A bride in a long, flowing veil and gown stands in a sunlit archway, holding a bouquet. The architectural details and shadows create a dramatic atmosphere.

Duke Chapel Weddings

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September 13, 2016

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duke chapel & carolina inn wedding – sidney & andrew

A bride in a long, flowing veil and gown stands in a sunlit archway, holding a bouquet. The architectural details and shadows create a dramatic atmosphere.

Sidney and Andrew’s wedding marked my first return to Duke Chapel since it reopened its doors earlier in the summer. Well, I’d stopped in on the odd occasion to for shoots and to check out progress while it was being renovated. I’d also been back with Sidney, her mum and sister a few weeks earlier when I shot Sidney’s sunset bridal  session (the images at the top and bottom of this post are from that session). But this was my first time shooting a full wedding since April 2015. Needless to say, I was really pleased to be back in what has to be one of my favorite venues to photograph in.  To have such an occasion backed up with a reception at The Carolina Inn just made it even more special.

I won’t bore you with the details of how the day unfolded as you can see it all below. There were so many nice touches, like Sidney wearing her mother’s veil, the chauffeur-driven vintage Rolls-Royce they travelled in from the church to the reception, time we spent around the Old Well taking photos with the bridal party and the happy couple, through to the appearance of UNC mascot Rameses at the reception and the horse-drawn carriage at the bubble exit. Everything about the day was beautiful and I want to thank the fantastic team of vendors listed below that went out of their way to make it a very special wedding to photograph indeed.

