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

Historic Wedding Venue | The Cotton Room

Siera & Michael

Dreamy. The Cotton Room in Durham, NC is a historic textile factory wedding venue and it is PERFECTION. Historic venues can evoke a sense of industrial chic and nostalgia. These venues often feature exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The Cotton Room does not fall short on any of these features.

Being surrounded by the history and stories of the factory create a sense of awe and reverence for the past, while also celebrating the present and future of your love story. The unique atmosphere of the textile factory creates a sense of warmth, intimacy, and creativity that made Siera and Michael’s wedding feel truly unique and special.

Fancy This Photography is always down for rich and vibrant history, while also celebrating the start of a new chapter in your life.

Bride + Her girls

Siera is stunning. Period. The classic look she and Stolochi Hair & Makeup decided on for the day was simply breath taking. Flawless if you ask me.

Siera and her girls had such a fun vibe. Friendships on the day of your wedding are incredibly meaningful and special. A time when you're surrounded by the people who love and support you, and who have played an important role in your life leading up to your big day. You could feel the joy in all of these friendships.

The dress gets a moment

I am telling you CLASSIC and STUNNING. This dress from Bridal World in Burlington, NC was absolutely everything and more.

The Groom + His Guys

We love the guys too! Capturing these close friendships is one of the most special parts of any wedding day. Hearing the casual snippets of advice and calming of nerves the groomsmen pass along to the groom is the sweetest thing. And don’t they look handsome in their suits from Bernard’s Formalwear

A New chapter begins

The history and character of the building can add to the emotional significance of your wedding day. Getting married in a building, like The Cotton Room, that has stood the test of time can create a sense of continuity and tradition, and can make your wedding feel like a part of something larger and more enduring.

“The mutual respect and admiration that Siera and Michael have for each other is truly inspiring” - Courtney, a photographer for Fancy This Photography

A love to last

The surrounding areas of The Cotton Room are just as worthy of praise as the inside. With dramatic windows, beautiful brick, arches and lush greenery, it makes for a beautiful backdrop for couple portraits.

reception

What is a wedding without a party? A breathtaking space filled with food, drinks and the ones you love most, there is only one thing to say…

LET’S PARTY

Goodbye

Well done Siera and Michael! Your love was shown all day long, through every look across the room, every pause to grab a kiss and every smile shared.. your love and day will be remembered forever!

Photographer // Courtney of Fancy This Photography

Venue // The Cotton Room

Music // Willis J Entertainment

Hair & Makeup // Stolochi Hair & Makeup

Catering // TC Hospitality

Chalk Artist // Rachel Writes NC

Suits // Bernard’s Formalwear

Dress // Carolina Bridal World

Cake // Publix

It all started in Durham. After swiping right and some delicious Mexican food, life brought Tyler and Jonathan together. Little did they know that years later, they would be hosting their wedding back where it all began. Nestled among bustling infrastructure hides a lush oasis perfect for an intimate occasion. Tyler and Jonathan chose Durham Museum of Life and Science to begin the rest of their lives together. 

Tyler Erickson grew up in Maryland, then attended Virginia Tech for undergrad. For her master’s in biostatistics, she came to North Carolina attending Duke University. Jon on the other hand, is a North Carolina native, heading to Appalachian State University for his degree in Computer Science. In February 2021, on a seemingly unsuspicious hike at Brumley Nature preserve, Jon stopped to tie his shoe. Much to Tyler’s surprise, it was not the only knot he was looking to tie. After a bit of shock, Tyler said yes and the journey to their big day began.

Knowing they wanted a ceremony in Durham, they began looking around. After a date with their future officiant and bridesmaid to the museum, they went back for a tour.

“We toured and immediately fell in love. The setting of the butterfly house was so striking, and this amazingly beautiful place is right in city limits. It looks like a tropical island and is an absolute gem of Durham!” Tyler and Jon explain. “They also offered a micro wedding package which was amazing. We wanted to have a more intimate ceremony with our closest friends and family. They also coordinated the food, cake and ceremony flowers which was an added bonus to help reduce planning stress. It was a perfect fit!”

