Haw River Ballroom Wedding in Saxapahaw NC

Deanna White and John Donnelly celebrated their vibrant and heartfelt Haw River Ballroom wedding in Saxapahaw NC, on May 4, 2024. Their spring wedding week was filled with color, joy, and meaningful moments. Every expression and detail was beautifully captured by Sarah Martin, a partner at Fancy This Photography. We’re thrilled to share their special day with y’all on the blog! 

Sarah also had the honor of photographing John’s surprise proposal to Deanna on a rooftop in downtown Durham in February 2023. Click here to see the photos from their epic engagement.

Haw River Kayaking & Durham Rehearsal Dinner

Deanna and John kicked off wedding festivities with a really cool experience for their wedding party—a kayaking trip along the Haw River, coordinated with Haw River Canoe & Kayak, on May 2.

“It was the perfect way to kick off the weekend—allowing us to relax, soak in the beauty of our venue, and spend some informal quality time together.”

Following their outdoor adventure on the Haw River, they hosted a rehearsal dinner and welcome party at 21c Museum Hotel Durham. The evening was filled with special moments, including toasts from their nieces and nephews and a cherished family tradition—John’s parents gifted them the family blessing cup, which was later used to serve communion during their Haw River Ballroom wedding ceremony.

Thanks to Kelly Morrison of Color Fields Flowers, the couple was able to repurpose their floral arrangements from the rehearsal dinner. Kelly smoothly incorporated them into their Haw River Ballroom wedding decor.

Keep scrolling to see how Deanna and John brought their dream Haw River Ballroom wedding in Saxapahaw NC to life with the help of talented local vendors.

On May 4, 2024, Sarah Martin of Fancy This Photography captured John and Deanna’s Haw River Ballroom wedding in Saxapahaw NC.

Haw River Ballroom Wedding in Saxapahaw NC Planned by The Gathering Co.

Deanna and John poured their hearts into creating a personal Haw River Ballroom wedding in Saxapahaw NC. It was a one-of-a-kind celebration of love, and Sarah of Fancy This Photography was honored to capture every moment.

Chelsy Ferguson of The Gathering Co. planned the couple’s wedding and seamlessly transitioned their originally outdoor ceremony indoors when rain forced a last-minute pivot. The indoor celebration turned out even more magical than they had imagined, and guests never knew it wasn’t the original plan.

“Our wedding night was the best night of our lives, and we can’t tell you how many compliments we received about the details. Guests kept telling us how intentional everything felt, how every design choice told our story, and how seamlessly everything came together—all thanks to The Gathering Co. From the moment we started working with Chelsy, she helped us establish a thoughtful, well-organized planning process, guiding us through every decision to ensure each element was both beautiful and executable. As the wedding day approached, she took the reins, allowing us to focus on what mattered most while she handled the logistics with ease.”

Deanna’s gorgeous gown is from Gavin Christianson Bridal, a wedding dress shop in downtown Durham.

Getting Ready at 21c Museum Hotel Durham

On the morning of the wedding, John and his groomsmen treated themselves to fresh shaves at Rocks Bar and Hair Shop in downtown Durham—a relaxing way to start the festivities. Later, they donned dapper suits and bow ties from The Black Tux. John stood out in a sharp maroon suit and black bow tie.

Meanwhile, Deanna and her bridal party got ready in style at the 21c Museum Hotel Durham Penthouse Suite. The suite provided plenty of space for Reign Beauty’s hair and makeup artists to work while the bridesmaids enjoyed some pre-ceremony fun. Deanna wore a stunning dress from Gavin Christianson Bridal while the bridesmaids looked gorgeous in an assortment of colorful gowns.

21c Museum Hotel Durham Events

Deanna and John chose 21c Museum Hotel Durham for its generous room block availability, suite options, and breathtaking ballroom, which they used for their rehearsal dinner and welcome party.

“As longtime Durham locals, we’re familiar with all the downtown hotels and needed to select a primary landing point for our out-of-town guests—many of whom were traveling from New York, where Deanna is from. With 30 to 40 rooms needed, securing a sizable room block at a discounted rate was a priority, and 21c was incredibly accommodating throughout the process. Their flexibility and bundled service options made negotiations seamless.

