A black-and-white photograph captures a bride and groom embracing under dappled sunlight at the Duke Chapel wedding. The blurred background highlights their tender moment as the bride's veil gently dances, and their expressions reveal a profound emotional connection.

Duke Chapel Weddings

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November 30, 2024

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Duke Chapel Wedding Photography – Vivi & Harrison

A Timeless Duke Chapel Wedding: Vivi and Harrison’s Elegant Durham Celebration

As a wedding photographer, there are some venues that never fail to take my breath away, and Duke Chapel is definitely at the top of that list. This was my third and final wedding at this stunning location this year, and Vivi and Harrison’s celebration was a brilliant way to wind down the year.

The day began at the Washington Duke Inn, where I met the couple to take photos of the details and spend some time documenting their getting ready. Vivi was radiant, first in her initial dress, which she wore for her first look, and then changing into a second, beautiful gown before the ceremony. We started with an intimate first look at Duke Gardens, capturing some lovely moments between Vivin and Harrison among the lush landscaping before shooting the family portraits and heading back to the inn for a quick dress change.

Duke Chapel is an architectural marvel that always presents incredible photographic opportunities. Its Gothic Revival style, with soaring arches and intricate stonework, provides a backdrop that elevates every wedding I shoot there. I love working with the chapel’s dramatic light and magnificent architectural details, using the arcades and grand spaces to create truly memorable shots.

The ceremony was deeply personal, officiated by a close friend and filled with both touching and humorous moments. Unfortunately, due to some visa complications, Vivi’s family couldn’t attend, so Harrison’s father stepped in to walk her down the aisle – a beautiful gesture that spoke volumes about family and love.

After the ceremony, we gathered everyone on the chapel steps for a group photo, taking advantage of the perfect light. As the sun set, we then captured some stunning portraits of the couple that really showcased their connection.

The reception at Washington Duke Inn was a celebration of their love and cultural heritage. Their first dance was beautifully choreographed, followed by heartfelt speeches from family and friends. The evening took an exciting turn when they changed into traditional Chinese attire, leading a fun dance with their bridal party that got everyone on the dance floor.

It’s weddings like Vivi and Harrison’s that remind me why I love what I do – capturing moments of pure joy, connection, and celebration.

Here are just a few of my faves from their day:

