A wedding ceremony takes place in a lush garden with a large pond in the foreground. Guests are seated, and bridesmaids in pale dresses stand beside the couple. Large water lilies float on the pond under an overcast sky.

Duke Gardens Weddings

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October 14, 2018

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angle amphitheater at duke gardens wedding – katherine & andy

They say rain on your wedding day is good luck, which is great news for Katherine & Andy given that we dodged thunder storms pretty much all day for their outdoor Duke Gardens wedding ceremony a few weeks ago. Everything was looking fine in the morning, but the grey skies rolled in right as we got to the gardens and pretty much all our plans for the first look and portraits before the ceremony had to be pushed back by about an hour.

Luckily, the skies eventually cleared and we were able to get outside and make some beautiful images. I love bright, sunny days, but, as en Englishman, I have a very soft spot for rainy days too!  The grey skies and flat light actually add a really nice mood to the images and I really love the juxtaposition of the elegance and timelessness of black & white photos with the bright pop of colour from the gardens and beautiful flowers from Tre Bella.

As you can see, Katherine and Andrew both looked amazing and I got to spend some time shooting bridal portraits for Katherine. With the wet ground and not wanting to get the dress dirty, I worked pretty hard to keep Katherine in more or less the same spot and just move myself around and switch up lens selections to provide a variety of shots. I even got to pay homage to Katherine’s mum who was also married at Duke and wanted a similar photo of Katherine to one of her own bridal portraits.

Sally from Sally Oakley Events did a great job keeping an eye on the weather and the decision of whether to do the ceremony inside or outside, with the threat of rain always looming, really went down to the wire. In the end, I’m pleased to say the weather behaved itself  and we were able to do the ceremony outside. Shooting indoors is fine, but nothing beats photographing weddings at the Angle Amphitheater with the pergola and Virtue Peace Pond providing lots of opportunity for creative compositions.

Following the wedding, we took a couple of quick family photos and Katherine and Andy were then able to enjoy their cocktail hour. I am a big fan of first looks for many reasons, but getting time to chat and mingle with your guests after the ceremony is definitely one of the biggest benefits of getting the majority of family and couple portraits out of the way earlier in the day. On top of that, the rain started coming down again right on cue after the ceremony so I was so pleased to have those images in the can already.

The reception was a lot of fun. Dinner and toasts took place outside under a marquee tent. From there, Katherine changed into a different dress for the party and the dances got under way. Katherine and her dad had choreographed a really fun dance routine together that they had been practising for several months. Hats off to Katherine and her dad, Scott, for putting the work in. It really was worth it!

I want to take a second to thank everyone involved in putting together such a great day and rolling with the punches the weather threw at us. Here is the roll of honour:

Ceremony & Reception: Sarah P Duke Gardens, Durham, NC | Event Coordination: Sally Oakley Weddings & Events, Raleigh, NC | Florist: Tre Bella, Raleigh, NC | Catering: Catering Works, Raleigh, NC | Cake: Mad Hatter’s Café & Bakeshop, Durham, NC | Hair & Makeup: OnloKtion Makeup Artistry, Raleigh, NC | Ceremony Musician: Arioso Strings, Apex, NC | Officiant: Rev. Barbara Lodge, Chapel Hill, NC | Band: Mr Potato Head, Raleigh, NC| Rentals: Party Reflections, Raleigh | Dress: Pronovias at Nitsa’s, Winston-Salem, NC | Tuxedos: Menguin, Louisville, KY | Assistant Photographer: Steve Jamroz, Raleigh, NC

Finally, thanks to Katherine and Andy for entrusting the documentation of their wedding day to me. Good luck for a long and happy life together, guys!

