Scarlett & Zach’s Elegant Duke Chapel Wedding: A Day of Love and Tradition

Scarlett and Zach’s wedding was a beautiful blend of elegance, tradition, and personal touches, perfectly captured amidst the historical and artistic backdrop of Durham, NC. Their special day began with getting ready at the unique 21c Museum Hotel, followed by a stunning ceremony at the iconic Duke Chapel, and concluded with a lively reception back at 21c.

Here are just some of my favourite photos from their beautiful day:

In a tranquil room before the Duke Chapel wedding, a bride sits gracefully as a stylist perfects her hair and makeup. By the window, her lace wedding dress is bathed in soft natural light, adding to the serene and anticipatory atmosphere.

A bride in a strapless white gown stands near a window adorned with Chinese decorations, clutching a bouquet of red and orange balloons. Bathed in warm light, she gazes outside, dreaming of her Duke Chapel wedding.

A groom, preparing for his Duke Chapel wedding, adjusts his vest while a groomsman assists with the bow tie. In the softly lit room adorned with a painting, four other groomsmen get ready in the background. The timeless elegance of this black and white photo captures the moment perfectly.

A bride in a white wedding dress stands in a room adorned with red and white balloons, capturing the elegance of a Duke Chapel wedding. She smiles slightly and poses gracefully, her hair styled up, while the background is softly blurred.

Three men in formal attire prepare for a Duke Chapel wedding. Two adjust their ties while the third stands confidently in a suit, looking at the camera. The atmosphere suggests anticipation and camaraderie, set against a simple indoor background.

In the narrow alleyway, a man stands poised in a gray three-piece suit with a red bow tie and white shirt. Curly-haired and adorned with a boutonniere, he seems ready for a Duke Chapel wedding against the backdrop of brick walls and blurred greenery.

A group of groomsmen in gray suits and a groom in a dark suit stroll down an urban alleyway, fresh from their Duke Chapel Wedding. They are smiling and laughing under colorful pennant banners strung above. The brick alley walls add charm, with a striking red door on the right.

In a dimly lit, ornate metal vault reminiscent of a Duke Chapel wedding, a bride in her white gown and her groom in a suit share an embrace. Light casts a warm glow around them, highlighting the intricate details of the vault door.

A bride and groom embrace in a dimly lit room at Duke Chapel. The bride, in her white gown, and the groom, in his dark suit, are enveloped by a soft glow, creating a romantic and dreamlike atmosphere.

A black-and-white photo captures a Duke Chapel wedding moment as the bride leans affectionately on the groom's shoulder, both smiling softly. They stand against a reflective surface, creating a mirrored image of the couple.

A group of people dressed in elegant formal attire are playfully crawling on the floor in a brightly lit room, reminiscent of a joyful Duke Chapel wedding. The decor is lavish with red and gold, and a few guests lounge on a couch in the background, adding to the festive atmosphere.

A group of men in formal attire are playfully piled on top of one another inside a brightly lit room with festive decorations, perhaps fresh from a Duke Chapel wedding. They appear to be laughing and enjoying the moment.

A woman smiles while jotting down notes at a table, surrounded by vibrant red decorations reminiscent of a Duke Chapel wedding. Her blue-green top complements the scene beautifully, and her reflection is captured in a nearby mirror.

Five men in formal attire sit on a green couch, smiling and laughing, perhaps reminiscing about a Duke Chapel wedding. Four wear white shirts with green ties, while one dons a vest with a bow tie. They seem to be enjoying a light-hearted moment indoors.

A smiling woman holds up a smartphone displaying a photo at a Duke Chapel wedding celebration. The room is adorned with red decorations, including a double happiness symbol. Several people are in the background, one laughing, in this festive setting.

In a living room adorned with red decorations, a group of six, dressed in white shirts and ties—except one who sports a vest with a bow tie—form a pyramid shape. Their formation captures the spirit usually reserved for grand occasions like a Duke Chapel wedding, as someone smiles from the couch.

A woman holds an ornate fan decorated with flowers, beads, and a bird, partially covering her face. The backdrop resembles a Duke Chapel wedding with its rich red and white elements intertwined with Chinese symbols.

An older woman with glasses, in a blue dress, sits on a sofa laughing and holding a red cup. Her laughter fills the cozy room, evoking joy reminiscent of a Duke Chapel wedding. She faces another person whose back is to the camera, with light softly streaming through the window.

A group of people hold a red envelope with intricate gold patterns. The hands, belonging to various individuals, showcase diversity in skin tones. This scene suggests a celebratory exchange, possibly reminiscent of the vibrant traditions at events like a Duke Chapel wedding.

A woman in a purple dress with a pearl necklace smiles warmly at a person in a white shirt, vest, and red bow tie. Slightly out of focus, they are likely enjoying the joyous ambiance of a Duke Chapel wedding celebration.

