A bride and groom hold hands, walking outside a stone building at Duke Gardens. The bride wears a white lace gown with a long veil, and the groom is in a dark suit with a boutonniere. Both are smiling and looking at each other.

Duke Gardens Weddings

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March 12, 2023

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Duke gardens wedding photography – luisa & Andrew

Where to begin when talking about Luisa & Andrew’s wedding day? Tough for me to say except to say that it seemed to go by in a total blur. I was photographing for ten hours that day and to say we packed a lot into that time would be an understatement: we shot right through the day with pretty much zero downtime, which is exactly how I like it!

I met up with Luisa and her bridesmaids at the WaDuke while my assistant, Song, headed over to hang out with the guys. Once Luisa & Andrew were both ready, I drove Luisa over to Duke Chapel whilst Andrew travelled with Song, for their first look in the arcades. We’d been chatting in the months and weeks ahead of the wedding day to coordinate and book their time with the chapel staff and I have to say, we coordinated everting to perfection. Despite the fact there seemed to be hundreds of people on campus that day following the choir recital at Duke Chapel, we were able to essentially cordon off the arcade of our choice and work pretty much undisturbed for the duration of our allotted time.

After the first look, we took some time to enjoy the architecture and the amazing light at the chapel that day to take some beautiful portraits of the couple. I’m only able to share a few here, but we were able to get a lot of really cool images for both photo and video. It really was ideal conditions for shooting with great light and a lovely warm temperature without being too humid. With days like this, it’s easy to see why October is peak month for weddings in this area!

One of the benefits of a first look is that it allows you to also take care of your family photos before the ceremony, which we duly did to make the most of the time we had booked at the chapel. Again the light was perfect for these as the sun was hitting the arcades at just the right angle and bouncing around the interior stone to give everything a beautiful warm feel. You can feel the warmth in the photos which is pretty much accurate for how the day itself felt in terms of temperature but also the sheer happiness and love on show from everyone in attendance.

From the chapel, we headed over to Duke Gardens for the ceremony, which took place right as the sun was dipping below the horizon. I always love photographing weddings at the gardens, but to do them right at golden hour is truly magical.

Once the ceremony was done, we took some quick photos of Luisa & Andrew’s extended family before heading out into the gardens for some more portraits of the newlyweds. I have to say I was spoilt for time given Luisa had worked so well with her planner and me to maximise the photographic opportunities across the day. We did a quick loop of some of my fave spots near the reception site and squeezed out every last ray of sunshine before heading in for the reception.

All in all, it was a truly brilliant day and I am so happy to be able to finally share some of the images with Luisa & Andrew as well as you all!

It was really tough to whittle Luisa & Andrew’s gallery down for the sake of a blog post, but I’m pleased to say I managed it in the end.

So without any further ado, here are are my picks of the pics from Luisa & Andrew’s beautiful day.

