We’re on our way to The Duke University Chapel in Durham, NC for an amazing wedding ceremony. Following that you will be digitally whisked away to their wedding reception at one of the amazing GHG restaurants called Cafe Parizade. Trust me when I say that their food is amazing and that the restaurant is a must visit… Before we get to the photographs let’s learn a little bit about the happy couple.
She’s a gal from South Carolina and he had his heart was originally deep in the… well… “heart” of Texas. Their paths crossed at the Duke Law School program. They originally met during an informal get-together about a week before law school started. and became good friends, as well as teammates on “The Strokers” (their team in the Duke Law Bowling league). It wasn’t until the spring of their second year that they both realized that they were much more than friends. One night, Ben casually invited Nessa to dinner at Panera where they had their first unofficial date. This was followed by a showing of the movie, Jackass 2, at her apartment. I’m sure Johnny Knoxville would be proud that he helped spark a connection between these two.
They had been dating for a little less than two years when Ben proposed. They were opening Christmas gifts at the apartment the night before heading home for the holidays. Ben had gotten some gloves labeled from their dog, Chloe, and Nessa got a ring! Unfortunately Nessa was wearing a giant t-shirt, pajama pants and Uggs at the time, so there are no pictures to share….
They are both currently practice law in DC where they live with their aforementioned “super-mutt” named Chloe. She’s definitely a big part of their lives and they shared with me that they couldn’t resist having her DNA tested. They discovered that she is a rottweiler, cocker spaniel, dachsund, beagle mix!
I wish you both the best as you continue this new chapter in your lives. I hope these photographs help you, your friends and family remember the very special day that I was able to help document. Thank you for your sense of humor and appreciation toward me. It is why I do what I do.
Ceremony: Duke University Chapel
Officant: Meghan Feldmeyer
Reception: Cafe Parizade
Music & DJ: Complete Music
Bouquet & Flowers: Tre Bella Florists
An exterior photograph of The Duke Chapel
These flower girls were really adorable.
This was maybe one of my favorite photographs of the day. It is a heartwarming hug from Ben’s mom extended to Vanessa’s dad after he had walked his daughter down the aisle. I was able to swing around to the side of the church and position myself so that the background wasn’t distracting.
The architecture of The Duke University Chapel is simply amazing. Here is a slightly more artistic photograph that showcases the ceiling.
As I saw the officiant Meghan interacting with the couple throughout (and after) the ceremony I remember thinking how nice she was. I had not met her in person and actually thought she was a personal friend with the couple. Thak you Meghan for such a personal touch and I look forward to working with you again.
The couples first kiss as husband and wife.
I almost always leave the couple alone for a few minutes right after the wedding ceremony to give them a second to catch their breath and let it all sink in.
Here’s a traditional formal photograph of the bridal party…
and here’s an idea I had for a more creative one. I thought it was kind of fun.
It’s always tricky when you have the entire Duke marching band walking thorugh your portrait session but it does make for a few natural laughs.
… and cue a beautiful unscripted Hallmark Card moment… I’m glad I was here to capture this.
And here’s the Duke marching and pep band again on their waty to the game… We had a VERY limited time to shoot the formals and portraits after the wedding. Not only was it raining but there was another wedding scheduled right after Vanessa and Ben’s. The Duke Chapel is a very popular wedding ceremony location. You can even see the limo and the bridesmaids arriving in the next few shots.
The wedding reception was held at a quaint mediterranean restaurant called Parizade, located in Durham.
I had created a canvas gallery wrap from on of the photograph that we took of her bridal portrait session
The father and daughter dance and the mother son dance were especially emotional for both parents.
Vanessa’s sister gave a really great toast that reveled a funny story about when she and Vanessa were children. Her advice to Ben was to always share and recalled the “biggest fight” that she and her sister had over a plastic toy snake. Did you have one of these when you were a kid? I know that I had a few of them too.
Vaness’a sister proceeded to remove a gift bag filled with the plastic toy snakes (in a variety of colors) and hand them to the new couple…
… and of course I couldn’t resist making a creative “ring shot” with them. I love this photo and hope they enjoy it as well.
Here’s some custom personalized Hershey’s Kisses complete with their faces and wedding date on the bottom.
After the cake was cut the flower girls were very excited to get a piece.
Time to remove your sweater and get down and boogie!
STAYIN’ ALIVE!
The proper drink from the bar always kicks the party into high gear! I REALLY love this photo.
The wedding DJ from Complete Music played all the right songs and kept dance floor packed all night. The lights weren’t on yet so I triggered my remote flash behind the disco ball… Now that’s some luster!
If I remember correctly… This was a duet to “Unchained Melody” complete with deep emotional connection from guy #1 and the classic beer bottle microphone from guy #2.
Refill please…
This couple was super cute together and I really loved her peacock hair clip.
I saved the best photograph for last. Near the end of the night I stole the couple away outside for a moment and placed a remote flash behind them to illuminate the rain and mist. It’s my favorite photograph from the day and they both look amazing.
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