Duke Gardens Weddings | Allison and Paul

In the spring of this year, I had the great pleasure of working with Allison and Paul on their engagement session at Duke Gardens in Durham. Their incredibly strong connection lifted my heart in a big way on that particular day! Over the following months, I worked closely with Allison’s mom Leslie to prepare for the wedding. Throughout this whole prep period, I felt so lucky and grateful to be a part of Allison and Paul’s celebration. Watching a loving family come together to make a day so special for everyone was a true gift! And when the wedding finally arrived, the joy and love around this vibrant couple was absolutely palpable!
Allison and Paul were married at the same location where we did their engagement session: the beautiful Duke Gardens. The Gardens are bursting with life, and clearly tended with love, so they made the perfect venue for Allison and Paul. Their ceremony was one of the most emotional I have ever had the privilege to attend (I love emotional weddings so much!). Paul’s father played the piano as his best man sang, his siblings also sang during the ceremony, so moving! Right before Allison walked down the aisle, I saw Paul press his eyes hard holding his mother’s hand, and I could see such deep emotion on his face; he knew that the love of his life was about to become his wife. A truly beautiful moment to witness!
And the bride…ahhh the bride! Allison radiated joy and grace in the perfect dress with an exquisite lace all-over. The delicate details of her headpiece and her romantic hairstyle were so lovely. And then, to everyone’s delight, this elegant bride absolutely rocked the dance floor! When a wedding runs the gamut from deep emotion to complete joy and wild celebration, it’s simply the best!
At one point, Allison’s father took me aside and told me that he was blown away by my work. This meant the world to me. I feel so very lucky to do what I love, and to share these moments with people as kind as Allison, Paul and their families. I hope you enjoy these photos from their day as much as I enjoyed taking them. A huge thanks to Grace Leisure Events, what a joy to work with you! Their day was flawless, thank you for everything!

Thanks Katie Dickson for shooting their wedding with me, you are amazing!

Design and Planning: Grace Leisure Events / Venue: Duke Gardens / Videographer: Jon Clark Wedding / Florist: Tre Bella / Stationary: Paperless Post / Cake Artist: Details Cake Design and Scratch Made Bakery / Catering: Sage and Swift / Harpist- Leigh Stringfellow / Reception music: Randy from Bunn DJ Company / Hair and Make-up: Wink / Wedding Dress and veil: from Tre Bella / Shoes: Nina / Bridesmaids dress: Donna Morgan / Groom and Groomsmen’s attire: Bernard’s Formal Wear / Rentals & Linens: American Party Rentals / Lighting: Get Lit Special Event Lighting