A woman with long dark hair sits with her eyes closed and a serene expression, as though preparing for a Duke Gardens wedding. Another person's hand, holding a makeup brush, is near her face. The image has a warm, blurred foreground, giving it a soft, intimate feel.
A bride in a lace wedding dress stands near a window at Duke Gardens, while two women in matching navy pajamas assist her. One adjusts the dress, and the other holds the train. Blue patterned curtains flank the window, letting in natural light.
A bride in an elegant white lace dress is being assisted with the back zipper by an unseen person. She smiles softly, with sunlight streaming through a Duke Gardens wedding window behind her, illuminating the intricate floral patterns on her dress.
duke gardens wedding photography - luisa & andrew
A person in a white dress is tying sheer, glittery ribbons around their ankles over white heels, as if preparing for a Duke Gardens wedding, while sitting on a blue carpet.
A bride in a white gown shares a joyful moment with a man in a navy suit and bow tie. Together, they hold hands near the window with patterned curtains at their Duke Gardens wedding, both smiling lovingly at each other.
A man in a suit gently embraces a woman in a white dress, kissing her forehead amid the softly lit ambiance of Duke Gardens. Patterned curtains frame the background, enhancing the scene's sense of tenderness and affection on their special wedding day.
A woman smiling warmly at the camera, wearing a strapless white dress, exudes elegance reminiscent of a Duke Gardens wedding. Her long, dark hair is styled in loose curls and she wears dangling earrings. The background is a soft, blurred gray fabric.
Black and white portrait of a bride looking pensive in Duke Gardens. She is wearing an elaborate lace wedding dress with thin straps and drop earrings. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing her serene expression.
In a black and white photo, a man in a white shirt, black suspenders, and bow tie stands before a mirror, adjusting his attire with focused intent. The well-lit room hints at the elegance of Duke Gardens wedding preparation. He is captured from the waist up.
A man in a white shirt with suspenders and a bow tie smiles as he adjusts his outfit, envisioning the charm of a Duke Gardens wedding. He stands by the window, gazing outside. The timeless image is captured in black and white.
A man in a tuxedo smiles in a room, standing in front of a TV showing a sports scene, as if he's just returned from a Duke Gardens wedding. Another person sits in the background on a chair, wearing casual clothes and leaning back with a relaxed posture.
Three men in suits stand in a room, two holding beer cans as they toast with smiles. They appear to be preparing for a Duke Gardens wedding. The scene exudes a relaxed and celebratory mood, perfectly setting the tone for the elegant event ahead.
A man in a navy suit with a bow tie stands confidently, one hand in his pocket and the other resting on a stone column, as if ready for a Duke Gardens wedding. A boutonniere is pinned to his lapel, perfectly complementing the elegant hallway with its arched ceilings.
A bride and groom walk through a stone archway at the Duke Gardens wedding. The bride wears a lace gown and veil, and the groom wears a navy tuxedo. They smile at each other, creating a romantic and joyful atmosphere in the sunlit corridor.
A bride and groom share a kiss under a stone archway at Duke Gardens. The bride wears a flowing dress with a long veil, and the groom is in a dark suit. Sunlight filters in, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere for their wedding.
A bride and groom share a romantic moment in the elegant setting of Duke Gardens. The bride's long veil flows in the foreground as they stand dressed in formal wedding attire, gazing into each other's eyes with warm smiles.
A bride and groom stand closely under a stone archway at Duke Gardens, embracing. The bride wears a long, flowing veil and a lace gown, while the groom is in a dark suit. Sunlight softly illuminates the architectural details and the couple's attire in this enchanting wedding scene.
A bride in an intricate lace wedding dress stands on stone steps at Duke Gardens, holding her long veil as it flows in the sunlight. She gazes to the side, set against ornate doors in the background.
A black-and-white photo captures a couple embracing on the steps of a grand building, perhaps reminiscent of a Duke Gardens wedding. The bride, in a flowing gown with a long veil, stands beside the groom in his suit. Ornate doors with intricate patterns frame this timeless moment.
A bride and groom hold hands and smile at each other while walking in front of a grand, ornate building with large, decorative doors at Duke Gardens. The bride wears a lace gown, and the groom is in a dark suit.
A bride in a white lace wedding dress and heels holds her skirt, standing arm in arm with a groom in a navy blue suit and black shoes. They grace the entrance of ornate wooden doors with black iron swirls, capturing the elegance of a Duke Gardens wedding.
A bride and groom hold hands, walking outside a stone building at Duke Gardens. The bride wears a white lace gown with a long veil, and the groom is in a dark suit with a boutonniere. Both are smiling and looking at each other.
A black-and-white photo captures a smiling bride and groom embracing outside a stone building with arched windows, reminiscent of a Duke Gardens wedding. The bride wears a lace dress and veil, while the groom dons a suit with a boutonniere.
A bride in a white lace gown stands smiling at the center, holding a bouquet of white flowers. She is surrounded by bridesmaids in navy blue dresses, each with similar bouquets, set in the sunlit arches of Duke Gardens—a perfect wedding scene.
A wedding party poses outdoors in formal attire at the picturesque Duke Gardens. The group, consisting of bridesmaids and groomsmen in dark suits and dresses, holds vibrant bouquets. They stand gracefully before a stone building with arches entwined in lush greenery.