One highlight was the 21c Penthouse Suite, which stood out as the largest and most luxurious in Durham. It was perfect for the bridal party’s wedding-day preparations and also served as the setting for our farewell brunch on Sunday. Additionally, 21c offers a variety of smaller suites, one of which worked perfectly for the groomsmen to get ready.

The 21c ballroom was an ideal venue for our rehearsal dinner and welcome party, thanks to its spacious layout, affordability, central location, and exceptional in-house food and beverage program. The 21c staff truly went above and beyond to make our wedding weekend special—including a thoughtful surprise: custom robes embroidered with our new last name, waiting in our room after the wedding.

For anyone planning a wedding in Durham, we highly recommend 21c Museum Hotel—it exceeded our expectations in every way!"

The wedding parties got ready at 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Durham.

John looked dapper in a maroon suit and black bow tie. The hat was a perfect accessory for groom photos at 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Durham.

First Look on Third-Tier Balcony at Haw River Ballroom

Deanna and John’s first look took place on the third-tier balcony of the Haw River Ballroom—one of their most treasured moments from the day. It was a quiet, intimate time to share their vows privately before the whirlwind of the ceremony.

Their original plan was to have the first look outdoors, surrounded by nature along the Haw River. But the rain had other ideas, prompting them to move it inside. Thankfully, Haw River Ballroom offered the perfect alternative—a magical, private third-tier balcony overlooking the ballroom. With its cozy furniture and industrial windows, the space created an intimate setting.

“It was there, in that quiet moment, that we shared our first look and privately read our vows to each other—an incredibly special memory we’ll cherish forever.”

Deanna and John’s first look took place on the third-tier balcony of the Haw River Ballroom.

Puppy Love

Deanna and John’s two beloved pittie-mix pups, Miller, 8, and Savannah, 4, played a special role in their wedding day. They proudly walked down the aisle, joined the bride and groom for photos, and even “sponsored” cocktail hour—treating guests to Miller Lites and Savannah Ciders in their honor.

Deanna and John’s two beloved pittie-mix pups, Miller, 8, and Savannah, 4, played a special role in their wedding day.

Real Review of Fancy This Photography

Deanna and John can’t recommend Fancy This Photography highly enough.

“They have truly earned us as lifelong clients—we’ve trusted them with our proposal, wedding, and birthday party, and we’ll continue to rely on them for future milestones.

What sets Nikki and Sarah apart is their thoughtful approach and attention to detail. From the very beginning, they took the time to familiarize themselves with our venue, timeline, and event details, always ensuring they understood which moments mattered most to us. Customizing our wedding package with them was effortless, and they brought their A-game on the big day—arriving with a full team and seamlessly adapting when unexpected rain forced us to adjust our plans.

Beyond their exceptional planning and communication, we fully trust Fancy This to document our most important moments authentically while incorporating their unique creative vision—capturing perspectives we never would have thought of ourselves. We’ve already recommended Fancy This Photography to friends planning their weddings and are excited to attend a wedding in January where they’ll be behind the camera!”

“Given our passion for live music and nature, Haw River Ballroom felt like the perfect place to celebrate our love.” - Deanna Donnelly

Q: Why Plan a Haw River Ballroom Wedding in Saxapahaw NC?

A: “We share a deep love for music, live performances, and the outdoors, making Saxapahaw, NC one of our favorite places to visit. Whether it’s kayaking on the Haw River, attending the Saturdays in Saxapahaw Summer Concert Series, or catching a show at the Haw River Ballroom, we’ve always felt a special connection to this charming town.

Long before we got engaged, we were walking past the Haw River Ballroom when John casually remarked, “This would be a great wedding venue. I wonder if they even do weddings here.” Curious, Deanna asked a staff member, who enthusiastically shared that not only do they host weddings, but they also have a dedicated wedding team and planning program. When we got engaged, there was no question—Haw River Ballroom was at the top of our list. Given our passion for live music and nature, it felt like the perfect place to celebrate our love. A tour with Karina, the venue’s wedding coordinator, only confirmed our instincts. From that moment on, we didn’t consider a single other venue—we knew this was the one.

