A bride in a white gown and a groom in a suit stand together on a tree-lined path, sharing a transparent umbrella. The lush greenery forms a natural archway above them.

Duke Chapel Weddings

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July 6, 2018

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duke chapel & cotton room wedding photographer – hannah & andrew

Wedding season is in full swing and it’s been super busy around these parts, but I’m coming up for air with a quick blog post from Hannah and Andrew’s beautiful spring wedding which took place at Duke Chapel and The Cotton Room just up the road in Durham, NC.

My first stop for the day was the King’s Daughter’s Inn where Hannah, her family and her bridesmaids were getting ready. The Trinity Suite is such a great room to get ready in as it has a lovely sunroom with an abundance of natural light. From there we headed over to Duke Gardens for Hannah and Andrew’s first look. It was threatening to rain and we had a back-up plan for the first look, but the rain held off and we got Andrew to the spot for the first look. When I went back to get Hannah, the heavens opened. Luckily though, Hannah was up for it (let’s hear it for umbrellas!) and she was willing to brave the raindrops. To say I’m glad she did is a huge understatement: as is often the case when a shower rolls through the light was absolutely gorgeous! After the portraits of the bride and groom and the bride’s entourage at the gardens, we headed over to the chapel, which is always a favourite spot of mine to photograph weddings in. From there, it was over to The Cotton Room for the reception where Frank of Bunn DJ Co. did an amazing job of getting the party going and the dance floor throbbing.

Thank you to Hannah and Andrew for having me along for the day. I truly loved every single minute. And a very special shout-out to the great people who made it all happen including:

Ceremony: Duke Chapel, Durham, NC | Reception: The Cotton Room, Durham, NC | Accomodations: The King’s Daughters Inn, Durham, NC | Florist: Tre Bella, Durham, NC | Cake: Ashley Cakes, Raleigh, NC | Hair & Make-Up: Make Up For Your Day, Raleigh, NC | DJ Frank Meldau of Bunn DJ Co., Raleigh, NC | Videographer: Green Light Media Services, Dallas, TX | Assistant Photographer: Jenn Ann, Apex, NC

And now, with the formalities over, onto my picks of the pics. Thanks as always for stopping by!

