~ A winter wedding with a hint of holiday spirit | Raleigh, NC~
Supreet and Michael's decision to exchange vows at their family's home was the perfect decision to meet their goals for an intimate and personalized wedding. The lingering holiday decor and twinkling lights lent an enchanting aura to the screened-in porch where they held their ceremony. Every detail was carefully thought out, which even included adding heaters outside ensuring everyone was comfortable and warm.
For several reasons, having a wedding around the holidays when family is in town can be a wonderful decision. Firstly, it creates an opportunity for loved ones who may have traveled from afar to gather and celebrate the wedding and the festive season together. Secondly, the holiday season often brings a festive ambiance with decorations, lights, and an overall spirit of celebration. Incorporating these elements into a wedding can add an extra layer of magic and charm to the event, making it memorable for both the couple and their guests. Potentially the best benefit is that having a wedding during the holidays can make it easier for guests to attend, as many may already have time off from work or other commitments and arranged travel to the area. This can help ensure that those most important to you are able to make it on your special day.
A Dream Dress
For Supreet, this wedding was an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of walking down the aisle in a big white gown. While she and Michael had initially discussed having a ceremony at the courthouse, she felt a white gown would have been too much for the courtroom setting. After deciding to keep the location intimate, it allowed her to comfortably fulfill this dream. Her stunning white dress was complete with pockets that added a touch of quirkiness which encapsulated her personality and style. This candid moment captured her joy as she showed off this delightful detail.
Family Moments
It is always lovely to see special family moments sprinkled throughout one's wedding day. From escorting Supreet down the aisle to delivering a heartfelt toast post-cake cutting, their family was not just present; they were at the heart of every cherished moment.
Cake, Champagne, & Charcuterie
The absence of a traditional dinner reception was intentional, allowing guests to mingle over cake, champagne, and charcuterie boards. Their guests mingled and got to know one another better during this reception. With multiple guests having traveled far to come to the ceremony, this was a perfect option for a reception. This style of reception was a lovely addition to the day that perfectly matched the couple's desire for connection and shared moments.
Having non-traditional receptions is a great way to spice up your wedding and add a unique touch to the day. There are many different options when it comes to alternative receptions but Champagne & Charcuterie receptions are on the rise as charcuterie boards have become more popular. One of the many things that I adored about this reception was the couple still included a cake. Who doesn't love some wedding cake!
It is important to keep in mind that some guests may expect a more traditional-styled reception so be sure to include your reception plans on your invitations so guests can properly prepare. Some guests make want to make meal plans for before or after your wedding which could offer more spaces for guests and family to mingle.
Supreet and Michael's day was full of special moments that included love, family, and unique touches making the day perfect for the newlyweds.
~A whimsical surprise elopement in Downtown Durham, NC~
I can confidently say it is not often that I am approached about a surprise elopement, but when Kara reached out to me with this idea I was on board 100%. Kara and Ben had planned on visiting Durham for the Holidays in the Park event at the nearby Museum of Life and Science. Kara approached me with the idea of turning their day trip into a spontaneous elopement and asked if I would be available to capture the day. With surprises it can sometimes be difficult to account for all the details, and things don't always go to plan, but it ended up a beautiful, albeit cold, day.
A Surprise Elopement
When Kara reached out to me, she gave me a brief background on her and Ben’s relationship. The wedding wasn't actually a complete and total surprise, since they were engaged and planning to go to the courthouse as they already had their marriage license. Kara's plan was to stop by the courthouse in Durham on a day they were already planning an overnight trip for a fun event in the city. We had initially discussed taking photos at the event that was bringing them to Durham, the holiday lights at the Museum of Life and Science. Unfortunately, the event did not allow professional photographers, so we decided instead to grab some photos in Downtown Durham.
Durham Courthouse
I do wonder if Kara eventually told Ben before they left, since they got ready separately that morning, each driving to Durham with friends, so they could have a first look together at the courthouse before their ceremony. I am a big fan of first looks; I like that it allows the couple a few moments together before their ceremony on what can otherwise be a busy and hectic day. They decided to keep the ceremony small only inviting the two witnesses to join them at the courthouse. After exchanging vows, signing the papers, and sharing their first kiss, we headed outside to grab some photos outside the courthouse to commemorate this special day.
