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Their wintery wedding was a vision of the picture-perfect scenery. Fluffy white snow fell from the sky as Allison and Matt had their first look where their relationship began: their alma mater. Their wedding photos at The Carolina Inn on the University of North Carolina’s campus are something out a fairy tale or the most perfect snow globe you could imagine. It started before the day with a classic and elegant wedding invitation sent to their guests, was carried out with love and smiles and warm winter colors on the big day, and ended with a kiss in a classic getaway car.
I love the unique shape of Allison’s marquee diamond ring. It looks extra stunning set atop this vibrant burgundy peony of her bouquet. They exchanged these rings later in the day in a beautiful outdoor ceremony.
They prepared at the beautiful hotel connected to their wedding venue (part of The Carolina Inn, of course) and we braved the snowy outdoors for one of the most picturesque first looks I’ve ever been a part of capturing!
The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos with timeless black bow ties. They each had a boutonniere with white ranunculus and assorted greenery in each, with pops of color accenting the small arrangement.
I absolutely LOVED her incredible bouquet English Garden created. Fall mums were paired with tropical orange orchids, incredibly vibrant burgundy peonies, cascading ferns and silver dollar eucalyptus and berries to name a few highlights. A peach ribbon flowed down from its stems. Allison gifted her bridesmaids white shawls to help keep warm in the cold temperatures of their wedding day and Allison wore an heirloom fur shawl, complete with her grandmother’s initials embroidered in it.
We stayed underneath a covering to protect the bridesmaids floor-length navy blue chiffon gowns from getting wet (because the snow spots would have shown and potentially not dried in time for the ceremony) but we were able to be a bit more daring and mobile with the groomsmen. The photos of them in the snow make me so happy! The winter wonderland really shines through.
The ceremony was held outdoors. They had a clear tent set up and decorated it with pretty light and little contained fire pits to help keep all the warmth possible in on their cold, December wedding day. A live string quartet played as her father walked her down the aisle. Guests sipped on cups of gourmet hot chocolate as their witnessed them exchange vows. A petal toss welcomed the newlyweds back down the aisle into the reception back indoors for a sincerely memorable set of wedding photos at The Carolina Inn.
Cocktail hour was held in The Carolina Inn’s iconic black and white checkerboard hallway and the reception was in the grand ballroom. A live band played as the guests entered the beautiful room. The color palette of navy blue and gold was gracefully woven throughout the details, including gold Chiavari chairs at each seat, silk linen napkins, and high and low floral centerpieces completed with candlelight. Betsy from McLean Events was there to make sure everything ran smoothly, especially the reception room setup.
Allison and Matt took weeks of dance lessons for the most wonderful first dance moment. They glided across the dance floor to “At Last” by Etta James, sang in person by the band’s lead singer.
There were so many highlights from the rest of the night – from heartfelt speeches, to the father daughter dance to The Beatles “In My Life,” a cake cutting where they fed each other the entire piece of cake, and glow sticks on the dance floor that the guests (and one adorable ring bearer) particularly enjoyed.
After a bubble exit they entered their vintage white Rolls Royce and rode off for the evening. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Farr!
Venue: The Carolina Inn / Planning: Betsy, McLean Events / Flowers: English Garden / Gown: Coastal Knot / Hair and makeup: Silverceiling / Tux: The Black Tux / Cake: Ashley Cakes / Linens: CE Rental / Ceremony strings: Elegant Ensembles / Officiant: Ron Abrams / Videography: Brendan McCarthy / Stationery: Paper Buzz / Bridesmaids gowns: Bella Bridesmaids
Looking for more inspiration at The Carolina Inn and in Chapel Hill, North Carolina? Check out:
- Ali and Bryan’s Fall Wedding at The Carolina Inn
- Lucy and Van’s Chapel Hill Engagement Session
- Annie and Steven’s Duke Chapel and Hope Valley Country Club Wedding
Don’t forget to contact us about wedding photos at The Carolina Inn if you’re getting married there or at any other amazing venue, no matter near or far. We travel everywhere.