A bride in a white lace gown sits gracefully on a staircase, illuminated by window light from above. She holds her veil, creating an elegant and serene atmosphere.
A bride in a white lace strapless gown smiles while holding a colorful bouquet of flowers, including blue, purple, and yellow blooms. She wears a pearl necklace and has her hair styled in soft waves.
Two women in elegant gowns walk outside under clear umbrellas. One is in a wedding dress, and the other in a bridesmaid dress. The scene is set in a lush garden with trees, captured in black and white.
A bride holding an umbrella walks across a stone bridge towards a groom in a blue suit. They are surrounded by lush greenery and a small pond below the bridge.
A bride in a white wedding dress holds a transparent umbrella, smiling and reaching out to a groom in a navy suit. They stand in a lush garden with sunlight filtering through the trees.
A bride and groom share an intimate moment under a transparent umbrella in a lush, forested area. The black and white image captures their embrace, surrounded by trees and plants, with a gentle play of light and shadow.
A bride and groom share a kiss under a transparent umbrella in a lush garden setting. The bride wears a flowing white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. Sunlight filters through the trees, highlighting the raindrops around them.
A bride and groom stand on a small bridge in a lush garden. The bride holds a lace parasol, wearing a white dress, while the groom wears a dark suit. They are surrounded by greenery and sunlight filters through the trees.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a stone pathway in a lush garden. The bride holds a transparent umbrella. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the path.
A bride in a white dress and veil embraces a groom in a blue suit and bow tie, both smiling. They are standing in front of tall bamboo, creating a serene and natural backdrop.
A happy couple, the bride in a white dress holding a colorful bouquet, and the groom in a blue suit, share a joyful moment in front of a fountain. Theyre looking at each other and smiling in an outdoor setting.
A bride and groom walk down a tree-lined path under a clear umbrella. The bride wears a long white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. The scene is captured in black and white.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a suit stand together on a tree-lined path, sharing a transparent umbrella. The lush greenery forms a natural archway above them.
A tall, majestic Gothic-style chapel with a central spire under a cloudy sky. Surrounded by lush green trees, the structure has a dramatic and serene presence. The architecture is detailed and intricate.
A bride walks with her bridesmaids in matching light blue dresses in front of a large, ornate stone building with tall, arched windows and intricate design. Green shrubs and a stone path line the walkway.
Six men in matching blue suits stand together under a stone archway. They are smiling and have their arms around each other. Green trees are visible in the background.
A bride in an elegant white dress stands in a gothic-style stone archway. She holds a bouquet of colorful flowers and gazes towards the side. The arches create a dramatic and romantic backdrop. Light streams in, highlighting her dress and veil.
A bride in a white dress stands with five bridesmaids in light blue dresses, holding colorful bouquets. They pose under an arched stone walkway, creating a picturesque and elegant scene.
A bride stands gracefully on a stone staircase beneath a Gothic-style archway. Her dress is embellished with lace, and a long veil flows dramatically in the breeze. She holds a colorful bouquet of flowers.
A woman and a man, dressed formally, walk arm in arm down the aisle of a gothic-style church. The woman holds a bouquet. The background features ornate columns and stained-glass windows.
A wedding party stands in a cathedral-like setting. The bridesmaids in lavender gowns and the groomsmen in dark suits line up in pairs. The bride, in a white gown, is seated nearby. The setting is grand, with arched doors and ornate details.
A young boy in formal attire holds rings on a pillow. A woman crouches beside him, smiling, as other adults stand in the background, dressed for an event. The setting appears to be indoors, possibly a wedding. The image is in black and white.
A black and white photo shows three people walking down the aisle of a grand cathedral. They are dressed in formal attire, with one person on each side of a bride. The open wooden doors frame the intricately designed interior ahead.
A bride in a strapless gown holding a bouquet is walking down the aisle between two people in formal attire, a woman in a lace dress and a man in a suit. They are in a church setting with ornate arches in the background.
A bride walks down the aisle between two people in a grand cathedral with intricate stained glass windows and ornate woodwork. The guests are seated on either side, and the venue is decorated with hanging lights.
A bride with her parents walks down the aisle of a grand cathedral filled with guests. The groom waits at the altar, flanked by attendants, against the backdrop of ornate architectural details.
A wedding ceremony in a church. The bride and groom stand at the altar, embracing family members. The wedding party and guests are gathered, watching the scene. The setting is warmly lit, with ornate wooden details in the background.
A couple stands at the altar in a grand cathedral with high ceilings and ornate stained-glass windows. Wedding guests are seated, and the space is illuminated by hanging chandeliers.
A black-and-white photo of a cathedral interior during a ceremony. A speaker at the pulpit addresses a seated congregation. Ornate chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and intricate woodwork decorates the walls.
A groom in a blue suit and bow tie smiles at the bride during a wedding ceremony. The bride, wearing a veil, stands with her back to the camera, while a priest in white officiates. Bridesmaids, slightly out of focus, are in the foreground.
A black and white image of a wedding ceremony inside a grand cathedral. The bride and groom stand at the altar, framed by ornate architecture and tall columns. Guests are seated in pews, witnessing the event.
A bride and groom exchange rings during a wedding ceremony at an altar, as a smiling officiant stands behind them. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a blue suit. Two attendants stand nearby, one holding a bouquet.
A wedding ceremony inside a grand cathedral, with a couple at the altar. Bridesmaids in lavender dresses and groomsmen in dark suits stand on either side. Stained glass windows and ornate architecture are visible in the background.
A wedding ceremony taking place in a grand cathedral with a large, colorful stained glass window. The bride and groom stand at the altar, surrounded by the bridal party, with ornate lighting and architecture in the background.