Downtown Durham
Since it was December, Downtown Durham was adorned in whimsical holiday lights and had the set up the huge Christmas tree in the main square gave us lots of options for backdrops. Kara’s choice of red velvet dress combined with the holiday lights made these photos appear quite festive. During this part of the session, Kara and Ben were joined by their two witnesses so we made sure to take some photos with all four of them and a few duo shots as well. As we casually strolled towards the main town square, we took more pictures with the historic Downtown in the background. At this point, the chilly December wind was starting to get to us, and we decided to venture inside the Durham Main Library for the next portion of this session.
Durham Main Library
Kara and Ben loved the idea of heading to the Durham Main Library to get some more photos due to their love for reading. The new Durham library is such a nice addition to the city, and made for a great backdrop; I always recommend couples choose a location for their photos that fits with their interests that way it will add even more meaning. Libraries are often filled with unique backdrops and make a session that much more unique. I will say, taking photos in a library does have its own challenges, you have to remain pretty quiet to respect those around you and may have to wait for areas to clear before being able to start taking photos. However, it is definitely worth it for the endless possibilities that an extraordinary space such as this one has. If you intend to take photos at the library, make sure you coordinate ahead of time! The librarians and staff will help you pick the best time and make sure you won't be disrupting other library patrons.
Capturing this elopement was such a joy. I had an amazing time wandering around Downtown Durham with this lovely couple and was honored to be a part of such a special surprise.
~Rustic Fall Wedding at the Honeysuckle Tea House in Chapel Hill, NC~
Just outside the heart of Chapel Hill, at the enchanting Honeysuckle Tea House, Criss and Emily were joined by their friends and family in celebrating their wedding day. They began with a private first look at their home in Durham, joined by their dog, Wellie, before meeting up with their loved ones during the ceremony.
Honeysuckle Tea House
Honeysuckle Tea House is a wedding and event venue located just 15 minutes outside of the heart of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The venue is hosted on a 30-acre farm full of gorgeous and sustainable greenery. The venue’s team describes it as “a hidden gem just 15 minutes away from Chapel Hill…your destination for majestic nature, rustic charm, and unforgettable events.” The venue focuses on sustainability in all its practices and is even constructed out of shipping containers and other repurposed materials. I absolutely love this venue as it offers stunning views with cute quirks around every corner. This venue is just as beautiful in the spring, as the flowers bloom, as it is in the fall when the leaves start to change colors. The Honeysuckle Tea House is especially gorgeous at night. The venue has multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas, a hammock circle, and a large tent outdoors all decorated in lights. This ambient lighting allows for the perfect mood to get the dance floor going. At Criss and Emily’s wedding, their guests absolutely tore it up on the dance floor and had a blast. I absolutely adored being able to capture some special moments from their dance party. Another great bonus of the Honeysuckle Tea House is that they offer their own signature products! From tea blends to farm products and mead, trying some of their products is an absolute must. At this time the Honeysuckle Tea House is available for booking special events, retreats & weddings. They also host special events and festivals for the general public. Feel free to check them out, I highly recommend them!
Private First Look
Criss and Emily began their special day with a private and intimate first look at their home in Durham, North Carolina. They were joined by their lovely dog, Wellie, who was a great addition to this moment. Criss initially stood with his back facing Emily before the final reveal. This made for some adorable shots where you can feel the anticipation from the couple. After the initial reveal, we captured some shots on a bench in their backyard. There were actually some cute yellow flowers that paired perfectly with Emily’s yellow dress which I made sure to get in the shot as they sat on the bench. Eventually, Wellie could no longer contain his excitement and joined his parents by the bench for a few photos. We continued to capture some different poses before moving to the front yard. Their wedding was actually right before Halloween and their front yard was decorated perfectly for the occasion. From pumpkins to spooky Halloween decorations, we were able to get some pretty fun and creative photos that capture Criss and Emily’s personality as well as the fall weather. I love when couples can have fun in front of the camera and just let loose. I think that often makes for the most memorable photos and I think Criss and Emily were able to do just that. It seemed like they had a lot of fun messing around with the decorations and posing for the camera. After the first look at their home, there were a few hours before the ceremony began at the Honeysuckle Tea House.
