The Carolina Inn Blog

It’s your wedding day – and we all know there’s nothing more important than choosing the right vendors to help it go off without a hitch. Thankfully, The Carolina Inn Bridal Showcase is here to help all of you brides. 

I am in the middle of wedding planning season. I wouldn’t say that it is the calm before the storm but it is more like the storm before the calm. I have noticed an increasing number of brides that are overwhelmed with all the choices that are put before them. With Pinterest and Facebook and all of these blogs out there, it's hard to commit to any decisions with new ideas popping up all of the time.

My husband and I were recently married at The Carolina Inn, and it was the most wonderful weekend of our lives. Our wedding coordinator, Devon Schwartz, and the rest of the Inn staff could not have been more friendly and helpful. They ensured that every detail was perfect, so we were able to enjoy our special day totally stress-free. I cannot imagine a more perfect setting for our marriage. We are definitely planning to come back for many anniversaries :) Thank you!!!! Sarah & Dan Chang

My wedding ceremony and reception were held at the Carolina Inn in March. The Inn is known for being a popular wedding spot -- and now I know exactly why. First, the hotel and grounds are gorgeous. You will have no trouble getting beautiful photos and video here. Secondly, the staff and event planners are wonderful to work with. Every single detail was taken care of and I didn?t have to worry about a thing. I planned my wedding by myself, but felt like I had the benefit of a wedding planner when working with Devon at the Inn. I enjoyed every experience, from the menu tasting, January wedding show, and details meeting, to the entire wedding weekend. Many of our guests stayed at the Inn and everyone was thrilled with the beautiful and luxurious accommodations. My ceremony was held in the Bryan Courtyard and it was a romantic, intimate setting. The reception was in the Old Well Room, which is a gorgeous, elegant room. I can?t compliment the Inn enough on its customer service, attention to detail, beautiful accommodations and delicious food. Take a look at my video and you?ll see how fabulous it was!

The Carolina Inn staff were awesome this past weekend during the events of my daughter's wedding. The weather was less than cooperative but the staff made adjustments seamlessly. Devon was absolutely wonderful in helping us plan the event and Sarah made sure the reception went smoothly. Sarah was very helpful in making sure items from the reception were taken to the appropriate rooms. The food was excellent as well. I would highly recommend the Carolina Inn for any event.

With this weekend's delightful winter heat wave came a welcomed reminder that spring is just around the corner. And with spring will come wedding season -- a fact that was very evident at yesterday's Bridal Showcase at The Carolina Inn.

Chapel Hill Magazine 

I have planned weddings for many years now and it is an incredible task to scribe every detail into existence.  I have spent hours imagining where each table should be placed, how each napkin should be folded, and how each bride will feel when they enter the magic of their wonderland.  There is always that one moment when I can see the black and white notes that are buried somewhere in my office burst into life.   I felt that way yesterday as I watched Classic Party Rentals constructing our tent for the Bridal Showcase on Sunday.   It was cold, it was raining, and it was certainly muddy… but the masterpiece that awaits the brides on Sunday is outstanding.  I couldn’t help but track my muddy feet into the middle of the courtyard underneath the glass chandeliers and the strands of mini lights and look up through the clear ceiling to watch the rain pour down.  I was left with feeling sheer anticipation  about the most elegant event that we have planned for our brides.  We are joined by the finest vendors in the area and together we can’t wait for you to see all we have put together for you to enjoy.    The Carolina Inn Bridal Showcase is just waiting to burst into life.  Don’t miss the party.

Our very own, Social Catering Manager Devon Schwartz was featured on The Green Kangaroo blog. The Green Kangaroo specializes in unique wedding invitations and stationery. Her expertise in the wedding planning field was sought after to learn about her insider tips when choosing a wedding and reception venue.

My husband and I are both Active Duty military and once we had decided on The Carolina Inn for our wedding and reception, we designated my mother as coordinator while we attempted to overcome the time difference to communicate with the wedding planners at the beautiful inn. Not only was the staff more than flexible and accommodating, they were exceptionally helpful and calming on the day of our wedding! We couldn't thank them more for dealing with our crazy families & wedding day with ease and professionalism!

On Sunday, February 7, 2010 The Carolina Inn hosted its annual Bridal Fair showcasing the area’s hottest wedding trends. While touring the inn and sampling delicious hors d’oeuvres, brides were treated to a display of local wedding vendors including cake bakers, florists, photographers, rental companies, and much more. Candy buffets, unique linen, table-top design, and musical entertainment options were all on display. Check out our photo album to get some ideas for your own wedding!

Livi and Jeremy celebrated their wedding with us Carolina style.  KA Studios Cinematography captured their special day on film.  Click here to view their beautiful wedding video.  It truly was a Tar Heel dream wedding.  Congratulations Livi and Jeremy!

