A bride and groom share an intimate moment in the center of a dimly lit room with elegant hanging chandeliers, reminiscent of a Duke Chapel wedding. The atmosphere is romantic and dramatic, emphasizing their connection.

Duke Chapel Weddings

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January 28, 2018

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21c, duke chapel & cookery wedding photography – brandy & gabe

We started out the 2018 wedding season with a real classic in all senses of the word. A Duke Chapel wedding is always a recipe for success, but add to that a fabulous bride and groom, other such gorgeous venues as 21c and The Cookery and a crack team of wedding professionals, and you really have something very special indeed on your hands.

I first met Brandy and Gabe about a year and a half ago at Toni and Kevin’s wedding in Winston-Salem, where Brandy was one of Toni’s bridesmaids. Brandy struck me then as a really fun person and so I was so really pleased when, a few weeks later, she phoned me to tell me she’d just got engaged and ask me if I might be available to photograph her wedding. She was in the very early stages of planning and so it was so flattering to know I was the first person she picked up the phone to call. I must be doing something right, I guess!

Anyway, fast forward to January 2018 and I found myself meeting up with my buddy and fellow Englishman, Richard Israel, to go and photograph what would turn out to be a pretty spectacular event. They say pictures speak louder than words, so I’ll shut up and let the images do the talking.  Before I do, though, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone that came together to make it happen. Without the fab team below, I would have had nothing to photograph:

Ceremony: Duke Chapel, Durham, NC | Reception: The Cookery, Durham, NC | Planner: Shawn Schindler Events, Raleigh, NC | Dress: Coastal Knot, Raleigh, NC | Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids, Raleigh, NC | Menswear: Mens Wearhouse, Durham, NC | Florist: Expressions of Love Florist, Fuquay Varina, NC | Catering: The Catering Company of Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC | Cake: Maxie B’s, Greensboro, NC | Hair: Wedding Hair by Liz, Willow Spring, NC | Make-Up: Sharon Davis, MakeUp Artistry, Morrisville, NC | Band: The Band Punch, Raleigh, NC | MC: Spin, Raleigh, NC | Videographer: Morgan Scott Films, Raleigh, NC | Transportation: S&H Transportation, Durham, NC | Accommodations: 21c Hotel & Museum, Durham, NC | Rentals: American Party Rentals, Durham, NC & Themeworks, Raleigh, NC | Lighting: Simpsound, Durham, NC | Assistant Photographer: Richard Israel, Charlotte, NC

Without any further ado, here are my picks of the pics:

Black and white image of a bride getting ready, with eyes closed, as a makeup artist applies makeup. The foreground features a blurred, draped wedding dress, adding depth to the scene. The atmosphere is calm and focused.
Three women in cozy robes sit in a warmly lit room, smiling and enjoying themselves. One woman in the foreground is laughing with her hand raised. A bright pink bag sits nearby on a bed. The atmosphere is joyful and relaxed.
Black and white image of a person with long hair looking into a round mirror, holding it with their left hand. The focus is on their face and reflection, with soft lighting creating a dramatic and intimate atmosphere.
A bride-to-be in a floral robe holds her wedding dress next to a large window. A long veil with lace details hangs nearby. Another woman, possibly assisting, leans forward arranging the dress. The room has a cozy, elegant ambiance.
A bride in a white gown is being helped by a woman, likely the mother, with her dress in a well-lit room. A photographer captures the moment. A wedding dress train is draped over a couch in the background. The setting is elegant and intimate.
A black and white photo of a brides foot being assisted into a white high heel. The brides ankle has a star tattoo. The heel features lace ankle straps being secured by another person. The wedding dress fabric is partially visible.
A black and white photo of a person fastening buttons on the back of a satin wedding dress. The focus is on the row of buttons running down the back. Hands are visible, adjusting the dress.
A man in a formal white shirt and bow tie points while holding a jacket. The setting is an elegant room with metallic walls and a vintage feel. The black and white image has a candid, lively atmosphere.
A man in a tuxedo stands in a narrow, well-lit hallway, adjusting his jacket and looking towards the camera. The background is softly blurred, highlighting his formal attire.
A man in a tuxedo stands smiling with arms crossed. Behind him are industrial machines with round doors, numbered 12 and 21. The setting is black and white, with a vintage, industrial feel.
A group of six men in formal suits are sitting and chatting on sofas in a lounge area. They are holding drinks and appear engaged in conversation, with a large window and a view of a building in the background. The photo is in black and white.
A woman in a long, elegant wedding dress with a flowing train walks down a corridor adorned with art. The setting is minimalistic and modern, with light streaming in from a window at the end.
A bride and groom smile warmly as they stand close together. The bride rests her hand gently on the grooms shoulder. The background is softly lit, creating an intimate, joyful atmosphere.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom embracing. The groom is in a suit with a boutonniere, and the bride is in a strapless dress with long, wavy hair. They are smiling and touching foreheads, creating an intimate and joyful moment.
A bride and groom stand facing each other in front of large, softly lit windows. The bride wears a long, flowing gown with an extended train, while the groom is in a dark suit. Their silhouettes are highlighted against the bright backdrop.
A black and white photo of a couple on their wedding day. The bride is wearing a strapless gown with long, curly hair, and the groom is in a suit with a boutonniere, standing together and smiling at the camera.
A wedding party poses elegantly indoors against a backdrop of modern art. The bride is seated at the center in a white gown with a long train, surrounded by bridesmaids in cream dresses and groomsmen in black suits. There are smiles and relaxed poses.
A newlywed couple shares a first dance in a dimly lit, elegant ballroom. The brides flowing gown trails behind her. Spherical chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting soft light on the scene.
Silhouette of a church tower at sunset, surrounded by trees on either side. The sky transitions from deep orange to dark red, creating a dramatic backdrop.
A bride in a flowing white gown stands in a dimly lit corridor with stone arches. She holds a bouquet of white flowers and gazes downward, with her train elegantly spread behind her on the stone floor.
A bride in a flowing wedding dress walks gracefully down a dimly lit, Gothic-style stone corridor. She holds a bouquet in one hand, and the train of her dress billows elegantly behind her. The scene is black and white, creating a timeless feel.
A bride and groom pose smiling in an ornately lit cathedral. The bride wears a white dress and the groom is in a black suit with a white boutonniere. Hanging lights lead toward the altar in the background.
A bride and groom stand close together in a dimly lit stone archway. Warm light illuminates them, creating a dramatic contrast against the dark, gothic-style architecture.
A bride and groom share a romantic moment under a glowing lamp by a stone archway of a church at night. The scene is set against a dark, clear sky with silhouettes of tall trees in the background.
A bride in a strapless wedding gown stands on stairs, holding a white bouquet. The gown has a long flowing train, cascading down the steps. She is positioned beside a wooden door in a stone-walled setting.
A group of women in elegant dresses gather closely in a circle, holding hands and bowing their heads, appearing to share a moment of reflection or prayer. A bride stands among them, holding a bouquet of flowers. The setting is a softly lit room.
A bride in a long, flowing gown and veil stands near a grand, dimly lit entrance inside a Gothic-style church, holding a bouquet. The intricate architecture and dramatic lighting create an elegant and serene atmosphere.
A bride in a flowing gown is assisted by two people outside a grand cathedral entrance with ornate wooden doors. The interior is illuminated, highlighting the intricate arches and Gothic architecture. Black and white image.
A black-and-white image of a grand church interior, capturing a bride and groom walking down the aisle towards a gathered group of guests and a priest at the altar, with ornate architectural details in the background.
A bride and groom stand at the altar of a grand cathedral, illuminated by soft lighting. Tall arches and intricate architecture surround them, creating a majestic and solemn atmosphere. Guests are seated in the pews, witnessing the ceremony.
A man stands at a wooden pulpit in a cathedral-style setting, illuminated by a large ornate hanging lamp. The background features intricately carved stonework and archways. The scene is in black and white.