Here’s the story of Sidney & Andrew’s day…

A grand stone chapel with a tall tower under a blue sky, surrounded by trees. People stand near the entrance, emphasizing the structures height and majesty.
A bride in a white dress sits on a couch looking on as a woman kneels in front of her, helping her put on a shoe. The room is softly lit, creating a calm atmosphere.
A bride in a white dress sits reading on a couch in an elegantly decorated room with stained glass windows. Three bridesmaids in light blue dresses sit and stand around her, all engaged in quiet conversation. A chandelier hangs above them.
A black and white photo of a bridal party getting ready in a room. The bride, in a long dress with a veil, is assisted by a woman. Others sip drinks and adjust dresses. A chandelier and ornate window add elegance to the setting.
Five men in tuxedos and bow ties stand in front of an ornate stone archway. They are facing the camera with neutral expressions. The setting appears formal, possibly a wedding or event. Black and white image.
A man in a tuxedo stands confidently in a black and white photo. He wears a bow tie and vest, with hands in pockets. The background features arched architecture.
A bride in a white dress and veil stands with four bridesmaids in light blue dresses. They are holding colorful bouquets and are positioned under a stone arch with green trees in the background.
Two women stand in a stone archway. One wears a white wedding gown and veil, holding a bouquet of red and pink flowers. The other in a light blue dress holds a bouquet of bright pink flowers. The setting is elegant and sunlit.
A black and white photo of five bridesmaids in long dresses standing in a stone archway. They appear to be talking and holding bouquets, surrounded by gothic-style architecture.
A bride and groom stand in the center of a stone hall with wooden doors, surrounded by six bridesmaids in blue dresses holding bouquets. The setting features ornate architecture and hanging lamps.
A bride in a wedding gown, holding a bouquet and standing arm-in-arm with a man in a tuxedo. Two bridesmaids in elegant dresses stand beside them, each holding a bouquet. They are all smiling. The setting appears to be an ornate indoor venue.
Four formally dressed adults stand inside a church entrance, chatting. Two women wear long dresses, and two men are in tuxedos. A bride in the background, partially visible, is walking up steps. The setting is elegant and decorated.
A couple stands in the aisle of a grand cathedral, beneath a large, ornate pipe organ. The cathedral features tall columns and intricate architectural details. The atmosphere is warm and reverent.
A groom embraces a bride whose back is facing the camera. Her veil and floral headpiece are prominent. They are standing in what appears to be a church, with arched windows creating a soft, blurred background. The scene is in black and white.
A bride and groom holding hands walk through ornate wooden doors into a grand cathedral, illuminated by soft, warm lighting. Intricate carvings and stained glass panels frame the entrance.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony in a grand church. The couple stands at the altar, surrounded by the wedding party and guests, with ornate architecture and intricate details in the background.
A bride in a white dress and veil walks arm in arm with a man in a tuxedo down the aisle of a cathedral, surrounded by empty pews. They both look forward, with statues and columns in the background.
A black and white image of a grand church interior with high vaulted ceilings. A wedding ceremony is taking place at the front, with people seated in the pews. Tall arches and stained glass windows are visible in the background.
A group of people, dressed in formal attire, sit in wooden pews inside a church. Some are holding programs and wearing boutonnieres. The setting suggests they are attending a formal ceremony, such as a wedding or memorial.
A black and white photo of a grand cathedral interior with high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and chandeliers. A procession of people is walking down the aisle towards the altar.
A wedding ceremony takes place inside a grand cathedral with high vaulted ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and colorful stained glass windows. The bride and groom stand at the altar, surrounded by guests seated in the pews.
A bride and groom stand at the altar during a wedding ceremony in a church. Bridesmaids and groomsmen surround them, while guests look on. The setting features ornate wooden carvings and tall candles. The image is in black and white.
A bride and groom walk arm in arm down the aisle of a grand, ornate church. The scene is in black and white, with guests seated on either side. The churchs detailed architecture is visible in the background.
A bride and groom stand at the entrance of a historic stone church, framed by open wooden doors. The brides veil flows behind her, and the groom is beside her, both facing a beautifully ornate arched hallway. The scene is in black and white.
A bride and groom sit on a ledge inside a grand church with stained glass windows. They are surrounded by bridesmaids in light blue dresses and groomsmen in black suits. The space is ornate with high ceilings and decorative lights.
A wedding ceremony outside a large, ornate stone church. The bride and groom stand by the entrance, while guests in formal attire gather around, watching and taking photos. A sunny day enhances the scene with a clear blue sky and lush greenery.
A couple stands in front of a large, ornate stone building with a tall archway and detailed carvings. The sky is clear, and the building has gothic architectural elements. The scene is bright and peaceful.
A bride and groom stand together with their wedding party under a white gazebo. The men wear black suits with bow ties, and the women wear light blue dresses while holding colorful bouquets. The setting is outdoors with lush greenery.
A bride and groom sit together on a stone bench under a large tree. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a veil, while the groom is in a suit. They are surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene outdoor setting. The image is in black and white.
A bride and groom stand together on a sunny pathway, surrounded by lush green foliage and illuminated by soft, dappled sunlight. The background features trees and a brick building.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom smiling under a large tree. The bride rests her head on the grooms shoulder, with a veil trailing behind her. Sunlight filters through the leaves. A building is visible in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a couple holding hands at an outdoor wedding. The bride wears a long veil and dress, and the groom is in a suit with a bow tie. They are looking at each other against a backdrop of trees.
A bride and groom stand outdoors, gazing at each other lovingly. The bride wears a strapless white gown and veil, and the groom is in a black suit with a blue bow tie. They are holding hands, with trees and a lamppost in the background.
A bride and groom share a kiss on a cobblestone street, with the groom in a black suit and the bride in a flowing white gown and veil. A vintage car is parked nearby under a tree. The scene is in black and white.
A spacious ballroom with a checkered floor is elegantly set for an event. Six round tables with floral centerpieces and gold chairs surround a central table. Two large chandeliers hang from the ceiling, illuminating the room.
