanish tile, and lush gardens. Dating back to the 18th century, Palacio 7 Balcones has been carefully restored to offer modern luxury while retaining its old-world charm. With its stunning indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s the perfect Sevilla wedding venue to celebrate love and matrimony.

Elope in Sevilla

This styled elopement was planned by Lynn Weistroffer of Lux Wedding, an international wedding planner and designer with decades of experience. From the citrus-inspired outdoor dinner décor to the majestic courtyard ceremony setup, Lynn’s vision for an elopement at Palacio 7 Balcones in Sevilla Spain was pure magic. Photographing her design at this historic Sevilla wedding venue was an absolute joy. Keep scrolling to see more of the details and the beautiful moments captured during this incredible day.

“What I love about Spain is the culture, the food, and how they love. I’ve never felt more rested than I do after siesta. We came back to the States more refreshed than when we left. Spain is a beautiful country, and one day I’ll have a home over there—just wait and see.” —Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography

Nestled in a cozy plaza in Castilleja de la Cuesta, Palacio 7 Balcones in Sevilla, Spain is a hidden gem featuring picturesque archways, Spanish tile, and lush gardens. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

4 Ways to Elevate Your Elopement at Palacio 7 Balcones in Sevilla Spain

Send Elopement Invitations - Even if your guest list is limited to 10 people—or fewer—there’s no reason to skip the fun of stationery! Elopement save-the-dates or invitations are a charming way to set the tone and create beautiful keepsakes.

Choose Unique Elopement Fashion - Two wedding looks are better than one! Pick one outfit for the ceremony and another for the post-elopement fiesta. Think outside the box—traditional wedding attire rules don’t apply here. We loved the statement sleeves on our bride’s first gown and the playful, couture vibe of her second two-piece ensemble. For grooms, monochromatic suits paired with high-fashion statement sneakers are a chic and modern choice.

Have an Elopement Wedding Ceremony - Eloping doesn’t mean skipping the magic of a wedding ceremony. In fact, we highly recommend it! An elopement ceremony allows you to commemorate the occasion, celebrate your love, and exchange heartfelt vows. Whether it’s just the two of you or a small circle of loved ones, a ceremony adds meaning and romance to your elopement day. Palacio 7 Balcones wedding venue has multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces that are perfect for an intimate elopement wedding ceremony.

Host an Intimate Dinner Reception - If close friends or family have traveled to celebrate with you, a small dinner reception is a wonderful way to thank them and share in the joy. Plus, nothing brings people together like sharing a meal. At Palacio 7 Balcones, the in-house culinary team can craft custom menus that perfectly suit your taste buds.

Keep scrolling for more inspiration from this elopement at Palacio 7 Balcones in Sevilla Spain!

Dating back to the 18th century, Palacio 7 Balcones has been carefully restored to offer modern luxury while retaining its old-world charm. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Learn More: Elopement at Palacio 7 Balcones in Sevilla Spain

Sevilla is a cool blend of old-world character and modern vibes. It’s the perfect elopement destination for adventurous, open-minded couples who appreciate culture and tradition. If you want a wedding that feels personal and inspired by love, the city’s beautiful streets and historic villas will draw you in and bring you closer to your partner. In Sevilla, color and shape come alive at every turn—from the architecture to the cuisine and fashion.

Planning an elopement abroad can feel overwhelming, which is why choosing an all-inclusive wedding venue in Sevilla often makes the process easier. After a long journey, you’ll want to arrive at a place that has everything you need—and Palacio 7 Balcones delivers. It’s the best venue for a Sevilla wedding, offering on-site catering, historic beauty with modern comforts, spacious living areas, fabulous fine art, and an intimate, private garden atmosphere. Palacio 7 Balcones combines the royal swag of a Spanish palace with the inviting warmth of a family home.

As you explore the estate, you’ll encounter colorful Spanish tile staircases, intricately designed iron gates, open-air balconies, and ornate gardens. This Sevilla wedding venue provides a fairytale setting for both celebration and photography. Enjoy the serene surroundings, delicious fine dining, and professional service that make Palacio 7 Balcones extraordinary. One visit to this stunning Sevilla wedding venue, and you’ll see why it’s been featured by Vogue España.

