A Heartfelt Colonial Inn Wedding in Hillsborough: Samantha + Jonathan

A Love Story Years in the Making

Samantha and Jonathan’s story goes all the way back to high school. They attended the same school and were even in marching band together, but like many great love stories, theirs truly began after graduation. As life moved them forward, so did their connection—and eventually it led them back to a place that held childhood memories for both of them.

Choosing to host their wedding at The Colonial Inn felt full circle. As a local historical landmark, it was somewhere they had visited on school field trips as kids, making it the perfect setting to start this next chapter together.

Getting Ready & Setting the Scene

The day unfolded with cozy autumn energy—think rich fall colors, crisp air, and a relaxed, loving atmosphere. One of the most beautiful parts of this wedding was how deeply involved Samantha and Jonathan’s friends and family were. All of the décor was lovingly provided by their community, and friends and family handled the setup themselves.

This collaborative effort created a space that felt personal and intentional, not overproduced—exactly the kind of environment where everyone feels comfortable and connected. It was clear from the very beginning of the day that this wedding was about togetherness.

A Meaningful Ceremony at The Colonial Inn

The ceremony took place on-site at The Colonial Inn, surrounded by the people who know and love Samantha and Jonathan best. Even though the couple wasn’t able to have a traditional rehearsal at the venue due to another wedding the day before, we made sure they felt confident and prepared.

I met them at their rehearsal dinner and walked them through the ceremony there, practicing everything before they sat down to eat. It’s important to me that couples feel calm and supported—especially when plans have to shift—and this extra step made a huge difference in how relaxed they felt on the wedding day.

A Laid-Back Reception Full of Love

Following the ceremony, guests flowed right into a laid-back reception filled with good food, great music, and heartfelt moments. Hillsborough BBQ Company kept everyone well-fed, DJ JustDrew kept the energy going, and laughter filled the space well into the evening.

Another behind-the-scenes win: by communicating with both the venue and American Party Rentals, I was able to coordinate chair rentals with the wedding happening at The Colonial Inn the day before. Since they were using the same chairs, this saved the rental company multiple trips—and saved Samantha and Jonathan an extra delivery fee. It’s one of those details guests never see, but couples truly appreciate.

Why Samantha & Jonathan Chose Carolina Event Masters

Samantha and Jonathan found me through a Facebook group for North Carolina brides planning their weddings. From our first conversation, they shared that they were looking for someone relatable, kind, and detail-oriented—someone they could trust to truly have their best interests at heart.

In Samantha’s words, “The communication was really good, there was transparency with understanding pricing and services… she went above and beyond for us.” Feedback like that is exactly why I do what I do.

A Colonial Inn Wedding to Remember

This Colonial Inn wedding was a beautiful reminder that weddings don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. With a historic venue, a supportive community, and thoughtful planning, Samantha and Jonathan’s day felt effortless, personal, and full of joy. It was truly an honor to be part of it.

If you’re planning a Colonial Inn wedding or another meaningful celebration in North Carolina and want a planner who will treat you like a friend, advocate for your best interests, and handle the details with care—I’d love to connect. Contact Carolina Event Masters to learn more about our wedding planning and coordination services.

Photographer: Donnell Perry Photography