A bride and groom holding hands while walking down a forest path. Sunlight filters through the trees, highlighting the couple and the lush greenery surrounding them. The bride wears a long dress and veil, and the groom is in a dark suit.

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October 17, 2017

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duke gardens weddings – annie & yuriy

Annie & Yuriy were married last month in the pergola at one of my favourite places to shoot: Duke Gardens. It was a lovely Saturday in early September and, for me as a Duke Gardens wedding photographer as well as all the guests in their formal attire, the weather was perfect for an outdoor ceremony. Annie & Yuriy’s family hail from China and Ukraine respectively, so there was a traditional element to this wedding that brought in some of the customs from both cultures. Annie was also really interested in dedicating a good amount of the day to portraits both before and after the ceremony, so we got the opportunity to walk around the gardens with the bridal party before the ceremony before spending some one-on-one time with the couple as the sun went down.

From there, it was over to the WaDuke for the reception, which was expertly DJ’d by DJ Ryan Levin with DJ Rang. Annie & Yuriy had also worked hard on a beautifully choreographed first dance that featured both a waltz and a tango and wowed everyone in the room. You might remember the photo of the impromptu rehearsal we made in the arcades at Duke Chapel during their engagement shoot back in the summer. Well, they certainly didn’t disappoint; it was absolutely amazing!

With so many great images, it was tough narrowing things down for the blog, but here are just a few of my faves from the big day. Big congrats to Annie & Yuriy! I wish you guys all the very best for a long and happy marriage!

Ceremony: Duke Gardens, Durham, NC | Reception: Washington Duke Inn, Durham, NC | Dress: Penelope by BHLDN | Florist: Event Flouret, Carrboro, NC | Cake: Guglhupf, Durham, NC | Hair & Make-Up: Wavelengths Salon, Durham, NC | Bride’s Make-Up: Impact Artistry, Durham, NC | DJ: DJ Rang, Raleigh, NC | Videographer: Sugar Shack Films, Oak Ridge, NC | Assistant Photographer: Erin Costa, Wilmington, NC