Fruit & Flowers: Elopement in Sevilla

Wedding themes and color palettes inspired by hand-picked seasonal fruit are one of our favorite ancient trends making a modern comeback. Party like the Romans did! Imagine a table adorned with overflowing cups of wine and vases brimming with fresh fruit and blossoming flowers. Incorporating fruit or food into your wedding table centerpieces is not only eye-catching but also memorable. Weddings and elopements in Spain are renowned for their rich, colorful, and flavorful culture—and that extends to their décor.

Styling your wedding or elopement with fresh and dried fruit is a creative, budget-friendly way to add texture, color, and a sweet aroma to your intimate event. We loved photographing these juicy fresh oranges, dried orange slices, and vivacious pink blooms paired with intricate blue plates and gold flatware. It’s serving classy cornucopia love feast!

Want to add a fun cheeky touch? Let your guests take home a piece of fruit as a post-dinner snack or even a treat for breakfast the next day.

Here are some fruits to consider including in your elopement or wedding table design:

Citrus: Lemons, limes, blood oranges, and pineapples (yellow or pink)

Classic Choices: Apples (red, yellow, green) and pears (red or yellow)

Grapes & Berries: Green, red, or black grapes; strawberries; blackberries; cranberries, cherries

Unique Ones: Fuzzy peaches, figs, plums, pomegranates, avocado

Seasonal Picks: Watermelon (yellow or red), pumpkins (orange, white, yellow etc.), squash, carrots

From vibrant colors to yummy textures, fruit-inspired wedding décor captures the spirit of life, love, and celebration. Keep scrolling to see more from this elopement at Palacio 7 Balcones in Sevilla Spain by Fancy This Photography.

Palacio 7 Balcones wedding venue provides a fairytale setting for both celebration and photography. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Palacio 7 Balcones combines the royal swag of a Spanish palace with the inviting warmth of a family home. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Weddings and elopements in Spain are renowned for their rich, colorful, and flavorful culture—and that extends to their décor.

An elopement ceremony allows you to commemorate the occasion, celebrate your love, and exchange heartfelt vows. Bride and groom elopement at Palacio 7 Balcones by Fancy This Photography.

Elopement at Palacio 7 Balcones in Sevilla Spain

This styled elopement at Palacio 7 Balcones in Sevilla Spain is full of warm colors, romance, and an appreciation for life. For more elopement inspiration, click here to see photos from Fancy This Photography’s Elopement at Plaza de España in Sevilla, Spain.

Photography // Fancy This Photography

Venue // Palacio 7 Balcones

Planning & Design // Lynn Weistroffer with LuxWedding

Bridal Gown // Marry Me Bridal Store

Jewelry // BY LÉA par Léa Milekovska

Elopement in Seville Spain at Plaza de España

POV: You plan an elopement in Seville, Spain, at Plaza de España and choose Nikki Whitt Belch of Fancy This Photography as your destination wedding photographer.

We are thrilled to share this stunning elopement in Seville, Spain, here on the Fancy This Photography blog. This styled photo shoot, held in September 2024, was expertly planned by Lynn Weistroffer of Lux Wedding. Collaborating with Lynn on such an exquisite event was a privilege, and the photos speak for themselves.

A Seville elopement in Spain is every wedding photographer’s dream. This enchanting cityscape is bejeweled with colorful tiles, fountains, pavilions, ponds, and lush parks. Walking through Plaza de España with the bride and groom, it’s easy to see why Seville is a top choice for couples seeking a romantic elopement. The beauty and culture of Spain provide a breathtaking backdrop for love stories to unfold and photographers to play.

Seville Elopement: Start in María Luisa Park

We began this Seville elopement photo shoot in the lovely María Luisa Park, surrounded by natural beauty and an atmosphere of romance. 

As you browse the images from Fancy This Photography’s elopement in Seville, Spain, at Plaza de España, two things become clear. First, Seville is an exceptional destination for an elopement. Second, Fancy This Photography is the perfect choice to capture your unforgettable moments as a destination wedding and elopement photographer.

Witness sunlight and archways as they frame this love story. Elope in Seville, Spain, with Fancy This Photography capturing every step of the way.

Learn More: Elopement in Seville Spain at Plaza de España

More couples are choosing to forgo traditional weddings in favor of intimate, modern elopements. Some even blend the two—opting for a romantic destination elopement abroad and celebrating with a larger reception at home later. If you want a wedding day that’s all about you and your partner, Seville, Spain, is the perfect destination.