Throughout the planning process and on our wedding day, the Haw River Ballroom staff felt more like family than vendors. Their warmth and hospitality extended beyond us, creating a truly special experience for our guests. It was the perfect way to welcome our loved ones to our home in North Carolina and make them feel just as connected to this place as we do.”

Every expression and detail of Deanna and John’s Haw River Ballroom wedding was beautifully captured by Sarah Martin, a partner at Fancy This Photography.

Haw River Ballroom Wedding Ceremony

The Haw River Ballroom wedding ceremony was the heart of the whole week. Officiated by Rev. Ben Johnston-Krase alongside John’s father, Rev. Gerald Donnelly, it was filled with personal touches that made it deeply meaningful. John was especially thrilled to have a string quartet from Corda Entertainment perform during the ceremony and cocktail hour, setting the perfect vibe.

Deanna White and John Donnelly celebrated their vibrant and heartfelt Haw River Ballroom wedding in Saxapahaw NC, on May 4, 2024.

Rockin’ Haw River Ballroom Wedding Reception

At the Haw River Ballroom wedding reception, guests had a blast sneaking outside to the custom photo booth. Deanna and John set the entertainment up in front of their Scamp camper, thanks to ZimZoom Photo Booth.

But hands down, the highlight of the night was the live band! Live music was a top priority for us, and Another Level Band, booked through Sam Hill Entertainment, absolutely understood the assignment. Not only did they keep the energy high all night, but Deanna and John even got to jump on stage and perform alongside them—a moment their guests went crazy for!

John also surprised everyone with a confetti cannon explosion during one of the band’s performances, secretly planning it ahead of time with Karina at the Haw River Ballroom to make it happen.

Haw River Ballroom wedding in Saxapahaw NC by Sarah Martin of Fancy This Photography.

“What sets Nikki and Sarah apart is their thoughtful approach and attention to detail.” - Deanna Donnelly

During cocktail hour, one of the couple’s favorite details was the drink-filled canoe displayed on the second-tier balcony

Haw River Ballroom wedding reception, photo by Sarah Martin of Fancy This Photography.

“Fancy This Photography has truly earned us as lifelong clients—we’ve trusted them with our proposal, wedding, and birthday party, and we’ll continue to rely on them for future milestones.” - Deanna Donnelly

Haw River Ballroom Wedding in Saxapahaw NC Bride and Groom photo by Sarah Martin of Fancy This Photography

Last Dance - Haw River Ballroom Wedding

Before their sparkler send-off to a waiting limo from A Formal Affair LLC, Deanna and John took a moment to share a private last dance in the empty venue—alone. 

“After such an incredible night, having one final, quiet moment together in the ballroom was the perfect way to end it all. It was truly the best weekend of our lives!”

Photography // Sarah Martin of Fancy This Photography

Videography // HoneyDew Films

Planner // Chelsy Ferguson of The Gathering Co.

Venue // Haw River Ballroom 

Rehearsal Dinner, Welcome Party, Getting Ready // 21c Museum Hotel Durham

Flowers // Kelly Morrison with Color Fields Flowers

Hair & Makeup // Reign Beauty NC

Dress // Gavin Christianson Bridal

Formalwear // The Black Tux

Caterer // Saxapahaw General Store Catering

Dessert // Kristina Altuve with Mamacita’s Bakery NC

Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music // Corda Entertainment

Reception Music // Another Level Band with Sam Hill Entertainment

Photo Booth // ZimZoom Photo Booth

Transportation // A Formal Affair Limo and Carolina Livery

Party Rentals // American Party Rentals

Party Rentals // Haw River Canoe Kayak

Market Hall Wedding in Raleigh NC

Khari and Mark celebrated their love with a beautiful Market Hall wedding in Raleigh NC, in April 2024. Their spring wedding was a heartfelt and elegant event. Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh near Moore Square Park, Market Hall provided the sweetest venue. The City of Oaks did not disappoint–delivering lush green trees and clear skies for stunning outdoor wedding photos.

Courtney Collins, a partner of Fancy This Photography, captured every moment of Khari and Mark’s Raleigh wedding day—from the quiet anticipation before the ceremony to the joyous laughter during the cake cutting. Her colorful photography showcases the beauty of two families uniting to celebrate love. We’re thrilled to feature Khari and Mark’s downtown Raleigh wedding on the Fancy This Photography blog.

