70s-Inspired Event at Whitaker & Atlantic

Travel back in time with us on the blog as we reminisce about this 70s-inspired event at Whitaker & Atlantic in Raleigh, North Carolina. The warehouse venue, located within Dock 1053 near Five Points, transformed into a disco time capsule for Martha’s groovy birthday celebration. From retro décor to dazzling lights, the event was a visual feast that deserved to be documented. Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography, was there to capture every detail and candid moment.

Whitaker & Atlantic is a sought-after wedding and event space near downtown Raleigh. Owner, chef and restaurateur Coleen Speaks opened Whitaker & Atlantic in 2017. The 3,500-square-foot warehouse venue is also home to PoshNosh, Speaks’ catering company. Nestled between a brewery and other local businesses, Whitaker & Atlantic features high ceilings, concrete floors, modern light fixtures and a beautiful wooden bar. The covered open-air patio and retractable garage doors are iconic. The venue can seat up to 150 guests or accommodate 300 standing.

Keep scrolling to see more groovy images from Martha’s 70s-inspired birthday party and learn more about hosting an event at Whitaker & Atlantic.

Whitaker & Atlantic’s covered open-air patio and retractable garage doors are iconic. The venue can seat up to 150 guests or accommodate 300 standing. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Why Event Photography Matters

An event at Whitaker & Atlantic like Martha’s birthday is more than just a gathering. It’s a carefully planned experience filled with meaningful details. Hiring a professional photographer ensures these moments are preserved. From the disco-inspired dance floor to the playful lighting and colorful décor, capturing these elements allows the celebration to live on.

At Fancy This Photography, we focus on the details that make your event unique. Our cameras could not get enough of Martha’s shimmering sequin tablecloths, vintage lava lamps and custom cocktail napkins. Her groovy theme flowed seamlessly throughout the space.

Keep scrolling to see more from this unforgettable event at Whitaker & Atlantic in Raleigh, NC.

70s-Inspired Event at Whitaker & Atlantic in Raleigh, NC | Photo by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography.

70s-Inspired Decor - Event at Whitaker & Atlantic

Walking into the event at Whitaker & Atlantic felt like stepping into a retro dream. Balloons in bold shades of blue framed the entrance, creating a playful arch that welcomed guests into a world of fun. Tables were draped in rich textures of emerald velvet and sparkly sequins, accented by elegant floral arrangements. Guests dressed to match the 70s-inspired theme, adding even more personality and flair to the photos.

A dynamic digital dance floor served as the heart of the celebration, bouncing light off the walls and creating an energetic atmosphere. The lighting tied everything together. Lights cast a warm and inviting glow that felt both nostalgic and groovy.

Guests dressed to match the 70s-inspired birthday party, adding even more personality and flair to the photos by Fancy This Photography.

Capturing the Energy - Event at Whitaker & Atlantic

Our goal as event photographers is to capture the energy of the celebration as well as the artistry of the setup. For Martha’s event at Whitaker & Atlantic, that meant highlighting the bold design choices while also documenting the joy of her friends and family. From fun group shots on the dance floor to candid moments of guests admiring the décor, these images tell the story of the evening.

We love that Martha had a fun outfit change during her groovy, 70s-inspired birthday party at Whitaker & Atlantic in Raleigh, NC. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Make Your Next Event at Whitaker & Atlantic Shine

If you’re planning an event in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill or anywhere in the Triangle, hiring a professional photographer is one of the best ways to elevate your celebration. From groovy birthday parties to corporate events and everything in between, Fancy This Photography captures your unique story with care and creativity.

Venue // Whitaker & Atlantic, Photo // Fancy This Photography

Fiesta at The Cookery Durham NC

The Cookery Durham NC is one of the Triangle area’s top warehouse venues for weddings and private events. We love capturing life’s celebrations at this dynamic space on the edge of downtown Durham. Today’s blog features a private party with a lively Mexican fiesta theme, photographed by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography. Nikki used two Nikon Z6II camera bodies to cover the event over the course of four hours.

There are so many great reasons to hire a professional photographer for your organization’s private event. Whether it’s a corporate conference or an awards gala, professional photos provide an authentic view of how previous events looked. With consistent, high-resolution images, you can see true-to-life color and crisp detail. You also get beautiful, candid photos of attendees.

“Not everyone has a chance to be in front of a camera in their everyday life, so this is a treat,” says Nikki. “Everyone deserves to be documented.”

In addition to intimate private parties, The Cookery can accommodate up to 400 guests for an indoor-outdoor event. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

The Cookery Durham NC Wedding and Event Venue

Fancy This Photography wholeheartedly recommends The Cookery Durham NC as a wedding and event venue. The staff at this downtown Durham gem are immaculate. They are kind, communicative, and supportive throughout the planning process. The Cookery is a beloved Durham staple, offering a surprisingly large and versatile space with many unique locations to photograph.