A serene pond surrounded by lush trees, with lily pads floating on the water's surface. The tranquil ambiance makes it a perfect backdrop for a Duke Gardens wedding, where the vividly reflected trees and sky create a picturesque scene.
A bride in a lace gown walks down the aisle at Duke Gardens, smiling, arm-in-arm with an older man and woman. They are surrounded by seated guests in an enchanting outdoor setting with trees in the background.
A black-and-white photo captures a Duke Gardens wedding ceremony. The bride, with her back to the camera, walks down the aisle with an escort towards the groom and officiant at the altar. Guests are seated on either side, observing this timeless scene.
A Duke Gardens wedding unfolds in a picturesque setting. A bride in a white gown with a long veil stands with the groom before an officiant. Bridesmaids and groomsmen in formal wear surround them, as guests watch from nearby, embraced by the lush greenery of the gardens.
A bride in a white wedding dress and veil embraces an older man in a suit and glasses during an outdoor ceremony at Duke Gardens. The background, with its blurred guests and trees, captures a warm, emotional moment.
A bride and groom stand together at a beautiful Duke Gardens wedding ceremony. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers, while guests are seated in the background, surrounded by lush greenery and plants under the warm sunlight.
A serene outdoor wedding ceremony at Duke Gardens, viewed through foliage. Guests seated around a stone path surrounded by greenery and a pond reflecting the scene. A wooden arch serves as the altar under the clear blue sky.
A black and white photo captures a Duke Gardens wedding ceremony. The bride and groom stand smiling, holding hands. The groom wears a suit while the bride holds a bouquet. The officiant speaks, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen in the lush garden backdrop.
Black and white photo of an elegant outdoor wedding ceremony at Duke Gardens. The bride and groom stand facing each other, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen. Guests are seated nearby, with trees and leaves providing a picturesque backdrop.
At a Duke Gardens wedding, a bride and groom stand facing each other, holding hands during their outdoor ceremony. The bride wears a white gown and veil, while the groom is in a dark suit. Serene water and lush greenery provide the perfect backdrop for their vows.
A group of bridesmaids in matching dark blue dresses stands in Duke Gardens, holding white floral bouquets. They are lined up in a row, with the sun setting behind them, creating a warm, glowing atmosphere at this picturesque wedding venue.
A bride and groom stand facing each other during a Duke Gardens wedding. The bride wears a long, flowing lace veil, while the groom is in a dark suit. They are surrounded by groomsmen and floral decorations on the stone patio.
A bride and groom kiss during their Duke Gardens wedding ceremony outdoors. The bride wears a long, lace gown with a veil, and the groom is in a dark suit. Bridesmaids and groomsmen stand by with bouquets, clapping amidst lush greenery and floral arrangements.
A black and white photo captures a bride and groom holding hands at their Duke Gardens wedding. The bride wears a long, lace gown. Bridesmaids and groomsmen stand around them, clapping, as guests seated in the foreground share in this enchanting moment.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle at Duke Gardens, surrounded by cheering guests. The bride is in a flowing white dress, and the groom is in a suit. The outdoor setting features trees and lush foliage as guests clap and capture photos of this enchanting moment.
An elegant, lace-trimmed wedding veil flows gracefully onto a stone pathway beside a tiered stone urn at Duke Gardens. The lush greenery enhances the romantic atmosphere of this enchanting wedding setting.
A couple in wedding attire share a romantic kiss amidst the lush beauty of Duke Gardens. The bride, in a long white gown and veil, leans back as the groom holds her. They're surrounded by greenery and a charming wooden archway, capturing the essence of an enchanting garden wedding.
A couple stands in Duke Gardens, dressed in wedding attire. The bride, in a white gown and veil, holds a bouquet as they gaze at each other. The groom wears a dark suit. Lush greenery and white flowers surround them, creating a romantic setting for their Duke Gardens wedding.
A bride and groom pose in a bamboo forest during their Duke Gardens wedding. The groom, in a dark suit, casually holds his jacket over his shoulder, while the bride dazzles in a white lace dress with a long train. They stand on a path enveloped by lush greenery.
A bride stands in a forest at Duke Gardens, wearing a white lace wedding gown with a long train and veil. She is smiling and holding her veil with one hand, surrounded by lush greenery and fallen leaves.
A black and white photo captures a man in a suit and bow tie standing outdoors at Duke Gardens. With his hands in his pockets, he gazes off to the side, the softly blurred background highlighting the enchanting forest setting of a wedding day.
A bride in a lace gown and a groom in a suit stand close, smiling at each other beneath the canopy of Duke Gardens. The bride wears a long veil that flows onto the leaves, adding to the romantic, nature-filled setting.
A bride and groom stand in a lush, green garden at Duke Gardens. The bride wears a lace wedding dress and veil, smiling at the groom in a dark suit and bow tie. They are surrounded by dense foliage, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for their wedding day.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a tree-lined path at Duke Gardens. The bride wears a lace wedding dress with a veil, and the groom is in a tuxedo. Both are smiling as they look at each other. The nostalgic scene is captured in black and white.
A bride in a lacy wedding dress stands confidently with one hand on her hip, looking at the camera. A groom in a tuxedo, set against the lush greenery of Duke Gardens, stands slightly blurred in focus, adding to the enchanting ambiance of their wedding day.
