Duke Chapel Wedding
The Barn at Valhalla and The Duke Chapel
Raleigh, NC
I first spoke with Ryan and Charlotte on a conference call one evening after Charlotte's sister, Becky, found me while searching for photographers in the NC area. Since it can be difficult to really get to know someone via email, I always enjoy speaking with my couples (either in person or by phone), to get to know them a little better. I could tell just by the phone call that these two were so sweet, and their day was going to be something I truly wanted to be a part of. They both graduated from Duke University so naturally it was a special place to the both of them. The university chapel is one of the most beautiful structures, and it makes for some stunning imagery.
Their entire wedding day was sophisticated and elegant, all while being romantic and intimate. It was incredibly beautiful and well thought out. Their wedding was unique in the fact that they both had a mix of guys and girls on each side of their bridal party. They made sure the people that meant the most to them stood beside them, no matter what tradition said. I love that. Every one and every detail was carefully thought of.
I am so thankful to have been a part of Ryan and Charlotte's big day. They are an amazing couple and they are going to do amazing things. Their story is a great one:
"In 2011, the summer before we both started at Duke, we met in the Pisgah National Forest in Western North Carolina. We were on PWILD, a two week backpacking trip, where we were told we would meet the friends we'd have for the rest of our lives. As long-time PWILDers would say, "PWILD, PLIFE." We were skeptical, but it turned out to be true. Despite both of us not showering for two weeks, Charlotte's corny trail jokes, and Ryan's very stinky boots, we became best friends. Over the course of the next two years, we became inseparable. Study sessions on the 4th floor Perkins bridge would spill into racquetball matches in Wilson followed by too much Sitar Indian food in the dining hall—suddenly we'd realize we'd spent the last 14 hours together. While Ryan harbored the beginnings of a school boy crush, it wasn't until Charlotte left to study abroad in Istanbul, Turkey fall of junior year that she realized she had feelings for Ryan too. Fast forward after almost four years of dating, through a Blue Devils National Championship, a year of early morning Skype dates between New York and Thailand, our first (tiny!) New York apartment together in the West Village, the big move up to New England, and a homecoming weekend proposal in the Duke Gardens, Ryan and Charlotte are now happily engaged with a 5-month old kitten named Yoshi. And we're still best friends."
Enjoy their images:
V E N D O R S
Event Planner: C and D Events
Hair and Make-up: Face Forward
Florist: Bushel and A Peck Designs
Ceremony Site: The Duke Chapel
Reception and Getting Ready Site: The Barn at Valhalla
DJ/Band: Sam Hill Entertainment
Videography: Blu Couture Films
Rentals: Grand Rental Events and CE Rentals
Cake: Cinda's Creative Cakes
Catering: Bullock's BBQ and The Happiest Hostess
Photo Bus: Lil Photo Bus
