Durham Wedding Photography | Sweet Life Photo

Bay 7 Wedding :: Emily and Doug

Congratulations to Emily and Doug, who were married August 6 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Durham. The couple met while students at Duke and spent many happy hours in Duke Gardens, so when thinking about locations for their First Look, the gardens were a natural choice. Mother Nature played coy with us though; heavy rains during the morning were filling my head with alarming visions of muddy wedding gowns, but the rains tapered off as we got closer to the appointed hour. After a few phone calls, the couple decided they wanted to meet in the gardens, muddy paths or no. I'm so glad they did!

Emily and Doug's First Look at Duke Gardens

Emily and Doug's portraits at Duke Gardens

One of the benefits of doing a First Look is the chance to get all your formal shots done before the wedding. This was important to Emily and Doug and their parents because they wanted to have a receiving line. Usually, I freak out a little when a receiving line is mentioned for the simple reason that our time between the wedding and reception is often very brief and receiving lines can eat up a chunk of time. I tell all our couples that the Big Clock in my head starts ticking as soon as they kiss and head up the aisle! But the couple made sure we had plenty of time for the receiving line and a few family shots that couldn't be made prior to the ceremony. And I have to admit, I do like the emotion that comes with all those congratulatory hugs and hand-shakes.

Wedding Party at St. Mark's Lutheran Church

Informal wedding party shots

Doug's family shots

Emily's family shots

Emily wore Doug's mother's veil. I love it.

Wedding ceremony at St. Mark's

Receiving line shot one

Receiving line shot two

Emily and Doug at St. Mark's

Bay 7 in the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham is a fantastic venue. Great light, exposed beams and brick and check that metal wall by the stairs. Such a great space! Beautiful floral design by Tre Bella and a classic wedding cake by Cinda's Creative Cakes provided elegant touches.

Bay 7 reception and First Dance

Doug dancing with his mom

Emily dancing with her dad at Bay 7 in Durham, NC

Toast and cake cutting at Bay 7

My favorite shot of the night.

Romantic nighttime portrait at Bay 7 in Durham

I just have to brag on Frank for a moment. He is THE MAN when it comes to capturing the bouquet toss. Check it out!

Bouquet toss at Bay 7

You know the mighty Joe Bunn kept the crowd happy and on their feet all evening long.

Dancing at Emily and Doug's wedding reception

Enjoy a few more favorites from the wedding day in the couple's slide show. Emily and Doug, we had such a great time photographing your wedding.

Thanks for letting us be a part of your day!

Church: St. Paul's Lutheran Church

Reception: Bay 7

Floral Design: Tre Bella

Cake: Cinda's Creative Cakes

DJ/Entertainment: Joe Bunn, Bunn DJ Company

Aug 24, 2011 | Wedding Photography | 3 Comments »

Duke Gardens Bridal Portrait :: Lauren

When I met Lauren and her mom Kelly at Duke Gardens for her bridal portrait session, I gasped when I walked into the room and the bride-to-be turned around. She literally took my breath away! Her white satin gown had the most gorgeous asymmetrical pleating on the bodice. So one-of-a-kind, just like Lauren. She has a truly infectious laugh and her smile has a life of its own! I quickly learned that this was one bride who would not be giving me any of the angsty-fashionista pouts that seem to be so common these days in bridal portraits -- she was going to smile and smile big. I think the third photo down is one of my all-time favorites. I just love a bride who's so happy she can't help laughing!

Springtime bridal portrait session at Duke Gardens in Durham NC

Jun 17, 2011 | Wedding Photography | 3 Comments »

Duke Gardens Weddings: Heather and Dave are married!

I'm so excited to feature Heather and Dave's wedding on the blog. Heather did an amazing job with all the details and I loved her color scheme -- pink and orange. If there is a happier color combination, I don't know what it is. It was absolutely perfect for a May wedding at Duke Gardens on Mother's Day.

Heather and Dave's rings and wedding invitation

The day began in my favorite suite at the Washington Duke Inn. The light is always beautiful in the bedroom -- perfect for showing off Heather's gorgeous gown.

Suite at the Washington Duke Inn

The ribbon detailing and beading-encrusted back-bodice on Heather's gown was so lovely and unique.

Wedding gown detail

Love the body language -- maybe just a tad nervous? Who isn't on their wedding day?

Heather getting her make-up done

Heather checks her make-up and jewelry one last time.

Heather checks her make-up in the mirror

All that fuss was worth it, Heather -- you were breath-taking.

Heather's bridal portrait

While Heather was getting ready upstairs, Frank was working with Dave downstairs.

Dave at the Washington Duke Inn

I love this shot of Dave with his mom.

No wedding would be complete without a little drama. Heather and Dave's came in the form of major over-crowding at the gardens. Apparently, everyone in the Triangle wants to take their mom to Duke Gardens on Mother's Day -- especially if it's a gorgeous day. I have never in all my years shooting at the gardens seen anything like this. It was crazy. Mother's Day Madness. All the parking lots were completely full and a security guard was turning away everyone -- even wedding guests. I had to leave the inn early to make sure I could get to the gardens, find a parking spot and haul my equipment to the Doris Duke Center in time for the wedding. Luckily, Frank was already there, so I knew we would be covered if I had to park blocks and blocks away, but it was nerve-wracking for everyone involved. Eventually, everyone made it in, but word to the wise -- if you're getting married on Mother's Day in Duke Gardens, make sure to plan for a little parking-lot mayhem.

Heather arrived at the gardens with about 10 minutes to spare. I still have no idea where her mom parked the truck!

Heather and her dad and bridesmaid arrive at Duke Gardens

Guests arriving at Duke Gardens

Dave walks in with Rev. Kayelily Middleton -- one of my favorite people on the planet -- to begin the ceremony.

Dave and Kayelily Middleton walk in to start the ceremony

Heather and her dad walking in to the ceremony

Heather and Dave during the ceremony

Heather and Dave chose each other's sibling to be their only attendant. Here's Heather's brother, Tommy, Dave's best man.

And Dave's sister, Lisa, Heather's maid of honor.

I love the amphitheater behind the Doris Duke Center. It may be the most private place in a public garden to get married. But when you're in the amphitheater on a bright sunny day in the late afternoon, you're getting hit by some serious sun. When you're a guy in a dark suit getting married, you get a tad sweaty. Here Kayelily does her part to keep Dave looking his best. Plus, I think he'd just finished his vows at this point. :)

Kayelily wipes away sweat from Dave's brow