From the Blog

Emily & John’s Spring Wedding at The Carolina Inn

Published February 19, 2020

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Updated February 19, 2020

Pink Tea length Bridesmaid Dresses Peony Flower Bouquets The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill, NC Spring Wedding Venue Heba Salama

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Saying “I do” at The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill, NC Spring Wedding Venue

Originally, Emily Hunt and John Neilson planned on getting married in England at John’s family home. However, after some unforeseen last minute changes, the couple had to get married in the US, and in a short amount of time. For Emily, a bridal Tar Heel alum, The Carolina Inn was an obvious choice for a NC wedding. Sally Oakley Wedding Planning & Events helped them plan a “Garden and Gathered Spring” themed wedding in ode to the groom’s country home. Pink, peach, white and green florals made the Old Well Ballroom come alive with romantic spring fever. 

Heba Salama Photography was the perfect local fit for Emily and John’s adventurous spirit. The bride highly recommends Heba Salama Photography for being a joy to spend the wedding day with, and for helping her and her groom feel comfortably at ease in front of the camera. Bride Emily says that her outstanding NC vendors made this last minute wedding a reality. She gushed,

“I’m honored to now consider them friends and am in awe of their talent!” 

The Love Story Behind Emily & John’s Wedding at The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill, NC

John Neilson and Emily Hunt are adventure seekers. So far, they’ve traveled to over 10 countries together, including the United Arab Emirates – where they first met while living and working in the capital city of Abu Dhabi! John asked Emily to join him in on one of the greatest adventures of their lives, marriage, while the two were on vacation in Indonesia. Did we mention that he popped the question just seconds before the couple jumped into the ocean for a snorkeling trip? Fortunately, neither of them dropped the ring! 

On their Spring wedding day at The Carolina Inn, Emily and John’s playful love shined through in the details. Even Teddy, the bride and groom’s miniature schnauzer, got to partake in the wedding festivities! Wild Flora Farm made the lovable pup a special floral leash to go with his pink bow tie collar. 

Beautiful Bride and Groom Pink Green Flower Bouquet The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill, NC Spring Wedding Venue Heba Salama Photography

Outdoor Ceremony and Indoor Reception at The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill, NC 

Emily and John said “I do” in the Bryan Courtyard at The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill, NC. This charming, private outdoor space offers an intimate and secluded ceremony location. A large patio overlooks the English garden inspired courtyard that is enclosed by whimsical, wrought-iron gates. Wild Flora Farm designed an incredible asymmetrical flower arbor for Emily and John to share their vows in front of. 

Following their outdoor ceremony, Emily and John brough the spring romance into The Carolina Inn’s Old Well ballroom. Dating back to 1924, the Old Well ballroom features a striking black and white terrazzo floor with art deco-inspired décor. The newlyweds looked straight out of a hollywood movie as they twirled across the ballroom floor for their first dance. Bride Emily was impressed with The Carolina Inn’s exceptional service as they provided a venue, catering and party rentals for her big day,

“The Carolina Inn was a dream – every detail was taken care of in a thoughtful, beautiful way.” 

Wedding Reception Decor Head Table Pink Peach Yellow Green The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill, NC Spring Wedding Venue Heba Salama
Pink Peach Flowers on White Wedding Cake The Carolina Inn Chapel Hill, NC Spring Wedding Venue Heba Salama Photography

Emily and John’s schnauzer cake figurine was the icing on top of a beautiful, spring wedding day at The Carolina Inn. The newlyweds have nothing but positive reviews for these Heart of NC Wedding vendors,

“Our vendors were outstanding and went out of their way to make our day special, especially on such short notice. Jen Wood, our florist, and Heba Salama, our photographer, made this wedding happen.”

Want to see more of Heba Salama Photography’s work? Click here to view a Family Wedding in Mordecai Historic Park Downtown Raleigh.

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