A woman stands in profile by a sunlit window, wearing a formal dress. Another woman stands behind her, adjusting the dress. The room features patterned curtains and a lamp. The scene is in black and white.
A bride in a lace wedding dress smiles as a woman in a blue dress helps her adjust it. Theyre standing in a softly lit room with patterned curtains in the background, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
A bride smiles as she adjusts her wedding veil, with another woman beside her. The scene is in black and white, capturing a joyful moment before a wedding ceremony.
A black and white portrait of a bride in profile view. She wears a lace dress and a veil, with her hair styled under the veil. The image focuses on her serene expression against a plain background.
A bride wears a delicate lace-trimmed veil and a strapless wedding gown. She looks to the side, with her dark hair styled neatly. The lighting is soft, highlighting her serene expression and subtle makeup.
A man with a beard adjusts the collar of his white shirt while wearing a black tuxedo. He is standing in a softly lit room, looking focused and thoughtful.
A wedding party poses outdoors under trees. The bride and groom stand in the center; bridesmaids in peach dresses and groomsmen in black suits flank them. They all hold bouquets and smile for the photo.
A bearded man in a tuxedo with a bow tie stands outdoors, smiling with one hand in his pocket. A boutonniere is pinned to his jacket. The background features a blurred stone wall and trees.
A bride in a white dress and veil stands on a garden path holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers. She is surrounded by lush green foliage and appears serene and joyful.
A wedding party poses on a red bridge surrounded by lush greenery. The bride and groom stand in the center, flanked by bridesmaids in pink dresses and groomsmen in black suits. Rose petals are scattered on the ground.
A black and white photo of a wedding procession. A bride and groom lead the group, holding hands and walking along a garden path. Bridesmaids and groomsmen follow behind, dressed in formal attire. Trees and a traditional gate frame the background.
A bride in a white gown and veil holds a bouquet of pink and white flowers, gesturing towards a group of bridesmaids in light pink dresses. The scene is outdoors with greenery in the background.
A bride in a white dress stands with six bridesmaids in blush pink dresses, all holding small bouquets. They are in a lush garden setting with trees and shrubs, captured in soft, natural light.
Four women in light pink dresses hold bouquets of pink and white flowers with greenery. The focus is on the floral arrangements, and there is soft lighting, creating a romantic and elegant atmosphere.
A group of people gather under a gazebo in a garden. The sky above is filled with dramatic clouds, with sunlight peeking through, casting a warm glow over the scene. Tall trees frame the background.
A bride and groom stand together during their wedding ceremony. The bride is smiling, wearing a veil and dress, while the groom dons a tuxedo. An officiant is speaking, with lush greenery visible in the background.
A wedding ceremony set in a lush garden with guests seated on both sides. The bride and groom stand under a wooden pergola, surrounded by greenery. Bridesmaids in pink dresses and groomsmen in black suits are near the couple.
A bride and groom participate in a tea ceremony outdoors. The bride is serving tea to seated guests, while the groom stands beside her, smiling. Groomsmen in tuxedos stand in the background. Lush greenery surrounds the scene.
A close-up of two people in suits exchanging a red ornate box during a ceremony. A group of people and a bride in a white dress are in the blurred background.
A bride and groom kiss under a decorative metal structure during their wedding ceremony. Bridesmaids stand nearby holding bouquets. The scene is in black and white, adding a timeless feel to the moment.
A bride in a wedding dress and veil looks on as a groom in a suit is about to break a glass wrapped in cloth during a wedding ceremony. An officiant stands nearby, holding a book. The scene takes place outdoors.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom holding hands at an outdoor wedding ceremony. The bride in a flowing gown smiles, while the groom raises his other hand. Bridesmaids in dresses watch on either side. An officiant stands behind them.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand down stone steps under a wooden arbor at an outdoor wedding. Bridesmaids in pink dresses and groomsmen in black suits stand on either side, clapping and smiling. Lush greenery surrounds the scene.
A bride in a white dress and veil watches as two grooms, wearing black suits, embrace on a garden path. Bridesmaids and a groomsman in pink dresses and a suit applaud and celebrate around them. Lush greenery surrounds the scene.
A bride in a white wedding dress smiles at the camera, standing in focus in the foreground. Behind her, a groom in a tuxedo, slightly out of focus, stands among tall trees in a natural setting. The image is in black and white.
A bride and groom stand together in a lush, green forest setting. The groom wears a black tuxedo, and the bride is in a white lace wedding dress and veil. They are holding hands and smiling at each other with soft, natural light filtering through the trees.
A couple in wedding attire embraces in a dense bamboo forest. The black and white image highlights the tall, slender bamboo stalks surrounding them, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand through a bamboo forest. The bride wears a flowing white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit with a bowtie. The scene is in black and white, creating a timeless and romantic atmosphere.
A bride and groom holding hands while walking down a forest path. Sunlight filters through the trees, highlighting the couple and the lush greenery surrounding them. The bride wears a long dress and veil, and the groom is in a dark suit.
A couple stands on a vibrant red bridge amidst lush greenery, overlooking a tranquil stream. Tall trees surround the scene, and the sky is partly cloudy, adding a serene atmosphere.
A bride and groom stand on a curved red bridge surrounded by lush greenery, embracing each other and sharing an intimate moment. The bride wears a white dress and veil, while the groom is in a dark suit. The scene is serene and romantic.
A dimly lit, elegant dining room featuring round tables with white tablecloths and gold chairs. Each table has a tall floral centerpiece with white and pink flowers. Glasses, silverware, and red napkins are neatly arranged around the centerpieces.
A four-tiered white wedding cake decorated with small dots and topped with pink and white flowers. It is set against a dimly lit background with a chandelier. Two champagne glasses and small candles are placed in front.
A tall floral centerpiece with white hydrangeas and pink roses in a clear vase, set on an elegantly decorated dining table with lit candles and small red gift boxes. The background is dimly lit, highlighting the arrangement.
A table is set for a formal event with a red decorative box featuring a couple in traditional attire, surrounded by wine glasses, a lit candle, and a floral centerpiece. The tablecloth has a elegant pattern, and cutlery is neatly arranged.
A bride and groom gracefully dance in a ballroom, surrounded by seated guests watching attentively. The bride wears a flowing white gown, and the groom is in a tuxedo. The elegant venue features chandeliers and floral arrangements.
A bride and groom joyfully dance in the center of a ballroom, with her dress swirling elegantly. Guests at decorated tables watch, and an ornate chandelier hangs above, adding to the festive atmosphere.
A bride and groom elegantly dance together at a wedding reception. She wears a flowing white gown, and he is in a tuxedo. The warmly lit room is filled with seated guests watching and celebrating their dance.
A couple elegantly dancing on a wooden floor in a ballroom. The man in a suit supports the woman, in a flowing dress, as she leans back gracefully. Guests and tables are visible in the dimly lit background.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom dancing in an elegant ballroom. The room features ornate wallpaper, chandeliers, and round tables with guests seated and standing around, observing the couple.
A joyful bride is lifted on a chair by a group of smiling guests during a lively indoor celebration. The room is warmly lit, and other attendees can be seen clapping and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
A joyful man in a tuxedo is lifted on a chair by a group of smiling people at a lively celebration. The room is elegantly decorated with chandeliers and soft lighting, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

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