A bride and groom stand facing each other in a Gothic-style stone corridor, capturing a romantic moment. The bride wears a flowing white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. The arches create a dramatic and intimate backdrop.

Durham Weddings

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May 13, 2015

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duke chapel & top of the hill wedding – joanna & shenduo

Ceremony: Duke Chapel, Duke University, Durham, NC

Reception: The Great Room, Top of the Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

Accommodations: Arrowhead Inn, Durham, NC

Florals: Tre Bella, Durham, NC

Dress: Tailor-made in China.

Make-Up Artist: Meijia Li, Raleigh, NC

Cake & Pâtisserie: Gugulhupf, Durham, NC

Stationery: Grapevine Print & Design, Durham, NC

Transportation: Classy Transportation, Morrisville, NC

DJ: David Edwards, Raleigh, NC

Videographer: Story2movie Studio, Apex, NC

Assistant Photographer: Erin Costa, Wilmington, NC

Joanna and Shenduo were married at Duke Chapel on a beautiful, rainy Saturday late last month. We always wish for perfect weather on our wedding day, but rain can bring a special atmosphere of romance to the day too. Cloudy skies make for very soft light which can add to the mood of the day and that really shows up in the wedding photography. Plus I’m English, so working in the rain is part of my birthright!

This marked my last wedding at Duke Chapel for a while as it closes for a year for restoration. I’m really pleased with the way these images came out and I really think we made the most of all Duke Chapel has to offer in terms of photographic opportunities! I’ll miss working with Sara, Blanche, Chris and the team there and look forward to seeing them again soon! By contrast, this was my first time shooting at The Top of the Hill’s Great Room, and I really want to thank the staff there for all their attention to detail and for looking after Erin and I so well. Hope to be back soon!

Mad props to all the vendors above for making this such a great day to document! Best of luck to Joanna and Shenduo for a long and happy life together!

Here are my fave pics from the day. As you can see, there are quite a lot!

