A bride and groom share a romantic moment in the dimly lit doorway of Duke Chapel. Silhouetted by a bright light, they are surrounded by ornate stained glass windows with rich red and amber tones, creating an enchanting gothic ambiance.

Duke Chapel Weddings

filed under:

June 24, 2022

published on:

duke chapel & umstead wedding photography – melissa & drew

The summer solstice is now behind us and it’s hard to believe we’re halfway through the year already. Between new weddings and catching up on 2020/1 postponements (yep, Melissa & Drew’s Duke Chapel & Umstead wedding was another one that was postponed twice), 2022 is turning out to be my busiest year ever. So it’s another quick post and run as I have a rare weekend off and am heading off to the beach with my family.

Between one thing and another, I seem to have unwittingly spent ¾ of my shooting time at Duke University this year. You’ll probably have noticed! That’s fine with me though. I really love working at both Duke Gardens and Duke Chapel. You’ll also notice from recent blog posts (and some upcoming ones) that I have been out at The Umstead a far bit this year too. So Melissa & Drew’s Duke Chapel/Umstead Hotel wedding is definitely a great example of a typical spring 2022 wedding for me.

I’d worked with Melissa, her planner and the rest of the team in order to get the best possible timeline in place. Melissa had originally wanted to do a first look and family photos at The Umstead. However, after factoring in a potential 5:30am start for hair and makeup in order to accomplish that, I suggested just pushing back the first look to do it at Duke Chapel. So after photographing the getting ready at The Umstead, we headed over to the Chapel and set up the first look to take place right away. That way, we had plenty of time to take photos of Melissa & Drew before taking some of the traditional family photos together before the ceremony.

After the ceremony, we took some more family photos and pictures of the newlyweds. From there, we headed back to The Umstead for the party.

It’s always really tough selecting just a handful of photos from a gallery containing hundreds of images, but here are just some of my personal faves.

Congrats and best wishes for a long and happy marriage to Melissa & Drew!

