A newlywed couple shares a joyful kiss at the altar of a church, surrounded by their bridal party and guests. The bride holds her bouquet, and the groom lifts her slightly. The officiant and bridal party smile in the background.

Duke Chapel Weddings

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August 16, 2017

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duke chapel wedding photos – sara & ross

When you have such an amazing couple as Sara and Ross whose love and happiness at getting married is so evident, you can’t possibly have a bad day. Add in Duke Chapel and Hope Valley Country Club as venues, an amazing team of vendors, bright sunshine and a monsoon-like storm in the space of a couple of hours, and you know it’s going to be a very special day indeed.

If you stop by my blog regularly, you might be familiar with Sara from her Duke Chapel bridal photography session, which I posted a few weeks back. She is such a lovely, warm, happy soul and it was so great to see her unleash that beautiful smile all throughout her wedding day. I met with her at the Washington Duke Inn after she and the girls got back from having their hair and make-up done. Once Sara’s mum had helped her into her dress, we headed over to Duke Gardens for some photos of the bridesmaids together. It’s not often I get so much time with the girls, so it was brilliant to be able to take time to get some photos in different parts of the gardens. I’m only showing a few here, but we got a lot more of Sara and the girls as a group, individually with the bride, and portraits of them individually.

In the meantime, Erin was over with Ross and the guys at the Chapel starting off their portraits. As the guys wrapped their time together and they headed in, we were “blessed” with a massive thunderstorm, which meant Sara had to walk under the Chapel and come up through the spiral staircase to get to the arcades for her pictures. We were lashed a bit by the wind and rain even though we were under the arcades, but the photos ended up looking great nonetheless.

Following a beautiful ceremony by the always inspiring Fr. Michael, we took more family photos at the altar before heading outside with the bride and groom for some photos of the happy couple. From there, we headed over to Hope Valley Country Club for a fab dinner followed by live music by The New Royals, featuring a special guest appearance by Sara’s dad on lead guitar. We rounded out the night with dancing and a ride on the mechanical bull at Shooters. Always a fun way to finish the evening!

Special thanks to Kelli and her team at The Perfect Plan for coordinating everything so well on the day. It was great working with you, ladies!

So with that said, let’s have a look at some photos. Here are my picks of the pics:

Ceremony: Duke Chapel, Durham, NC | Reception: Hope Valley Country Club, Durham, NC | Planner: The Perfect Plan, Raleigh, NC | Dress: L’Fay Bridal, Chatham, NJ | Florist: Tre Bella, Durham, NC | Cake: Edible Art, Raleigh, NC | Hair & Make-Up: Wavelengths Salon, Durham, NC | Bride’s Make-Up: Dominique Girardi | Band: The New Royals, Atlanta, GA | Assistant Photographer: Erin Costa, Wilmington, NC