Rustic Fall Ceremony
Criss & Emily’s Ceremony took place at the Honeysuckle Tea House in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The venue was perfectly decorated with lights and fall décor which fit the overall atmosphere. At the end of the aisle, under the white arch, were multiple pumpkins which paired perfectly with the yellows and oranges of the surrounding foliage and with Emily’s stunning yellow dress. Criss and Emily shared beautiful vows that captured many inside jokes and displayed their deep love for one another. Many of their vows centered around moss, as Emily is very fond of moss. Emily happens to be so fascinated by moss that they even had mini terrariums as wedding favors for their guests! The ceremony was full of laughs, tears, and smiles. After Criss and Emily shared their first kiss and walked down the aisle, we took some portraits in the farm area of the venue. These colors were absolutely stunning and fit the desired fall aesthetic perfectly. Wellie even joined the newlyweds during this section to get some more photos together.
Furry Friends
One of my favorite things to see at weddings is the inclusion of a couple’s pets! Having your pet as part of your special day can be so much fun and make for some amazing memories. It can be difficult to think about all the added elements that come along with having your pet as part of your wedding day. Couples will often have a trusted friend or family member responsible for taking care of the animal on the day of or even hiring a third-party service that takes care of your pet for the day. These services will even bring your fur baby to the venue, ensure they are getting the best of care, and allow your guests to not have to worry. When it comes to photos with your furry friend, it's important to just have fun! You know more than anyone how to make sure your animal has fun and what will make them smile for the camera. Criss and Emily seemed to have so much fun with their dog Willie. He was absolutely adorable and was one of the highlights of the night.
~ Cozy, relaxed, and intimate private backyard wedding ~
Every wedding should be unique, and Clara and Alex made sure to make their special day exactly what they wanted! Their celebration was a special blend of simplicity, familial warmth, and a touch of purple magic. Hosted in their family's backyard, this couple crafted a day that reflected their personalities and showcased the beauty of love in its purest form.
A Cozy Backyard Venue
Clara and Alex decided to have their ceremony in their family’s beautiful backyard. They wanted to keep things simple and encouraged a relaxing atmosphere throughout the day. Clara and Alex opted for a small guest list, with only their parents in attendance encouraging the cozy and relaxing atmosphere of the day. I love the idea of having a family backyard wedding, this type of space provides intimacy and comfort unlike any other. This option is also a great way to maximize how you can personalize and spice up your ceremony and reception. When having a backyard wedding you can have unlimited access to the space, properly plan everything out, and see how everything will look in the actual space. After all, it is your own backyard, you can do whatever you want! Weddings like this one are always so much fun to capture as they feel so personal and unique to the couple.
This wedding took place in August, meaning the weather was not quite on our side as it was very hot. Luckily the backyard had a good number of trees that provided some shade and cover from the summer heat. However, the combination of bright sunlight and the shade from the trees presented a unique challenge for capturing photos. At times it was difficult to get even lighting as the sun and leaves were constantly shifting. I could have fixed this by simply using flash to counteract the uneven lighting. However, Clara and Alex, along with their family, had already expressed concerns about blinking and squinting so I opted to deal with the shadows instead. Luckily, some clouds ended up blocking the sun for a few moments allowing for additional shade and even lighting, a photographer's dream scenario.
Just a touch of purple
Clara and Alex chose to embrace the color purple throughout their special day. They incorporated purple in various elements including their flowers, jewelry, and attire. Clara, breaking away from tradition, opted for a stunning non-traditional purple dress, embodying her unique style and personality. Alex also wore a purple shirt under his blazer that complemented Clara’s dress beautifully. You could find purple in almost every element of this wedding, even in the couple’s wedding rings! Knowing how much the couple loves the color, their parents had surprised them with a gorgeous arch for them to get married under, decorated with, you guessed it, purple flowers. Clara and Alex chose excellent shades of purple that paired well together and were able to add to the atmosphere without being overwhelming.
From Camera Shy to Camera Ready
When I started talking with Clara and Alex, they were pretty open about their camera shyness and wanted to some help when it came to posing. My style of photography encourages natural movement and authenticity. I enjoy capturing those real moments from unexpected smiles to a sudden dance break, these types of moments often make for the best photos. I told Clara and Alex not to worry much about posing and to allow me to capture their day in the most authentic way. Of course, I always make sure to grab some timeless posed pictures where I help even my most camera-shy clients feel more comfortable and confident. It is important to remind them to enjoy the moment and take the day in. The last thing you want is them worrying about if you got the shot, that’s one of the reasons I love capturing candid moments.