A large white colonial-style house with tall columns and a U.S. flag displayed. The house is surrounded by lush greenery, a gravel driveway, and manicured grass. The sky is overcast.
Close-up of a red paper with black Chinese characters, some blurred. The vibrant red background contrasts with the intricate text, giving a traditional and cultural aesthetic. The bottom corner includes a faint watermark with photography credits.
A lace wedding dress hangs on a black hanger with a wire that spells Love in cursive. The background features a sheer curtain and ornate fringe trim, creating a soft and elegant atmosphere.
A close-up of two silver rings, one with a large round diamond and the other encrusted with smaller diamonds, set on a red fabric background with a gold decorative element.
A delicate hairpiece with pearls and crystal flowers rests on a soft, pink feather background, creating an elegant and dreamy scene.
A red envelope with golden Chinese characters lies on a table. Behind it, two decorative red lanterns are slightly blurred. The scene is warmly lit, creating a festive atmosphere.
A stylist is preparing a seated woman for a special occasion in a cozy, warmly lit room. They are surrounded by wooden furniture, a patterned rug, and framed pictures on the walls. The scene includes a reflection in a mirror.
Black and white image of elegant womens high-heeled shoes with decorative brooches on the toes, placed on an ornate metal stand.
A stylist applies makeup to a seated woman wearing a white robe, captured in a reflective, multi-exposure effect. The warm lighting creates a serene and artistic atmosphere in the room.
A vintage dress form adorned with a pearl necklace and various dangling earrings, set against an ornate clock. Soft, warm lighting creates a nostalgic atmosphere.
A pair of red ballet flats with bows sit on an ornate, colorful rug with intricate patterns.
A makeup artist delicately applies eyeliner to a womans closed eyes. The woman has long dark hair tied back, and the setting appears to be a softly lit room.
A bride in a white robe looks at her phone while getting her hair styled. Three bridesmaids in pink dresses adjust their outfits in the background. Various beauty products are on a nearby table. The room has elegant decor and soft lighting.
A black-and-white photo of a bride sitting at a vanity with a large lamp. Two women stand beside her, adjusting her veil. The scene has a vintage, elegant atmosphere.
A black and white image of a woman and a girl reflected in a mirror. The woman stands smiling behind the girl, who is dressed in a veil. A table lamp is visible to the right.
A black and white photo of a bride with a flowered headband and veil, looking down. She gently touches the veil with her left hand, which has a ring. Her hair is styled with loose strands framing her face, creating an intimate, serene moment.
A person wearing pale pink flip-flops with jeweled straps is seated on a wooden floor. The toenails are painted light blue, and the person is wearing white pants. A bare foot is visible nearby.
A woman is applying lipstick, looking focused. She has dark hair with bangs and is holding a small mirror in one hand. The background is softly blurred, highlighting her face.
Two people stand by a window holding up a wedding dress, their faces lit by soft natural light. A delicate lace curtain decorates the window above them, creating an intimate and joyful atmosphere.
A bride is being helped by two women to adjust her dress, possibly tying the back laces. The setting appears to be a formal room with elegant decor. The image is in black and white, emphasizing the timeless nature of the scene.
A black and white photo of a smiling bride looking over her shoulder. She is wearing a lace wedding dress, and someone is adjusting the bow at the back.
A bride in a flowing wedding gown and veil sits on a chair, facing a mirror. A bridesmaid in a long dress stands beside her, assisting. The room is softly lit, with a wooden wardrobe and a carpet visible.
A bride wearing a lace wedding dress and veil smiles softly. She has a delicate tiara and her hair is styled with loose bangs, creating an elegant and serene look. The background is softly blurred.
A black and white portrait of a bride with closed eyes, wearing a lace dress and a floral headband. The soft focus and gentle lighting create a serene and contemplative atmosphere.
A black and white photo showing four women in a room, each wearing a long white dress. Three women stand near a mirror, and one sits on a couch, sitting with crossed legs. The room is decorated elegantly with a patterned rug on the floor.
A white limousine is parked in front of a large white house with tall columns. Several women in pink dresses stand on the porch. The driveway is gravel, and there are potted plants and an American flag visible. Its a cloudy day.
A bride in a white gown stands with five women wearing pink dresses in front of a bright blue door adorned with a floral wreath. They are all smiling and posing together, with flowers and lanterns on both sides of the entrance.
Five women in elegant dresses and tiaras are sitting inside a limousine. They are smiling and appear to be in a celebratory mood, with a vibrant green light illuminating the cars interior.
A tall, gothic-style church tower surrounded by trees on a rainy day. A white limousine is parked on the street in front of the church, with people holding umbrellas nearby. Cars are lined up along the road.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle in a large cathedral with high arched ceilings and intricate stained glass windows. The image is in black and white, highlighting the architectural details.
A groom in a black tuxedo and blue tie smiles at the camera, surrounded by four groomsmen in matching suits. They stand in an ornate, stone archway setting.
A bride with an elegant updo and sparkling headpiece smiles softly against a dark background. She wears a delicate white dress with lace details, capturing a serene and joyful moment.
A bride in a white wedding dress and veil hugs a woman in a pink dress. They are smiling warmly against a dark background, conveying a sense of joy and affection.