Traditional embroidered wedding attire displayed on a wall with gold frames. The clothing includes a dark jacket with gold dragons and a white dress with red accents. Decorated with red and gold balloons, red fans, and a double happiness symbol.
A person in formal attire sits on a bed in a room decorated with red and orange hanging paper lanterns and wall decorations. The room has framed artwork and patterned carpet. They are using a smartphone.
A makeup artist applies makeup to a woman wearing a white robe. In the background, a white wedding dress hangs on a door, and orange paper lanterns are visible. The setting appears to be a room with soft lighting.
A woman sits in front of a mirror while getting her hair styled. She is smiling at her reflection. The room is softly lit, and there are lamps and small decor items around the mirror. The scene is captured in black and white.
A bride and groom stand on a wooden path surrounded by lush greenery beside a pond. The bride, in a flowing white dress, approaches the groom, who is dressed in a black suit, as sunlight filters through the trees.
A bride and groom stand on a pathway in a lush garden, holding hands and smiling at each other. The scene is peaceful, with greenery and a small pond in the background, surrounded by sunlight filtering through the trees.
A bride and groom stand facing each other outdoors. The bride wears a pearl-studded veil and smiles, looking at the groom, who wears a dark suit. Sunlight filters through green trees in the background, creating a warm, romantic ambiance.
A bride and groom stand intimately among tall bamboo trees. The bride wears a white dress and veil, while the groom is in a black suit. The lush greenery surrounds them, creating a peaceful and romantic setting.
A bride in a white gown and veil smiles at the camera, standing in a lush garden. In the background, a groom in a black tuxedo stands, slightly out of focus. Trees and greenery surround the couple, creating a serene atmosphere.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand across a red arched bridge in a lush garden, surrounded by green trees. The bride wears a white gown and veil, while the groom is in a black suit. The scene is serene and romantic.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom sharing an intimate moment. They are standing close together, surrounded by softly blurred foliage and light. The bride is wearing a veil, and the scene exudes romance and tenderness.
A bride in a white wedding dress and veil stands outdoors in a lush green garden. She is smiling and holding the sides of her veil, surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges and large potted plants on stone pedestals.
A man in a tuxedo stands in a garden setting with blurred floral decorations in the background. He is adjusting his cufflink and looking to the side. The image is in black and white.
A bride in a white gown with a beaded veil stands beside a groom in a black tuxedo, both smiling. They are outdoors in a garden setting with lush greenery and white flowers in the background.
A black and white photo of a bride in a long, lacy wedding gown standing in a dimly lit room. Two bridesmaids adjust the dress near her feet. The room has elegant furnishings and a window with sheer curtains in the background.
A bride in a strapless wedding dress and pearl necklace smiles as another woman adjusts her veil. The setting is indoors, with warm lighting and soft-focus elements in the background.
A bride wearing a strapless lace wedding dress and pearl necklace is getting her hair adjusted by a stylist. The stylist is focused, adjusting the brides veil. The image is in black and white, capturing an intimate bridal preparation moment.
A black and white image of a bride in a lace gown walking with bridesmaids in dresses outside a stone church. The women hold bouquets and assist with the brides dress as they move along a paved path.
A bride in a white gown stands joyously, surrounded by bridesmaids in lavender dresses sitting on sofas. The room is elegantly decorated, featuring a chandelier, large windows, and a framed painting on the wall. Everyone appears happy and excited.
A bride in a white gown walks along the side of a large stone church with arched windows, accompanied by bridesmaids in taupe dresses carrying flowers. The scene is framed by lush green bushes and grass.
A group of nine men in suits and bow ties stand together, smiling in front of an ornate stone archway and wall. They appear to be part of a wedding party, with some wearing boutonnieres. The setting is elegant and formal.
A man in a tuxedo stands in an arched, stone corridor, looking to the side. The setting is illuminated by soft, natural light highlighting the details of the stonework and his formal attire.
A bride in a white gown stands in an ornate archway with six bridesmaids in lavender dresses. They are all holding bouquets, smiling, and looking at each other, creating a joyful scene.
A bride stands in a corridor wearing a white wedding dress with a pearl-encrusted veil. She holds a bouquet of white and green flowers, smiling softly. The background features tall stone arches.
A bride stands in a stone archway, wearing an elegant white wedding gown with a long veil flowing behind her. She holds a bouquet of flowers and smiles softly, with natural light illuminating the scene.
A bride and groom pose together in elegant wedding attire. The bride wears a white dress with a beaded veil, and the groom is in a black tuxedo. They stand in an arched corridor with stone walls, smiling at the camera.
A bride in an elegant white gown and veil stands in a stone-arched corridor, smiling towards a groom in a black tuxedo who leans against a column. The setting has an old-world, romantic atmosphere.
A bride in a white gown and veil holds a bouquet and walks arm-in-arm with an older man in a suit, likely her father, in a grand, ornate building with arched doorways and intricate stonework.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle of a grand church with high vaulted ceilings, as two attendants open large wooden doors behind them. The setting is elegant and illuminated with soft lighting.
A bride in a white wedding dress and veil holds a bouquet while walking down the aisle with an older man in a suit and bow tie, inside a church with wooden pews and stained glass windows.
A wedding ceremony taking place inside a grand cathedral with high vaulted ceilings and ornate stained glass windows. The couple stands at the altar, surrounded by guests seated in pews. The setting is dimly lit with decorative hanging lamps.
A wedding ceremony inside a grand church with stained glass windows. The bride and groom stand at the altar, surrounded by a bridal party in lavender dresses and formal suits. The audience is seated in pews, watching the ceremony.
A bride and groom stand smiling, holding hands. The bride wears a white gown and veil. The groom is in a black tuxedo. A man beside them, also in a suit, gives a thumbs-up. Theyre standing in front of an altar with two tall candles.
A grand cathedral interior with high vaulted ceilings and colorful stained glass windows. A wedding ceremony is taking place, with the couple standing before an altar and guests seated in pews. The space is dimly lit with hanging chandeliers.
