Weddings at Duke Chapel are always exciting for me. The architecture is beautiful and the expansive space allows for a lot of creativity. Speaking from a photographers point of view, the diffused light under the arches is often to die for! With the 2010 wedding season in full swing I joined Mike and Stephanie for their fabulous March Wedding. Their reception was held at Cafe Parizade and I had been looking forward to this wedding for over a year since they booked me at the beginning of 2009.
This wedding had everything I look for in a wedding. It was the perfect storm to create some creative, fun and meaningful images for everyone and I made sure to thank everyone for including me in their special day! Parts of the day were emotional while other parts were… wait for it… wait for it…
MARCH MADNESS!
I had to put that in there because Mike and Steph are huge basketball fans. And who else would they cheer on than the Duke Blue Devils. At the time of this post they are actually making their way through the tournament bracket and are positioning themselves to win the NCAA Championship. Perhaps the couple is keeping track while on their honeymoon? But I digress…
The love between this couple and their friends and family was truly palpable and their carefree and happy personalities always helps make the photographs shine! I feel that wedding photographing is mostly about these connections and general attitudes. Great moments are already all around me. By being attentive, authentic and open to creative ideas my goal is to create an unforgettable record of the day from start to finish.
I’m proud to present Steph and Mike’s wedding photographs. There were A LOT and it was very difficult for me to pick the “best of” but I’ll do my best.
Cake: Cinda’s Creative Cakes
Limo: Absolute Elegance Limousine
DJ: Spin Wedding DJs – Ryan Pflumm
Flowers: Tre Bella Flowers & Gifts – Candy
The day began as everyone prepared for the wedding at The Washington Duke Inn. This is a perfect location since it’s so close to the Chapel.
Their dog Mandy was there in “framed spirit.” The photo read “Congratulations on your wedding Stepha and Mike. I Love You! – Mandy.”
Stephanie and the bridesmaids took a limo over to Duke Chapel. I thought this was a neat reflection shot using the window of the limo.
I always try to get a nice portrait of the groom before the ceremony.
And then we keep it casual for the most part.
All of the groomsmen had bow ties and suspenders.
Here are two bridal portrait that I captured at Duke Chapel before the guest started arriving.
Isn’t she just radiant?!?
Stephanie’s father walks her down the aisle.
Stephanie’s brother and Mike’s three sisters read at the wedding.
A gorgeous reverse shot of the Duke Chapel
Stephanie and Mike both had wedding vow cheat sheets. They didn’t need them though. I was actually really impressed that thy remembered everything that they said by heart!
Mike received a serious cheek pinch by grandma during the formals. I forget what they called it though.
What a great entrance. Always a crowd pleaser and ALWAYS better for photographs than walking in with your arms riveted to your side. Go ahead and do this at your next wedding. I dare you… :)
Really digging the little “Parizade” letters in the case behind the couple.
Wedding cake one of two… I’m guessing the second one will be your favorite though… Unless you’re from UNC of course.
The staff at Parizade is wonderful and makes everything flow very smoothly. Igor Gacina is the general Manager.
LOOK at the reaction on everyone’s face as they see Stephanie’s wedding dress for the first time!
WOW!
Stephanie’s friends from school went outside. I think they were part of a sorority but in all honesty they sang SO well that they might as well been part of a choral group at one time. Seriously… they had some amazing singing chops!
One of my other favorite shots of the day.
Ha ha ha! Mike switched the date and they both busted out laughing. Perhaps this means that I’ll need to photograph them again on October 3rd of 2013? If this ends up being your first son or daughter’s birthday wouldn’t that be crazy?
Stephanie’s sister Lauren was awesome on the mic for her wedding toast. Lots of laughter and a few tears.
Paul, the best man also gave a perfect wedding toast too. Deeply meaningful and moving. Thank you to both of you for putting so much thought into everything.
I love the expression on Stephanie and her dad’s faces as they are announced for the father daughter dance
I’ve photographed hundreds of father daughter and mother son dances but I wanted to showcase these two because I thought they turned out pleasantly unique and beautiful.
Ryan Pflumm of Spin Wedding DJs was great. I’ve worked with him a few times before but I hadn’t realized how much he enjoyed singing along with some of the songs. I can tell that he truly loves what he does.
One of the highlights that Ryan brought to the evening was something he calls the shoe game. He asks the couple a series of questions and each of them holds up the shoe of the appropriate person in order to answer the question. Hilarity often ensues! I LOVE LOVE LOVE these two different shots of Mike and Steph playing along.
In this one Ryan sets up a real doozy for the final question when he asks “Who’s family will you spend your first Christmas with for your first year as husband and wife?!?” Nothing got by the beautiful and brainy Stephanie when she answered the question with both shoes! The joy on her face is priceless! Hold onto this one Mike! She’s a keeper.
And here’s the Duke wedding cake created by Cinda’s Creative Cakes. If you have a unique idea for a cake be sure to get in touch with her. She’s the cats meow.
And the winner for “Best Bouquet As Boutonniere” is…
Here’s the bouquet toss! FUN!
She was very persuasive in getting him to dance with her… I absolutely love the “bad boy” look on his face here.
The result…
Just enough time for one last dance…
They made their getaway in a Rolls Royce
This is probably one of my favorite photographs of the day. I love the couples expressions and the grit as a black and white.
5 comments
[...] Duke Chapel Wedding Photography – Cafe Parizade Reception (Steph + … Mar 30, 2010 … Weddings at Duke Chapel are always exciting for me. The architecture is beautiful and the expansive … [...]
Great work! I especially love the one of the limo with the reflection of the chapel in it….incredibly amazing!
FANTASTIC stuff! I’m envious of how many shots you pulled off at one ceremony.
Fantastic…love all the emotion. You can see how happy everyone was and how much fun they had – just like a wedding should be. And I love the really, really cool lighting during the dancing!
so not a duke fan, but i love that cake! so creative!