"I love the dark space amidst the rust," says Nikki. "It is so nice to see the beams of light stream in through the windows. It is magical in its own world."

Keep scrolling to see more photos from this vibrant fiesta at The Cookery Durham NC. Learn more about the venue and what it’s like to work with Fancy This Photography.

It features two spacious ballrooms, multiple outdoor patios, a dressing suite, and a courtyard. We also have to mention the state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

We love the exposed brick and uniquely arched doorways throughout The Cookery Durham NC. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Learn More: Fiesta at The Cookery Durham NC

The Cookery Durham NC is a deceptively large event venue. It features two spacious ballrooms, multiple outdoor patios, a dressing suite, and a courtyard. We also have to mention the state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, which North Carolina catering company Donovan’s Dish utilized for the private event pictured here. The Cookery’s “front room” offers vaulted ceilings and massive windows that fill the space with natural light.

We love the exposed brick and uniquely arched doorways throughout The Cookery Durham NC. Colorful floral arrangements by An Event To Remember and rentals from American Party Rentals added a warm, inviting vibe to the warehouse venue. Look closely, the fiery uplighting provided by Signature Sound and Lighting made the brick walls glow! The lighting technician also doubled as DJ.

In addition to intimate private parties, The Cookery can accommodate up to 400 guests for an indoor-outdoor event.

Colorful floral arrangements by An Event To Remember and rentals from American Party Rentals added a warm, inviting vibe to the warehouse venue. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Interested in booking Fancy This Photography to capture your organization’s private event? Click here to schedule a free consultation.

Photography // Nikki, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography

Venue // The Cookery Durham NC

Rentals // American Party Rentals

Caterer // Donovan's Dish

Planner, Designer, Florals // An Event To Remember

DJ // Signature Sound and Lighting

Dessert // Two Roosters

NCMA Wedding in Raleigh NC

We just love an NCMA wedding in Raleigh NC. Everyone on the team at Fancy This Photography agrees—this venue is unparalleled. And why stop at weddings? We love any event hosted at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Not only is the space fully equipped, but the NCMA wedding and event staff embodies Southern hospitality and professionalism.

Today, we’re excited to share images and behind-the-scenes details from a styled NCMA wedding in Raleigh NC. The event was planned by Amy Plant-Perdue, owner of Plume Events, for the 2025 edition of Heart of NC Weddings magazine.

The theme of this styled shoot was “art and nature”—a perfect fit for the NC Museum of Art. An impressive list of talented North Carolina wedding and event vendors came together to make it happen. Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography, and her partner photographer Courtney Collins were honored to capture the artistry of the day.

Amy with Plume Events is a rockstar with a peaceful presence.

“She is a true artist in her own form,” says Nikki. “She helped put everything together and created the ultimate mood board for the NCMA wedding shoot. It was wonderful working with her on this.”

Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography, and her partner photographer Courtney Collins were honored to capture this styled NCMA wedding in Raleigh NC.

Styled Wedding Photo Shoot at NCMA

Fabulous floral arrangements by Bloom Works added romance and life to the museum’s clean, minimalist event spaces. After the shoot, the luxury event design served a second purpose as decor for Heart of NC Weddings’ annual vendor mixer. Catering Works wowed with colorful grazing tables and stations, and Sugar Euphoria delivered confectionary excellence, as always.

We’re tickled to tell you more about the incredible vendors who made this dreamy styled NCMA wedding a reality. While Fancy This Photography captured every angle, Mark Maya Films + Photography provided video coverage. We love collaborating with our fellow North Carolina wedding and event pros!

Want to do a styled shoot with us? Email [insert appropriate email]. Keep scrolling for more romantic inspiration from this NCMA wedding in Raleigh NC.

Dress // Gilded Bridal, Beauty // Pinup Studio, Jewelry // Diamonds Direct & Hushed Commotion, Venue // NCMA, Photo // Fancy This Photography

Learn More: NCMA Wedding in Raleigh NC

Have you ever visited the North Carolina Museum of Art? We give it a 10 out of 10—highly recommend! NCMA is the perfect spot for a romantic date, a family picnic, or even a solo outing. The cavernous indoor exhibits are stunning, and the museum grounds offer walking trails, sculpture gardens, water features, and gorgeous outdoor event spaces.

Most of the museum’s walls are made of glass, which floods the building with natural light. It’s an absolute dream for us North Carolina wedding photographers.

For this Heart of NC Weddings styled shoot, Nikki and Courtney of Fancy This Photography captured the bride and groom as they strolled through the outdoor spaces adjacent to the West Building’s galleries. We loved how Amy with Plume Events drew inspiration from NCMA’s natural surroundings and landscape for the wedding design. Rather than use a rainbow of color, she focused on earthy colors and materials with texture—smooth black stones and uniquely shaped driftwood added a cool touch to the head table.

