Come on a journey with me…

A wedding truly set a part from others. Mucha’s Topaz painting from his Precious Stones series painted in 1900 was the inspiration and it played flawlessly with Bay 7 in Durham. Emily and Daniel selected flowers that were reminiscent of the ones featured in the paintings. They incorporated flowers that were bold, colorful, and had unique shapes and sizes. The floral designs were key to creating an atmosphere that transported guests to a different time and place. When guests walked into the venue, they were greeted by stunning floral arrangements that set the tone for the entire evening. In this post you are going to effortlessly step into the Topaz painting, you’re going to be rethinking everything you thought you knew about the wedding of your dreams.

Emily + Daniel

The couple’s love story had happy start and a timeless ending. Emily and Daniel quickly bonded over their mutual passion of music and reconnected after the concert. Four years, exactly after that concert, Daniel took the opportunity to surprise Emily with an even better surprise - her grandmother’s very own ring! The sweet moment was finished off with champagne from The Oak House and dessert from the popular Loaf bakery. Daniel went to work and Emily went to class, a simple love that is never ending.

On their wedding day the bride and groom were, traditionally, separated having special moments with those they love most. One thing I remember most about their day is the gift Emily chose to gave her dad, who is an astronomer. She gifted him a print of of the stars, from the day she was born. This was such a special moment between dad and daughter.

A show stopping first look

Emily remembers is at being a very very hot day, but I just remember how much fun we had. These two were easy to photograph, because the love between them was so apparent, they were comfortable in one another’s arms and it came naturally. The photos speak for themselves, the love story that was being written that day and was going to continue from this day on.

Epic Florals and details inspired by Topaz

The floral designs became the centerpiece of the ceremony and reception, they set the tone for the entire evening. They transported our guests to a different time and place and made them feel like they were part of the Art Nouveau movement. Florals have an ability to take your wedding to the very next level. They create an unexpected magic and Blossom & Bone Florals, absolutely, knocked this installation out of the painting.

In the next section, we will take a closer look at how we used the Art Nouveau style to create an immersive experience for our guests, the details were such a treat to see and photograph. A coffee/tea favor bar, the velvet seating area, the small florals and let’s not forget the photos and mementos from relatives past weddings. I, of course have seen so many different ways to remember loved ones, share fond memories of past weddings and this one was so so special.

“We chose to use the piano as a display because music is an important element that has bound us together since the day we met. We also enlisted a band from Washington DC that Daniel knew from his time working there, to perform during the party. That musical connection helped create an incredibly fun atmosphere with an extra familial feeling. “ Emily + Daniel

Reception with a backdrop

Bay 7 is an incredible backdrop for such a stunning wedding. Emily and Daniel appreciated the history represented in the warehouse’s original building materials and decor, and felt like it could comfortably host all of our loved ones in the intimate, two-leveled space. Again the florals by Blossom & Bone Florals brought this space to life. The band Secret Society kept everyone dancing all night before the after party at The Oak House.

A Picture Perfect Day

An Art Nouveau themed wedding is a timeless and elegant way to transport yourself and your guests to a different era. From stunning floral designs to an exquisite favor bar, every detail can capture the essence of Art Nouveau seamlessly. The perfect venue like Bay 7 can make your wedding a memorable occasion, providing the ideal backdrop for your celebration of love. As you plan your wedding, consider incorporating this iconic style to create a love-filled atmosphere that your guests will never forget. As Alphonse Mucha once said, "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." So, let your wedding be a canvas for creating an unforgettable experience that captures the heart of Art Nouveau.

Photographer // Nikki Owner of Fancy This Photography

Venue // Bay 7 Durham

Wedding Planner // EK Events

Catering // Angus Barn

Hair // Wedding Hair By Liz

Makeup // Onloktion Makeup

Video // HoneyDew Films

Rentals // American Party Rentals, Get Lit Special Event Lighting, Green House Picker Sisters

