A couple stands at the center of a grand, dimly lit cathedral reminiscent of Duke Chapel. They are illuminated by sunlight streaming through intricate stained glass windows above, creating a colorful backdrop. The arching architecture and hanging lanterns add to the majestic ambiance.

Duke Chapel Weddings

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May 14, 2022

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duke chapel & cookery wedding – sasha & ben

I don’t know about you, but 2022 seems to be zipping by at breakneck speed for me. It’s been a really busy spring so far and I can’t believe I haven’t had time to blog a wedding till now. So let’s things right with a few of my fave images from Sasha and Ben’s wedding from the end of March. It was my first trip back to Duke Chapel for a wedding since the pandemic struck and it was so great to be back in one of my favourite places to photograph in. It really does have a great feeling and I just love the mood the light there gives me when shooting.

I started off with Sasha and her bridesmaids in the penthouse suite at 21c where they were getting ready whilst my assistant, Brian, was with the guys. From there, we headed over to Duke Gardens for the first look followed by portraits of the couple, their families and the bridal party. The gardens are always lovely, but it was a very special time with the cherry blossom in full bloom, which also meant they were very busy with a lot of people taking photos. We headed to some of my favourite, more secluded, areas of the gardens and also shot around the traffic by using longer lenses to help eliminate the visual clutter in the background.

After the gardens, we headed over to the chapel where we had plenty of time for more portraits of the bride and groom before the ceremony itself, which, in itself, was definitely the fastest I have ever seen at the chapel. That was great news for me as it means I had extra time to create some more technically challenging photographs I have’t had the time to try before. Once we’d finished up and headed outside, the sun, which had finally come out, was setting and we were able to create some beautiful images in the last rays of golden sunlight.

From there, it was over to The Cookery for the reception and a fabulous party! It’s so great to finally see people back out there dancing and mingling without having to worry about you know what.

It was tough narrowing down my selections for the blog, but here are just a few of my favourites from Sasha and Ben’s day…