A man in a tuxedo, with a bow tie and boutonniere, stands in an arched hallway. He is adjusting his cufflink and looking to the side, exuding a formal and contemplative expression. The setting is elegant, with a classic black-and-white filter.
A close-up of a person wearing a black tuxedo with a white shirt and a black bow tie. A boutonniere with white flowers and greenery is pinned to the lapel.
A bride in a long flowing gown sits on a bench, surrounded by bridesmaids in dresses and a person in a suit. The scene appears to be in a dimly lit room with a solemn atmosphere.
A bride in a white gown stands in front of a mirror adjusting her dress. Three women in pink bridesmaid dresses and a woman in a white outfit observe and assist her. The room is elegantly furnished with paintings and a plant.
A black-and-white photo of a bride and groom ascending a staircase. The bride is in front, wearing a flowing gown, and the groom follows closely behind, dressed in a vest. The setting is minimal, with plain walls and soft lighting.
A bride in a flowing white gown joyfully approaches a groom in a black tuxedo. They are in a dimly lit, arched corridor, with the groom standing ahead, slightly turned, and the bride smiling brightly behind him.
A bride and groom stand together in a stone hallway with arched ceilings and columns. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a black suit. Sunlight streams through, casting reflections on the floor.
A bride and groom smile joyfully at each other in an elegant hall. The bride wears a white gown and tiara, and the groom is in a black suit. They hold each other lovingly, capturing a tender wedding moment.
A bride and groom stand together in a formal setting. The bride wears a white gown and tiara, while the groom is in a black tuxedo. They are smiling and holding hands, surrounded by architectural stone pillars in the background.
A bride and groom embrace in a romantic, dimly lit corridor adorned with arches and columns. The brides flowing gown contrasts elegantly with the intricate architectural details, creating a timeless, graceful scene.
A bride and groom stand facing each other in a Gothic-style stone corridor, capturing a romantic moment. The bride wears a flowing white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. The arches create a dramatic and intimate backdrop.
Bride in a lace wedding gown stands indoors, holding a bouquet of white and peach roses. She wears a sparkly headband and smiles softly, creating an elegant and serene atmosphere.
A bride in a white gown holds a bouquet of roses, smiling in an ornate architectural setting with arched ceilings. The image is in black and white.
A bride in a white gown holds a bouquet, standing in front of four bridesmaids in pink dresses. They all hold bouquets, posing in an elegant setting.
A black and white photo of a couple in wedding attire seated on the reflective floor of a gothic-style corridor, facing away from the camera. The corridor is lined with tall, arched stone pillars.
A bride in a flowing white gown and veil stands in a sunlit, gothic-style stone corridor, holding a bouquet of flowers. The arches and pillars create a classic and romantic backdrop.
A bride in a formal gown walks through an ornate, arched hallway holding a bouquet. A woman in a shorter dress and jacket walks ahead, both captured in a black-and-white photograph with reflective tiles underfoot.
A bride in a flowing gown stands under a stone archway, surrounded by foliage. The black and white photo captures a serene and timeless moment.
A black and white photo of a bride and four bridesmaids sitting together on a window bench inside a church with Gothic-style windows. Each holds a bouquet, and they appear to be sharing a joyful moment.
A black and white photograph of a stone statue of a woman in flowing garments, set within a pointed arch niche on a wall. The figure has curly hair and is depicted with folded hands. The base of the niche is adorned with a floral motif.
A view of a cathedral ceiling, showcasing intricate stone architecture and colorful stained glass windows that line the upper walls, casting a soft light into the space.
Bride in a flowing wedding dress elegantly descends a spiral staircase, captured in black and white. A stained glass window adds an artistic touch to the scene.
A black and white photo showing a stack of wedding invitations neatly arranged on a wooden table. The invitations feature an elegant design with cursive text and an illustrated motif of a church. A small card is placed nearby.
A black and white photo of a bride holding someones hand. The bride is wearing a veil and holding a bouquet. Both figures are seen from the side, with gentle expressions. The scene exudes warmth and connection.
A grand cathedral interior featuring a large pipe organ with ornate wooden carvings. Stained glass windows are visible behind the organ. The space is illuminated by hanging lights, and there are stairs leading up to the organ.
A bride stands in the entrance of a grand building, adorned in a flowing gown and veil, while several people adjust her dress. Stained glass windows and chandeliers are visible, creating an elegant and solemn atmosphere.
A group of people sit closely together in a lecture hall, facing different directions and appearing attentive. The setting has ornate architectural details, suggesting a formal or academic event. The photo is in black and white.
A group of men in formal attire and a clergy member stand in front of an altar during a ceremony. Candles are visible in the background. The scene is in black and white.
A bride walks down a church aisle accompanied by a woman. Both are smiling. The church features wooden pews and ornate stone architecture. The image is in black and white.
A bride walks down the aisle in an ornate church filled with seated guests. The interior features tall wooden columns and intricate designs. People watch as she approaches the altar, where the groom stands in a light-colored suit.
A couple exchanges vows at the altar of a grand cathedral. The aisle is lined with elegant hanging chandeliers, and an audience watches from the pews. Stained glass windows adorn the background, casting colorful light into the space.