Flowers // Blossom and Bone Florals

Dessert // Happily Desserted

Officiant // Always Faithful Wedding Service

Gown // Alexia’s Bridal

Invitations //`Gilded Swan Paperie

Bridesmaid Gowns // Poshmark

“Nikki was the best! I couldn't believe the day after our wedding she had emailed us 50 photos already and they were amazing. There is a trend in wedding photography for washed out "romantic" colors but I wanted the opposite - full colored images that are bright bold and make an impact and Nikki delivered. In addition, she was just very easy to work with. She worked so quickly with the group family shots and just knocked those out. For solo shots just the groom and me, we felt very comfortable and at ease. There was limited direction which was nice, feels like she captured more natural images that won't feel so staged.” —Risa, the Bride

I will start this off by stating that Risa and Matt have impeccable style. I say this because I literally said this all day on their wedding day. Risa got ready and dressed at their own apartment in downtown Durham. I was so amazed when I walked in—the amount of greenery from their plants, just the right amount of furniture that really matched the decor, and the perfect amount of minimalism and art to set the space apart as their own.

This was so much fun to photograph at the beginning of the day! The light that poured in was beautiful as it bounced off of the walls and onto the closest family members that were there with Risa. When Risa put on her delicate and intricate lace dress—it was just breathtaking to see her all as one. What was even better to witness was when her dad saw her for the first time. That was a site to see, and a privilege to photograph.

Matt started his day at The Durham Hotel. I’ve always loved this hotel for their quirky details, like their curtains—they are my favorite color in the world, mustard yellow. Once he was ready and prepped for the day, he headed across the street to the cute little alleyway right beside Alley26. It is here, that he had his first look with Risa. Personally, I have a hard time picking out a favorite part of their day that I photographed, but this moment may be high on my list. There is something so nice about a couple seeing eachother for the first time—their anxiety goes away, and for a brief moment in the day, its just them.

What I loved most about them is the fact that they loved our city of Durham. Right before they walked down and through the American Tobacco Campus and to their wedding venue, they pit-stopped at a parking deck that gave the prettiest view of downtown. It was such a sweet scene to see these two practice their first dance up there together, and just bask in the moment of what the day ahead of them holds. The portraits of them at this location are some of my all time favorite wedding images to date. A great feeling is attached to them.

Risa and Matt had such a beautiful Jewish ceremony at Bay 7. Risa was escorted down the aisle by both of her parents, and her dad was the one to perform the ceremony. The ceremony was breathtaking in and of itself. The words said, and guests looking in awe were only one aspect of the grand picture. The twinkly lights that seemed to paint a night sky right above them were my all time favorite detail about their wedding. It created such a romantic mood to pair with the vows exchanged.

Later that night, guests were greeted by a candlelit dinner and SO MUCH DANCING! The best part of dancing?! The hora! So much fun, energy, and twirlilng! This was so upbeat and amazing to photograph (especially with the fun lights all around them!). Risa and Matt’s genuine happiness was contagious, and I found myself smiling the more and more the song went on. Right after, Risa and Matt had their first dance. This was especially special as their best friend was the one who sang it. My heart = So FULL!

It was a night full of so much love, kindness, and genuine belly laughs. Risa and Matt, thank you for your kindness and trust in me to photograph such a special occasion for the two of you. It has been an honor to serve you, and I am thankful to have met you both.

Special thanks to all of the vendors who made their day possible!

Planning and Coordination by Emily Katherine Events
Accommodations by The Durham Hotel
Wedding Venue at Bay 7
Catering by Angus Barn
Flowers by Bowerbird Flowers
Ceremony Musicians by Save the Date
Band by Right to Party
Hair and Makeup by Kristina Overton
Transportation by Greenway Transit
Gown by Saks
Invitations by Paper Culture

There is something so special about photographing such a precious moment between two people, and with their Durham courthouse wedding, Andrea and Patrick's wedding was special indeed! They were so very relaxed and happy after their intimate ceremony, attended by two loved ones. Over the course of two hours, I had the privilege of watching them exchange vows and rings as well as go on a little photography adventure around the American Tobacco Campus.

It’s so rare that, as a wedding photographer, I get to spend so much time with a couple capturing images that will last a lifetime. The location was special to them because it’s were they had their first date! It was so cute watching them walk hand in hand and listening to them talk about how they were almost recreating that first date together. I wish these two wonderful people nothing but love and happiness in the years to come!

XO,

Samantha