A tiered white wedding cake decorated with pink and red flowers is on a table under a sconce light. Nearby are two glasses and a bouquet of colorful flowers. The background is dimly lit, highlighting the cake.
A bride and groom share their first dance in a grand ballroom with chandeliers. Bridesmaids and groomsmen stand nearby watching. The floor is checkered, and the setting exudes a classic, elegant ambiance.
A couple shares their first dance at a wedding reception. They smile at each other, surrounded by blurred guests in the background. The scene is warmly lit, creating an intimate and joyful atmosphere.
A black and white photo of a couple dancing on a checkered floor. The man, in a suit, leans in to kiss the woman, who wears a flowing wedding dress. They are surrounded by elegantly dressed guests seated and standing, watching the moment.
A bride and groom share their first dance in a grand ballroom, surrounded by chandeliers and guests in formal attire. The black and white image captures an elegant and romantic atmosphere.
A bride and an older man, perhaps her father, are dancing in formal attire at a wedding reception. They are surrounded by smiling onlookers, including men and women in suits and dresses. The setting is elegant, with dim lighting.
A black and white photo of a couple dancing together inside a room with a group of people in formal attire standing around them, watching. The woman is wearing a dark dress, and the man is in a suit with a bow tie.
A couple dances under chandeliers on a black-and-white checkered floor. Guests, some dressed in formal attire and holding flowers, stand in a line, clapping and cheering, in a room with large windows and elegant lighting.
A black and white photo of a formal celebration. A man in a suit stands raising a toast, while a seated couple, labeled Mr. and Mrs., smile at him. Guests seated around tables and a person at a DJ booth are visible in the background.
A woman in a lavender dress holds a microphone while speaking at an indoor event. She stands near a table with a colorful floral centerpiece, and soft lighting creates a warm atmosphere in the room.
A bride and groom sit at a table, sharing a moment of laughter. The groom covers his face with his hand while the bride holds her hands to her face, smiling. Various glasses and tableware are in front of them. The scene is in black and white.
A joyful wedding scene with a bridesmaid hugging the bride while speaking into a microphone. The groom smiles beside them. The table is elegantly set, adorned with flowers and wine glasses.
A couple stands in front of a large cake, sharing a kiss under an elegant chandelier at a wedding reception. Guests are seated at tables, capturing the moment with their phones. The room is warmly lit and decorated with flowers.
Guests dance on a black and white checkered floor under chandeliers in a formal event hall. People are dressed in semi-formal attire, and tables are elegantly set in the background.
A group of people stands in a well-lit room beneath a chandelier. The bride in a white gown and a groom in a light blue vest are at the center. Others are dressed in formal and semi-formal attire, posing together and smiling.
A wedding reception in an elegant ballroom with chandeliers, where a bride and groom are dancing on a checkered floor. Guests are seated at round tables decorated with flowers and lit candles. Colorful lights illuminate the room.
A bride in a flowing dress dances joyfully with an older gentleman in a suit on a checkered dance floor at a formal event. The room is elegantly decorated, with guests seated at tables in the background.
A group of people dancing in a dimly lit room with checkered flooring. A man in a suit twirls a woman in a blue dress. Other guests, dressed in formal attire, watch and smile. Chandeliers and a lit exit sign are visible in the background.
A bride and groom dance joyfully in a ballroom with black and white checkered flooring. Other guests are seen dancing in the background. The room is elegantly decorated with chandeliers and wall sconces.
A bride dances with a person in a North Carolina mascot costume in a formal setting with black and white checkered floor. Guests in the background watch and clap.
A joyful celebration at a wedding reception, with a man in a white shirt being lifted into the air by a group of people. Guests cheer and clap around the dance floor, while colorful lights shine across the room.
A bride is lifted into the air by several people in a ballroom with a black and white checkered floor and a chandelier. Guests cheer and a person in a blue and white mascot costume stands in the background.
A group of people, dressed formally, are joyfully lifting a person in a ram mascot costume in a ballroom setting. The mascot is wearing a North Carolina jersey. Chandeliers and guests enjoying the event are visible in the background.
A wedding reception with a couple seated on a chair. A person in a North Carolina mascot costume is dancing nearby. The woman raises her hand, smiling. The checkered floor and a dressed-up DJ booth are visible in the background.
A group of people are dancing with a person in a North Carolina ram mascot costume at an indoor event. The room features checkered flooring, chandeliers, and finely dressed guests sitting at round tables.
An elderly man in formal attire playfully interacts with a person in a North Carolina Tar Heels mascot costume. They are in a dimly lit room with checkered flooring and decorative seating.
Three women in colorful dresses joyfully kick their legs up while dancing on a black and white checkered floor at a lively event. Guests and tables with floral centerpieces surround them, adding to the festive atmosphere.
A bride in a white wedding dress is tossing her bouquet in a ballroom. Guests cheer and reach up to catch it. The room has black and white checkered flooring and elegant chandeliers.
A bride sits on a chair as the groom kneels and removes her garter in a ballroom. The couple is surrounded by guests, and a person in a bunny costume stands behind them. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling.
A smiling couple stands with a large ram mascot wearing a North Carolina jersey. The woman holds a colorful bouquet, and the man wears a suit with a light blue tie wrapped humorously around his head. They pose in a grand room with chandeliers.
A group of people, including a woman in a floral dress and bridesmaids in blue dresses, are dancing on a black and white checkered floor. A mascot is in the background, and the scene takes place in a well-lit room with elegant decor.
A black and white image of a horse-drawn carriage parked outside a large brick building, possibly at night. People stand on the porch, illuminated by lights from within the building. The scene suggests a formal event or celebration.
A black and white photo of a horse-drawn carriage at night. Two people wave from the carriage as a driver steers the horse along a road. Trees and buildings are softly illuminated in the background.

Ceremony Venue & Coordination: Duke Chapel, Durham, NC

Reception: The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill, NC

Reception Coordination: Carrington with Erin MacLean Events, Raleigh, NC

Hair & Make-Up: Carmen Carmen Salon & Spa, Durham, NC

Dress: Winnie Couture, Charlotte, NC

Catering: The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill, NC

Cake: Sugarland, Chapel Hill, NC

Florals: Blossom Floral Artistry, Pittsboro, NC

DJ: Save The Date Music, Raleigh, NC

Assistant Photographer: Erin Costa, Wilmington, NC

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