This Market Hall wedding is packed with inspiration for couples planning their own North Carolina wedding. Addie Thompson of Dogwood Gatherings expertly planned the event, pairing fresh spring florals and timeless decor. The wedding’s color palette of greens, blues, and whites created a serene yet sophisticated atmosphere. Highlights included white linens painted with blue roses from Curated Event Rentals and romantic floral arrangements featuring white roses and dark green magnolia leaves by Heritage Flowers. This classic Southern garden party elegance brought warmth and softness to Market Hall’s industrial-chic warehouse vibes.

Market Hall is an all-inclusive wedding venue in downtown Raleigh. They have nearly everything needed to create an epic event. Khari and Mark worked closely with the venue’s professional staff to customize their catering menu and bar selections. Keep scrolling to witness their stunning ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception at Market Hall, beautifully captured by Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography.

Courtney Collins, a partner of Fancy This Photography, captured every moment of Khari and Mark’s Market Hall wedding in Raleigh NC.

Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography captured smiles and tears as Khari and Mark saw each other for the first time in their wedding day attire.

Romantic First Look and Wedding Photos in Downtown Raleigh

Before their Market Hall wedding in Raleigh NC, Khari and Mark shared an emotional first look outside the venue. Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography captured the smiles and tears as the couple saw each other for the first time in their wedding day attire. Khari looked awesome in a dark green suit, while Mark looked equally as amazing in a light blue suit. The colors they chose harmonized beautifully with their springtime wedding theme and color palette. As a bonus, the foliage in downtown Raleigh in April complemented the groom's style.

Khari and Mark’s matching sandy tan ties added a special touch, seamlessly tying together the wedding party’s look. The grooms’ fierce and fabulous wedding party wore an assortment of tan bridesmaid dresses and suits, adding to the event's cohesive style. After their first look, the couple did a series of portraits with Courtney. She photographed a mix of candid and plandid moments—solo shots of the grooms, as well as sweet portraits with their wedding party and family. We can’t get enough of Blake Street, just outside Market Hall. With market lights strung beneath the blossoming tree branches overhead, the scene felt like something straight out of a rom-com movie.

Up next: stunning photos from Khari and Mark’s heartfelt indoor wedding ceremony at Market Hall in downtown Raleigh.

Khari and Mark celebrated their love with a beautiful Market Hall wedding in Raleigh NC, in April 2024. Photos by Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography.

We can’t get enough of this wedding party and Blake Street’s romantic vibes, just outside Market Hall wedding venue in Downtown Raleigh.

Witness Khari and Mark’s wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception at Market Hall, beautifully captured by Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography.

Ceremony Details: Market Hall Wedding in Raleigh NC

Khari and Mark exchanged vows indoors during their Market Hall wedding in Raleigh NC. Their ceremony took place in the View room, where both grooms were walked down the aisle by their parents—Mark by his mother and father, and Khari by his mother. They stood before a rustic wood-paneled wall framed by two incredible white and green floral arrangements by Heritage Flowers. These lovely details softened the historic industrial space, creating a romantic and memorable atmosphere. Live music by Udeshi Hargett Entertainment provided a magical soundtrack for the ceremony, while Mark’s brother officiated, adding a personal touch to their wedding day.

Market Hall, located in downtown Raleigh, offers a spacious and flexible venue for weddings, accommodating up to 350 guests. The historic venue has two indoor event spaces, Park View and Market View, connected by a sliding door and hallway. When renting Market Hall, couples can access a bunch of amenities, including tables, chairs, dinnerware, bars, lounge furniture, backdrop walls, and market lights. All-inclusive venues are the best for couples seeking a stress-free planning experience!

Mark and Khari exchanged vows before a rustic wood-paneled wall framed by two incredible white and green floral arrangements by Heritage Flowers.

Outdoor Cocktail Hour: Black Street Closure

One of the coolest perks of Market Hall is its outdoor covered patio and optional street closure package. The Blake Street patio is open-air and offers whimsical views of Moore Square Park. For an added touch of exclusivity, couples can opt to close Blake Street, extending the patio space and creating a unique experience for guests. Imagine sipping cocktails under market lights and tree branches as you wander the historic cobblestone streets—it’s a magical setting for any celebration.

