Jonathan and Danielle: Durham NC Wedding Photography

Early last year I met Jonathan and Danielle for their engagement shoot at Whiskey in Durham, NC. They had such a cool style about them, and the shoot was so good, I had been looking forward to their wedding all year. It was worth the wait.

Starting with Danielle, her mom, and two of her best friends we got ready at the famous Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary, NC. A great first floor room which lead out to the gardens in the back where we did a few bridal and group photos. Take a look at the fantastic late fall colors in the background and note the very cool black bridesmaid dresses. I’m partial to black for bridesmaids, since the only other time I’ve seen it has been at my own wedding. Also take note of the photo of Danielle and her mom inside the Umstead. Before leaving, they had a small prayer together. It worked out to be a great photo, giving them space and privacy framed nicely by the Umstead’s decor.

We left the Umstead for Duke Gardens, where Jonathan & Danielle had a private first look under the pergola. After small walking and photo tour through the gardens, we were back at the visitor center for family photos. It was a bit cool but even in late fall / early winter, the Gardens always are a perfect location for photos. I was partial to two photos in particular. The distant photo of Jonathan waiting under the pergola is nice as it gives us a good scope of the Gardens and also the view Danielle had as she walked up to him. Also, the photo of Danielle walking from the fountain to the pergola, with her maid of honor waiting and watching in the distance. There are some nice contrasts between her skin, the dress, the bridesmaids dress, the shadows and the light.

After a beautiful intimate church ceremony, we headed over to Parizade Restaurant in Durham, NC for a great dinner reception. You can see from the photos there were a lot of laughs, some tears and just a really enjoyable night. It’s hard to pick out one or two to mention specifically, because they all show the wide range this great couple has together. It was also great to work with the fantastic Lyn Graves of Fresh Affairs in  Raleigh, NC. He is really one of the top florists in the state. Take some time, check them out. You won’t be disappointed.

Cheers to Jonathan & Danielle as they start 2013 married and happy!

Durham NC Wedding Photography