A black-and-white image of a bridal gown with intricate lace details, hanging on a hanger beside a window at Duke Chapel. The long veil is draped gracefully over a stand, with curtains framing the serene outdoor view reminiscent of Umstead's tranquility.
A small dog wearing a bandana with the word "Honor" and a pink flower stands on a tiled floor. The dog looks up at two people in bright blue and pink pants seated nearby, their legs visible, perhaps near the serene paths of Umstead.
A bride adjusts her earring in a mirror, adorned with a decorative hairpiece at the enchanting Duke Chapel. In the background, a woman smiles while seated, and another person can be seen further back. The scene captures a joyful pre-wedding preparation moment at this iconic location.
In the softly lit room, reminiscent of the tranquility found at Umstead, a makeup artist applies makeup to a seated woman in front of a warmly glowing window, creating an intimate and serene atmosphere.
In a softly lit room reminiscent of a peaceful day at Umstead, a woman with long blonde hair sits in a robe. Another woman with short auburn hair delicately applies makeup to her face, while light filters gently through the drapes.
A woman holds a lace wedding dress up to the window, examining it in the natural light streaming from the view of trees outside. Another woman stands nearby, smiling with hands clasped in excitement—dreaming of a Duke Chapel ceremony. The room boasts a large mirror and serene ambiance, reminiscent of Umstead.
A close-up of a bride's back as two pairs of hands button her lace wedding dress, featuring delicate floral embroidery. In the intimate setting, echoes of Duke Chapel elegance surround them, capturing a special moment of preparation.
A bride in a lace wedding gown smiles at a woman in a light blue dress standing before the bright window of Duke Chapel. Both women, with long blonde hair, exchange warm looks as sunlight filters through, casting an ethereal glow reminiscent of the serene beauty found at Umstead.
A woman with long blonde hair and a lace dress gazes towards the camera with a gentle expression, reminiscent of the serene beauty often found within Duke Chapel. The soft lighting highlights her features against a dark background, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere much like Umstead's tranquil charm.
A woman in a white lace wedding dress stands in soft lighting at Duke Chapel, looking toward the camera. Her long, wavy blonde hair cascades over her shoulders, and the dress showcases detailed floral lace. She appears serene and poised, capturing the beauty of this elegant venue.
In a black and white image, a bride at Duke Chapel has her heeled sandal adjusted by another person. The focus is on the shoes and the delicate lace of her gown, creating an intimate and elegant scene reminiscent of a serene moment at Umstead.
A group of seven men stands in a room, raising their glasses in a toast. The table before them holds several bottles and boxes. The atmosphere is celebratory, echoing the camaraderie often found at Duke Chapel events. The nostalgic photo is rendered in black and white.
Two men in dress shirts, perhaps getting ready for an event at Duke Chapel or Umstead, are adjusting their cuffs in a dressing room. They stand near a clothing rack with suits hanging on it. The black-and-white scene captures them intently focused on perfecting their attire.
Two men in formal attire prepare in front of a mirror at Duke Chapel. One adjusts his tie, while the other fixes his collar. The scene is in black and white, capturing a sense of anticipation and concentrated focus.
In the shadowy stone corridor of Duke Chapel, a man in a formal black tuxedo stands confidently beneath gothic arches. With his hands in his pockets and wearing a bow tie, he gazes off to the side with a slight smile. The image captures the elegance in timeless black and white.
A bride in a lace wedding gown stands under the ornate archway of Duke Chapel. Her long veil flows elegantly behind her as she holds a bouquet and smiles. The intricate stone architecture creates a classic and timeless atmosphere.
A bride with long blonde hair, adorned in a lace wedding dress and veil, stands gracefully indoors at Duke Chapel, holding a bouquet of white flowers. She gazes elegantly to the side, with the intricate architectural details of this iconic venue as her backdrop.
A bride in a flowing white dress stands in the stone archway of Duke Chapel. Her long veil billows gracefully around her, and she holds a bouquet of white flowers. The intricate architecture creates a romantic, timeless backdrop.
In the romantic atmosphere of Duke Chapel, a groom in a black tuxedo joyfully approaches his bride in a white gown with a long train. The arched stone corridor, adorned with intricate details, frames their enchanting moment perfectly.
In the beautiful, arched stone hallway of Duke Chapel, a bride and groom stand facing each other, holding hands. The bride wears a white lace gown, and the groom is in a black suit with a white boutonniere. They are smiling warmly at each other.
A bride and groom stand closely under a gothic-style stone archway at Duke Chapel, sharing a romantic moment. The bride wears a long, elegant gown with a flowing train, while the groom is in a dark suit. The setting's intricate arches and stonework enhance their timeless embrace.
A bride and groom smile joyfully with their flower-adorned dog. The bride, in a lace wedding dress, holds white flowers beside the groom's black tuxedo. They stand before the arched stone elegance of Duke Chapel, capturing a moment of pure bliss.