A woman in a red dress sits on a couch, holding a red envelope, facing a man in a white shirt and black vest. The indoor setting, with its soft lighting, echoes the elegance of a Duke Chapel wedding.

At a Duke Chapel wedding, a bride in a gold dress joyfully distributes red envelopes to five women in matching teal dresses. They gather in a festively decorated room, sharing a light-hearted moment together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

In a softly lit room, the bride in her white gown is lovingly assisted by three women as she prepares for her Duke Chapel wedding. With a window in the background, the atmosphere remains intimate and focused.

A bride in a white wedding dress and veil stands with three bridesmaids in green dresses. They are gathered in a dimly lit room adorned with red symbols, preparing for the Duke Chapel wedding ceremony.

A black and white photo captures a Duke Chapel wedding scene: a bride lifting her dress, accompanied by her bridesmaid holding a bouquet. They stroll through the rain in front of the chapel's majestic stone facade, with its arched windows and grand entrance adding timeless elegance to the moment.

The bride in a white gown and long veil stands gracefully in the stone archway of Duke Chapel, holding a bouquet and glancing over her shoulder. The serene scene is elegant, with soft lighting accentuating the architectural details.

A person wearing a suit, vest, and bowtie stands confidently outdoors near Duke Chapel. The background is blurred, highlighting the individual’s formal attire and curly hair. The black and white photo gives it a classic wedding feel.

A bride in a white gown and veil holds a bouquet of flowers at a Duke Chapel wedding, standing gracefully in front of five bridesmaids dressed in teal gowns. They pose in the elegant, arched corridor, creating a joyful and picturesque scene.

Seven men in suits, one standing in the foreground with a bow tie, smiling. The group is positioned on steps with ornate doors reminiscent of a Duke Chapel wedding in the background. Black and white photo.

A bride in a white gown and veil gracefully descends a spiral staircase, holding the handrail. This black and white photo, taken at a Duke Chapel wedding, captures the elegant swirl of her dress against the brick walls, creating a romantic and timeless atmosphere.

A bride in a white veil and pearl necklace gazes to the side, embodying the elegance of a Duke Chapel wedding. Her hair is styled gracefully, and her subtle makeup complements the dark background, highlighting her serene and contemplative expression.

A bride in a voluminous wedding gown and veil stands in the grand interior of Duke Chapel. A man assists with her long veil, while a young girl in a dress looks on. The setting is elegant, with tall stone walls and ornate details. Black and white photo capturing timeless grace.

A bride and groom stand at the altar inside the grand cathedral of Duke Chapel, facing an ornate wooden structure with large organ pipes. The dim lighting elegantly highlights the architecture and stained glass window above them, creating a stunning backdrop for their wedding ceremony.

The bride and woman walk down the aisle of Duke Chapel. Her long veil, elegantly spread on the floor, is embroidered with the words "I DO" in white. The dimly lit cathedral interior highlights ornate columns and arched ceilings, adding a touch of grandeur to this memorable moment.

21c & Duke Chapel Wedding - Scarlett & Zack

A black-and-white photo captures a Duke Chapel wedding ceremony. The groom, holding a bouquet, smiles at the bride beneath her veil. Several groomsmen stand behind them in their suits, bearing witness to this timeless moment.

A Duke Chapel wedding unfolds in a grand cathedral with high vaulted ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and large stained glass windows. The bride and groom stand at the altar, surrounded by guests seated in pews.

In a black and white photo of a Duke Chapel wedding, the bride, in a long gown and veil, stands holding a paper. Bridesmaids clutch bouquets as the groom in his suit faces her, with guests looking on in the church's grand setting.

A Duke Chapel wedding unfolds in a grand church with high vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. Guests are seated, and the couple stands at the altar under ornate lighting. The dim interior accentuates the architectural details, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

A black and white photo captures a Duke Chapel wedding ceremony. The bride and groom share a kiss at the altar, embraced by their bridal party. They stand before a beautifully decorated backdrop, with candles and floral arrangements lining the aisle. Guests are seated in pews, witnessing this precious moment.

A black-and-white photo captures a Duke Chapel wedding ceremony, with the bride and groom smiling as they hold hands. The bride clutches a bouquet, surrounded by joyful guests, including bridesmaids and groomsmen, all clapping and celebrating the couple's happiness.

A black and white photo captures a Duke Chapel wedding ceremony in a grand church. The bride and groom walk down the aisle, surrounded by seated guests. Ornate architectural details and large stained glass windows create an awe-inspiring backdrop.

A bride and groom stand in the ornate, dimly lit Duke Chapel with a long, flowing veil trailing behind the bride. Stained glass windows and intricate woodwork enhance the grandeur of this wedding scene.

A couple in wedding attire embrace and smile at each other in the aisle of the grand Duke Chapel. Rows of glowing chandeliers illuminate the ornate, arched interior in this dimly lit, black and white photograph.