A Dual Celebration
Adding an extra layer of significance to the day, it was also Alex's parents' anniversary. We took this opportunity to take some extra solo photos of Alex’s parents to help them celebrate and capture their anniversary which happened to be on such a special day.
In the end, Clara and Alex's backyard wedding was a testament to the beauty of simplicity, the warmth of familial bonds, and the power of the color purple! It was an absolute joy being able to photograph their wedding and I love how the photos turned out!
Wilson's Creek Waterfall | Caldwell County Courthouse Wedding
~ Memorable courthouse wedding in Lenior, NC with a majestic waterfall ~
As a wedding photographer, I've had the pleasure of attending quite a few distinct and memorable weddings, but there's nothing like the wedding day of a close friend or family member. I was so happy to be a part of this wedding which I'll remember forever. In March, I made the journey back to my hometown of Lenoir, North Carolina, to document the wedding of my sister, Christina, and her now husband, Jared.
Emotional Ceremony at Caldwell County Courthouse
Christina and Jared chose to have their wedding ceremony at the Caldwell County Courthouse. Their ceremony was held in the magistrate's office, which was initially quite hard to find. When we first arrived, we thought we had the wrong place because the main courthouse doors were locked. It turns out the magistrate's office has a discreet entrance on the back, on the eastern side of the courthouse, off Mulberry Street. Unfortunately, no cameras were allowed inside the magistrate’s office. On the bright side, this allowed for a more intimate ceremony and allowed me to be able to fully present as a witness for their ceremony. The magistrate's office was quite small and was not far off from what you would think a stereotypical office looks like. Despite the bland setting, Christina and Jared were able to have a beautiful ceremony. Christina and Jared wrote their own vows that were so touching that the magistrate even teared up. This was the first time experiencing that for courthouse wedding where the officiant didn't know the couple! Another special moment that made the ceremony even more emotional was their ring bearer, Christina and Jared's 4-year-old son. He was so excited and happy for his parents, he had a little trouble staying still, he also decorated the box for the wedding rings, making them even more special.
Memories at Wilson's Creek
After the courthouse ceremony, we headed to Wilson's Creek, a place that held special significance for Christina and Jared. Wilson's Creek is a 23.3-mile mountain stream in the Pisgah National Forest, starting in Grandfather Mountain. The creek is known for its stunning waterfalls and beautiful scenery. My favorite time to visit the creek is in the fall as the leaves start to turn, it's so beautiful! This wedding took place in March just as the plants were starting to regrow after the winter. This allowed us to get a unique blend of rustic winter leaves with hints of greenery throughout the forest. While some parts of Wilson's Creek can get quite busy, the area Christina and Jared chose for their post-wedding photoshoot was quiet and secluded which allowed us to relax and have fun capturing some photos. Another great highlight of this spot was the small waterfall that this section of the creek had.
First Date Flashbacks
This serene spot was actually the location of their very first date! Christina and Jared had written their initials on a rock by the seating area. Although they were the first to do so, they noticed that now their initials were joined by those of other couples on the neighboring rocks. During a break from taking photos, I noticed Jared looking around for something. I thought he may have dropped something, but he eventually stooped down near the waterfall to pick up a small red flower. Apparently he had found one during their first date and given it to Christina, so had been looking for one to give her on their wedding day as well.
A Candid Reception
After this initial intimate ceremony, Christina and Jared had a second wedding for more friends and family to be able to join. At this ceremony, they decided to opt out of an official photographer and instead offered disposable cameras for the guests to use throughout the night. They later had these photos developed, creating a beautiful, candid album of memories. It turned out a lot of the photos had been taken by their 4-year-old son, but they still ended up creating a great collection of fun and spontaneous photos. I think this is a great idea for those who are not interested in traditional photography or are just looking for a fun way to spice up your wedding album. Your guests will be able to capture some great moments you may never thought of getting on film and will almost always be some of your favorite shots from the night. This is also a great way to get some wedding guests up on their feet, even if they don’t want to join you on the dancefloor. You can always set up a photo booth or prop table next to some disposable cameras as well!
Christina and Jared's wedding day was a unique blend of intimate moments, personal touches, and cherished memories. As a wedding photographer, it was an unforgettable experience to capture these moments, and as a sister, it was even more touching.
