Beautiful Wedding at Bay 7 Durham NC

Alison and Brian invited loved ones to their wedding at Bay 7 Durham NC on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. The late-winter weather was slightly brisk, but sunshine made for a gorgeous downtown Durham wedding day. Fancy This Photography’s Sarah Martin captured festivities on a Sony A7rIII camera with a 24-70 and 70-200mm lens.

Alison began the day by getting ready with close friends and family in The Durham Hotel. This boutique hotel is beloved by locals and out-of-town guests alike for its mid-century modern style, rooftop views and prime downtown location. Bay 7 wedding venue is just a 4-minute drive or 10-minute walk away from The Durham Hotel. Meanwhile, Brian prepared for the day with a couple of friends and a cute doggo at a cool house nearby.

When the bride and groom were ready, Sarah met them at American Tobacco Campus for their first look. Bay 7 is a warehouse wedding venue tucked into the fold of century-old brick and beams at American Tobacco District. Winding pathways, water features and art around every corner make this the perfect spot for a first look and wedding portraits.

Although other members of the Fancy This Photography team have documented Bay 7 weddings before, this was Sarah’s first time working in the urban-chic event space.

“I love the open space and that Bay 7 is right on the American Tobacco Campus,” says Sarah. “The balcony that looks through the twinkly lights to the open floor beneath is stunning.”

Bridal Portraits Pop at The Durham Hotel

Getting ready is one of the best parts of the entire wedding day. Period. Fancy This Photography loves to capture candid moments between the bride or groom and their closest crew members during these precious pre-wedding moments. From curling eyelashes to pouring the first mimosa of the morning, each of these little moments are memories in the making. Sarah expertly captured Alison and Brian’s getting ready rituals.

Rooms at The Durham Hotel photograph beautifully because they are filled with natural light and bold pops of color. How awesome is this blue denim bedspread? Alison and her friends looked comfortable and confident all cuddled up on top of that mid-century modern bed. Combine yellow velvet curtains, a blue sea of carpet and massive windows, and you’ve got yourself some poppin’ bridal portrait backdrops.

Getting Ready: The Groom Edition

The yellow motif in Alison’s getting ready photos was also present in Brian’s, this time taking the shape of a friend’s beanie and winter jacket. Sarah took handsome, getting ready portraits of the groom inside and outside of the house. However, Brian’s dog stole the show with a light blue harness that matched the groom’s tie.

First Look at American Tobacco Campus

Rather than see each other for the first time at their Bay 7 wedding ceremony, Alison and Brian chose to do a first look. They met each other in full wedding-day attire by a scenic staircase in American Tobacco Campus. Although Fancy This Photography’s Sarah loved all of the little moments throughout Alison and Brian’s wedding day, she says their first look took the cake.

“The first look is always the absolute sweetest moment and I love being able to give couples their space to interact with each other for the first time,” Sarah says.

You can see Alison and Brian’s anticipation melt away following the first look, replaced by an energy of overwhelming love and joy. Sarah captured the couple as they smiled at each other in awe. Incredible iron beams frame every shot and early-spring blossoms photobomb. As Alison and Brian stroll through the repurposed warehouse campus, Sarah and her camera follow.

The bride and groom fit perfectly together on a stepping stone suspended above the American Tobacco Campus stream. They even ran into some adoring family members on their way to the wedding at Bay 7 Durham NC.

Wedding Flowers by Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary

Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary created gorgeous, pastel floral arrangements for Alison and Brian’s wedding at Bay 7 Durham NC. Based in Chapel Hill and Durham, Bowerbird Flowers is one of the best wedding florists in the state. They have been published by Forbes, Our State magazine, Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, WeddingWire and Heart of NC Weddings magazine, to name a few. We are lucky to have worked with this fabulous floral design team at several real weddings and styled shoots over the years. Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary is moving to a brand new location at 3105 Shannon Rd in Durham’s UHill in July 2022.