The date was set and on a warm, drizzly day in July, Tyler and Jon’s vision came to life. For the girls, the day began at bridesmaid Angel’s home. Tyler was surrounded by love and support from her mother, grandmother, and bridesmaids. This time was made more special by small details like food prepared by Angel for the wedding party. This included Tyler’s favorite blueberry muffins that reminded her of how much love her best friend had for her. They even sent some goodies to Jon, who snacked on them in between getting ready and playing video games with his groomsmen and groomswoman. Once makeup and hair was done by Pinup Studio NC, Tyler’s mother helped her into her dress, Jon’s groomsmen helped him with last minute details, and the couple were ready to walk down the aisle. 

More small but special details were sprinkled throughout the day, even down to the recessional music.

“As we walked away as a married couple from the ceremony, we played CAKE’s “Love You Madly.” This was a small special detail because we planned our honeymoon to the pacific northwest specifically to attend a CAKE Concert!” 

Other touches included a wedding dish from a friend, Shannon, was Tyler and Jon’s first engagement present. With their initials engraved in gold, it now holds Tyler's ring for when she bakes. Jon and his groomsmen wore socks with prints of notable Durham sites including the Lucky Strike water tower, Major Bull, and the Durham Flag. Souvenirs included chocolate boxes from Escazu Chocolates and scratch off tickets, making the gifts usable yet fun. A beautiful Butterfly Wishes and Memories table was included to honor those who were there in spirit, including Tyler’s grandmother who passed away only a month before their wedding. All of these details and more made the day one to remember for Tyler and Jon, as well as their guests. 

“For our style, we really wanted to just showcase the venue. We kept everything very simple because our venue was so luscious. Our décor had accents of butterflies because we got married at the gardens! For our centerpieces, we wanted to bring nature into the tent with us so we used live succulents, plants and herbs to keep the feeling of nature inside,” the couple explained. 

Misty skies and misty eyes greeted the couple as they made their way down the aisle. With the Butterfly House as their background, the couple said “I do” in surrounded by their closest circle of friends and family. Overcast made for soft, even lighting- perfect for Fancy This’s Sarah to perfectly capture the newlyweds. Navy blue suits from Bernard’s Formal Wear and peacock dresses and ties provided great contrast against the lush greenery of the Museum grounds. After walking down the aisle, guests met the couple inside the Butterfly House.

As the night went on, Fancy This captured whimsical moments among the couple and guests. Live plants made for lovely backdrops as photographer Sarah and second shooter Amanda shot little moments everywhere, sometimes going completely unnoticed.

“We absolutely adored working with the team! We did the engagement shoot with Sarah and we felt super comfortable working with her. On our wedding day, it was a dream experience! Sarah and Amanda gave gentle instructions but overall disappeared into the background. Neither of us remember where they were during much of the day or even the ceremony, but our photos are the most beautiful photos we could ask for.”

The feeling was mutual. Sarah shares, “The day was full of laughter and relaxation. Even through the misty, rainy weather, Tyler, Jon, and their entire wedding party remained in positive spirits throughout the evening. They were nothing more than enjoyable to photograph!” For unexpected weather, Sarah encourages having a plan. For her this includes bringing clear umbrellas and scouting out indoor locations for portraits. She also says to embrace it! After all, rain on your wedding day is auspicious.

Take it from Tyler and Jon: your special day doesn’t have to involve a huge party or sunshine to make it special. The day is yours to create. We asked the couple what moments stand out when they think about their wedding. Their answer? “Leaving the venue surrounded by our friends, family, and butterflies.”

A special thanks to all vendors who made Tyler and Jon’s day so special.

Photography: Fancy This Photography 

Venue: Durham Museum of Life and Science

Jewelry: Sparrowood Jewelers

Flowers: Tre Bella

Food: Southern Harvest Hospitality Group

Cake: Guglhupf Bakery 

Hair and Makeup: Pinup Studio NC

Transportation: Bare Minimum Limousine Service 

Chocolate favors: Escazu Chocolates 

Tux and Suits: Bernard’s Formal Wear

Wedding Dress: Gavin Christianson Bridal 

Tailor: Krystyna’s Tailor Shop