In the grand setting of Duke Chapel, a bride and a man, possibly her father, walk down the aisle. He tenderly holds her long lace veil as they approach the altar. The elegant backdrop of stained glass windows and intricate gothic arches frames this poignant moment.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle of Duke Chapel towards an officiant in the richly decorated church. Guests are seated on both sides, while large candles flank the officiant. Ornate wood carvings and a cross adorn the background, enhancing Umstead-inspired elegance.
A wedding ceremony inside the grand Duke Chapel features a couple at the altar. Adorned with stained glass windows and hanging chandeliers, guests witness the event within the ornate, high-ceilinged architecture, experiencing a truly majestic moment.
A wedding ceremony unfolds at the majestic Duke Chapel altar. The bride, in a white gown, is embraced by an older man in a suit, as the groom looks on. The officiant stands behind them. Bridesmaids in blue dresses and groomsmen in black suits are elegantly aligned on either side.
A wedding ceremony unfolds inside the grand Duke Chapel, its tall, arched ceilings and intricate stained glass windows creating a breathtaking setting. The bridal party stands at the altar, surrounded by guests seated in pews beneath the elegant chandeliers.
The black and white photo captures a woman speaking at a wooden lectern inside the grand Duke Chapel. The ornately carved lectern stands out, with another woman seated nearby. Floral arrangements adorn the scene, framed by the chapel's large decorative architecture in the background.
A couple stands at the altar in the grand Duke Chapel for their wedding ceremony. Bridesmaids in blue dresses line the side, while vibrant stained glass windows and an ornate organ adorn the background, echoing the serenity of Umstead just beyond.
A couple is getting married inside the grand Duke Chapel, with its high vaulted ceilings and intricate stained glass windows. The aisle is lined with seated guests, and chandeliers provide warm lighting reminiscent of a serene atmosphere like that at Umstead.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle of Duke Chapel, smiling at guests. Bridesmaids and groomsmen stand behind them at the altar. The black-and-white scene highlights ornate decorations and chandeliers, echoing the elegance of an Umstead-inspired setting.
A bride and groom walk joyfully down a stone path near Duke Chapel, surrounded by lush greenery and historic brick buildings. The bride holds her dress while the groom carries a bouquet. They are followed by a few elegant guests from Umstead, all smiling brightly.
A bride and groom stand at the center of a large group inside the grand Duke Chapel. They are surrounded by family and friends, including men in suits and women in elegant dresses. The setting features ornate woodwork and hanging chandeliers.
A bride and groom stand inside the ornate Duke Chapel, its large stained glass window casting colorful light on the intricate wooden details. The bride wears a long white gown with a train, while the groom is in a black suit. They face each other, holding hands, their love as timeless as Umstead's serene beauty.
A smiling couple in wedding attire faces each other in the dimly lit Duke Chapel. The bride wears a long veil and lace gown, while the groom dons a dark suit with a boutonniere. Soft lighting creates an intimate, romantic atmosphere that mirrors the serene elegance of Umstead’s natural beauty.
A bride and groom share a romantic moment in the dimly lit doorway of Duke Chapel. Silhouetted by a bright light, they are surrounded by ornate stained glass windows with rich red and amber tones, creating an enchanting gothic ambiance.
A bride in a flowing white gown and veil holds a bouquet while standing with a groom in a black suit. They embrace before the grand entrance of Duke Chapel, its ornate stonework and decorative golden doors providing the perfect backdrop to their love story.
A black and white photo captures a bride and groom walking hand in hand down the steps of Duke Chapel, its ornate doors framing them elegantly. The bride, in her long gown and veil, holds a bouquet, while the groom dons a suit and tie. Their smiles as they gaze at each other are timeless.
A couple in wedding attire stands on the stone steps of Duke Chapel's gothic tower under a cloudy sky. The bride's long veil flows behind her as they face each other, holding hands, creating a dramatic and romantic atmosphere.
A four-tiered wedding cake adorned with white and pink flowers graces a round table at Duke Chapel. Surrounded by tea light candles and extra floral arrangements, two empty champagne flutes stand elegantly to the right. The Umstead provides a softly lit background ambiance.
A dimly lit, elegant wedding reception hall evokes the timeless charm of a Duke Chapel ceremony, with round tables adorned with white tablecloths and floral centerpieces. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a warm glow, reminiscent of the serene beauty of Umstead's natural grace.
A dimly lit, elegant banquet hall reminiscent of Duke Chapel, with round tables covered in white tablecloths. Each table features tall floral centerpieces with white and green flowers. A grand chandelier hangs overhead, casting a warm glow akin to the ambiance at Umstead.
A baby in a pink dress smiles and reaches for a phone held by someone in a black suit near Duke Chapel. A seated woman with braided hair is handing something to the baby. Other people with drinks are around, creating a lively social scene, reminiscent of gatherings at Umstead.
A couple dances alone in a dimly lit ballroom reminiscent of the elegance found in Duke Chapel. The woman wears a light-colored dress, and the man wears a dark suit. Decorative flowers adorn an arch behind them, with guests seated at tables watching in the background, adding to the Umstead ambiance.
