A Classic Raleigh Wedding at Saint Mary’s Chapel
A sophisticated palette of gold, green, black and white brought Katie Conger and Harrison Benson’s wedding to life. The high school sweethearts kept their love strong through college and exchanged vows on Nov. 18, 2023, at the historic Saint Mary’s Chapel in Raleigh, North Carolina. Their journey to the altar began with a romantic engagement in Charleston, South Carolina, culminating in a beautiful ceremony just eight months later.
Hair & Makeup: Reign Beauty | Rentals: Curated Events Raleigh | Cold Spark Rental: Stylus S.E. | Accommodations: Renaissance Raleigh North Hills
“We didn’t have much time to plan a wedding, which was a little stressful,” Katie says. “We got so lucky with the vendors that were available, and it turned out perfectly.”
Reign Beauty‘s team traveled to Carolina Country Club and did all of the bridesmaids hair and makeup, including the mother of the bride. “They were so fun, played great music and were so professional making all of the girls look and feel beautiful,” Katie says.
Timeless Chapel Wedding by Fancy This Photography
The couple chose Fancy This Photography after viewing founder Nikki Whitt Belch’s portfolio, including wedding galleries she had captured in similar chapel settings.
“Nikki was so sweet and fun, and made us feel comfortable and beautiful,” Katie says. “She felt like our best friend [during the event, and] everyone adored her. [Nikki is] so lovely and amazing and such a talented photographer.”
One of the highlights of having hired Fancy This, Katie says, was that she and Harrison received a sneak peek gallery of photos the day after their wedding.
Traditional Southern Wedding Reception
The special day included many traditional elements. During the reception at Carolina Country Club, the couple unearthed a bourbon bottle they’d buried a month earlier – a Southern wedding custom thought to ward off storms. “The weather was absolutely beautiful on our wedding day,” Katie says. “It was 75 and sunny in the middle of November!
The couple now lives in Raleigh’s North Hills neighborhood with their black lab, Major. Katie works for MA Allen Interiors as a project manager and junior interior designer, while Harrison works for CBRE as a land broker.