A bride and groom stand facing each other during their wedding ceremony, surrounded by smiling guests. The scene is indoors with a focus on the couple, capturing a joyful moment. The image is in black and white.
A group of people at a wedding ceremony. A bride in a veil is hugging a woman in the center, surrounded by bridemaids in light dresses. A man in a suit stands facing them on the right. The setting is indoors with lit candles in the background.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony in a church. The bride and groom stand at the altar facing the officiant. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are on either side. The setting is ornate and the atmosphere is solemn.
A couple stands at the altar in a grand cathedral with high ceilings and stained glass windows, surrounded by wedding guests seated in ornate pews. The scene is illuminated by hanging chandeliers.
A blurred black-and-white photo of a wedding ceremony in a grand church setting. The couple stands at the altar, surrounded by the wedding party. Ornate decorations and lit candles enhance the solemn atmosphere.
A wedding ceremony in a large, ornate church with high ceilings and stained glass windows. The bride and groom stand at the altar with the wedding party, while guests are seated and watching attentively. The space is dimly lit with chandeliers.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand down the aisle of a grand cathedral, illuminated by chandeliers. Stained glass windows and high arches create a majestic backdrop.
A bride and groom stand at the altar in a large, ornate cathedral with high ceilings and stained glass windows. The setting is dimly lit, with rows of pews leading up to them. Hanging lights illuminate the aisle.
A couple is getting married inside a large cathedral with a high, vaulted ceiling and intricate stained glass windows. The venue is lit by hanging lanterns, and guests are seated in rows of wooden chairs.
A Gothic-style cathedral interior featuring vaulted ceilings, ornate stained glass windows, and hanging lights. A group of people stand on the left near the organ, while an audience is seated facing them.
A black and white photo of a young child with a bow in her hair, sitting between two adults at a wedding ceremony. The couple is blurred in the background, with the focus on the child looking toward the camera.
A bride and groom stand at the altar during a wedding ceremony. The bride is in a white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. Two attendants stand beside them, and guests are seated in the pews of a grand church with candles lit.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony in a church. The bride wipes her tears while holding the grooms hand. A bridesmaid and groomsmen stand nearby, with lit candles and an ornate backdrop in the background.
A bride and groom stand at an altar exchanging vows during a wedding ceremony. The bride wears a white dress with a veil, and the groom is in a black suit. Bridesmaids and a groomsman stand nearby. A tall candle is prominently displayed.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony in a grand cathedral. The couple stands at the altar beneath high, vaulted ceilings with ornate stained glass windows and hanging chandeliers. Guests are seated in pews, observing the scene.
A couple stands at the altar in a grand cathedral, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen. The interior features high ceilings and stained glass windows, creating an elegant atmosphere. The audience is seated, witnessing the ceremony.
A bride and groom exchange rings during their wedding ceremony inside a church. A bridesmaid stands nearby holding a bouquet, and a groomsman watches. The scene is in black and white.
A wedding ceremony inside a grand, dimly lit cathedral with a high arched ceiling and stained glass windows. The couple stands at the altar, surrounded by the bridal party, with guests seated in the pews.
A person in formal attire sits in a row of wooden seats, holding a printed program on their lap. The image is in black and white, focusing on their hands resting on the document.
A black-and-white photo of a wedding ceremony in a church. The bride and groom share a kiss at the altar, surrounded by bridesmaids in light dresses and groomsmen in dark suits. An officiant stands behind them with an ornate backdrop.
A bride and groom walk arm in arm down the aisle of a grand church, adorned with intricate wooden arches and large stained glass windows in the background. The image is in black and white, adding a classic, timeless feel.
A man in a suit stands at the front of a venue, smiling with arms outstretched, addressing a seated audience. The background features ornate wooden paneling and a lit candle. The atmosphere is formal and engaging.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom walking through a doorway. The bride wears a flowing gown with a long train, and the groom is in a suit. They are captured from behind, exiting into a corridor filled with light.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom standing in a grand, arched corridor. The bride holds a bouquet, and two people stand behind them. The corridor has intricate stonework and reflects on the floor.
A bride in a white gown and groom in a suit stand smiling under an ornate stone archway. Bridesmaids and groomsmen gather behind them, dressed formally. The background shows an open wooden door in a church setting.
A bride and groom sign a document at an ornate stand in a dimly lit church. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a suit. A priest and a few guests stand behind them, and a bouquet rests on the stand.
A bride and groom share a romantic moment in a dimly lit cathedral. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers and wears a flowing gown, while the groom is in a dark suit. The setting is elegant, with tall stone columns lining the aisle.
A bride and groom stand on stone steps under an umbrella. The bride wears a flowing gown and holds a bouquet, while the groom is in a suit. Theyre framed by trees and a historic building in the background. The image is in black and white.
