Charming Chapel Hill Wedding at Top of the Hill

Winter Wedding at Top of the Hill Great Room for Chapel Hill, NC Snowbirds

The setting sun sends fleeting rays of light across downtown Chapel Hill’s historic landscape and a crisp, clear, winter sky surround Erin and Corey in a romantic embrace. UNC students on their walk home may never know that directly above them, a bride and groom are having their winter wedding portraits taken on the beloved “TOPO” rooftop. Erin and Corey’s intimate winter wedding took place in one of NC’s favorite college towns, Chapel Hill. The color and theme incorporated modern textures such as marble paired with vintage velvet, and an earthy emerald. Bride Erin planned the entire wedding! She started by booking their wedding ceremony at Chapel of the Cross followed by a classic Chapel Hill wedding reception in Top of the Hill’s venue space, The Great Room.

Crisp Clear Winter Sky in Chapel Hill NC Rustic Rooftop Wedding Portrait of Bride and Groom Photo by Amber Hatley

Tar Heels Born, Tar Heels Bred, Tar Heels in Love!

Erin and Corey met in college at UNC while exploring the delicious restaurants and lively bar scene on Franklin Street. The two both worked at Top of the Hill at some point in college. For those who don’t already know, Top of the Hill, lovingly referred to by locals as TOPO, is a restaurant and bar located on the second of story of a building in the center of Franklin Street. On weekdays visitors can enjoy a burger and a beer while watching students scurry to class below. On special occasions, you can watch thousands of students and basketball fans dancing in the main intersection as they celebrate a win over rival Duke University, or better yet, winning the National Championship! After graduating from UNC, Erin and Corey moved to Chicago together where they got engaged on a romantic, snowy day. Today they live much closer to their Tar Heel roots in the Triangle.

Sparkling Engagement Rings Rest on Mason Dixon Designs Blue White Wedding Stationery Chapel Hill Wedding Photo by Amber Hatley
Green and Blue earthy wedding invitation suite
Vintage Silver Beaded Strapless Bridal Gown Silhouette Hanging in the Window Light Photo by Amber Hatley
Forest Green Plaid Pajamas and Wedding Hair and Makeup Bridesmaids and Bride Photo by Amber Hatley

Glamorous Dancing Shoes & First Looks in the Arboretum at UNC, Chapel Hill

Erin’s bridal look included a vintage, off-white gown covered in delicate beading and a stunning silhouette figure. But you’ll never guess what is below the gorgeous train of her gown – a bedazzled pair of white Keds. Erin chose Keds for herself and all of her bridesmaids to maximize dancing! In addition, she rented plush, white lounge furniture for guests to relax on off of the dance floor.

Erin and Corey shared their first look underneath the whimsical, vine-covered trellises of UNC Chapel Hill’s Coker Arboretum. The Arboretum is a garden sanctuary filled with NC flora, winding pathways, and peaceful benches. Open from dusk till dawn, the Arboretum is a magical outdoor location for wedding portraits. Erin and Corey continued their UNC Chapel Hill wedding portraits at the Old Well and the Davie Poplar Bench.

Vintage Strapless Bridal Gown Stepping down Brick Staircase Chapel Hill NC Photo by Amber Hatley
First Look Hug UNC Chapel Hill Arboretum Trellis Vines Winter Wedding Portraits Garden Photo by Amber Hatley
Unique Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait on UNC Chapel Hill Historic Campus Stone Archways Photo by Amber Hatley
Old Well Bridal Party Cheer for Joy Vintage Bridal Gown Forest Green Bridesmaids Dresses Black and White Tuxedos Winter Wedding Photo by Amber Hatley

Traditional Chapel Hill Wedding Ceremony at Chapel of the Cross & Modern Flowers by University Florist

Erin and Corey said their vows in a traditional, Christian wedding service at Chapel of the Cross located in downtown Chapel Hill. Not only does Chapel of the Cross offer historic architecture, but a convenient location! Guests were able to easily walk from the wedding ceremony up to the Great Room reception at Top of the Hill. And of course the bridal party snagged a photo in front of the massive Chapel Hill postcard mural behind the bar He’s Not Here!

University Florist designed modern garden bouquets that highlighted natural green leaves with splashes of moody burgundy and white winter blossoms. University Florist is a family business located on East Franklin Street in the heart of Chapel Hill. The talented team at University Florist can create designs ranging from classic elegant to modern and non-traditional.

Emotional Father Giving Away Bride in Chapel of the Cross with Winter Garden Bouquet Photo by Amber Hatley
Saying I Do at the Altar of Chapel of the Cross church in downtown chapel Hill Photo by Amber Hatley
Romantic Rooftop Kiss from Top of the Hill Restaurant Great Room Wedding Venue Overlooking Franklin Street Photo by Amber Hatley
Winter Black Fur Stole Vintage Bride and Groom Wedding Portraits on Rooftop in Downtown Chapel Hill NC Photo by Amber Hatley
Greetings From Chapel hill Postcard Mural Franklin Street Bridal Party Portrait Group Picture Photo by Amber Hatley

Intimate Minimalist Wedding Reception at Top of the Hill Great Room

Long farm-style tables covered in elegant eggshell CE Rental linens were the centerpiece of Erin and Corey’s Chapel Hill wedding reception. The tablescapes included a light dusting of winter greenery, and burgundy blossoms and taper candles. The Great Room at Top of The Hill is a relatively blank canvas that allows wedding planners a clean slate to play with and decorate to fit each couple’s taste. Specialty lighting and drapery by Themeworks gave The Great Room a sophisticated and intimate vibe.

Erin and Corey enjoyed choosing their favorite entrees from Top of the Hill’s menu for their wedding reception. Shrimp and grits and braised short ribs were the main dishes of the evening! After a spectacular choreographed first dance, and sentimental dinner speeches, a fully stocked pizza and chocolate chip cookie bar provided guests with a late night snack.

Great Room Top of the Hill Wedding Reception Blank Canvas Space Unique Ceiling and Farm Table Design Photo by Amber Hatley
Minimalist Winter Wedding Reception Design with Warehouse Textures Farm Tables Greenery Amber Hatley
Black and White Photo of the Newlyweds entering their Wedding Reception at the great room in Chapel Hill NC Amber Hatley
Slicing the White Gold Modern Vintage Wedding Cake Simply Cakes in Top of the Hill Great Room Wedding Reception Amber Hatley
Choreographed First Dance Dip Dramatic Beautiful Top of the Hill Great Room Wedding Reception Amber Hatley
Chapel Hill wedding first dance at TOPO
White Gold Modern Furniture Set by Greenhouse Picker Sisters Top of the Hill Great Room Wedding Reception Amber Hatley
Glow Stick Sparkler Exit Chapel Hill Winter Wedding Reception Bride and Groom Kiss Amber Hatley

At the end of the night, Erin and Corey exited Top of the Hill’s Great Room through a glow stick tunnel as friends and family sang the UNC alma mater song in unison. Carolina priceless gem, sing all praises thine…

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