A wedding party poses outdoors near a fountain. The group includes the bride in a white dress, the groom in a black suit, bridesmaids in gray dresses, and groomsmen in dark suits. Theyre all smiling and holding bouquets.

Duke Chapel Weddings

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April 7, 2015

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duke chapel wedding photographer – michelle & jonathan

Ceremony: Duke Chapel, Duke University, Durham, NC

Reception: Nasher Museum of Art, Duke University, Durham, NC

DJ: Island Sound, Raleigh, NC

Florals: Ninth Street Flowers, Durham, NC

Dress: Sophia Tolli, Australia

Duke Chapel Wedding Photographer: Joe Payne, Raleigh, NC

Catering & Cake: Sage & Swift, Durham, NC

Rentals & Linens: American Party Rentals, Durham, NC

Transportation: Greenway Transit, Durham, NC

Coffee Service: Event Espresso, Raleigh, NC

Favors: The Mad Popper, Durham, NC

Assistant Photographer: Rebecca Ferguson, Durham, NC

Following up one Duke win with another, here are a few of my favourites from Michelle and Jonathan’s recent wedding at Duke Chapel and Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University. It was a fabulous day to get married and a great day for photography. Here’s the lowdown on the day from the bride herself:

“We were introduced to Joe Payne through the Duke Chapel suggested photographer list. He came highly recommended from the wedding chapel coordinator and we are so happy with our decision to have Joe do our wedding photography. Not only was Joe a joy to be around on our wedding day, His photos completely captured our feelings and memories of the day in a fantastic way.

Prior to our wedding Joe was very accessible for meetings and discussion of our plan for our wedding day. We even had a Skype meeting as we are not local to Raleigh. He offered suggestions on an approach to photos for Duke chapel’s very strict time schedule and were able to get all the photos we wanted at the chapel in the time we had.

After our ceremony we visited Doris Duke Gardens for photos of our bridal party and just us. The photo session was split in a way that our bridal party was able to head back to freshen up before the reception while my husband and I had a private shoot with Joe. We didn’t know until it happened how important this time was to be alone and have fun taking photos with Joe without the rest of the bridal party. He was very easy to take direction from and captured the beauty of the garden and us in a very natural and comfortable way. He heard our requests prior to the wedding day and got all the photos we requested and blew us away with how they came out.

At our reception Joe found very interesting and beautiful ways to capture our guests enjoying the reception and highlighted the beauty and uniqueness of the Nasher in each photo. Joe blended in with our guests at the reception and captured many great shots. Joe has great vision and knows what shots will be amazing and they were all amazing. He frames photos beautifully in the architecture of each space and the light quality was amazing every time. We couldn’t have been happier with his work and talent. Joe also sent us our photos very quickly after our event and had a good balance of black and white and color photos. We would highly recommend Joe to any bride and groom for their wedding to get the best photos of your day and an extra enjoyable guest at your wedding!”

Thanks to Michelle and Jonathan for being such an awesome couple to work with and for giving me so much time to take what have turned out to be some of my favourite pictures ever. Here are my picks of the pics:

A dimly lit, blurred photo of a person with short hair sitting in a cozy brick-walled room. The soft-focus effect creates a dreamy atmosphere with warm tones and hints of framed pictures on the wall.
A black and white photo of people socializing in a loft with brick walls and large windows. Framed posters line the wall, and a chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Some individuals sit, while others stand and converse.
Shelves filled with various colorful bottles and containers of hair care products, including shampoos and conditioners, displayed in a dimly lit setting.
A person in leggings and a long-sleeved top bends down to adjust high-heeled sandals. Their hands hold the ankle straps while another pair of heels is visible in the background. The scene is in black and white.
A straight road lined with trees leads to a tall stone cathedral with a prominent tower in the distance, under a clear blue sky. Banners hang from lampposts along the road.
A group of seven men in suits pose together in an ornate stone archway. The man in the foreground stands smiling, while the others are arranged behind him, some seated and others standing, all wearing boutonnieres.
A black and white photo of a joyous family moment outside a building. Five people are gathered, including a child held by a smiling man. Two women and an older man are also present, sharing in the happy occasion under the sunlight.
A bride stands in a white wedding gown as three women assist her. The scene is set in a dimly lit room with a chandelier and a stained glass window in the background. The floor reflects the figures, adding depth to the atmosphere.
Bride in a long, elegant gown stands with her back to the camera. Her veil is being adjusted by another person. The dress features a long, flowing train. The setting is indoors with various furniture pieces around.
Bride in a strapless gown holds a bouquet, standing in front of a grand, arched stone structure. Her long veil flows elegantly behind her, capturing the light in a serene, picturesque setting.
A bride in a white wedding dress and veil walks down the aisle with an older man in a suit. Theyre in a church with stained glass windows and soft lighting.
A bride and groom stand at the altar in a dimly lit church, surrounded by friends and family. The officiant is in the center, and the guests are seated in pews on both sides, facing the couple. A large cross is visible in the background.
A man stands at an ornate pulpit in a cathedral, reading from a document. The background features intricate stone carvings and columns. The scene is in black and white, highlighting architectural details.
A grand cathedral interior with high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and a large chandelier. A wedding scene is unfolding with guests seated, and a couple standing at the altar near a wooden organ.
A priest stands at an altar in a grand church with high ceilings and ornate stained glass windows. The congregation is seated in pews, facing the altar. The image captures a serene and reverent atmosphere.
A black and white image of a wedding ceremony. A couple sits before an officiant who raises his hand in blessing. The setting is a grand church with intricate wooden details. The bride holds a bouquet, and guests are seated in the foreground.
A church interior with arched stained glass windows, ornate wooden carvings, and hanging chandeliers. A person in white robes stands near the altar, addressing attendees seated in pews.
A couple stands at the altar during a wedding ceremony in a grand church with stained glass windows and high vaulted ceilings. They are surrounded by the wedding party, guests seated in pews, and lit by ornate chandeliers.
A bride and groom stand at the altar during a wedding ceremony, holding hands. A priest stands between them, officiating. The setting is a church with decorative candles and religious symbols in the background.
A bride and groom share a kiss at the altar during a wedding ceremony inside a church. Bridesmaids and groomsmen stand on either side, and guests are seated in the foreground. Lit candles and ornate decorations are visible in the background.
A bride and groom stand holding hands during their wedding ceremony in a church. The officiant, dressed in religious attire, stands between them. Candles and a cross are visible in the background.
Black and white photo of a young boy standing indoors, looking slightly off to the side with a curious expression. He is surrounded by adults who are partially visible, dressed in formal attire. The photo is signed joe payne photography 2021.
A black and white photo of a couple kissing at their wedding ceremony. A person in the foreground captures the moment on a smartphone. The setting is an indoor venue with dim lighting and candles.
A bride and groom walk arm-in-arm down the aisle of a large, ornate church. They are smiling at each other, surrounded by seated guests who are watching the couple. Candles and intricate architectural details are visible in the background.
A bride and groom share a kiss at the front of a grand church. They stand under ornate wooden arches, with a stained-glass window behind them casting colorful light into the space. Guests are seated along the aisle.
A black and white photo of a bride in a wedding dress hugging a bridesmaid in a long gown, surrounded by the bridal party in a gothic-style arched hallway. The atmosphere is joyful and celebratory.
A newlywed couple walks arm in arm across a stone courtyard, surrounded by a large crowd of guests. The scene is outdoors, with a backdrop of historic stone buildings and barren trees under a clear sky.
A bride and groom share a kiss in front of an ornate stained glass window. The bride holds a bouquet of pink and white flowers, and both are elegantly dressed for their wedding.
A couple in wedding attire smiles and poses together under a stone archway with a clear sky and trees in the background.
A bride and groom share an intimate moment, facing each other closely. The bride wears a veil and a white dress, while the groom is in a black suit. The image has a bokeh effect with soft, circular lights surrounding them.
A wedding party poses outdoors near a fountain. The group includes the bride in a white dress, the groom in a black suit, bridesmaids in gray dresses, and groomsmen in dark suits. Theyre all smiling and holding bouquets.
A bride in a white dress, holding a bouquet of flowers, is flanked by two bridesmaids in grey dresses. They are happily kissing her cheeks. A blurred fountain is in the background under sunny, clear skies.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand under a rustic wooden gate. The bride wears a white gown and veil, and the groom wears a black suit. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere.
A couple in a wedding dress and suit embrace in a serene bamboo forest. Sunlight filters through the tall stalks, casting soft shadows around them. The scene is peaceful and romantic.
A couple embraces in a serene bamboo forest, lit by the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the trees, creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
A bride in a white dress smiles while holding bamboo stalks. A groom in a suit stands blurred in the background, adjusting his tie. The setting appears to be a bamboo forest, creating a serene, natural backdrop.