I held my wedding at the Carolina Inn last May, and I'm still getting comments on how beautiful it was. Not to mention I haven't been able to pick out my pictures, because I begin to get teary-eyed everytime I try. The Carolina Inn made everything about our wedding so perfect and enjoyable, from start to finish, that we couldn't have wished for anything more. When my husband and I became engaged, we knew immediately that the Carolina Inn was THE place.

Last summer, our daughter was married in Chapel Hill. The rehearsal dinner and "wedding eve celebration" which followed were held in the beautiful Hill Ballroom. We could not have asked for a more magnificent evening.

My husband and I met on UNC's south campus, had our first date at a restaurant on Franklin Street, and graduated at Kenan Stadium. There was no more perfect a place to marry than at The Carolina Inn on a warm July evening. The ceremony and reception were more beautiful than I could have imagined and I will never forget walking to the Old Well with my new husband. We had a great experience with all of the staff at The Carolina Inn which added to the perfect weekend in Chapel Hill!

When my wife and I were planning our reception at the Carolina Inn, we knew that the location would be beautiful, the staff would be diligent, and the food would be delicious. But we couldn't have been prepared for just how well everything went off. The planner we worked with was extraordinarily professional and responsive, aiding us in carrying out all of our wedding day ambitions. The staff was very helpful during the reception; they accommodated every need, whether it was planned or came up on the spot. We couldn't have imagined a better-run reception. Thanks!

When we decided to tie the knot in Chapel Hill, The Carolina Inn was an easy choice. Our guests could stay at the Inn and it was a beautiful setting for both the wedding ceremony and reception. We had the ceremony (on a cold February evening) in the Bryan Courtyard, where we were able to stay warm with a tent, heaters, and flowers. It was the perfect sized space for about 120 guests and the ceremony was incredibly beautiful and intimate. The reception followed in the Old Well Ballroom -- where we watched a slide show, danced to a DJ, cut the cake, sang karaoke, and overall had the best night of our lives!

Check out this video by KA Studios cinematography on Livi and Jeremy's beautiful wedding day at The Carolina Inn.  Livi recounts Jeremy's romantic and creative marriage proposal, one of the best I've heard.  

To all our Carolina brides out there: Do you have an amazing or memorable wedding proposal story?  Tell us how you got engaged! Post your story, pictures, or videos right here on our blog.  We're looking for the best proposals of the year.   

What about a New Years wedding to ring in the upcoming year?  Our Catering Director, Terri Nier, says December 31st is one of our most popular dates for wedding receptions.  The possibilities are endless and it makes this special day even more memorable.

Linda Trevor and Tony Gilliam's wedding held last December 2008 was recently featured in the Summer/Fall 2009 issue of Southern Bride and Groom. 

Dear Mark, We wish to express to to you our genuine heartfelt thanks for your most gracious hospitality extended to us in the celebration of our 60th Wedding Anniversary on September 8th, 2008. The elegant and beautifully appointed King Suite, the great refreshment tray you sent by room service, the delicious dinner prepared by the Executive Chef and the book - The History of The Carolina Inn has made our celebration such a memorable occasion. Thank you for all the details you took care of. What a joy to meet you! You made so much of your time available to us, never hurried, you made us feel like royalty! All the staff made us feel so welcomed and so special. The return to The Carolina Inn for our 60th Anniversary was indeed a highlight of our 60 years together. We shall not soon forget the part you had in making it an Anniversary to remember and we are eternally grateful to you. Our Sincere Appreciation, John and Clara Privott Rocky Mount, NC

Dear Manager: My wife and I were married on September 5th, 1948 and spent our honeymoon night at The Carolina Inn. I was a student and worked in the cafeteria. When we arrived - we checked in and made our way to our assigned room, we opened the door and were shocked to see two twin beds. So you know what happened next? My wife sent me back to the desk and the clerk was very understanding and immediately changed rooms for us. We want to come back to the Inn on September 5th, 2008 - to spend the night sixty years later. I'm enclosing a copy of the original paid bill of $7.00 and I'm wondering whether or not you would let us have a room for $7.00 - the price we paid sixty years ago. Please let me hear from you by return mail. Sincerely, John W. Privott PS: A copy of the 1948 bill is enclosed

The Carolina Inn has always been a favorite meeting place for my friends and family, whether it is for a long football weekend or just having a few drinks on the porch. With so many fun and happy memories there, my husband and I were so thrilled that it worked out to be the site of our wedding reception. The Inn provided the perfect place for all our guests to stay for a big wedding weekend. We both look forward to many return trips to The Carolina Inn!