A bride and groom stand under an umbrella in front of a vintage car, with an impressive stone chapel tower in the background. The scene is set on a rainy day, creating a romantic and classic atmosphere.
A four-tiered white wedding cake decorated with roses sits on a silver stand. Beside it, a bouquet of white and peach flowers is arranged in a vase. Two champagne flutes are positioned on the left, all on a table with a blue tablecloth.
A beautifully set round table with blue napkins, glasses, a white lantern with candlelight, and small floral arrangements as centerpieces, creating an elegant and intimate atmosphere.
A tray of pink and blue macarons is artfully arranged on a reflective surface, set against a softly lit background.
A table is arranged with rows of white name cards displaying guest names in cursive. The cards are on a blue tablecloth, with a blurred background and a photo of a lighthouse on each card.
A group of four people sits in a cozy room with a brick wall covered in colorful chalk writings. They are engaged in conversation around a round table with some items on it, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
A woman in a white and red gown and a man in a black suit playfully pose in front of a dartboard in a dimly lit, graffiti-covered room. Both are holding hands, and the atmosphere is casual and fun.
A close-up of a white wedding cake decorated with intricate floral patterns. On the side, there are white roses and small, spherical gray flowers, resting on a light silver cake board.
Table with props like hats and glasses for a photo booth. A sign on an easel reads: 1. Grab a Prop, 2. Take a Pic, 3. Add it to our Guest Book & Leave us some Love! Wooden backdrop.
A group of eight people wearing playful costumes and accessories pose together indoors. The central person is holding a Mrs sign. They are standing in front of a shelf with various items displayed.
duke chapel & top of the hill wedding - joanna & shenduo
A couple dances elegantly, with the man in a suit dipping the woman in a red dress backward. They are in a room filled with seated, applauding guests.
A couple dances in a spacious hall, with tables full of guests in the background. The room is decorated with string lights, and a photographer captures the moment.
A couple dances closely under soft, twinkling lights. The woman, wearing a red dress, smiles as she looks at her partner. The background is softly blurred, focusing on the intimate moment between them.
A couple shares a romantic kiss on the dance floor at an indoor wedding reception, surrounded by soft, blurred lights in the background. The setting has a warm and intimate ambiance.
A couple stands smiling with a microphone in hand, in front of a brick wall decorated with balloons spelling JOHANNA & SHENDUO. Theyre dressed formally, and there are string lights hanging above.
A black and white photo showing four people raising glasses for a toast at a formal event. A woman in a dress and a man in a suit are in the background. The table is set with drinks and decorations.
A couple in formal attire smiles as they cut a three-tiered wedding cake adorned with a decorative topper. The table is elegantly set with champagne flutes and a floral arrangement. Guests are seated in the softly lit room with string lights above.
A couple in formal attire, with the woman in a red dress, toast with crossed arms at a wedding. A multi-tiered white cake is in the foreground, and blurred guests and lights can be seen in the background.
A woman with long hair is smiling and holding a microphone, standing against a blurred brick wall background. The image is in black and white.
A couple sitting at a table during an event, both smiling warmly. The woman is wearing a red dress and earrings, and the man is in a suit with a bow tie. The background is softly blurred, with lights and flowers visible.
Two people warmly embrace at an indoor gathering, with a few others seated nearby. One person, smiling brightly, wears a sleeveless dress. The background is softly blurred, suggesting a welcoming and joyful atmosphere.
A man in a suit, holding a microphone and a drink, stands in front of a brick wall. He appears to be speaking or giving a toast at an event.
A couple sits together at a banquet table, smiling and enjoying the event. The man points at something in the distance. The background features soft lighting and warmly lit decor. Other guests are partially visible in the foreground.
A man in a suit stands smiling and speaking into a microphone at a dimly lit event. The background features exposed brick, string lights, and gold balloon letters spelling JOANNA.
A couple embraces lovingly at night on a city street, surrounded by blurred colorful lights. The woman wears a red dress with floral details and earrings, while the man is in a suit and glasses. The scene has a dreamy, romantic ambiance.
Three people smiling and dancing joyfully at an indoor event. The woman in the center wears a red floral dress, surrounded by dynamic lighting and a blurred background suggesting motion and energy.
A group of people dancing energetically at a party, with blurred golden lights above creating a dynamic atmosphere. The venue has brick walls, and the dancers are dressed in formal and festive attire.
A group of people dressed in formal attire dance energetically at a party. They are in front of a brick wall with gold letter balloons spelling part of a message. One woman in a white and red gown leads the dance.
A person in a red and white dress dances joyfully in a warmly lit room. Other people are visible in the background, and a heart-shaped light decoration is on the wall.
A bride tosses her bouquet to a group of women eagerly reaching for it at a wedding reception. The venue is decorated with string lights, and guests are seated at tables along the brick walls.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand under a canopy of sparklers held by guests on either side. The couple is smiling, and the scene is set in a brick alleyway leading to Babalu Bar.

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