In a dimly lit room with a serene blue hue, a person gets makeup applied as the soft lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere. A colorful portrait of a woman's face reflects on glass, evoking the serene beauty found within places like Duke Chapel.
Two women in a softly lit room hold a delicate veil before a hanging wedding dress, adorned with lace and floral details. The scene evokes serene elegance, reminiscent of Duke Chapel, with natural light filtering through sheer curtains on the window.
A woman in a robe getting makeup applied by a stylist stands near a mirrored closet, reflecting their image. A wedding dress hangs nearby, casting a serene ambiance reminiscent of Duke Chapel. The scene is beautifully captured in black and white.
A bride in a flowing gown stands in front of a mirror in a hotel room, adjusting her dress. Two women in robes look on by the window, which lets in natural light. The scene captures a calm, intimate pre-wedding moment, reminiscent of those cherished Duke Chapel weddings.
In the gentle ambiance, a woman stands in a white lace strapless dress and pearl necklace, subtly reminiscent of the regal beauty of Duke Chapel. Her dark hair and light makeup enhance the serene mood as she faces slightly to the side.
A bride joyfully exits Duke Chapel, holding her wedding dress above her ankles. On the sidewalk, people pass by, including someone pushing a luggage cart. The urban street setting is captured beautifully in black and white.
A bride and groom stand on a narrow bridge surrounded by a lush garden at Duke Chapel, with trees and flowering plants. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a suit, with a pond visible in the background.
A bride and groom share a kiss in a lush garden setting reminiscent of Duke Chapel. The bride, in a white gown with a bouquet of white flowers, and the groom, in a dark suit, are surrounded by green foliage and stone structures, creating a serene atmosphere.
A couple in wedding attire walks through a forest of tall, thin bamboo trees, reminiscent of the serene beauty surrounding Duke Chapel. The black and white image captures their silhouettes and the contrasting light casting gentle shadows on the ground.
A black and white photo of a couple on their wedding day, standing close in front of the iconic Duke Chapel. They gaze into each other's eyes with smiles; the groom in a suit, the bride in a gown. Blurred trees in the background create a dreamy effect.
duke chapel & cookery wedding - sasha & ben
A bride and groom stand close, gazing lovingly into each other's eyes against a backdrop of soft, blurred cherry blossoms at the iconic Duke Chapel. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit with a white boutonnière.
A bride and groom stand together outdoors, surrounded by bridesmaids in various shades of blue dresses. They all hold white flowers, with the majestic Duke Chapel in the background, framed by lush greenery and blooming white flowers above.
A bride and groom embrace under the cherry blossoms near Duke Chapel. The scene is serene, with soft pink petals framing the couple. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting a warm glow on their intimate moment along the stone pathway.
A smiling bride stands indoors at Duke Chapel, holding a bouquet of flowers. She is wearing a strapless wedding gown with lace detailing and a veil. Her hair is styled with a side part, and she wears a necklace and bracelet. The image is in black and white.
A man in a formal suit with a bow tie stands with his hands in his pockets, wearing a boutonniere on his lapel. The soft, dramatic lighting mirrors the timeless elegance of Duke Chapel, creating a focused and refined atmosphere.
A bride in a flowing, floral lace gown stands gracefully on a stone step under the arched entrance of Duke Chapel. She holds a bouquet and looks to the side with a serene expression. The black-and-white scene highlights elegant architectural details.
A person in a dark suit stands confidently in a stone-arched hallway of Duke Chapel, with its intricate architecture and soft lighting creating a serene atmosphere.
A bride in a flowing white gown and veil stands joyfully in the stone archway of Duke Chapel's gothic architecture. She holds a bouquet of flowers, her dress swirling around her, creating an elegant, romantic scene.
Three men in formal suits stand in a dimly lit, ornate stone hallway that resembles the grandeur of a duke chapel. Two are focused on the man to their right, who is gesturing with a small box. The scene exudes a vintage, elegant atmosphere.
A black and white image captures a bride and a man walking down an aisle in the ornate Duke Chapel. The gothic-style structure frames them with its tall, intricately designed pillars and large stained glass windows, as the bride gracefully wears a flowing gown and veil.
duke chapel & cookery wedding - sasha & ben
duke chapel & cookery wedding - sasha & ben
A black and white photo captures a wedding ceremony at Duke Chapel. The bride and groom stand facing each other, holding hands, with the bridal party beside them—bridesmaids in dresses and groomsmen in suits—as the officiant oversees the sacred vows.
A wedding ceremony inside the grand Duke Chapel boasts high vaulted ceilings and ornate stained glass windows. The bride and groom stand at the altar surrounded by the wedding party. Guests are seated on wooden pews, with elegant chandeliers casting a warm glow above.
duke chapel & cookery wedding - sasha & ben
A bride and groom stand joyfully at the altar in the grandeur of Duke Chapel, surrounded by their bridal party. The bride is in a flowing white gown, while the groom wears a dark suit. The bridal party, dressed in blue and gray, applauds the couple.
In the elegant setting of Duke Chapel, a bride and groom share a kiss in the church aisle. The bride, in a flowing white gown, holds a bouquet as the groom stands beside her in his dark suit. The black and white image captures blurred background lights, enhancing the moment's timeless charm.
A couple stands at the center of a grand, dimly lit cathedral reminiscent of Duke Chapel. They are illuminated by sunlight streaming through intricate stained glass windows above, creating a colorful backdrop. The arching architecture and hanging lanterns add to the majestic ambiance.