Couples can opt to close Blake Street, extending the Market Hall patio space and creating a unique experience for guests.

Reception Details: Market Hall Wedding in Raleigh NC

The reception design for Khari and Mark’s Market Hall wedding in Raleigh NC was simply divine. Fresh white and green floral arrangements by Heritage Flowers paired beautifully with blue rose-printed napkins, creating a crisp contrast against crisp white table linens. Crystalware, floating candles, and see-through acrylic table numbers added a touch of airy romance to the tablescapes.

Market Hall’s full-service in-house catering, led by Executive Chef Chris Hill, guaranteed guests an exceptional food and beverage experience. With an ABC permit, the venue also provides all spirits in-house, served by smooth bartenders. As part of the rental package, Market Hall includes items like china, glassware, silverware, tables, and chairs. For an extra layer of personal details, Khari and Mark rented additional party and decor items from Curated Events in Raleigh.

We are so grateful to Khari and Mark for choosing Fancy This Photography to document their downtown Raleigh wedding. Courtney Collins, a partner at Fancy This Photography, captured the couple’s love and joy in photographs that will last a lifetime.

Ready to make your wedding memories last forever? Click here to schedule a free consultation with Fancy This Photography and let us tell your story with timeless photos.

Photography // Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography

Venue, Caterer, Bar // Market Hall 

Planner // Dogwood Gatherings and Events

Rentals // Curated Events

Florals // Heritage Flowers

Entertainment // Stylus Weddings DJ and Udeshi Hargett Entertainment 

Videography // LionFish Films

Transportation // The Great Raleigh Trolley

A Visual Feast at Little Bull in Durham, NC

Raleigh Food Photography | Photographed by Nikki

Durham Food Photographer

If there’s one thing Little Bull in Durham, NC, has perfected, it’s the ability to create dishes that are as beautiful as they are flavorful. From the moment you step into this charming downtown restaurant, you’re met with an atmosphere that perfectly balances vintage charm and contemporary flair. With exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and carefully curated decor, Little Bull offers a dining experience that feels both intimate and inviting.

But the real magic lies on the plates. Every dish is a masterpiece, and as a photographer, capturing the essence of these flavors was an absolute joy. Little Bull’s food isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that invites you to savor every bite with your eyes first.

The Art of Visual Flavor

Photographing the dishes at Little Bull was an exercise in bringing their bold flavors to life visually. From the vibrant pops of color in their carefully plated garnishes to the rich textures of their sauces and meats, every plate tells a story. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients shines through in each photo, allowing the viewer to almost taste the smokiness of the grilled meats or the tangy brightness of pickled vegetables.

Take the tamale plate, for instance. The warm, earthy tones of the roasted banana leaf wrapping and the tender, shredded beef inside are accented by vibrant radishes and greens, creating a harmony of color and flavor.

Or the skewer dish, with its striking contrast of charred edges, pickled onions, and crisp radish slices, all presented on a classic plate that evokes nostalgia. It’s a perfect representation of how Little Bull combines bold, modern flavors with a sense of tradition.

Capturing the Essence of Taste

Little Bull’s food practically demands to be photographed. The chefs have an innate ability to plate their dishes so that each one looks like a work of art. As a food photographer, it’s crucial to highlight the textures, the depth of color, and the way the light interacts with each dish.

For this shoot, I focused on emphasizing the layers of detail that make each plate unique. Using natural light to enhance the richness of the sauces and the crispness of the garnishes allowed the true essence of the food to shine.

One of my favorite images from the session features the pouring of a rich, red broth over tender dumplings, steam rising as the liquid pools in the bowl. It’s a sensory moment that makes you want to dive in immediately, spoon in hand.

The Little Bull Experience

Little Bull isn’t just about food; it’s about creating memories. Every bite is an opportunity to experience flavors that are both innovative and comforting. Whether you’re sharing a meal with friends or treating yourself to a solo dining experience, Little Bull makes every guest feel special.

For anyone who loves food that is as visually stunning as it is delicious, Little Bull is a must-visit spot in Durham. And as a photographer, it was an honor to showcase the artistry of their cuisine through my lens.