I’m very proud to present to you a recent ceremony and wedding reception that I photographed at The Washington Duke Inn. I was honored to be asked to document such a special day for Melinda and Jeff. I was also excited to photograph this particular wedding because not only is The Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club a gorgeous location, but the couple had chosen a “circular seating layout” for their wedding ceremony.
My wife and I had a similar layout at our wedding and I’ve always liked the idea of being surrounded by family and friends. I can say from both a personal and a wedding photography perspective, it is definitely something to consider if the idea interests you and if your location can be accommodating. One of the main reasons I say this is that it gives flexibility to participate or photograph from a variety of different perspectives. In this wedding, the processional was one of the most unique that I had ever seen.
A special thanks to Diane Tighe (The Director of Catering) for making this all possible. The entire event was planned perfectly and went off without a hitch. Diane simply rocks. Her vast experience and creative thinking are the important qualities that you want in your coordinator leading up to and on your wedding day.
Congratulations Jeff and Melinda. I’m excited to hear about your Mediterranean honeymoon excursion. You are going to have a blast. If you think of it make sure to try the limoncello in Italy! It’s my favorite after dinner drink.
Officiant: Reverend Kayelily Middleton
Flowers: Floral Dimensions – Bea Miller
Ceremony Music: Matthew-Chicurel String Trio
Wedding Band: The Headliners – Bill Baucom
Videography: Reel Life Productions – Robert Gunter
Cake: Carla Young
I chose to lay Melinda’s dress out on the bed instead of hanging it in the window. Just something a little different and I liked the WADU style bedspread.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Alissa Phillips a few times and am always impressed with how great she is when it comes to wedding makeup. I was able to capture this beautiful photograph of her applying makeup to the mother of the bride.
This pin was originally Melinda’s grandmother’s and fit perfectly into the “something borrowed” category.
The bride and groom chose to meet before the ceremony. In many cases this really allows for a great series of private moments that tell a great story.
Jeff examines Melinda’s beautiful wedding dress.
At one point I placed Melinda and her bridesmaids on top of a hill at The Washington Duke Inn. I think her mind flashed back to her engagement session and she asked… “We don’t have to run down the hill do we?” I laughed and then said that we were going to turn her into a “Melinda sandwich” with the help of her bridesmaids. I LOVE LOVE LOVE how this photograph turned out and it was exactly what I was hoping for. I think I’m going to make a HUGE canvas print out of it…
During the formals Jeff and his brother showed me their fun-loving nature with this synchronized leg lift move…
The Matthew-Chicurel String Trio provided music prior to the ceremony.
The videographer, Robert was a real pleasure to work with. We coordinated together throughout the entire wedding to make sure that neither of us was in each others line of sight. The less that I’m in someone’s wedding video the better and I always try to stay out of the way…
One of my favorite local officiants and wedding ministers to work with is Reverend Kayelily Middleton. I see her quite a lot and one of the things that really impressed me at this particular wedding was that she had the foresight to turn and face each guest during her welcome statement. Since this was a circular ceremony I think it really helped everyone connect with the ceremony. She always makes whoever she’s speaking with as though they are the only person around. I love that about her.
For those thinking about a wedding ceremony in the round, here’s a seating layout before the guests arrived.
Open the shutter… and see all the people…
A totally unexpected moment… Jeff flashed me some “finger guns” as he entered the ceremony arena… I think it’s “guy talk” for let’s do this thing… :)
As each bridesmaid and groomsman entered they circled the entire ceremony space and then took their position in each aisle. The maid of honor and Jeff’s brother Andrew stood at the “front” of the arbor.
Dad gives his daughter a big hug before giving her away.
I think I can speak for everyone at the wedding ceremony that one of our favorite parts of the ceremony was a reading that was shared called “Falling In Love is Like Owning a Dog” by Taylor Mali
After the traditional Jewish tradition stepping on and breaking the glass, the bride and groom shouted “Mazel Tov!”
I couldn’t have planned a more beautifully blue sky. It was a perfect “Duke” blue!
The ballroom and table decorations were elegant and set the perfect mood.
A wedding band is always a great choice. The Headlines did and excellent job and sounded great!
The breaking of the challah bread is a Jewish tradition after the singing of a classic song.
Melinda’s father’s speech was very heartfelt. At one point he thanked his wife for “all of her attention to detail and helping to plan such a wonderful wedding.” He ended with “You’re as wonderful and as beautiful as the day I met you.” I was happy I captured her blushing reaction.
The rest of the wedding toasts were very entertaining. The whole family especially liked Andrew’s speech which was peppered with a variety of references of “dropping his brother Jeff on his head” when he was younger and several trips to the emergency room as they were growing up together.
Grandpa was by far the life of the party! He’s over 90 years old and could cut a rug better than skilled carpet installer. The joy on his face and the energy of those around him was quite evident. I was so happy for him that he enjoyed himself SO much!
A panorama of the cake cutting.
Near the end of the evening several of Melinda’s friends gathered on the dance floor and sang a traditional chant from their days at Camp Miniwanca.
This guy had some real skills on the guitar…
And these guys had some skills on their air guitars for real!
I bet you’ve NEVER seen anything like this! The Duke Blue Devil mascot turned out to be a better wedding crasher than either Owen Wilson or Vince Vaughn as he strolled through the hallway outside the reception.
As he danced with Melinda I was so happy to be in the right place at the right time.
I even got the entire of Duke wait staff to give me a little dance!
Everyone couldn’t help themselves from dancing. The dance floor was on fire!
I thought this was a great ending shot.
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