A black and white photo captures a bride and groom embracing in a cathedral-like corridor reminiscent of Duke Chapel. The arched ceiling and stone columns create a dramatic, romantic atmosphere, as the bride, in her flowing gown and veil, gazes lovingly at her partner.
A couple in formal wedding attire stands in the dimly lit Duke Chapel, with its high arches and stained glass windows. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a black tuxedo, both smiling warmly as soft lighting accentuates the scene.
A bride and groom stand illuminated in a doorway of a dimly lit, gothic-style church reminiscent of Duke Chapel. Ornate wooden doors with decorative carvings frame the couple, while the towering stone walls and arches create a dramatic and romantic atmosphere.
A couple in wedding attire stands in the ornate, arched stone corridor of Duke Chapel. The bride wears a white dress, and the groom is in a dark suit. The setting is grand and gothic, with intricate stonework and a high-ceilinged passageway.
Outside Duke Chapel, a bride and groom share a tender embrace. The bride, in her white gown and veil, stands with her groom in a dark suit. Sunlight casts a warm glow, highlighting the happy couple against the chapel's stunning backdrop.
A bride in a flowing white gown twirls joyfully under the stone arches of Duke Chapel. Her long veil catches the wind, and she smiles brightly, creating a sense of movement and happiness against the historic architecture.
A bride and groom stand under the ornate arched entrance of Duke Chapel. The bride's veil gracefully trails as the couple embraces, capturing a romantic moment. The architecture features intricate stone carvings and decorative metal doors, enhancing the scene's timeless elegance.
A bride and groom hold hands, gazing at each other in front of Duke Chapel's ornate, arched entrance with large wooden doors. The bride wears a white gown and veil, while the groom is in a dark suit. The scene is illuminated by soft lighting.
A bride and groom stand closely, touching foreheads and smiling softly in the warm glow of Duke Chapel. The bride is wearing a white dress with a flowing veil, while the groom is in a black suit, all bathed in romantic ambiance.
A couple in wedding attire stands on a wide stone walkway in front of the magnificent Duke Chapel, its spires reaching high under a dramatic cloudy sky. Captured in black and white, the image emphasizes both the chapel's architectural details and the couple's silhouette.
A long, elegant dining table set for an event at Duke Chapel, featuring navy blue napkins, gold plates, and a menu card at each setting. Glasses of water and wine are placed alongside, with candlelights creating a warm, inviting ambiance.
A beautifully set dining table with elegant glassware, plates, and centerpieces featuring candles in tall holders evokes the grandeur typically found at Duke Chapel events. Plates contain salads and bread rolls on a navy blue tablecloth with a table number 8 card. The background is softly lit.
A black-and-white image captures the magic of a wedding reception in an industrial-style venue reminiscent of Duke Chapel's grandeur. The couple dances in the center as guests surround them on the dance floor, while string lights overhead illuminate the festive atmosphere.
A bride and groom share their first dance on a wooden floor inside Duke Chapel, softly lit to highlight the romance. The bride wears a flowing white gown, and the groom is in a suit. Guests watch from the foreground as hanging lights and brick walls create an enchanting backdrop.
In a black and white photo, two young girls twirl in dresses on a wooden floor. An adult in a suit, possibly their father, joins one girl. In the background, with a nod to Duke Chapel's grandeur, a group of people socializes in the softly lit room.
A group of people dancing energetically in a dimly lit room reminiscent of Duke Chapel. The focus is on a woman with braided hair wearing a pink dress. Other dancers, dressed in formal attire, are visible in the background. String lights create a warm atmosphere.
Under the enchanting glow of string lights, a diverse group dances energetically on a wooden floor. Their elegant attire creates a festive atmosphere reminiscent of celebrations at Duke Chapel, with one person holding a drink while joyfully swaying to the rhythm.
A joyful wedding scene unfolds at Duke Chapel, with a bride in a white dress laughing with guests. A man in a vest and bow tie appears surprised, while a woman in a pink dress points playfully. The festive atmosphere is highlighted by warm lighting and a brick wall backdrop.
People are dancing energetically at a lively indoor event near Duke Chapel. The atmosphere is joyful, with individuals raising their hands and enjoying the music. The venue has warm, ambient lighting with strings of lights in the background, enhancing the festive mood.
A joyful man in a light gray suit and bow tie dances enthusiastically at a lively party near Duke Chapel. Several people in formal attire surround him, smiling and holding drinks, with festive string lights illuminating the background.
A lively wedding reception at Duke Chapel features a couple dancing under warm string lights. The woman wears a white dress, and the man is in a vest and tie. Guests around them are enjoying the celebration.
A lively group of people dance at a party. Two women in the foreground, one in a black dress and the other in a floral dress, enthusiastically point off-camera while holding drinks. The room, echoing the charm of Duke Chapel, is warmly lit with hanging lights and a wooden floor.
A large group of people dressed in formal attire poses together in a spacious room adorned with string lights. Smiling and raising their hands in celebration, they are reminiscent of gatherings at Duke Chapel, surrounded by charming brick walls and large windows.
A couple shares a romantic dip kiss on a dimly lit path near Duke Chapel, surrounded by cheering friends holding sparklers. The festive atmosphere is complemented by string lights overhead, creating a warm, celebratory scene.

Credits:

Venues: 21c Durham, Duke Chapel, Duke Gardens & The Cookery  / Planner: B Vaughn Events  / DJ: Willis J Entertainment / Florist: Poppy Belle Floral Design / Videographer: Carson Banks Media / Caterer: Donovan’s Dish / Cake: Frosted with Love / Assistant Photographer: Brian Calabrese

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