A bride and groom stand closely together amidst tall bamboo stalks. The bride is wearing a white wedding gown, and the groom is in a black suit. Both are smiling and looking at one another, surrounded by soft, natural light.
A couple kisses in a bamboo grove, with sunlight filtering through the tall stalks. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is dressed in a dark suit, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere.
A bride and groom embrace outdoors on a sunny day, surrounded by soft-focus greenery. The bride wears a long veil, and the groom is in a black suit. The lighting creates a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
A bride and groom stand facing each other outdoors, surrounded by sunlit trees. The bride wears a white gown and veil, and the groom is in a dark suit. The scene is serene and romantic with light filtering through the leaves.
A couple embraces on a red arched bridge over a serene pond, surrounded by blurred greenery. The light creates a soft, romantic atmosphere.
A couple stands on a red arched bridge in a serene garden setting with trees and a pond. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting shadows on the bridge.
A smiling couple embraces in a black and white portrait. The background is softly blurred, highlighting their expressions. Both are dressed elegantly, suggesting a formal occasion.
Black and white portrait of a man in a suit looking to the side. He wears a boutonnière on his lapel. The background is blurred with a circular motion effect.
A bride in a white wedding dress and veil smiles softly while standing outdoors. The background is blurred with circular light bokeh, creating a dreamy effect.
A bride in a white dress poses under a rustic wooden pergola surrounded by greenery, while a person in a black suit stands nearby. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere.
A bride in a white gown stands with hands on hips, facing a groom in a dark suit who poses with a foot on a stone ledge. They are outdoors under a wooden structure, surrounded by sunlit greenery.
A bride in a flowing wedding dress walks outdoors, away from the camera. She holds up the hem of her dress with one hand. The background is a serene, softly blurred forest setting.
Black and white photo of a bride in a long, elegant wedding gown with a veil, standing outdoors. She is looking over her shoulder in a serene forest setting.
A bride in a white wedding dress poses outdoors on a sunny day. She stands on grass with trees in the background, looking towards the camera and smiling.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing against a wall at the Nasher Museum of Art. Bold shadows of architectural elements fall across the scene, creating a dramatic effect.
A bride and groom stand close together in a corner, smiling. The bride wears a long wedding dress with a veil, and the groom is in a suit. Shadows from a lattice create patterns on the wall and floor. Their reflection is visible in a glass panel.
A bride and groom smiling and embracing each other outdoors. The bride is wearing a white dress with a veil, and the groom is in a black suit with a boutonniere. The background is softly blurred greenery.
A bride and groom are standing outdoors, facing each other with hands touching. The bride is wearing a white strapless dress and veil, and the groom is in a black suit. The background is softly blurred trees, creating a warm, joyful atmosphere.
A bride and groom share a kiss while holding hands outdoors. The bride wears a strapless dress and veil, and the groom is in a black suit with a boutonniere. The background is softly blurred.
A tall floral centerpiece with white hydrangeas, greenery, and twigs in a glass vase on a table. Water glasses surround the arrangement, and a card with the letter E is attached. Shadows cast on the wall in the background.
A formal event in a gallery setting, with guests socializing in elegant attire. The foreground features a modern sculpture, and colorful abstract art pieces adorn the background walls. The lighting is warm and atmospheric.
A group of people in formal attire gather on a stage, engaged in conversation. The setting appears to be a modern, indoor venue. A statue with bull-like features is visible on a pedestal nearby. The image is in black and white.
A bride in a white gown stands on a small stage with several people dressed in formal attire. One person points off to the side while others hold drinks. The setting appears to be indoors with metal chairs and tables in the background.
A bride and groom share a dance in a spacious reception hall. The bride wears a long, white gown, and the groom is in a suit. Guests seated at round tables watch and take pictures. The atmosphere is joyful and celebratory.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a dark suit share their first dance in a modern, architecturally interesting hall with high ceilings. Seated guests watch the couple from tables around the room.
Two women in grey dresses stand and speak into a microphone in a softly lit room. A brightly lit sign is in the background.
A smiling couple sits together at an indoor event, surrounded by a warm atmosphere. A colorful abstract artwork hangs in the background, and a vase of flowers is visible nearby.
Two women are hugging closely in a warmly lit setting. One woman is smiling broadly with her eyes closed, expressing happiness or excitement. The background is blurred with colorful lights, suggesting a celebratory atmosphere.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom dancing closely at a wedding reception. The bride holds her gown with one hand. Guests seated at tables are visible in the softly lit background.
A bride in a white dress and lace headscarf smiles as she dances with an elderly woman wearing a dark dress and glasses. They hold hands and dance in a warmly lit room, surrounded by a blurred background.
A bride in a white dress and veil joyfully embraces an older man on the dance floor, surrounded by a lively, cheering crowd. A small child is in the foreground. The scene is filled with happiness and celebration.
A group of people joyfully dancing in a close line at a celebration. They are smiling and laughing, wearing formal attire. The background is dimly lit, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
A bride in a wedding gown dances energetically with a man in a suit in a large, dimly lit ballroom. Guests in formal attire are visible in the background. Motion blur adds a dynamic feel to the scene.
A lively wedding reception with guests dancing energetically on the dance floor. Motion blur and colorful lighting convey excitement and movement as people celebrate together.
A group of children sit on a bench, dressed in semi-formal attire, with one adult standing nearby. A DJ is set up in the background, preparing music equipment in a warmly lit indoor space.
A group of people, including adults and children, pose together for a photo at an indoor event. Some are dressed in formal attire. The background shows a sign with the word NOTHING partially visible.
A bride and groom walk arm in arm through a joyful crowd of friends and family with arms raised. The bride wears a long white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. The atmosphere is celebratory and festive.
A bride and groom share a kiss at the entrance of a building. The groom holds a bouquet of flowers. People stand in the background, and the scene is warmly lit.

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