Two women in white dresses share a romantic moment, silhouetted against a large window. They are flanked by two portraits of children dressed in vintage attire with ruffled collars. The scene is dimly lit, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Durham Weddings

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May 2, 2016

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21c museum hotel wedding photography – raine & chasity

Ceremony & Reception: 21c Museum Hotel, Durham, NC

Dresses: Bellisima Bridal Boutique, Winston-Salem, NC

Hair: Amaka’s International Hair, Durham, NC

Make-Up: Tiwa Lawrence, Raleigh, NC

Catering: 21c Museum Hotel, Durham, NC

Planner: Tunisia Muhammed, Durham, NC

DJ: DJ Ern, Raleigh, NC

Cake: Edible Art, Raleigh, NC

At Durham’s 21c Museum Hotel wedding photography is literally on show everywhere you look. Its current exhibition, entitled “Off-Spring” features amazing works from photographers such as Colombia’s Adriana Duque and Germany’s Loretta Lux, amongst many others. The work on show is inspiring in its beauty and provides an amazing backdrop for weddings and events.

And so it was that, last month, I joined up with Raine and Chasity for their amazing wedding ceremony and reception at the hotel. This was my first time shooting there and so I’d been over to check out the space a few weeks prior. Raine and Chasity wanted to spend a good amount of time taking pictures around the hotel, so I wanted to get a feel of what the venue offered ahead of time. The building was originally designed and built as a bank and the vault in the basement is a really cool spot to visit and shoot in. We used that location for a “faux” first look and for some portraits before and after the ceremony. We also shot some cool images incorporating the art and lighting around the art exhibitions. With so much art on show, though, the challenge is really how to incorporate it into the imagery without forcing the situation or it becoming overpowering. You almost have to force yourself to quieten down the visual noise surrounding you from all sides.

Of course, the vast majority of the day was spent observing and documenting the day in a photojournalistic style. There was a lot of emotion on show and Raine and Chasity’s friends and family, especially the kids, provided a lot of subject matter! That emotion and those moments make up the bulk of the images. Here are just a few of my favourites from the day:

A makeup artist applies makeup to a woman seated in a chair in a room with a wedding dress hanging by a window. Another woman in floral pajamas stands near a TV, looking on. The room is dimly lit with beauty tools scattered around.
Elegant pair of high-heeled shoes with sparkling details on the heels, positioned symmetrically on a window ledge. The shoes are a deep plum color with pink accents, and the window offers a blurred view of a building outside.
A black-and-white photo captures a woman sitting and getting her makeup done by a makeup artist in a well-lit room. Another woman sits nearby. The scene is framed by a reflective surface, and a chandelier is visible in the background.
Two children in formal attire do push-ups on a carpeted floor. Another child stands behind them, and a man wearing a cap and casual clothes sits against a wall, holding a drink. A framed picture hangs on the wall in the background.
A woman in pajamas sits while another woman applies makeup to her in a softly lit room. A third woman in a glittery dress sits on a bed nearby. A white dress hangs in the background.
A woman with intricately braided hair adorned with a decorative hairpin stands in a white dress. She looks down to her side, with soft lighting highlighting her elegant makeup and bejeweled shoulder straps.
A woman wearing a white lace wedding dress smiles at the camera. The background is dark and blurred, emphasizing the focus on her.
A woman in an elegant satin gown stands dramatically in front of an open vault door, gazing upwards. The dim, monochrome setting adds a vintage, cinematic atmosphere to the scene.
Silhouette of a woman with short curly hair against a warm, glowing background. Her profile is in sharp contrast, highlighting her features and the texture of her hair.
A black-and-white image of a person in a flowing gown walking down a well-lit hallway. They are barefoot and moving away from the camera, with doors lining the walls on each side.
A black and white photo of a bride and an older man, possibly her father, walking down an aisle adorned with flowers. Guests are seated on either side, and a chandelier is visible in the background. The bride holds a bouquet.
A black-and-white image of a wedding ceremony. The officiant stands at the altar with the couple, dressed formally, holding hands. Guests in the foreground observe the ceremony. Curtains and soft lighting create a serene atmosphere.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony. Two brides stand facing an officiant, with guests seated in the background. The room is elegantly decorated with spherical chandeliers and wooden paneling.
Black and white photo of a wedding ceremony. Two women in dresses hold bouquets. In the foreground, a young boy with clasped hands and a vested outfit stands with another child partially visible behind him, both looking toward the brides.
A black and white photo shows a group of women in elegant attire, with the central woman smiling and her hair styled intricately. The background is softly blurred, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Two brides in white dresses stand at the altar, surrounded by their wedding party. Bridesmaids in light pink dresses and groomsmen in gray suits hold flowers. Two children are present. The setting is elegant with wood paneling and draped curtains.
Two people dressed in elegant wedding attire hold hands during a ceremony. One wears a pearl bracelet, the other in lace sleeves. A person in the background holds a tablet. The image is black and white, emphasizing the details and emotions.
Two brides exchange vows in a wedding ceremony, surrounded by bridesmaids in pink dresses and groomsmen in suits. A young boy stands nearby. The setting is elegant, with flower arrangements lining the aisle.
Two women exchange rings during a wedding ceremony, with an officiant smiling and holding a microphone. Both brides are elegantly dressed in white gowns, and the scene conveys a joyful and meaningful moment.
A wedding ceremony is taking place in an elegant room with wooden walls. The bride and groom stand at the altar surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen. Guests are seated, and spherical decorative lights hang from the ceiling.
Two brides, one in a white dress and the other in a white suit, stand at the altar holding hands during their wedding ceremony. They are surrounded by bridesmaids in blush dresses and guests seated among floral decorations.
Two brides in wedding dresses walk down the aisle, holding bouquets. They are smiling, surrounded by guests who are clapping and celebrating. The setting appears to be a decorated indoor venue.
Two women in white dresses share a romantic moment, silhouetted against a large window. They are flanked by two portraits of children dressed in vintage attire with ruffled collars. The scene is dimly lit, creating an intimate atmosphere.
Two women in elegant white dresses stand in front of a large window between two framed portraits of children wearing period costumes. The scene is set in a museum or gallery with a dramatic contrast of light and shadows.
Two women in wedding dresses share a moment in a dimly lit bank vault. The open vault door reveals intricate metalwork. They stand close together, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere.
Two women in wedding dresses sit closely together on a couch in a vintage-style room with metal safety deposit boxes. The image is captured through a circular opening, creating a framing effect.
Two people in wedding dresses embrace in a large industrial space, possibly a vault. The foreground shows blurred metallic machinery, while the background focuses on the couple sharing an affectionate moment. The image is in black and white.
Two women in wedding dresses dance closely in a dimly lit room with wooden paneling. A chandelier casts a soft light above them, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Two women in white wedding dresses stand holding hands in front of a building with large glass windows. Inside the windows are two large red penguin sculptures, one on each side. The scene is illuminated by warm yellow lighting.
Two people in white wedding dresses walk hand in hand along a brick sidewalk at dusk. One is wearing sneakers and the other is holding up their dress. The warm glow of shop windows illuminates the scene.
Two women wearing elegant gowns share a dance at a wedding ceremony, surrounded by a group of smiling guests. The setting is a stylish, well-lit venue with decorative accents.
A black and white photo of two people embracing at a wedding ceremony. The focus is on their entwined arms, with one wearing a lace sleeve and the other a strapless dress with delicate beading. Blurred attendants are visible in the background.
Two brides dance joyfully at their wedding ceremony. They are wearing elegant dresses and are surrounded by their wedding party. The background features soft lighting and smiling attendants. The atmosphere is celebratory and intimate.
A dimly lit banquet hall with elegantly arranged tables. At the center, a couple in formal attire sits at a table with two people standing beside them. Large, spherical chandeliers hang from the ceiling, adding a warm glow to the scene.
A woman in a white dress holds a microphone and faces two people with their backs to the camera. The setting appears to be a formal event with guests seated at tables in the background. The atmosphere is elegant and celebratory.
Two women in elegant attire laughing and holding champagne glasses at an indoor gathering. One woman has short curly hair and the other has an elaborate updo. The background features draped curtains.
A black-and-white photo of two brides in wedding dresses standing together, holding glasses, with a guest in a gown to the right. A tiered cake is on a table nearby, and sheer drapes hang in the background. Elegant decor fills the room.
Two women in elegant dresses clink champagne glasses in a celebratory toast. They are standing by a table adorned with a floral arrangement. The setting is a dimly lit room with decorative branches in the background.
Two brides in wedding dresses joyfully cut a tiered cake together. The monochrome image captures their happiness and the cakes elegant design with dripping icing details.
Two women are at an indoor event. One is holding a microphone and speaking. Both are dressed in elegant attire, with one wearing a white lace dress and the other a strapless gown. The background is softly lit, creating a warm atmosphere.
Two people in brightly colored jackets dance energetically in a room with others watching. The scene is lively, with one dancer pointing forward, conveying joy and celebration. The setting appears to be a formal event with elegant decor.
Two people embrace joyfully on a dance floor, surrounded by other dancing individuals. The setting appears to be a celebration or party. The atmosphere is lively and festive.

Big thanks to Raine and Chasity for being such great people to work with. You guys were brilliant! All the best for a long and happy marriage!

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