Durham Food Hall Wedding

A styled shoot at the Durham Food Hall

I am so excited to share with you one of my very favorite styled shoots throughout the years! This styled shoot took place at Durham Food Hall—upstairs, they have the swankiest bar area along with a ceremony and/or reception space that couples could use on their wedding day!

The entire shoot was put together by Emily with Emily Katherine Events. She took inspiration from the pops of color all around Durham Food Hall and implemented them straight into the design of this styled wedding shoot. She used one of her past wedding couples as the actual couple for the shoot, and put together such a fabulous team to really make this day shine. She also showcased the bride’s actual artwork! No, really! In this gallery you will see some beautiful paintings scattered throughout—they are our models work! So special!

My personal favorite thing about this styled shoot was the florals! Wow! Bowerbird really took the inspiration and made some true artwork with their designs! My favorite images from this styled shoot are those of the florals on the black backdrop (ie, the bar area of Durham Food Hall). I mean, it is delectable. Any time I look at those images I can feel my heart beat with excitement.

Special thanks to all of the vendors who came together with all of their talents for this styled shoot!
Venue // Durham Food Hall
Planning & Coordination // Emily Katherine Events
Photography // Fancy This Photography
Officiant // Magical Weddings by Carly
Dessert // Afters
Rentals // American Party Rentals
Specialty Rentals // Cottage Luxe
Florals // Bowerbird Flowers
Stationary // Taylored Script Design Co.
Makeup // Sharon Davis Makeup Artistry
Hair // Culture Hair Studio
Gown // Gavin Christianson Bridal
Suit // Bernards Formalwear
Jewelry // Hamilton Hill Jewelry
Lighting // Get Lit Event Lighting

“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

It is with great pleasure to share with you this wedding. I have had the privilege of getting to know not only both Stacy and Alex, but their families, as well. Being able to collaborate and dream with them has been one of the best perks about this wedding, and it was just an all around good time. Stacy and Alex tied the knot on New Years Eve and threw a massive party for all of their guests to enjoy. Guests flew and drove from all over the country for this, and that just tells me that these two were extremely loved from the beginning.

Stacy and Alex met while working in DC. From what I heard via the reception speeches, this came out of the blue and there were sparks of instant attraction. Stacy and Alex moved back to this area shortly before their wedding— Alex is originally from the triangle, and Stacy is from Florida. I quite enjoyed getting to know them a bit more and where they were from. Surprisingly, Alex grew up literally right down the street from my husband in Carrboro. I found out Stacy had an adorning love for all things agriculture, which you all know is my sweet spot. She stole my heart, too.

Stacy and her bridesmaids got dressed and ready at the quirky hotel 21c in downtown Durham. They started the day out here drinking mimosas and having hair and makeup done by Bella Trio. Right across the square, Alex and his groomsmen were getting ready at the Marriott Hotel. This was perfect because later for their first look all they had to do was walk outside and meet in the middle of the square.

We ended up doing their first look photos right in front of Pour which was great because of the fun twinkle lights that surrounded the small trees in front. Take a look at some of those images because they may be some of my all time favorites. I love the ones that Samantha took of the full group (bridesmaids and groomsmen). Seriously, they make me smile some kinda big when I look at them.

The ceremony took place at the beautiful Asbury United Methodist Church and they were married by Pastor Wes Neal. I enjoyed the ceremony and the ambiance of the church, but the best part was being able to see Alex’s face when Stacy and her dad walked down the aisle to him. It’s the little things that get me, and this is just the best part of the whole day. This one part. Yall, the little moments matter. It was a site to see, especially with all of the couples bridal party standing right next to them in this packed full of guests church. All of their friends and family in one place to witness.

The reception took place at one of my favorite Durham venues (not even kidding!)— The Rickhouse! This night could not get any better, but it did. The spirit of all of the guests made this night one to remember. The food, the dancing, the laughter—it was just the place to be for New Years. I loved the small details meant for guests, like flip flops for dancing on the dance floor, or even beaded necklaces and fun glasses to indulge in for the big NYE ball drop. I don’t know what was the best thing about the reception—all of these little things or the fact that they had late night snacks come out when the party needed it.

Obviously, this was our last wedding of the year—and we went out with a bang! I so enjoyed getting to know these two and being a part of their celebration. I do meet some incredible couples, but mine have to be some of the best people around. Stacy and Alex, congratulations on your marriage! I wish you so many years of love and happiness—you two deserve it!

Special thanks to all of these vendors!
Hotel and Accommodations 21c Museum Hotel & Marriott
Hair and Makeup Bella Trio Salon
Bridal Gown Coastal Knot
Florals Fallon’s Flowers
Ceremony Asbury United Methodist Church
Transportation Carolina Livery Transportation
Rentals American Party Rentals
Catering Southern Harvest
Reception Venue The Rickhouse
DJ Vox DJ
Photography Fancy This Photography