A bride and groom stand at an ornate altar during a wedding ceremony. The bride is in a white gown, and the groom is in a suit. Several bridesmaids in lavender dresses and groomsmen are present. An audience is seated in the foreground.
A couple stands at an altar during a wedding ceremony. The bride is wearing a white dress with a veil, and the groom is in a black suit. A man in a black robe is officiating the ceremony, holding a book. A large candle is visible behind them.
A bride and groom stand at the altar during a wedding ceremony in a church. The bride wears a white gown and veil, and the groom is in a black suit. Bridesmaids in lavender dresses and groomsmen in black suits are positioned on either side.
A couple stands at the altar in a grand cathedral with high ceilings. Stained glass windows above cast colorful light into the dimly lit space. Large chandeliers and wooden pews line the aisle, creating an elegant atmosphere for the wedding ceremony.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle in a grand cathedral. The interior features ornate stained glass windows and wooden arches, creating a majestic atmosphere. The couple is dressed formally, with the bride in a white gown and the groom in a dark suit.
A large wedding group poses in front of a Gothic-style church entrance. The bride and groom stand at the center, surrounded by bridesmaids in lavender dresses and groomsmen in suits, along with other guests. The church features ornate stonework and large wooden doors.
A bride and groom stand in front of an ornate, gothic-style church door. The bride is wearing a long lace gown and veil, holding a bouquet, while the groom is in a suit. They are looking at each other under the archway.
A bride and groom stand in front of an ornate church entrance. The bride, in a white gown, holds a veil as the groom in a black tuxedo looks on. The wooden doors are intricately carved, framed by grand stone archways.
A bride and groom pose on the steps of a grand, ornate church entrance. The groom, in a suit, holds the brides hand as she wears a flowing gown. Intricate stonework and decorative doors are illuminated by lanterns. Black and white photo.
A bride and groom gaze lovingly at each other in front of a tall, intricately detailed stone building. The bride wears a lace gown and veil, while the groom is in a suit. The black-and-white image captures a romantic, elegant moment.
Silhouetted couple in wedding attire embracing at dusk, standing near a tall, gothic-style tower. The sky is softly lit with shades of purple and orange, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere.
A banquet hall with purple ambient lighting features long and round tables elegantly set for dining. Candles and floral centerpieces adorn the tables. The ceiling is illuminated with a purple moon projection, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.
A dimly lit banquet hall with long, elegantly set tables. Table decorations include glassware, foliage, and glowing spherical lights. Purple ambient lighting casts a warm glow, and twinkling white lights adorn a backdrop at the rooms rear.
A couple elegantly dances on a polished wooden floor in a ballroom. The man wears a shirt and suspenders, and the woman wears a flowing gown. They twirl in front of a starry backdrop, with a photographer capturing the moment.
A bride and groom joyfully dance together. The bride is in a strapless gown and pearl necklace, and the groom is in a bow tie and suspenders. They are surrounded by a backdrop of twinkling lights, creating a romantic atmosphere.
A bride and groom hold hands and smile at each other while dancing in a beautifully lit room with purple ambient lighting. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a white shirt and suspenders.
A bride and groom dance joyfully against a backdrop of sparkling lights. The bride wears a strapless gown, and the groom is in a white shirt with suspenders. Both appear happy and engaged in their dance.
A couple dances elegantly on a ballroom floor, the groom in a suit and the bride in a flowing gown. Theyre twirling under soft lights, with a black, starry backdrop behind them, while a photographer captures the moment.
A person giving a speech at a formal event, holding a microphone and a phone. In the foreground, a seated person gently places a hand on the back of another seated person. The background is decorated with glowing star-like lights.
A couple in formal attire clinks champagne glasses while sitting at a table. They are watching a person in the background who appears to be giving a speech. The setting is elegant with dim lighting and small bright lights in the background.
An older man in a suit and bow tie stands at a microphone holding papers. He is speaking in a softly lit room with purple lighting, creating a formal and elegant atmosphere.
A bride and groom sit closely together, smiling at each other in a warmly lit reception hall. The groom is in a white shirt and black suspenders, while the bride wears a strapless white gown. Guests sit at tables in the softly lit background.
A group of people in traditional and formal attire dance energetically on a wooden floor, against a backdrop of twinkling star-like lights. Everyone appears joyful, with some dressed in matching light-colored outfits.
A group of people in formal attire are dancing energetically on a wooden floor. Behind them is a backdrop of twinkling lights. A woman in a traditional dress is at the center, and the others wear suits and gowns. The atmosphere is joyful and festive.
A group of people performs a choreographed dance on a wooden floor in a ballroom. They are dressed in a mix of elegant attire, including traditional and formal clothing, with a backdrop of twinkling star-like lights.
A couple is dancing energetically on a wooden floor, surrounded by guests dressed in formal attire. They wear traditional, ornate outfits, and the background features a curtain of blue lights. The atmosphere is lively and festive.
A man in a suit and bow tie dances energetically at a party. The background features vibrant, blurred lights and other people dancing and enjoying the event.
Two people dancing energetically. One is wearing a blue and gold traditional outfit, and the other is in a white shirt with suspenders and a bow tie. They are surrounded by people dressed formally, with blurry lights in the background.
A lively dance floor scene with people in festive attire enthusiastically dancing. The room is illuminated with blue and purple lights, creating a vibrant atmosphere. A person in a distinct red and gold outfit stands at the center.
A lively party scene with people dancing. A woman in traditional attire and several others in lilac dresses hold lights, creating streaks in the air. Everyone appears joyful and engaged in celebration. Blue and purple lighting enhances the festive atmosphere.
Silhouettes of a couple in front of a large moon backdrop. The scene is illuminated with blue and purple lights, creating a romantic and dreamy atmosphere.

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