A black and white photo of a woman having her makeup done by a makeup artist. The woman is sitting in a chair wearing a floral robe, while the artist, standing beside her, applies makeup with a brush.
A lace wedding dress hangs on a personalized hanger with the names Katherine and Andy in wire. The background is a blurred view of greenery through a window.
Two elegant wedding dresses with lace detailing hang side by side in front of a large window. The window offers a view of a lush, wooded landscape outside. The image is in black and white, creating a timeless, classic feel.
A pair of elegant gold high-heeled sandals adorned with intricate beading and crystal embellishments, displayed on a soft, textured surface. The background is softly blurred, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Close-up of three hands fastening buttons on the back of a white lace wedding dress. The brides blonde curls are visible, and light gently illuminates the scene, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.
A bride in a lace wedding dress is being helped by an older woman in an elegant lace dress. They stand near a window with natural light highlighting their expressions of focus and care.
Four men wearing tuxedos stand confidently outdoors against a backdrop of tall trees and a dramatic cloudy sky. The lighting highlights the central figure, creating a formal and striking composition.
A man in a tuxedo with a bow tie and a boutonniere stands outdoors. The black-and-white image captures him looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. The background is blurred.
A bride playfully approaches a groom standing on a garden pathway, obscured by a hedge. The groom looks down, unaware of her presence, creating a surprise moment amidst lush greenery. The scene is captured in black and white.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom walking on a garden path. The bride is smiling and holding her dress, while the groom, dressed in a tuxedo, looks ahead. They are surrounded by lush greenery and flowers.
A bride and groom share a happy moment outdoors. The bride is in a lace dress holding her train, while the groom wears a black tuxedo. They stand on a pathway surrounded by lush greenery and floral decorations, smiling at each other.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom smiling at each other outdoors. The bride holds her dress, and the groom wears a tuxedo. They stand in a garden setting with decorative plants and blurred foliage in the background.
A bride and groom smile while posing outdoors. The groom wears a black tuxedo, and the bride is in a white lace gown. They stand in front of an arched, wooden structure surrounded by greenery.
A bride in a strapless lace gown holds a bouquet of roses and smiles while standing in a lush garden. The background features various plants and flowers, adding to the serene atmosphere. The image is in black and white.
A bride in a white strapless dress stands in a garden holding a bouquet of pink and orange roses. She has long blonde hair and smiles warmly, surrounded by lush greenery and blurred flowers in the foreground.
A bride in a strapless white gown stands by a pond holding orange bouquets. Six bridesmaids in matching light gold dresses adjust her dress train. Lush greenery surrounds the scene.
A toddler with blonde hair holds a bouquet of orange and pink roses. An older woman, partially visible, interacts with the child, and another hand gently touches the toddlers back. The background is blurred with greenery.
A wedding party poses outdoors. The bride and groom stand in the center, surrounded by bridesmaids in gold dresses and groomsmen in black tuxedos. The bridesmaids hold orange and pink bouquets. A lush green garden serves as the backdrop.
A bride in a lace wedding gown stands outdoors on a stone pathway, holding a bouquet of orange and red flowers. She looks pleasantly to the side, with greenery and a stone wall in the background.
A bride in a lace wedding dress holds a vibrant bouquet of orange and pink roses, with her veil draped gently over her arms. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the flowers.
A bride in a white gown and long veil stands in a lush garden, holding a vibrant bouquet of orange and pink flowers. Behind her is a wooden pergola surrounded by greenery and stone pillars.
angle amphitheater at duke gardens wedding - katherine & andy
A bride in a strapless gown holds a bouquet and walks arm-in-arm with an older man in a tuxedo. They are outdoors under a wooden archway in a garden setting. The image is in black and white.
A bride holding a vibrant bouquet of orange and pink flowers hugs an older man, possibly her father, during an outdoor wedding ceremony. Bridesmaids in beige dresses and lush greenery surround them.
A wedding ceremony held in a lush garden setting by a pond. Guests are seated on one side, while the wedding party stands on a stone platform. Greenery surrounds the area, and large lily pads float on the water.
A bride and groom stand at an outdoor wedding ceremony, holding hands and facing the officiant. The bride wears a white gown, holding a bouquet of orange flowers. Bridesmaids in gold dresses stand nearby, with guests seated in the background.
A black and white photo capturing a wedding ceremony outdoors. The bride and groom stand at the altar, surrounded by the wedding party and guests. Floral arrangements and trees frame the scene in a formal garden setting.
A wedding ceremony takes place in a lush garden with a large pond in the foreground. Guests are seated, and bridesmaids in pale dresses stand beside the couple. Large water lilies float on the pond under an overcast sky.
A wooden pergola frames a garden with lush greenery and tall trees. A hanging plant is in the center, and a wedding ceremony is visible in the background with guests seated and the couple at the altar.
A bride and groom hold hands during a wedding ceremony. The bride wears a lace gown and veil, while the groom is in a suit. A woman, possibly an officiant, stands nearby with a book. Bridesmaids are in the background. The scene is emotional and intimate.
A bride and groom stand facing each other during a wedding ceremony. The bride holds a card and wears a white gown and veil. The groom, in a black suit with a red boutonniere, reads from a card. An officiant stands between them, smiling.
A bride and groom exchange vows outdoors with a bridal party. The bride wears a white dress, and bridesmaids in gold hold orange flowers. Groomsmen in black suits stand beside the groom. Lush greenery surrounds the scene.