A woman in a white cardigan speaks into a microphone at a Duke Chapel wedding, reading from her phone as a younger woman in a strapless dress gently holds her shoulders. Another seated woman watches them, smiling. They are in a wood-paneled room adorned with floral decorations.

At a Duke Chapel wedding reception, a woman in a dress speaks into a microphone beside a seated couple at the table. The woman at the table laughs warmly, looking at the man who is smiling in the elegant dining area with wood paneling.

A couple dances together in an elegant ballroom with wood-paneled walls reminiscent of a Duke Chapel wedding. The woman wears a flowing gown, and the man is in a suit. Guests are seated at tables, watching the performance as sparkling chandeliers hang from the ceiling.

A couple elegantly dancing in formal attire at a Duke Chapel wedding, set in a dimly lit room with onlookers seated in the background. The woman, in a flowing dress, is gracefully extended while the man supports her, both appearing poised and composed.

A couple elegantly dances in a wood-paneled ballroom, reminiscent of a Duke Chapel wedding. The woman wears a flowing gold dress, and the man is in formal attire. Guests watch from tables adorned with green tablecloths, while round chandeliers illuminate the room.

A black and white image of two hands gently holding each other evokes the elegance of a Duke Chapel wedding. The hand on the left, adorned with a ring and long decorative nails, is held by the hand on the right, which is wearing a shirt. The image conveys a timeless sense of connection and support.

The Morning: Elegance at 21c Museum Hotel

The day started with Scarlett and Zach preparing for their big moment at the 21c Museum Hotel in Durham. This unique hotel, housed in a former bank, offered the perfect blend of modern art and historic charm. Scarlett was the picture of bridal beauty in her breathtaking Vera Wang wedding dress, exuding elegance and grace. The morning light streaming through the windows highlighted the intricate details of her gown, setting a serene and magical tone for the day.

Zach, equally dashing, prepared with his groomsmen, each moment filled with anticipation and excitement. The atmosphere was one of joy and camaraderie as they shared laughs and helped each other with their final touches.

Portraits in the Vault: A Unique Setting

Before the ceremony, we took advantage of 21c’s most unique feature—the bank vault. This one-of-a-kind location provided a dramatic and unforgettable backdrop for Scarlett and Zach’s first look portraits. The juxtaposition of Scarlett’s delicate dress against the rugged, industrial feel of the vault created stunning images that are sure to be cherished forever.

A Touch of Tradition: The Tea Ceremony

Scarlett then changed into a traditional Chinese dress for the tea ceremony, a beautiful and meaningful tradition that honored their heritage and family. This intimate ceremony was a touching moment, filled with love, respect, and the warmth of family blessings. The vibrant colors of Scarlett’s traditional dress added a rich, cultural layer to the day’s events, creating a seamless blend of modern and traditional elements.

The Ceremony: Timeless Beauty at Duke Chapel

Next, we made our way to the awe-inspiring Duke Chapel. This iconic venue, with its soaring gothic architecture and intricate details, provided a breathtaking setting for Scarlett and Zach’s vows. Before the ceremony, we captured individual portraits of Scarlett with her bridesmaids and Zach with his groomsmen in the picturesque arcades of the chapel. The timeless beauty of the chapel’s architecture perfectly complemented the elegance of the bridal party, creating classic and sophisticated images.

The ceremony itself was expertly officiated by a family friend, delivering heartfelt words in both English and Mandarin. This bilingual ceremony added a personal and inclusive touch, ensuring that all guests could fully participate in the joy of the moment. The grand organ filled the chapel with majestic music, making the ceremony even more memorable.

The Reception: A Night to Remember at 21c

After the ceremony, we returned to 21c Museum Hotel for a reception that was both stylish and full of energy. Scarlett and Zach’s first dance was beautifully choreographed, setting the tone for an evening of celebration. The guests were treated to heartfelt toasts, delicious food, and plenty of dancing, all expertly DJed by Mark McNally from Bunn DJ Company.

The art-filled spaces of 21c added a contemporary flair to the reception, with guests mingling amidst thought-provoking exhibits. The night was filled with laughter, dancing, and joyous celebration, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion

Scarlett and Zach’s wedding was a perfect blend of elegance, tradition, and modern style. From the unique portraits in the bank vault at 21c to the timeless ceremony at Duke Chapel and the lively reception back at the hotel, every moment was filled with love and joy. It was an honor to capture their special day and to witness the beginning of their new journey together. Here’s to Scarlett and Zach—a beautiful couple whose wedding day was as stunning and unique as their love story.

Dream Team:

Accommodation, Catering & Reception: 21c Museum Hotel / Ceremony: Duke University Chapel / Day-Of Coordinator: Sheermain Events / Florist: Sweet Love Blossoms / DJ & Photo Booth : Mark McNally at Bunn DJ / Hair & Makeup: Bonjour Bridal / Dress: Vera Wang Bride / Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse / Cake: Ruth Drennan Cakes / Vulpine Poet Laureate: Poetry Fox / Assistant Photographer: James Nix