Kelly and Drew Heberer, June 3, 2017. Caroline Lima Photography
When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tie the knot on May 19 inside London’s Windsor Castle, many hopeless romantics around the globe will vicariously live out their nuptial dreams through their televisions and cell phones.
If you’re in the planning stages of your own wedding but think that a fanciful setting might only be reserved for Queen Elizabeth II’s heirs, think again. The Umstead Hotel and Spa, a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star property in sleepy Cary, North Carolina, is proof that a fairytale “I do” can come true for almost anyone.
With a calming neutral-tone aesthetic, a stunning lakefront backdrop and an overall sense of natural harmony that emanates throughout the property, The Umstead exudes a peace capable of making any wedding day feel like a royal affair.
Kelly and Drew Heberer were certainly blown away by the hotel’s charms, which might explain why they decided to exchange vows at The Umstead on June 3, 2017. The following breathtaking images from photographer Caroline Lima are from the couple’s memorable day. As their first anniversary approaches, we spent a few moments with Lima, the newlyweds, and a bride-to-be with her eyes set on The Umstead to get a better understanding of the property’s matrimonial magic.
Sharing Love by the Lake. Credit: Caroline Lima Photography
The Location
“We were in search of a local venue where our guests could escape for the weekend and feel as if they were on vacation,” says Kelly Heberer. “Our wedding planner suggested we explore The Umstead Hotel and Spa, and we are so glad we did. Although centrally located in the Raleigh-Durham area, The Umstead felt as if was tucked away from the world and allowed for us to truly engage with and enjoy our loved ones during such a special time.”
If loved ones need easy access to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (less than six miles from the hotel) or want to be within shouting distance of downtown Raleigh (under 10 miles), they’re in luck here.
The Umstead’s Wedding Lawn. Credit: Caroline Lima Photography
The Venue
It doesn’t much matter if you’re planning a wedding in April, August or any other time, the evergreen-enveloped property is always ready for its close-up.
“The Umstead Hotel and Spa is a gorgeous venue that provides a variety of stunning backgrounds for photos,” says Lima, who has chronicled weddings with her camera all along the Atlantic coast. “The ceremony area has an immaculate and elegant lawn overlooking a beautiful lake. There is also a wooded area, pretty gardens and an amazing ballroom.”
Dancing the Night Away. Credit: Caroline Lima Photography
The Grand Ballroom is a splendid 4,000-square-foot space with 20-foot ceilings and brilliant lighting that can seat up to 180 reception guests. If your party requires less wiggle area, you can reserve the half of the ballroom or the Salon Room (both seat up to 70).
“Couples can have a very intimate wedding or a large black-tie fête at the hotel,” Lima says. “Not all venues can be so versatile.”
Reflecting at the Reception. Credit: Caroline Lima Photography
The Staff
The Umstead is the rare triple Forbes Travel Guide honoree — the hotel, Herons restaurant and spa are all Star-Rated properties — so it’s understood that service will exceed your expectations from the moment you check in. But when it’s one of the most important days of your life, the special events team makes sure the wow factor raises even a few more notches.
“The Umstead staff exceeded every expectation we had for our wedding weekend,” Kelly says. “From the bellman who warmly greeted us by name upon our arrival to the servers who made sure we never went without during our reception, the staff attended to our every need with poise, warmth and professionalism.”
A Special Day with Family and Friends. Credit: Caroline Lima Photography
The Packages
The whimsical wedding lawn can host ceremonies from two up to 250 people. And as you might expect, The Umstead offers an array of packages — from quaint brunch gatherings to elaborate, five-course plated dinner extravaganzas — and individualized touches to complement whatever size you have or celebratory mood you’re in.
In the Heberers’ case, “the décor was breathtaking with suspended bistro lights and a gorgeous chandelier-type arrangement for guests to dance under,” Lima says. “[It was] so perfect for an early summer wedding. I’m not at all surprised that everything looked so beautiful, though, because the couple has great taste, and A Southern Soiree [wedding planning team] was behind it.”
A Storybook Setting. Credit: Caroline Lima Photography
The Magic
When newly engaged Aletha Moore visited The Umstead for the first time this past February, it was love at first sight. “From the moment I got out of the car, my experience started,” says Moore, who has an October 2018 wedding planned at the property with her fiancé, Brandt Carter. “I walked into the lobby and saw the beautiful [Dale Chihuly] glass sculpture, fresh flowers and live plants everywhere. The rooms were immaculate. This hotel stood up to the pictures. The grounds were clean and manicured. Although it was winter and rainy during my stay, I could clearly envision the grounds with the [colorful] foliage.”
Not many places can win over a discerning bride-to-be in unfavorable conditions. But as you’ve seen through the above pictures and prose, The Umstead is far from typical. The way art, nature and subtle elegance harmonize at the hotel make it an ideal setting for a wedding.
Kelly Heberer agrees, and she has a few sage words for Moore and anyone else thinking about walking down the aisle here: “Book now. The Umstead is truly a gem.”