Interior of a grand cathedral with high vaulted ceilings and ornate chandeliers. A wedding ceremony is taking place at the altar, surrounded by seated guests. Soft, warm lighting adds a serene atmosphere to the scene.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony. People are seated in rows, holding programs. They are dressed formally, with men in suits and women in dresses. The setting appears to be a church, with detailed architectural elements in the background.
A black-and-white photograph of a grand cathedral interior, featuring high vaulted ceilings and ornate chandeliers. A bride and groom stand near the altar, surrounded by intricate architectural details and gothic elements.
A bride adjusts her gown with the help of bridesmaids at the altar of a church. The groom and groomsmen stand nearby. The setting is ornate with wooden carvings and tall candlesticks, creating a formal and elegant atmosphere.
A bride and groom stand during a wedding ceremony, exchanging smiles and vows. The bride wears a veil and the groom is in a suit. A bridesmaid holds a bouquet and watches the couple with a smile. The setting is a dimly lit church.
A bride and groom stand together during a wedding ceremony. The bride wears a veil and holds a ring. They face each other, with the groom holding a book. The image is in black and white, capturing an intimate moment.
A bride and groom share a kiss during their wedding ceremony. The bride holds a bouquet, while a bridesmaid smiles nearby. A priest stands holding a book, and a large candle is lit in the background.
A couple stands at the altar in a grand cathedral during their wedding ceremony. The interior is illuminated by hanging lights, and the arched ceiling and stained-glass windows create a dramatic backdrop. Guests are seated on either side.
A bride and groom share a kiss in a beautifully ornate church, framed by gothic arches and intricate stained glass. The scene captures the romance and elegance of their wedding day in black and white.
A bride and groom stand in a dimly lit, elegant hallway with tall stone columns and arched ceilings. The bride is in a long white gown with a veil, holding a bouquet, and the groom is in a tuxedo. Warm lights illuminate the scene.
A bride and groom embrace and kiss in a dimly lit cathedral with tall arches. The bride is in a white gown, and the groom wears a suit. Soft lights illuminate the scene, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere.
A long, elegantly set dining table with tall, crystal-accented centerpieces and glowing candles, creating a warm, inviting ambiance. The soft lighting and sparkling decorations add a luxurious touch to the setting.
A dimly lit, elegant indoor wedding reception with round tables. Each table is adorned with white floral centerpieces and tall branches. Wine glasses and plates are neatly arranged, and warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.
Elegant table setting with tall, ornate candle holders and hanging crystal strands. Lit candles create a warm, inviting glow. The table is adorned with white flowers and sparkling glassware, with a small card displaying the number one.
A couple dances under soft lights at a formal event. The woman wears a white dress, and the man is in a suit. The room is warmly lit, with decor in the background creating an elegant ambiance.
A joyful couple dances on a checkered floor at a warmly lit reception. The groom lifts the bride, who wears a flowing dress. Guests stand around clapping and smiling amidst elegant decor with soft lighting and hanging lights.
A couple in formal attire is dancing under dim lighting in a mostly dark room. She is being dipped gracefully by her partner. Candle-like lights line the floor, creating a romantic ambiance.
A bride and groom at their wedding. The groom is reading from a paper while holding a microphone, and the bride is smiling at him. The scene is black and white, with guests visible in the blurred background.
Elderly man in a tuxedo with a prominent mustache smiles warmly. The setting is dimly lit, creating a classic and elegant atmosphere.
A group of people posing indoors in formal attire. Several women are wearing elegant dresses, and the men are in suits. They are standing in a room with exposed brick walls and leather chairs, smiling and striking playful poses.
A couple elegantly dances at an event. The woman has long, wavy hair and wears a backless dress, while the man is in a suit. The black-and-white setting creates a timeless and classic atmosphere.
A couple dances elegantly on a checkered floor in a dimly lit room. The woman, wearing a sleeveless satin dress, twirls gracefully. People are gathered in the background, adding to the lively atmosphere.
A man in a black suit sings passionately into a microphone on stage, surrounded by swirling purple and orange lights. The vibrant motion effect suggests an energetic performance.
A couple energetically dancing at a wedding reception. The woman, in a white dress, has flowing hair, and the man is in a dark suit. The background shows other guests in motion, and the atmosphere is lively with colorful lights.
Two women dancing joyfully, with blurred motion capturing their movement. One wears a golden dress and the other a white outfit. Both have big smiles, and the background is filled with colorful lights.
A joyous couple dances energetically on a dimly lit dance floor, surrounded by other partygoers. The woman wears a white dress and the man a black suit. The warm lighting and lively atmosphere suggest a celebratory event.
A couple dances closely, smiling at each other amid a lively blurred background. People in elegant attire move around them under warm lighting, creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere.
A joyful woman with long hair laughs while embracing a person in a suit on a dance floor. The background is blurred, capturing the dynamic atmosphere and movement of the celebration.
A man in a bow tie dances energetically under warm lighting. His expression is focused and joyful, with blurred motion conveying movement. A woman beside him also dances, smiling with hands raised. The atmosphere is lively and celebratory.
Two men in formal wear are smiling and holding hands while dancing at an indoor event. The background features blurred lights, giving a lively and festive atmosphere.
A joyful black-and-white scene of a wedding reception, with a group of people dressed in formal attire singing and laughing together on the dance floor. A bride in a gown leads one side of the circle, holding hands with a guest.
A lively group of people dancing at a party, with their hands in the air. The ambiance features dim lighting and colorful effects. The setting suggests a celebration or festive event, with attendees dressed in formal wear.
A bride in a white gown is joyfully lifted by a man in a suit at a wedding reception. Guests around them are clapping and smiling, capturing a moment of celebration and happiness.

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