One of the things I kid myself about are “jinxes” when it comes to certain locations. Since I’ve been shooting weddings, there are two locations I have really wanted to work at, but for one reason or another, it always seems to fall thru. Well, I got one of those proverbial monkey’s off my back and photographed my first Carolina Inn Wedding. Now I have visited, stayed at and shot multiple corporate events at the Carolina Inn, but never a wedding. Honestly, I could not have asked for a better couple to have for my “first time” there as both Elizabeth and Andrew were such a pleasure to work with.
For my very first Carolina Inn Wedding, to add a little irony, it was also the very first time I had met Elizabeth & Andrew as they live in Louisiana and decided to travel to Chapel Hill for their wedding. First of all, the suite Elizabeth was getting ready in was, well, gorgeous. I knew from experience the Carolina Inn was a gorgeous facility but their bridal suite really caught me by surprise. With hardwood floors, antique carpets, solid wood wardrobes, wall sconces and even a butlers closet, the room really is fit for royalty! It really was a perfect location for my gorgeous clients as their entire wedding literally oozed class and the understated southern charm you’d come to expect from people in the deep south.
The day of the wedding, the weather could not have been more perfect. The nice part about having your wedding at the Carolina Inn is the sheer amount of locations, both at the hotel and around the downtown area, you have to have a wedding ceremony. Elizabeth & Andrew wanted an outdoor wedding ceremony and the Bryan Courtyard at the Carolina Inn offered the perfect setting. Just off the sun room, the courtyard is shaded by a huge oak tree and has a charming patio that overlooks the entire area. One of my favorite officiants, Barbara Lodge, presided over their afternoon ceremony (and lollipop eating – check the photos).
After the wedding ceremony was complete, we strolled around the Carolina Inn grounds photographing wedding portraits for the couple. There are, quite honestly, so many areas we didn’t get a chance to visit (which says a lot about the gorgeous grounds of the Carolina Inn) but with Elizabeth & Andrew giving me free reign, we really got some gorgeous photos. Their reception was held in the historic Old Well room and the party was emcee’d by Alan of Spin. Even though this was a Sunday wedding (which historically are tamer then Saturday weddings), Alan got the crowd jumping and before you knew it, the entire crowd was on the dance floor.
I want to really thank Elizabeth & Andrew for their endless hospitality, graciousness and, well, awesomeness! It was a real honor to be present for your wedding and I am so happy I captured your day! As always, here are some select photos from their Carolina Inn Wedding!