A black and white photo captures a couple gracefully dancing at what could be a formal event near Duke Chapel. The woman is in an elegant dress, and the man, wearing a suit and boutonniere, complements her beautifully. Softly focused tables with guests seated add depth to this timeless Umstead-like scene.
In a warmly lit room reminiscent of Duke Chapel's elegance, a couple dances gracefully on the wooden floor, with the man dipping the woman. Guests seated around admire the scene as a floral archway, echoing Umstead’s natural beauty, adds an elegant touch in the background.
In a black-and-white photo, a couple dances with elegance; the man in a suit and the woman in a sleeveless dress. They glide gracefully through a decorated room, where floral arrangements echo the refinement of an event at Duke Chapel, as another tuxedo-clad man stands by a table.
A woman in a blue dress and a man in a black suit dance together at Duke Chapel, both smiling warmly. The background features soft lighting and floral decorations from Umstead, suggesting a celebratory event.
A black and white image captures a couple dancing gracefully in the foreground, while in the background, a woman sits at a flower-adorned table. The elegant setting evokes the charm of a venue like Duke Chapel or Umstead.
A young woman in a white dress and an elderly man in a black tuxedo joyfully dance together at an elegant indoor event at Umstead. Both are smiling warmly, surrounded by other couples dancing. The atmosphere is festive and bright, reminiscent of celebrations at Duke Chapel.
A man and woman dance energetically in a warmly lit room with a wooden floor reminiscent of Duke Chapel's warmth. She wears a colorful floral dress, and he has on a white shirt and dark pants. The lights blur, creating a lively atmosphere as if echoing the serenity of Umstead. Two people and a DJ booth are in the background.
A man with curly hair dances energetically at a party, wearing a white shirt and striped tie. The lively atmosphere, resembling the energy of a night near Duke Chapel, is enhanced by blurred motion lights. Other guests, including a man in glasses and a woman in a patterned dress, are visible in the background.
A man in a white shirt and tie dances joyfully at an indoor party, reminiscent of celebrations near Duke Chapel, with blurred lights and motion around him. A chandelier and flower arrangement are in the background, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
A lively wedding reception unfolds beneath a grand chandelier, with guests dancing energetically. Women in light blue dresses and men in suits grace the floor. The warm, blurry lighting evokes the elegance of Duke Chapel against the vibrant backdrop, reminiscent of an evening at Umstead.
A man in a suit enthusiastically dances on the wooden floor at a lively indoor event, reminiscent of celebrations at Duke Chapel. His tie is loosened, and he seems to be reveling in the moment. In the background, guests seated at tables are visible, along with floral decorations and soft Umstead lighting.
People are dancing energetically at a party near Duke Chapel, with blurred lights creating a dynamic atmosphere. A man in a blue vest and tie raises his arms, surrounded by women in colorful dresses, all enjoying the lively scene reminiscent of Umstead's vibrant surroundings.
At a lively event near Duke Chapel, a woman in a blue dress and a man in a light purple shirt dance joyfully. The room is warmly lit, with others swaying in the background amid elegant floral decorations reminiscent of Umstead's natural beauty.
A woman in a floral dress smiles energetically while dancing at a lively party, as if celebrating alongside the vibrant spirit found near Duke Chapel. Her hair moves with the motion, and vibrant, blurred orange lights create a dynamic background. Other attendees can be seen enjoying the festive atmosphere.
A woman in a blue dress joyfully sings while holding a drink, surrounded by others in formal attire. The lively scene, reminiscent of celebrations at Duke Chapel, features swirling light trails suggesting movement and energy.
An elderly man in a tuxedo and a young woman in a blue dress joyfully dance at a formal event held at Duke Chapel. The background features floral decorations and warm lighting, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of evenings spent at Umstead.
A woman in a green dress laughs and holds a drink while a man in a tuxedo dances, reminiscent of an elegant evening at Duke Chapel. They are in a lively room with blurred motion lights and a round table, capturing the festive atmosphere akin to celebrations at Umstead.
Two women joyfully dancing at a lively party. The woman on the left, reminiscent of a floral tapestry found in places like Duke Chapel, raises her arms, while the woman on the right in a patterned dress smiles warmly. Other guests sway in the background under warm, blurred lights akin to those at Umstead.
A couple dances gracefully in the foreground of a warmly lit reception hall reminiscent of Duke Chapel's grandeur. The woman wears a white dress, and the man wears a suit with a vest. Blurred figures sway in the background under soft Umstead-like lighting.

Thanks to: Venue: Duke University Chapel / Reception, Catering & Accommodations: The Umstead Hotel & Spa / Planner: Kathy at Sally Oakley Weddings & Events / DJ: Frank at Bunn DJ Co / Hair & Makeup: The Makeup Culture / Dress: Pronovias / Florist: Watered Garden Florist Studios / Cake: Ashley Cakes / Rentals: CE Rental / Ice Cream: Two Roosters / Transportation: Ecostyle / Videography: Oak City Films / Assistant Photographer: Dajuan Jones

Check Out

want More?

Connect with us

Contact us for real, candid moments you’ll cherish forever.

Ready to make your wedding memories last?