Vendors
Venue: Caldwell County Courthouse and Wilson's Creek
Every love story is unique, and when it comes to weddings, there's no one-size-fits-all formula. Andrea and James's wedding is the perfect example. They chose to tie the knot in a way that was truly reflective of their personalities and love for each other. Whatever way you choose to celebrate your special day, it is important to plan for some twists and turns. Making sure you have a backup plan can make sure your day is even more beautiful and stress-free.
A Guerilla Elopement
Andrea and James knew they wanted to have the Raleigh skyline as a backdrop for their wedding photos. While there are some venues downtown that can accommodate this, they didn't want to book a large venue for only their small elopement with just the two of them and their witnesses. Instead they decided on what's sometimes referred to as a "Guerilla elopement" or "guerilla wedding". These kind of weddings are characterized by their spontaneity, intimacy, and often unconventional venues. All you need is an officiant and a public location. You don't even really need witnesses if you're ok with asking a stranger. Andrea and James decided to embrace this non-traditional style to create a day uniquely their own. Since the allure of capturing the Raleigh skyline was the driving force behind their vision, they initially planned to exchange their vows on the terrace at The Dillon, a popular downtown spot that offers breathtaking views. Guerilla Elopements are a great option for an intimate ceremony, especially if a courthouse elopement is not your vibe. Another great part of an elopement is the amount of flexibility and customization you can have with how your day is planned out. There are many budget-friendly and DIY options that can help make an elopement more affordable than a traditional ceremony. With a guerilla elopement, the location is often spontaneous and free, saving costs on renting a venue. If you choose to have your elopement in a large city, such as Raleigh, you'll have plenty of options for activities after the ceremony. From going to eat at a nice restaurant to enjoying the city’s nightlife, the possibilities are endless.
Have a Backup Plan
One thing I have learned over the years is to expect the unexpected. While the terrace at The Dillon was their ideal location, we discovered upon arrival that it was unexpectedly closed. This was a shock to us as the location is typically open to the public most days until 11 p.m. We were still able to take some photos in the courtyard of the building in front of Barcelona wine bar. While we never found out why it was closed, luckily we had discussed other options beforehand and had a backup plan. While things didn't go as planned, the second location ended up working out perfectly, and Andrea and James were still able to have a wonderful ceremony.
Raleigh Union Station
With the terrace off-limits, the couple had to quickly pivot and chose Raleigh Union Station as their impromptu ceremony venue. Under the welcoming glow of the Raleigh neon sign, they exchanged their vows, surrounded by the charming urban atmosphere of downtown Raleigh. It may not have been their original plan, but the alternative location lent a unique charm to their elopement. While Raleigh Union Station can be rented out for events, it is open to the public as it serves as one of the main local train stations in Raleigh. This spot is a beautiful hidden gem in Downtown Raleigh. From the surrounding cityscape to its gorgeous interior, Raleigh Union Station ended up being the perfect spot. One of the station’s most notable details is the bright Raleigh neon sign. While you may not expect a bright colorful neon sign to make for an ideal backdrop, for this ceremony it was perfect. The sign made sure to capture the Raleigh aesthetic that was originally expected by the views from the original venue.
Chasing the Raleigh Skyline – Boylan Bridge
Andrea and James were determined to capture the iconic Raleigh skyline in their wedding photos. One of my favorite spots to capture the skyline is at Boylan Bridge. Luckily, the bridge is just a short walk from Raleigh Union Station (or an even shorter drive if you don't want to walk all the way in heels!). We reached the bridge at the perfect time, just as the sun began to set across the city. We were able to capture some breathtaking photos in front of Raleigh’s skyscrapers. Another amazing advantage of the Boylan Bridge is its variety of backgrounds. Posing at different spots of the bridge can highlight different buildings within Raleigh’s skyline, creating a wide range of photos within one location. We concluded the session by taking some photos on the other side of the bridge with the sunset in the background.
An Adaptable and Flexible Photographer
Being adaptable can make all the difference when it comes to nontraditional ceremonies and elopements. As an elopement photographer, I take pride in my flexibility and ability to pivot when there are changes to the plan. I'm so happy I was able to provide support to Andrea and James and help to make sure they still had the wedding of their dreams. Despite unforeseen circumstances, we were able to take some of my favorite photos I've taken! I don't think things could have turned out any better.