Wedding at Bay 7 Durham NC

Alison and Brian hosted both their wedding ceremony and reception at Bay 7. Following the groom’s entrance to the ceremony, a group of approximately 10 flower children tiptoed down the aisle. Alison’s parents escorted her across a flower petal-strewn hardwood floor. Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary assembled a circular arbor adorned by greenery and blossoms at the altar. 

At one point in their Bay 7 wedding ceremony, the bride and groom took turns bowing to both sets of parents. This Korean wedding tradition and act of respect is known as seong-hon-rye, a declaration of marriage. Marriage is viewed as the union of two families, rather than just two individuals, in traditional Korean culture.

Wedding at Bay 7 Durham NC

After Alison and Brian’s wedding ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and reception catered by Angus Barn, Bay 7’s exclusive caterer. Angus Barn’s dinner menu prices start at $75 per person and can be served via stations, plated or cocktail style. Altogether, Bay 7 can accommodate anywhere from 70 to 400 guests. Couples who tie the knot at Bay 7 wedding venue receive access to a  full range of in-house amenities such as tables, chairs, linen, china, hi-fi audio visual equipment, staging and service. 

Alison and Brian’s loved ones danced the night away to DJ Harlem beneath a canopy of twinkle lights. Fancy This Photography’s Sarah says this wedding at Bay 7 Durham NC was a blast to watch and photograph. 

“These two have such energetic friends and family, which made their reception a total party!” 

Are you planning a warehouse wedding? Click here to gain inspiration from Bennett and Rawls’ winter wedding at The Cotton Room in Durham, NC.  

Photographer //  Fancy This Photography
Videographer // Oak Hill Media 
Getting Ready Venue // The Durham Hotel
First Look Venue // American Tobacco Campus
Venue // Bay 7 
Caterer // Angus Barn
Florist // Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary
DJ // DJ Harlem
Photo Booth // ZimZoom Photo Booth

Eno River Engagement Photos Durham NC

It’s no secret that Fancy This Photography loves Eno River engagement photos Durham NC. So, when Minesh called and said he wanted to propose to Anita somewhere in nature, we suggested Durham’s beloved Eno River State Park. I told Minesh, who recently moved to the area from Austin, Texas with Anita, about the Eno River’s gorgeous scenery and nearly 30 miles of trails. I even did a little pre-proposal research.

Yes ma’am, this Durham NC wedding photographer played location scout! Just call me Nancy Drew. I found a cool rock situated in the middle of the Eno River where Minesh could propose on a hiking trail off Cole Mill Road. Like a river flows surely to the sea, Minesh agreed that this romantic rock was the perfect place to pop the question.

At this point in my photography career, I have participated in quite a few surprise marriage proposals! Less than ten, but more than five. I love capturing proposals because there's a James Bond 007 feeling to them. Plus, I get to see people really, really, really happy.

Keep scrolling to witness Minesh’s surprise proposal to Anita and their Eno River engagement photos Durham NC.

Eno River Engagement Photos Durham NC

The weather was beautiful and sunny on the day of Minesh’s surprise proposal to Anita. We parked at the Fews Ford access located at 6101 Cole Mill Road. Pro tip: park all the way at the end of the parking lot near the trailhead. There are so many local hidden-gem Eno River hiking trails for romantic dates, surprise proposals and engagement photos. That’s another reason why I love Eno River engagement photos Durham NC. Even though lots of couples take photos at the Eno River, everyone’s photos look completely different in the end because there are plenty of unique and beautiful trails. Besides, no trail along the Eno River ever looks the same from day to day.

Beauty in Every Season

As a Durham NC wedding photographer I may be biased but, I believe the Eno River is a beautiful engagement photo backdrop in every season. The Eno River trails and parks are full of greenery and vibrant natural colors in spring and summer months. During fall, the river’s surface reflects stunning images of trees filled with red, yellow and orange leaves. The Eno River is even romantic during the winter months. I especially love the contrast of leafless white sycamore branches reaching up to touch a crystal blue sky.