A bride and groom share a kiss at their wedding ceremony. Bridesmaids holding bouquets stand on the left, and a groomsman and officiant are on the right. Everyone is dressed formally and the background is blurred.
A black and white photo of a smiling bride holding a bouquet and a groom in a tuxedo. They walk arm in arm down an aisle outdoors, with guests seated on either side. The bride has long hair and a strapless dress, while the groom wears a bowtie and boutonniere.
A bride and groom stand together with family and friends in an outdoor setting. The group is dressed in formal attire, with the bride in a white gown and the groom in a black suit. They are posing for a photo in front of trees and greenery.
A wedding reception under a large white tent set up on grass. Guests dressed formally sit at tables decorated with white tablecloths. Chandeliers hang from the tent ceiling. The sky is overcast with dark, looming clouds.
Elegant table setting with a row of tall candles and orange roses in glass vases. Each place is set with beige napkins, cutlery, and glasses on a white tablecloth. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with soft candlelight.
A four-tier wedding cake with gold and white icing sits on a table adorned with flowers and candles. The top two tiers are gold, the third tier is decorated with gold dots, and the bottom tier features intricate white swirls.
A woman in a black dress leans forward to let a young girl in a pink dress feed her something, while others look on at a social gathering. Glasses and drinks are visible in the background.
A bride and groom in formal attire sit at a table decorated with candles and flowers. The bride, wearing a white dress, smiles as she talks to the groom, who is in a black tuxedo with an orange boutonniere.
A black and white image of a wedding reception. A chandelier hangs above a crowd of seated guests. One person stands, giving a speech. String lights decorate the area, and large windows are in the background.
A bride in a white dress laughs while seated at a wedding reception. An older man in a suit stands nearby, holding a microphone, smiling as he speaks. Guests are seated at tables in the background, enjoying the celebration.
A vibrant collection of gold glitter, yellow, and pink dots on a white background. Some dots have handwritten messages, creating a colorful and festive appearance.
Three rings are displayed against a dark, ornate background. The center ring features a large diamond, flanked by a gold band and a diamond-encrusted ring. The reflective surface emphasizes their elegance.
A bride and groom dance closely, gazing into each others eyes. The background is softly blurred, filled with warm lights and elegantly dressed guests, creating a romantic atmosphere.
A woman in a white dress and sunglasses dances energetically with a man in a tuxedo on a wooden dance floor. They appear joyful under bright stage lights with a band playing in the background.
A man and a woman energetically dancing on a wooden floor in a spacious hall, illuminated by warm lighting. The man wears a white shirt with suspenders, while the woman is in a white dress. A band setup is visible in the background.
A joyful moment at a wedding reception as a man in sunglasses embraces a woman with long blonde hair. Guests are gathered in the background, some smiling, with warm lighting and festive decorations.
A couple in formal attire poses happily at a lively indoor event. The woman in a navy dress and the man in a white shirt with suspenders both raise their arms, smiling broadly. Other guests are visible in the background under warm lighting.
A group of people dancing at a lively event. A man in a suit and red tie holds hands with two women, one in a sparkly dress and the other in a black sweater. The background shows more attendees enjoying the party under warm lighting.
A smiling couple poses together on a dance floor at an event. The woman is wearing a black floral dress, and the man is in a white shirt with a striped tie. Other guests are dancing in the background.
A joyful couple dancing closely at an indoor event, with the woman smiling and kissing the mans cheek. Other people are dancing in the background. The atmosphere is warm and festive.
A bride and groom are cutting a three-tiered wedding cake with gold accents. They are surrounded by guests in a warmly lit venue. Candles and autumn foliage decorate the table. Both are smiling and wearing formal attire.
A woman playfully smears cake on a mans face during a wedding reception. The man is dressed in a tuxedo, and the woman is in a patterned dress. They are surrounded by guests in a warmly lit venue.
A couple shares a kiss at a party, with the man holding a plate and fork with dessert. They are surrounded by dressed-up guests, visible in the background, who are smiling and enjoying the celebration.
A band performing on a dimly lit stage with keyboards, guitars, and brass instruments. The lead singer is at the microphone, wearing glasses, and the keyboard player and guitarist are visible. The audience is not in view.
Two women, one in a black dress and the other in a blue lace dress, both wearing glowing blue devil horn headbands, smiling and posing arm-in-arm at a party. Other guests are seen in the dimly lit background.
A person holds a smartphone, capturing a group photo of several people dressed formally. The image on the phone is in focus, showing smiles and various colored outfits. The background is blurred.
A couple embraces and smiles at each other on a dimly lit dance floor. The woman has pink hair and wears a light pink dress, while the man is in a dress shirt and tie. Others can be seen dancing in the background.
A group of people dancing energetically on a wooden floor. A woman in a lace dress is at the center, with several others wearing formal attire surrounding her. Some are wearing light-up headbands, creating a festive atmosphere.
Three people in colorful dresses and a suit dance energetically at a party. One woman points forward, and the man holds a drink. Warm lighting and string lights create a festive atmosphere in the background.
A group of people in formal attire stand in a line with their arms around each other, smiling and looking joyful. They are in a warmly lit room with wooden beams. A live band setup is visible in the background.
A woman in a white lace dress and a man in a white shirt with suspenders toast with champagne glasses. They are indoors, and warm lighting from behind creates a festive atmosphere.

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