A woman stands in a hotel room, looking into an open bag on the bed. A wedding dress hangs near a dresser with a TV. The room has elegant decor, including a framed picture and a cushioned chair with a throw pillow. The scene is calm and focused.
Black and white image of sparkly Jimmy Choo high heels in their shoebox, showing the brand label inside. The shoes are placed on tissue paper within the box, which is set on a dark surface.
A close-up of a diamond engagement ring with a halo of smaller diamonds, set on a delicate band. The ring is resting on a softly patterned fabric, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to the image.
A black and white image of a bride in a lace wedding dress standing beside a window. An older woman assists by adjusting the dress, creating a serene and intimate moment. The light filters softly through the curtains, highlighting the delicate lacework.
A joyful bride in a white lace wedding dress smiles as an older woman adjusts her gown. They stand in a warmly lit room with a patterned curtain and a window in the background.
A bride in a wedding dress adjusts a bow tie for a man in a hotel hallway. Two women, one in an elegant dress, stand nearby watching the scene. The atmosphere is focused and intimate.
A bride in a wedding dress is affectionately kissed on the cheek by a man in a hallway. Several women in formal attire stand nearby, smiling and watching the scene. The atmosphere is joyful and celebratory.
A bride in a white gown stands confidently on a bench surrounded by five bridesmaids in matching floral dresses. They are positioned in front of dark green foliage, creating a striking contrast between their outfits and the background.
A man in a tuxedo stands outside, adjusting his jacket. He is wearing a bow tie and a boutonniere, looking to the side. The background is blurred, showcasing an elegant building. The image is in black and white.
A bride in a white gown stands with five bridesmaids in matching floral dresses. They are outdoors, posing in front of a wooden arch with greenery surrounding them. The sky is clear.
A group of six men in suits and bow ties walk down a stone pathway, smiling and laughing. They appear to be part of a wedding party, standing in front of a historic building with arched doorways and greenery.
A bride in a white gown and veil walks hand in hand with five bridesmaids in matching floral dresses. They are outside on a sunny day, walking toward a covered area.
A man in a formal black suit and bow tie stands confidently, looking to the side. He is in a stone corridor with intricate arches and decorative stonework. The lighting casts soft shadows, highlighting the architectural details.
A bride in a white gown and veil ascends a spiral staircase. The lighting is warm, creating a romantic atmosphere. Her expression is serene and focused as she climbs the steps.
A wedding photo featuring four people standing together in a stone archway. Two women in floral dresses and a bride in a white gown holding bouquets, accompanied by a man in a tuxedo. They are all smiling.
A bride in a white gown stands in a stone archway, holding a bouquet of flowers. The floor reflects her image, adding elegance to the scene. The architecture features intricate gothic-style designs.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom kissing in a grand cathedral. The brides long train flows behind her. Four bridesmaids in floral dresses stand nearby, holding bouquets and talking among themselves.
A black and white photo of a church interior with a row of men in tuxedos standing near a priest, facing the seated congregation. The ornate pulpit and stone walls are visible in the background.
A bride and groom walk down an aisle in a dimly lit church with stained glass windows. Ahead, a woman in a floral dress and others are turning back to look at them. The scene is warm and elegant, capturing a serene wedding moment.
A couple in wedding attire stands in front of a grand organ inside a cathedral. The elaborate architecture features high ceilings, ornate carvings, and arched doorways. The image is in black and white, emphasizing the majestic atmosphere.
A couple stands in the foreground observing a wedding ceremony inside a large, ornate church. The officiant and wedding party are visible at the altar, surrounded by intricate architecture and softly lit chandeliers.
A bride in a flowing white gown walks arm in arm with a man in a tuxedo down the aisle of a church. The church interior features ornate columns and stained glass windows. Both are smiling, and the bride holds a bouquet.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom standing at the altar in a church. The bride wears a flowing gown, and the groom dons a suit. The priest stands behind them, and guests are seated on either side, witnessing the ceremony.
Black and white photo of a grand cathedral interior with Gothic architecture. A wedding ceremony is taking place, with the couple at the altar and guests seated on either side. High vaulted ceilings and ornate chandeliers are visible.
A bride and groom share a tender kiss while seated in a church. The bride wears a flowing gown and veil, and the groom is in a suit. A bridesmaid, holding a bouquet, walks by in the foreground. The setting is ornate and filled with decorative woodwork.
A black and white photo of a crowded gathering. A young child with a bowtie is held up by an adult, looking over the heads of other attendees. Most people are facing away from the camera. The atmosphere seems formal or celebratory.
A couple stands at the altar of a large, ornate cathedral with stained glass windows. The bride is in a white gown, and the groom is in a suit. The high ceiling features chandeliers, and guests are seated in the pews.
A bride and groom stand facing each other at the altar during their wedding ceremony. The bride, wearing a veil and lace dress, smiles at the groom. A bridesmaid holding a bouquet stands to the side, watching the couple. Black and white photo.
A couple exchanges vows in a grand cathedral with ornate stained-glass windows and hanging chandeliers. The audience is seated, focused on the ceremony under the gothic arches.