Nikki Whitt Belch, owner and founder of Fancy This Photography, has decades of experience capturing weddings both locally and internationally. Her expertise, coupled with her passion for storytelling, makes her the ideal choice for couples seeking a photographer who understands the variables of destination weddings and elopements. Destination photography holds a special meaning for Nikki. Her own wedding was a destination celebration, giving her firsthand insight into the beauty and challenges of capturing such a meaningful event.

Elopement Photos in Plaza de España

An elopement in Seville, Spain, is a dream assignment for Nikki. The Plaza de España, one of Seville’s most iconic landmarks, provides a breathtaking backdrop for wedding photos. With its blend of Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival, and Moorish Revival architectural styles, the plaza is a masterpiece of design. The Vicente Traver fountain adds a touch of whimsy romance at its center. Surrounding grandeur has made the plaza a favorite filming location for movies like Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia.

Let Nikki of Fancy This Photography capture the magic of your love story and elopement in Seville.

 5 Must-Get Photos: Elopement in Seville, Spain, at Plaza de España

Planning an elopement in Seville, Spain? Fancy This Photography has some practical tips to ensure your special day is flawlessly captured. Here’s the first golden nugget of advice: Plaza de España is open 24/7, and entry is free! Nikki Whitt Belch captured this stunning couple at the plaza during late midday in September 2024. To avoid the crowds and heat, consider scheduling your photo shoot at sunrise. Of course, the plaza’s charm shines at any time of day, with sunset offering particularly magical light.

Here are 5 must-have photo spots to include in your Seville elopement:

María Luisa Park: This garden is a lush retreat filled with ponds, plants, and serene natural beauty. You might even have a swan or duckling join your elopement photo session.

Vicente Traver Fountain: Located at the heart of the cobblestone plaza, this vibrant fountain adds life and motion to your images, creating a sense of energy and romance.

The Towers: Standing tall at either end of the plaza, these Baroque-style towers exude grandeur and drama, making them a showstopping backdrop for your Seville elopement photos.

The Bridges: Four bridges cross the plaza’s canal, each representing an ancient kingdom of Spain. Their intricate tiled designs and perfect symmetry are captivating. Bonus: boats and ducks often make unplanned cameos.
The Central Pavilion: With its tiled alcoves, shaded archways, and inviting benches, this area is perfect for romantic moments and intimate elopement photos in Seville.

Sunlight and archways frame a love story. Elope in Seville, Spain, with Fancy This Photography preserving every moment.

Practical Tips for an Elopement in Seville, Spain, at Plaza de España

For couples dreaming of an elopement in Seville, Spain, Fancy This Photography has some practical tips to help make your photo shoot stress-free and beautiful.

Choose Appropriate Elopement Attire: Select elopement outfits that make you feel confident and allow you to move easily. The same goes for shoes—consider bringing a pair of comfortable walking shoes, like sneakers or sandals, for hiking between photo locations. If you plan to change outfits, keep your accessories and touch-up essentials to a minimum, as you’ll have to carry them with you.

Stay Hydrated: You’ll probably be outside for several hours during your elopement photo shoot, so don’t forget to pack water. A few breath mints can also come in handy to keep those kisses fresh!

Protect Your Skin: Before you apply makeup, make sure to use sunscreen. Even on cooler days, the sun in Seville can be strong, and nobody wants a sunburn.

Accessorize for Variety: Think about bringing additional pieces like a veil, cape, hat, or suit jacket. These can add unique touches to your elopement photos in Seville without requiring a full outfit change.

Don’t Skip the Bouquet: A bouquet of flowers is a perfect finishing touch for your elopement photos. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—a small arrangement, like the blush and white bouquet featured in this Plaza de España shoot, can create a romantic and timeless look.

With these simple tips and Fancy This Photography capturing every moment, your elopement in Seville, Spain, at Plaza de España will be picture-perfect!

To learn more about how Fancy This Photography can capture your elopement or wedding day, click here.

Meet The Vendors - Elopement in Seville

Photography // Fancy This Photography

Planning & Design // Lynn Weistroffer with LuxWedding

Bridal Gown // Marry Me Bridal Store

Jewelry // BY LÉA par Léa Milekovska