We really cannot recommend an NCMA wedding in Raleigh NC, enough. The venue’s airy, open spaces and contemporary art galleries offer a unique, modern backdrop and built-in entertainment for guests. Many couples choose NCMA’s North Courtyard for outdoor wedding ceremonies. This peaceful space features a reflection pool, water lilies, and refined art sculptures. It’s a must-have location for NCMA wedding photos.

Despite a few rain showers, Nikki and Courtney were determined to photograph the bride and groom in the North Courtyard. The result? Timeless, romantic images in one of Raleigh’s most iconic wedding venues.

Chermere looked breathtaking in a strapless wedding dress from Gilded Bridal, with flawless hair and makeup by Pinup Studio. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

NCMA Wedding in Raleigh NC: Fashion & Beauty

Model Chermere McAllister and her real-life husband, TJ McAllister, got all dressed up for Heart of NC Weddings’ styled shoot. Chermere looked breathtaking in a strapless wedding dress from Gilded Bridal, with flawless hair and makeup by Pinup Studio. Rings from Diamonds Direct and chic gloves and earrings from Hushed Commotion completed her modern bridal look.

The groom joined his wife at the play-pretend altar in a sharp black tuxedo from Bernard’s Formalwear. From indoor art galleries to outdoor sculpture gardens, Chermere and TJ McAllister’s authentic love brought even more beauty to the already inspiring NCMA wedding venue.

Rings from Diamonds Direct and chic gloves and earrings from Hushed Commotion completed this modern bridal look. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Quick Facts: Planning an NCMA Wedding in Raleigh NC

Location: The North Carolina Museum of Art sits on 164 acres in Raleigh, offering both indoor and outdoor event space options.

West Building Great Hall: Accommodates up to 200 seated guests or 275 standing.

East Building Main Hall: Accommodates up to 200 seated guests or more with a cocktail-style layout.

North Courtyard: Outdoor space accommodates up to 100 standing guests; best for ceremonies, cocktail hours or intimate dinners.

Catering: Catering Works is NCMA’s exclusive in-house catering partner.

Florals & Event Design: Bloom Works is NCMA’s in-house floral and design team.

Venue Rental Window: Primary rental time is from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Many couples choose NCMA’s North Courtyard for outdoor wedding ceremonies. This peaceful space features a reflection pool, water lilies, and refined art sculptures.

Despite a few rain showers, Nikki and Courtney were determined to photograph the bride and groom in the North Courtyard at NCMA.

NCMA Wedding in Raleigh NC: Florals & Design

Amy with Plume Events brought the garden party indoors for this nature-inspired faux NCMA wedding in Raleigh NC. We’re obsessed with the abundance of greenery and whimsical floral textures by Bloom Works. The distressed stone statue centerpieces are giving serious garden party for the gods vibes. Revel NC added warmth and tactile beauty through paper goods and signage. Take a peek at the dinner menus and table numbers. We’re in love!

Fabulous floral arrangements by Bloom Works added romance and life to the museum’s clean, minimalist event spaces.

Model Chermere McAllister and her real-life husband, TJ McAllister, looked beautiful and in love for Heart of NC Weddings’ styled shoot.

NCMA Weddings

Whenever Fancy This Photography is lucky enough to capture an NCMA wedding, we always make time to photograph the couple in front of the massive branch mural by artist Patrick Dougherty. Titled “Out of the Box,” the 75-foot-by-15-foot installation makes for a striking and unforgettable portrait backdrop.

This tree-branch art installation by Patrick Dougherty is an NCMA wedding photo must-have. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Fancy This Photography rates NCMA weddings 10 out of 10. Highly recommend!

Thank you to all the amazing North Carolina wedding and event vendors who made this styled shoot possible. Fancy This Photography is so grateful to have documented such a special day. After the shoot, we joined Heart of NC Weddings magazine and event professionals from across the state for a well-deserved celebration of creativity, collaboration, and talent.

Venue // North Carolina Museum of Art 

Photography // Fancy This Photography 

Videography // Mark Maya Films + Photography 

Florals // Bloom Works 

Catering + Bar // Catering Works 

Dress // Gilded Bridal 

Formalwear // Bernard's Formalwear 

Hair & Makeup // Pinup Studio 

Tabletop Rentals + Linens // Curated Events Raleigh 

Bar + Additional Seating // Greenhouse Picker Sisters 

Paper + Signage // Revel NC 

DJ // Stylus S.E. 

Rings // Diamonds Direct 

Cake // Sugar Euphoria 

Gloves + Earrings // Hushed Commotion

Planner // Plume Events with Heart of NC Weddings magazine