A bride and groom walk arm in arm down the aisle of the majestic Duke Chapel. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a white gown, while the groom is in a black suit. Guests in the background watch and celebrate this unforgettable wedding moment.

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October 17, 2012

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duke chapel wedding photography ~ jacquie and erik

Wedding Ceremony: Duke Chapel, Durham, NC

Wedding Reception: The Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham, NC

Cake: Lynn’s Traditions, Raleigh, NC

DJ and Videographer: Damien Maas, Durham NC

Assistant Photographer: Rebecca Ferguson, Durham, NC

The first time I ever visited Durham back in 2007, I was lucky enough to visit Duke Chapel and was totally spellbound by its beautiful gothic architecture. And so it was, when we moved to the area in late 2010, that I made it my goal to shoot a wedding there as soon as possible. Almost exactly one year to the day later, I was contacted by Jacquie and was extremely pleased when we met up and she told me wanted to go ahead and book me as the wedding photographer on her big day. Fast-forward almost a year later again and I found myself, a British wedding photographer in Durham, under a cloudless blue sky gazing up at the ornate façade counting my blessings for having the opportunity to work in such a gorgeous place of worship.

I want to thank Blanche and Sara at Duke Chapel for having everything so well organised and being so great to work with – they truly do run a very well-oiled machine over there. Thanks also to the staff at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens for looking after Rebecca and me so well during the reception. Lynn over at Lynn’s Traditions baked up another gorgeous cake and Damian Maas did a truly superb job with the videography and DJing. Great job guys!

Finally, a very special thank you to Jacquie and Erik for allowing me to be a part of their special day. I wish you both every happiness in your future together.

Here are a few of my favourites from the day:

A tall, Gothic-style cathedral with a pointed spire stands against a clear blue sky, flanked by green trees. The entrance is ornate, with large wooden doors, and a paved courtyard leads up to the building.
A bride with dark hair is being adjusted by another person, who is styling her hair. She wears a strapless dress and veil, looking down slightly with a serene expression. The black and white image has a soft, intimate feel.
A bride in a white gown holds a bouquet while standing under a stone archway with intricate gothic architecture. The scene conveys elegance and serenity.
A black and white photo of a bride smiling beneath a flowing veil. The veil softly drapes over her face, partially revealing her eyes and smile. Below the veil, a bouquet of flowers is slightly visible.
A bride in a white dress stands outdoors with four bridesmaids in green dresses, all holding bouquets. They are in front of a stone structure with arched openings and surrounded by greenery. The sun is shining brightly.
A person walks down the aisle of a grand church interior with vaulted ceilings, ornate stained glass windows, and hanging chandeliers. The architecture features Gothic elements, and the atmosphere is serene and majestic.
A bride in a white wedding dress and veil walks arm-in-arm with an elderly man down a church aisle. Soft lighting highlights colorful stained glass windows in the background, creating a warm and serene atmosphere.
A bride in a white dress and veil walks arm in arm with a man in a suit down the aisle of a large, ornate church. Guests stand on either side, watching the procession, with a priest and altar visible ahead.
A wedding ceremony takes place inside a grand cathedral featuring gothic architecture. The bride and groom stand before an altar, illuminated by vibrant stained glass windows behind them. Guests seated on both sides witness the event.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony in a grand church. A bride and groom stand before an altar, facing a minister who is speaking. The church features intricate Gothic architecture and ornate hanging lights, with guests seated in the foreground.
A couple stands at the altar in a grand cathedral with high vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, surrounded by seated guests.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony in a church. The bride, groom, and guests are seated as a clergyman stands at the altar. The church features ornate wooden details and candles.
A black and white photograph of an ornate cathedral interior with a high, vaulted ceiling. A couple stands at the altar during a wedding ceremony, surrounded by seated guests. Stained glass windows are visible in the background.
A woman stands at a carved wooden lectern with a cross design, reading or speaking in a dimly lit, ornate church interior. The background features tall, detailed pillars and arches.
A grand cathedral interior with a high vaulted ceiling and colorful stained glass windows. Ornate chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and people are seated below, facing a central altar. The atmosphere is serene and reverent.
A bride and groom stand facing each other, holding hands during a wedding ceremony. The officiant, holding a book, looks on. The setting is a dimly lit church altar, with candles on either side.
A bride and groom stand at the altar during their wedding ceremony in a church. Bridesmaids in green dresses and groomsmen in dark suits with green ties stand to the sides. A priest officiates, holding a book. Candles and an ornate backdrop are visible.
A couple exchanges vows in a grand church with a large, vibrant stained glass window as the backdrop. The ornate wooden interior is softly illuminated. Guests are seated, witnessing the ceremony.
A black and white image of a bride and groom walking arm in arm down the aisle of a church. The bride is wearing a long white gown and holding a bouquet. The groom is in a suit. The background shows blurred guests seated.
A bride and groom stand next to each other in a church setting, signing a large open book on a wooden stand. The groom points at the page while the bride smiles. They are both dressed in wedding attire.
A black and white image of a church pew with hymnals and a folded bulletin placed within. The pew is dark, with a focus on the papers, creating a contemplative atmosphere.
A bride and groom stand hand in hand, backlit by light streaming through an open door in a dark room. The bride wears a long gown and veil, and the setting has ornate architectural details.
A bride and groom stand with their bridal party in front of a large cathedral with a tall tower. The bridesmaids wear green dresses, and the groomsmen wear black suits. The sky is clear and blue, and the setting is a grassy, open area.
A bride in a white dress stands by a window, smiling softly. Her veil is draped over her shoulder, and soft light highlights her features against the textured stone background.
A bride and groom share a tender moment in a lush, green forest setting. The bride holds a bouquet of pink and peach roses, and dappled sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere.
A woman in a white dress stands among tall bamboo stalks, smiling warmly at the camera. The soft lighting creates a serene and natural atmosphere.
A couple in formal attire embraces outdoors with a lush, green backdrop. The man wears a black suit with a light pink boutonniere, while the woman is in a sleeveless white dress. Their heads touch gently, creating a serene and intimate moment.
A serene outdoor scene with a group of people gathered near a pond surrounded by lush greenery. A stone pathway leads to a building with a dark roof, set against a backdrop of trees under a clear sky.
Bride and groom standing together in the background, framed by the arms and hands of people forming an arch in the foreground at a wedding. The style is black and white.
A bride and groom share their first dance in a wooden-beamed reception hall with large windows. Guests sit and stand around watching, and a photographer captures the moment. A large chandelier hangs overhead.
A happy couple dancing closely, smiling at each other during their wedding reception. The bride wears a strapless gown, and the groom is in a suit with a boutonniere. The background shows guests and a warmly lit room.
A man in a suit and tie holds a microphone, speaking at an indoor event. He has a flower boutonniere on his jacket. The room has large windows and wooden pillars, with people seated in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a wedding reception shows a couple embracing. The woman wears a wedding dress and smiles while the man hugs her from behind, wearing a suit. Blurred guests are visible in the background.
Close-up of a diamond ring resting on bright orange sugar crystals. The silver band contrasts with the vibrant sugar, creating a striking visual effect. The background is softly blurred.
A group of six women, dressed formally, are gathered around a bench. Five are seated, engaged in conversation or observing a device. One stands nearby, smiling. They are in an outdoor setting, with glass windows reflecting trees in the background.
Close-up of an orange rose with rich petals and green leaves, placed beside a white textured surface. The background is softly blurred, enhancing the focus on the delicate flower.
A black and white photo of several people standing outdoors in formal attire, holding drinks and smoking. A table with a flower arrangement is on the left. The scene appears relaxed and social.
A man and a woman sit on a stone ledge in a garden, engaging in conversation. The woman holds a cup. The scene is softly lit with decorative garden lights, surrounded by greenery and stone walls.
Four women sit and converse in a living room with large windows. Two wear dresses, one in a light floral print and another in black. The third woman is dressed in a suit, and the fourth wears a lace dress. They appear engaged in friendly conversation.
Three young girls are interacting on a stone staircase in the evening. One girl sits atop the railing, while the other two stand chatting. The background features a building with a green roof and warmly lit windows.
A black-and-white photo of a woman in a white dress standing outdoors. She has long, wavy hair and looks thoughtfully into the distance. The background shows blurred foliage and a clear sky.
A white rose bud is surrounded by small green leaves, set against a dark, blurred background.
A bride in a white dress and two guests, a woman in a dark dress and a man in a shirt with suspenders, hold hands in a circle while dancing at a wedding reception. The setting is indoors with wooden beams.
A person dances barefoot in the center of a warmly lit room with wooden floors. Guests stand around, watching and chatting near tables with white tablecloths and flower arrangements, under a ceiling with wooden beams.
A black and white photo of a woman smiling at a man with blond hair in a dimly lit room. People are seated in the background, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Four people are dancing and holding hands in a warmly lit room. Two women in red and blue dresses are in the foreground, while a woman in green and a man in a suit and tie are in the background, all smiling and enjoying the evening.
A young girl in a white dress crouches on a dance floor while adults dance around her. The background is blurred, highlighting the movement and dance scene in a lively indoor setting.
A person in a blue dress walks towards a large building at night, with glowing lights visible through the windows. Several cocktail tables are set up outside. The sky is partly cloudy with the moon peeking through.
A newlywed couple shares their first dance at a wedding reception. They are surrounded by guests who are clapping and watching them. The venue features wooden beams and large windows, creating a warm atmosphere. The bride wears a white dress, and the groom is in formal attire.
A bride and groom walk down a stone path at night, smiling, surrounded by guests holding sparklers. The bride wears a white gown and the groom is in a black suit. The scene is festive and joyful, with warm lighting.

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