Andrea and James were lovely enough to share their experience trusting me with their elopement photos: "Stephanie was so professional, flexible, and kind. Our wedding was very nontraditional, and she still managed to get excellent shots. Her knowledge of the area helped tremendously, and she was very patient. We appreciate her so much for photographing one of the most important moments!"
~ Art-deco inspired wedding photoshoot in Downtown Wilmington, NC ~
Earlier this year, I participated in a styled shoot in Wilmington at the brand-new event venue, The Elia. The venue is located downtown on Front Street in a historic building and has a glamorous art-deco aesthetic.
I was really excited by the concept of this styled shoot. The idea of blending an elevated and elegant aesthetic (the pearls) with a more casual and affordable feel (the pizza) was very intriguing to me. Recently, I've noticed a rising trend in wedding photography of this new kind of paparazzi editorial style, for lack of a better term, that features direct flash and candid movement. This style exudes glamour and spontaneity, and I thought it aligned nicely with the shoot concept. This shoot was the perfect opportunity for me to experiment with this style without the pressure of an actual wedding. As with any creative endeavor, some of these shots turned into successes, while others fell short of expectations. This shoot would not have been possible without all of the incredible work and participation from all the vendors. A full list of the vendors can be found at the end of this blog post.
Venue: The Elia, Downtown Wilmington, NC
The Elia is a stunning event and wedding venue space in the heart of Downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. The venue can host up to 175 guests with over 7,000 square feet of indoor event space, making it one of Downtown Wilmington's largest wedding venue options. The Elia is part of a historic building contributing to its art-deco aesthetic. Unfortunately, due to the building being a historic space, there were lots of exposed piping, electrical, and ductwork, that had to be edited out in Photoshop. This tends to be the case with historic venue spaces. This venue is located in a prime location and is surrounded by many local hotels, restaurants, cafés, boutiques, bars, and the iconic Wilmington Riverwalk.
Pearls
The gorgeous bridal attire for this shoot was provided by Something Bleu Bridal House in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The pearl detailing on the veil, the matching pearl jewelry, and the white silk dress gave a luxurious and clean aesthetic to this portion of the shoot. This style of slip dress has become really popular lately, this one elevates the look with a beautiful medium length train, knee high slit, and perfectly placed cowl neckline. Some dresses in this style have the tendency to be looser in the bust because of the cowl neck, but this one had a bit more structure which minimized any possible wardrobe malfunctions. I also love a good veil, incorporating the veil in your photos can really add to the atmosphere and mood, giving a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere.
Paparazzi
Like I mentioned previously, the aesthetic for this portion of the shoot allowed me to experiment with the paparazzi editorial style I had seen trending on social media. This style of photography can be quite stunning and displays the connection between a couple. When trying to capture this aesthetic more natural and authentic poses work best. Capturing movement and realistic poses works well and helps to catch that paparazzi style.
Pizza
The delicious pizzas for this shoot were provided by Mellow Mushroom Pizza in Wilmington. Catering your wedding with a local pizza restaurant is a great idea to add a fun, inexpensive twist to your special day. Pizza is a classic, fan-favorite dish that most people would be pleasantly surprised to enjoy on your wedding day. This catering option is very customizable and allows for fun and creative options for your quests. Most pizza places have multiple allergen and dietary restriction options that will fit your guests’ dietary needs. A fun and quirky way to incorporate the pizza into your aesthetic is to have an “I love you with every pizza my heart” sign. This fun signage also serves as a great photo opportunity next to your catering area.
Art-Deco
The overall aesthetic of The Elia contributed to the Art-Deco vibes felt all day long. For the pizza couple, a vintage car was brought in for the couple’s arrival. This vintage touch was the perfect addition to this couple’s section of the shoot. Bringing in an old-fashioned car can allow for a fun arrival, send-off, and general photo opportunity for a couple and their guests. We chose to do the traditional champagne spray in front of the vintage car. This is such a fun activity for couples to do and helps bring their personality to life in their photos.
Solo Bride
In addition to the two couple portions of this styled shoot, we had one solo bride as well. We were able to get some amazing detail shots during this section of the day. Many brides love to choose a perfume specific to their wedding day. In addition to getting detailed shots of the perfume bottle, capturing the bride applying the fragrance can create a beautiful and meaningful moment.
