Classic Yet Contemporary Wedding at The Carolina Inn

Although Sara and John both attended college at Notre Dame, they met when they were both studying abroad in different countries. They reconnected after graduation when Sara was finishing up nursing school at Duke and John was settled in Santa Monica, CA. This time, they didn’t let each other go. Hour long phone calls turned into cross country flights, and eventually John asking Sara to move to Southern California.

Sara and her mother were running a half marathon out of town one weekend in a small town a few hours outside of Santa Monica. John drove up and surprised Sara at the finish line, dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. Breathless and exhilarated, she said yes.

The bride grew up in Chapel Hill. She was always enchanted by the classic Southern beauty of The Carolina Inn and has many memories of passing by and seeing people gathered on the lawn for weddings. It was the perfect place to celebrate marriage with friends and family.

Getting Ready For Chapel Hill Wedding at the Carolina Inn

Navy and creme southern wedding details Perry Vaile

Bride in classic lace dress with white bouquet at carolina inn, Perry Vaile

Groom and Groomsman getting ready at carolina inn, Perry Vaile

Groom in gray and navy at carolina inn, Perry Vaile

Ceremony and Grey and Navy Wedding Party

Bride and Groom in embrace with veil at carolina inn, Perry Vaile

Bride and groom hand in hand after wedding at carolina inn, Perry Vaile

The bridesmaids wore a mix of J.Crew dresses in dark navy while the groomsman wore matching navy ties paired with their chic grey suits. The classic grey, navy looks paired perfectly with the all white floral bouquets my Watered Garden.

Bride in traditions by Anna and groom in grey suit close up embrace at carolina inn, Perry Vaile

Prosecco popsicle drinks at wedding at carolina inn, Perry Vaile

Classic Yet Contemporary Reception at The Carolina Inn

The Erin McLean design team mixed a soft classic palette with acrylic and stunning calligraphy. With contemporary ghost chairs, transparent table numbers and a stunning seating chart, they created a design based on layers and textures instead of color.

Clear and White place settings for simple elegant wedding at carolina inn, Perry Vaile

Watered Garden Table arrangement with clear table numbers at carolina inn, Perry Vaile

All clear tablescape for wedding at carolina inn, Perry Vaile

Glitzy gold after party for wedding at carolina inn, Perry Vaile

Cindas Cake with chocolate sweets alternative desserts at carolina inn, Perry Vaile

“I am still overwhelmed by how incredible our wedding day was and it was all because of the incredible Erin McLean Events team who guided us through every step,” raved Sara. “As someone who values organization over everything else, their meticulous planning strategies were amazing and made us feel stress-free for the entire year we planned with them. Beyond their obvious expertise in wedding planning, Erin and Carrington made me, my husband, and our families feel so comfortable and cared for. They are just the most fabulous people to have with you on the happiest day of your life.”