A group of bridesmaids in strapless dresses stand in a row during a ceremony. One holds a bouquet of flowers. The background is blurred, showing other seated guests. The photo is in black and white.
A group of people standing in a row, dressed formally. Some hold papers, smiling, in what appears to be a ceremony or event setting. The scene is in black and white, showing a joyful atmosphere.
A bride and groom kiss at the altar during their wedding ceremony in a church. Bridesmaids in lavender dresses and groomsmen in dark suits stand by. A priest officiates, holding a book. Flowers decorate the scene.
A bride and groom stand at the altar in a grand cathedral during their wedding ceremony. Bridesmaids and groomsmen flank them on either side, all dressed in formal attire. Guests are seated in the pews, witnessing the event.
A bride and groom walk arm in arm down the aisle of a grand cathedral, holding hands and smiling at each other. The cathedrals ornate architectural details are visible in the background. The setting is elegant and atmospheric.
A bride and groom hug guests in a stone hallway with arched ceilings. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. Other guests in suits and dresses are embracing in the background.
A bride and groom share a kiss under an archway, surrounded by bridesmaids in light blue dresses and groomsmen in dark suits. The stone architecture provides a classic backdrop.
A black-and-white image of two men embracing. One man, wearing glasses and a suit, has his eyes closed, expressing emotion. The other mans face is partially visible as he hugs back. The background is slightly blurred.
A black and white photo of two couples embracing in a corridor with stone arches. One couple, a man in a suit and a woman in a dress, are hugging and smiling. Another couple hugs beside them, one holding a bouquet. Others converse in the background.
A wedding party poses on a staircase inside a church. The bride in a white gown and the groom in a dark suit stand at the center, surrounded by bridesmaids in lavender dresses and groomsmen in dark suits. Stained glass and a wooden interior are visible.
A bride and groom stand in front of a grand, ornately carved church entrance. The bride holds a bouquet, and they gaze at each other, framed by the cathedrals decorative stone archway and large, ornate doors.
A bride and groom stand in front of an arched stone structure, smiling at each other. The brides veil flows elegantly in the breeze. Sunlight filters through the trees in the background, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere.
A black and white photo of a couple in formal attire. The man in a suit embraces the woman in a strapless gown. They are smiling at each other under an archway with blurred trees in the background.
A couple in formal attire stands closely together in a dimly lit, arched stone corridor. Soft light from wall lanterns highlights the intricate design of the vaulted ceiling and the brides gown, adding a romantic ambiance to the scene.
A bride in an elegant gown poses in a stone hallway with archways. A groom in a tuxedo stands behind her, looking away. The scene is lit by small wall lamps, creating a romantic and timeless atmosphere.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a suit stand in separate stone archways of a historic building, facing each other. The background features greenery and intricate stonework.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom standing together. The bride wears a strapless lace wedding dress and a veil. The groom is in a suit with a bow tie. They are looking at each other and smiling, with an ornate archway in the background.
A couple stands in front of a large, Gothic-style cathedral with a tall tower, surrounded by grass and trees under a partly cloudy sky at sunset.
A beautifully set dinner table with elegant glassware, plates, and a dark napkin at each setting. Floral centerpieces and candles add warmth and color, creating an inviting atmosphere.
A beautifully set table for a formal event, featuring elegant glassware, plates, and lit candles. A floral centerpiece with greenery and pink roses runs along the center. A tall glass pitcher with a beverage is also present.
A bride and groom dance elegantly on a wooden floor in a large hall with draped curtains and spectators seated around. The brides dress swirls as they move. Guests watch from the background through large windows.
A couple performs a dramatic dance in an elegant setting. The man supports the woman in a dip, her flowing gown spread gracefully on the floor. Soft lighting and draped curtains enhance the romantic ambiance.
A four-tiered white wedding cake decorated with pink and purple roses, and greenery. It sits on an ornate silver stand on a blue lace tablecloth. A small black dog figurine peeks out from the bottom tier. Plates and cutlery are in the foreground.
A man in a suit stands on a dance floor with a microphone, speaking to a seated audience at a wedding reception. The room is warmly lit with string lights and features elegant floral arrangements.
A black and white photo of a wedding reception. A bride and groom are seated at a table, smiling and looking towards an unseen speaker. The bride is wearing a lace dress and pearl necklace. Other guests are sitting nearby, with some flowers on the table.
A smiling groom in a navy suit holds a small black dog with a red leash. A smiling bride in a white lace gown stands beside them. They pose by a window, and the setting appears warm and cozy.
An elderly woman with short hair dances joyfully with a bearded man in a suit and blue vest at an event. They are on a wooden dance floor with soft lighting and draped curtains in the background.
A bride in a white gown joyfully dances with guests at a wedding reception. The scene is lively, with people smiling and moving energetically around her. The lighting is warm and dim, creating a festive and celebratory atmosphere.
Two women are dancing energetically at a party. One is wearing a green dress, and the other a red floral dress. The scene is dimly lit, with motion blur conveying their movement and the lively atmosphere.
A man in a suit and a woman in a floral dress dance energetically, spinning under soft, swirling lights. The setting appears to be a dimly lit event or party, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
Three women in lavender dresses and gold accessories dance joyfully in a warmly lit room. The setting suggests a festive event. The image captures movement and energy with a blurry, dynamic effect.
A man in a blue suit and a woman in a pink dress are joyfully dancing together at an event. The background is motion-blurred with warm lighting, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
A man in a pink shirt and tie joyfully dances with his arms raised at an event. The background features blurred lights and other dancers, creating a dynamic and energetic atmosphere.
A bride and groom joyfully exit a building at night, holding hands under a canopy of sparklers held by cheering guests. The bride wears a white gown and the groom a dark suit. String lights are visible in the background.

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