Vendors
Venue: The Elia in Wilmington
Planner/Host: Moments in Time Wedding & Event Planning
Affordable Wedding and Elopement Venues near Durham, NC
Are you thinking about Eloping, but haven’t decided on a location? Or maybe you just want a more inexpensive alternative to the rising costs of traditional weddings? Below are some of my favorite affordable venue options for elopements and small weddings near the Durham, NC area. I’ve also created a Pinterest board with images from the locations here.
Orange County Courthouse
The courthouse in Hillsborough offers weddings through the magistrate. They have an outdoor area where ceremonies are performed under a beautiful large tree. You can also bring pets! They only do weddings on weekdays on a first come-first serve basis. More of my photos from Orange County Courthouse here.
cost: 50
Eno River
A beautiful wooded park, Eno River has two options for rentals: (1) the State Park, and (2) West Point on the Eno city park. The state park offers picnic shelters, river views and overall has a more rustic feel. The city park offers a beautifully restored historic 1850s farmhouse for rent at a very low price.
cost: 80-225
Mordecai Historic Park
This is really cute historic park with an old chapel. The park has a questionable history (previous plantation, birthplace of Andrew Johnson), but if you can get past that it is the perfect place for a cottage core or vintage/antique inspired wedding. Renting Mordecai Historic Park grounds includes St. Mark's Chapel, a small changing room, and the park grounds. There is a beautiful garden, and the interior of the chapel is still well kept. Despite being located in Downtown Raleigh it has it’s own small lot, so the parking is pretty good. There is an additional charge if you plan to have alcohol, so keep that in mind when looking at the cost. More of my photos in Mordecai Historic Park here.
cost: 100-150/hr plus 15 application fee
NC Botanical Garden
The arboretum at the NC botanical garden has beautiful garden area with an indoor venue with a wall of windows so you can look out into the garden without having to deal with bugs while you eat. There’s also an outdoor area with an awning that you can use during the ceremony so in the summer your guests don’t overheat. In addition to the arboretum there’s also forest park available for rental, which is a weathered stone amphitheater surrounded by trees which is also beautiful.
cost: Price unavailable online
JC Raulston Arboretum
Like several of the other garden areas, this venue is also beautiful and full of flowers. The difference in the Arboretum is there are so many different sections and gardens available for rental it’s crazy! This link shows images of all available areas and prices. There are also indoor venues as well as gardens. There’s also a feature on the website to check if your date is available, so you can save time trying to contact people if you know the date you want isn’t available from the get-go.
cost: 190/hour
Raleigh Rose Garden
The Raleigh Rose Garden is an outdoor venue available for rent. It’s a gorgeous place for photos, with beautiful perennial flowers everywhere, and also has a small covered area with benches where a table or two could fit. It also has a fountain and pretty lattice area. Overall very cute.
cost: 410 for 3 hours (additional hours cost extra)
Museum of Life and Science
The museum of life and science is a unique venue option, offering a variety of locations options throughout the museum for your event (butterfly house, patio, main building, hideaway woods, etc). The package for intimate weddings for 20 guests includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, cake, and flowers. They also have add-ons including a butterfly release, train ride, animal encounter, and more. It’s a very cool venue, and if I wasn’t already married, I would get married here!
cost: unavailable on website
Arrowhead Inn B&B
This venue is a bit more expensive than others on the list, but includes a lot more. It includes a two night stay at the B&B, cake, and catering. It’s a beautiful venue surrounded by nature, you almost feel like you’re in the mountains! The ceremony itself takes place outdoors under a gazebo.
cost: 1599-2499
Lake Johnson
This is in Raleigh, but is so beautiful I felt I had to include it. They offer a variety of rentals, including picnic shelters, decks overlooking the lake, and indoor rooms. They also have equipment rentals, so you could have a romantic sailboat ride after the ceremony if you wanted! The park is gorgeous, with beautiful trees and wooded areas, but very popular, so there might be a lot of foot traffic of joggers passing by. There’s two links for separate parts of the park waterfront here and woodland here.
cost: 15-80/hour
I hope this list was helpful. Let me know of any locations you’re considering, even if they weren’t on my list. And once you’ve picked your venue and are looking for a photographer, keep me in mind ;)
