Rev. Kayelily Middleton | Sweet Life Photo

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