Downton Abbey Inspired Brunch at The Carolina Inn

Southern Bride & Groom Magazine celebrated some of NC’s top wedding professionals this month at a “Downton Abbey” inspired brunch at The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill.

Southern Bride and Groom wedding magazineThe Carolina Inn Chapel Hill wedding venuePink and purple wedding flowers
Our annual customer appreciation event is one of our favorite days of the year. We at Southern Bride & Groom are priviledged to work with the most talented wedding vendors in the Greater Triangle Area of NC and beyond. These folks are creative souls who share our passion for weddings. We call them the SB&G Family for a reason – they represent an extension of our values and we have utmost trust and respect for each of them.

Earlier this month, we hosted a brunch at one of our region’s most quintessential wedding venues, The Carolina Inn.  A historic property built in the early 1900s, the Inn was the perfect setting for an event inspired by the iconic TV show “Downton Abbey,” which has made a splash in the world of weddings and events due to its fabulous fashion and classically elegant yet opulent flair.

As we planned a daytime brunch event, we thought it would be perfect to incorporate a British tea theme, as The Carolina Inn is well known for its tea-time and beautiful collection of vintage tea sets. Our devastatingly creative florist team, The English Garden, created a variety of floral tabletop arrangements using the Inn’s china and other props in a gorgeous array of spring pastels. Three main looks were paired with varying blush and ivory linens from local party supplier, Party Reflections. An original watercolor painting by the onsite artist at Paperbuzz in a palette of rosy pink, soft yellow and shades of green, which had debuted in our event invitations, was incorporated into the tabletop papers as well.

Vintage theme bridal shower or weddingNorth Carolina wedding vendorsSouthern Bride and Groom NC wedding vendorsVintage decor for Southern wedding or partyWedding and reception appetizersNatty Neckware wedding bowtiesPassed appetizers at the Carolina InnRachel Red NC Wedding PhotographerWe worked closely with Heidi Werner of The Carolina Inn to create a beautiful experience for our guests. Upon arrival, the SB&G Family mingled over mimosas and hors d’oeuvres in the Old Well Room, one of the most breathtaking event spaces and a favorite for weddings due to its intimate atmosphere, classic checkered floor and gorgeous chandeliers.

For lunch, we moved into the Hill Ballroom, a bright and beautiful elegant space fit for large events, which is what we needed for our 200 guests! A classic tea presentation of tiered sweet and savory bites was set at each table for guests to enjoy as they settled in and mingled with friends – new and old. After enjoying scones, mini sandwiches and delectable dessert bites, we indulged in a meal of quiche and a fresh side salad.

One of our wonderful wedding photographers, Robin Lin Photography, captured all of the event details on film. We are so excited to share the beauty of this event with our readers, and hope it might be reinterpreted in your own event from a bridesmaids tea to a Downton Abbey-inspired wedding!

Bridal shower and tea time at The Carolina InnSparkling champagneDownton Abbey bridesmaids brunchBridal shower or reception at The Carolina Inn in Chapel HillDowntown Abbey theme tea and scones at The Carolina InnNorth Carolina wedding magazineWe want to warmly thank the expert team who made this event possible, and the entire SB&G Family for inspiring us every day!

VENUE & FOOD The Carolina Inn | STATIONER Paperbuzz |  FLORALS The English Garden Florist | LINENS Party Reflections | COORDINATION A Swanky Affair | PHOTOGRAPHY Robin Lin Photography

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