A bride and groom share a kiss at the altar in a dimly lit church, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen. The bride wears a flowing white gown and the groom is in a black suit. Guests stand in the background, clapping.
A newlywed couple shares a joyful kiss at the altar of a church, surrounded by their bridal party and guests. The bride holds her bouquet, and the groom lifts her slightly. The officiant and bridal party smile in the background.
A bride and groom, elegantly dressed, walk down the aisle of a grand church with ornate architecture and stained glass windows. An older woman, joyfully smiling, stands to the side. The scene captures a moment of celebration and grace.
A bride and groom stand together in the center of a grand, ornate cathedral. The high, vaulted ceilings and intricate architectural details create an impressive backdrop. The scene is in black and white, with soft lighting highlighting the couple.
A couple in wedding attire walks joyfully near a grand, Gothic-style building. The bride holds her bouquet and gown, while the groom smiles beside her. The ground is wet, reflecting the overcast sky, creating a romantic and serene setting.
A bride in a white lace gown and veil stands beside a groom in a black tuxedo. They are smiling and looking into the distance in front of a large, ornate stone building with an arched doorway.
A couple in wedding attire embrace in front of a large, gothic-style stone cathedral. The towering architecture features intricate details and an arched entrance. The sky is overcast, adding a dramatic backdrop to the scene.
Elegant ballroom with a large chandelier, decorated for a wedding. Tables are adorned with white and pink floral centerpieces, candles, and green napkins. Soft, warm lighting creates a romantic ambiance.
A beautifully arranged table centerpiece with floating candles in glass holders, surrounded by white flowers and greenery, creates an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
A joyful bride is being carried by the groom as they make a grand entrance into a reception hall. Guests surround them, clapping and smiling, while the bride holds her bouquet aloft. The scene is festive and filled with celebration.
A set of elegant rings with glittering diamonds are artfully arranged on a reflective surface against a blurred sparkling background. The rings include a band with a large round diamond and a band with smaller stones.
A bride and groom dance in a spacious hall with wooden floors and a high, beamed ceiling adorned with string lights. Guests stand around, watching and smiling. Paintings hang on the walls, adding to the elegant atmosphere.
A bride and groom dance energetically, her white dress swirling around, in a crowded room with guests watching. The setting is festive, with everyone dressed formally and smiling.
A couple dances joyfully in the center of a large room, surrounded by guests who watch with smiles. The bride is being lifted by the groom, her white dress flowing. The room is decorated with string lights and framed pictures on the walls.
A bride and groom share their first dance in a spacious, decorative room filled with guests. The bride wears a voluminous white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. Guests watch, some holding drinks, under string lights and a chandelier.
A bride in a white dress and veil dances with a man in a tuxedo, surrounded by onlookers. The scene is emotional, set in a dimly lit room with a chandelier above.
A bride and groom share a kiss during their first dance at a wedding reception. The bride wears a veil and a strapless gown. Guests in formal attire watch them in the background. The scene is warmly lit and celebratory.
A young man in a tuxedo dances closely with an older woman in an elegant dress. They smile warmly at each other in a dimly lit room, surrounded by a crowd of blurred, well-dressed people in the background.
A bride in a white dress and veil joyfully embraces an elderly man in a suit at a lively wedding reception. Guests around them are smiling and clapping, with warm lighting creating a festive atmosphere.
Two men at a celebration. One is wearing a white shirt and red striped tie, giving a thumbs-up. The other, seated, wears a bow tie, white shirt, and veil, smiling. The setting appears festive, with other guests in the background.
Bride in a wedding dress sits on a chair, laughing with her hand over her mouth, while the groom kneels in front of her, attempting to find her garter. Guests stand around smiling and watching in a warmly lit venue.
A bride in a flowing white dress dances energetically on stage with a groom and a band playing instruments. They are in a high-ceilinged room with a framed picture on the wall, and a few people watch in the background.
A bride in a strapless white dress and veil laughs energetically with a woman in a floral dress on a dance floor at a lively indoor wedding reception. Guests are dancing in the background.
A man in a white shirt and bow tie enthusiastically sings on stage with a band. He has his arms outstretched, and other band members play instruments in the background. The setting is dimly lit, creating a lively atmosphere.
A bride and groom joyfully dance together on a dimly lit stage at their wedding reception. The bride wears a flowing white gown, and the groom is in a white shirt and dark pants. Musicians play in the background.
A couple is dancing at a wedding reception. The groom, wearing a tuxedo, is dipping the bride, who is in a flowing white dress. They are surrounded by guests and a band, and the setting is warmly lit.
A newlywed couple shares a kiss on the dance floor surrounded by cheering friends and family. The bride is in a white gown, and the groom is in a suit. The room is dimly lit with string lights and guests watching in celebration.
A bride and groom dance energetically on a bar counter in a lively nightclub, surrounded by colorful lights and decorations. The brides wedding dress flows dramatically as they celebrate their wedding with friends.
A bride and groom in formal attire joyfully ride a mechanical bull together indoors, surrounded by colorful lights and cheering guests. The brides veil flows behind them, adding to the lively and festive atmosphere.

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