A bride in a long veil and lace dress stands on a ledge, holding hands with her groom in a tuxedo. They are posed in front of the large, ornate fountain at Duke Gardens, with tall trees providing a lush backdrop to their enchanting wedding scene.
A bride in a lace wedding gown and long veil stands on the edge of a fountain next to her groom in a dark suit and bow tie. Surrounded by lush greenery, she smiles radiantly while he looks at the camera, perfectly capturing the enchanting charm of this Duke Gardens wedding.
A bride and groom kiss on a tree-lined path at Duke Gardens. The bride wears a long lace dress and veil, while the groom is in a dark suit. This black-and-white photo beautifully captures their romantic outdoor wedding moment.
A bride and groom smile joyfully at the camera in an outdoor setting, capturing the essence of a Duke Gardens wedding. The bride, wearing a white dress and veil, embraces the groom in a dark suit as they stand on a tree-lined path with soft, natural lighting.
A couple dances together on a garden path at Duke Gardens, their tender moment evoking the elegance of a wedding night. The woman wears a patterned dress, and the man is in a suit. The scene is captured in black and white, with surrounding greenery in soft focus.
A black and white image captures a couple dancing outdoors at their Duke Gardens wedding. The man, in a tuxedo, reaches out to the woman in a floral dress. They are smiling and holding hands, with the lush garden serving as their enchanting backdrop.
A couple dances joyfully in Duke Gardens, their figures framed by the timeless, black-and-white ambiance. The woman smiles in a patterned dress while the man, dapper in his suit, twirls her against softly blurred backgrounds—a perfect moment in this enchanting wedding setting.
A couple dances under the night sky at Duke Gardens. The man in a suit dips the woman in a patterned dress as they kiss, capturing a romantic and elegantly lit moment with the lush garden providing a perfect wedding backdrop.
A black and white image captures a smiling couple in formal attire at their Duke Gardens wedding, raising their glasses in a toast. A blurred floral arrangement graces the foreground, with trees softly framing the joyous moment.
A woman in a dark dress speaks into a microphone with a heartfelt expression, as if at a Duke Gardens wedding. The black and white photo captures the glow of lights in the background, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.
At a Duke Gardens wedding, the bride and groom sit at a table, smiling as they listen to a heartfelt speech. The bride dazzles in her white gown, while the groom looks dapper in his tuxedo. In the foreground, a woman raises her glass for a toast amidst the warm, festive atmosphere.
A man in a suit is speaking into a microphone, gesturing animatedly at what seems to be a Duke Gardens wedding. In the background, a seated couple, dressed formally, are smiling and watching him at this elegant event.
Two babies peacefully sleeping side by side under a dark, plush blanket evoke the serene elegance of a Duke Gardens wedding. Both have pacifiers in their mouths. The image is in black and white, adding a timeless feel to this calming scene.
People dancing energetically at a party, holding glowing light sticks. The room, reminiscent of a Duke Gardens wedding, is filled with colorful lights and guests dressed in formal attire, enjoying the festive atmosphere.
A lively party scene reminiscent of a Duke Gardens wedding, with guests in formal attire. A woman in the foreground is smiling and holding a drink, while others dance and socialize under colorful lights illuminating the room.
A man in a white shirt and tie dances energetically while holding a lit wand at a lively Duke Gardens wedding. Colorful lights and guests in formal attire fill the room, creating a festive atmosphere.
A lively dance floor scene unfolds at a Duke Gardens wedding, with guests reveling in the joyous celebration. Several women dance energetically, holding drinks and glow sticks, as the room is warmly lit with a festive ambiance that captures the magic of the evening.
At a lively Duke Gardens wedding, a man and woman dance energetically. The woman in a yellow dress holds a drink, while the man in a tie raises his beer triumphantly. Colorful lights illuminate the festive crowd dancing joyfully in the background.
A group of men at a party, wearing playful costumes including a chicken hat, crown, and feather boa. One holds a sign that says SEXY! They are smiling and posing together in front of a bright backdrop reminiscent of Duke Gardens wedding festivities.
At a vibrant Duke Gardens wedding, a man in a tuxedo and suspenders dances energetically amid colorful lights. Holding a drink, he laughs along with others, as cheerful guests revel in the joyous atmosphere beside him.
Four women are dancing joyfully at a lively Duke Gardens wedding. Surrounded by colorful lights, two of them wave light sticks with glee. The entire scene is brimming with happiness and festive energy.
A couple joyfully singing and dancing together at a lively indoor party, reminiscent of a Duke Gardens wedding. The man holds a red drink, while the woman has a yellow beverage. Other guests, blurred in the background, are also enjoying the celebration.
A nighttime wedding reception under a clear sky in Duke Gardens with a bright full moon. Guests are seated inside a well-lit, transparent tent adjacent to a large building, surrounded by trees.

Featuring: Ceremony & Reception Venue: Duke Gardens / First Look Venue: Duke University Chapel / Wedding Planner: I Do Weddings by Michele / Officiant: Chris Workman / Hair & Makeup: Reign Beauty / Florist: University Florist / Catering: Catering Works / DJ: Dow Oak Events / Cake: Cupcakes d’Amour / Bride’s Dress: Simply Blush / Groom’s Tux: Savvi Formalwear & Bridal / Live Artist: Tesh Parekh Art / Rentals: Party Reflections / Transportation: Carolina Livery / Videographer: Pie & Mash Filmworks / Assistant Photographer: Song Johns

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