I dressed up like a hiker in order to capture Minesh’s surprise proposal incognito. The skies were clear and bright when I sat down beside a tree across from the designated “surprise proposal rock”. Rays of sunshine sparkled on the Eno River’s pebble-filled water as Minesh and Anita approached the rock. I hid behind an enormous tree and snapped photos secretly while Minesh got down on one knee.

Picture-Perfect Picnic - Eno River Engagement Photos Durham, NC

One thing I love about Minesh and Anita’s Eno River engagement photos is how natural they look on camera. You can tell that hiking and packing picnics are activities that this couple is well-seasoned in. It’s authentic, and that my friends is my number one piece of advice when it comes to picking a location to take engagement photos. Your engagement photo shoot location should be someplace you both frequent often, a space that you feel comfortable and at ease in. Although Minesh and Anita only recently discovered the Eno River State Park in Durham, nature is a big part of their relationship. No matter where they live, Minesh and Anita surround themselves in nature by taking hikes and sharing picnics together. 

I’m not sure how Minesh did it, but both him and Anita wore the best outfits for these Eno River engagement photos. Earth-tone color shirts, crisp denim blue jeans and stylish boots looked perfect alongside the river’s edge. I love that they kicked their shoes off and had a picnic during our engagement photo shoot! How sweet is that little blue gingham picnic blanket and picnic backpack? Swoon.  

Swinging Bridge Eno River Engagement Photos Durham NC

The swinging bridge is definitely one of my favorite places to take Eno River engagement photos Durham NC. I often hike to this fun spot with my husband Jason, daughter Prudence and dog Willow. The suspension bridge can be found in the woods of Cox Mountains (no jumping while on the bridge!). But don’t let the word mountains scare you. Except for a few steep hills, these riverside trails are relatively flat and easy to walk on. That said, I wouldn’t recommend wearing high heels if you’re taking Eno River engagement photos!

Where the swinging bridge crosses the Eno River is a very popular area for hiking, fishing and picnics. People come here to hop rocks, enjoy nature and wade in the shallow waters of the Eno River. The State Park was once home to the Eno, Shakori and Occoneechee tribes who lived along the river. Keep an eye out for arrowhead artifacts washed up along the shore!

Q: Best advice for planning & capturing a proposal?

A: Be prepared for something to go awry. Something small always happens. But, the fun part is knowing that you will have a fiancé by the end of it. For Minesh and Anita’s surprise proposal, the designated “proposal rock” was more submerged in the water because it rained the day before. But like the Eno River, we just rolled with it.

Fancy This Photography’s Top 5 Locations in the Triangle for a Proposal

Aside from the Eno River (duh), these are my top five locations in the Triangle for a surprise proposal.

No. 1: American Tobacco Campus

No. 2: Somewhere with a view of downtown Durham (we love that urban city life!)

No. 3: A special restaurant and/or hole in the wall that the couple frequents often

No. 4: Alley Twenty Six (the actual alley, not the restaurant and bar)

No. 5: Sarah P. Duke Gardens

The Eno River isn’t the only local place with beautiful outdoor scenery for photo shoots. Click here to view Siera and Michael’s Raleigh Rose Garden engagement photo session.

Photographer // Fancy This Photography

Venue // Eno River State Park 

Wedding at The Cotton Room Durham NC

Bennett Sasser and Rawls Zollicoffer had a downright durty wedding – and if you’re from Durham, North Carolina, you know that’s a good thing. The couple met and fell in love in Washington, D.C. but decided to tie the knot in their shared hometown. Saturday, December 18, 2021, one week before Christmas, Bennett and Rawls hosted a Bull City wedding at The Cotton Room Durham NC. 

Fancy This Photography’s own, Sarah Martin, documented Bennett and Sasser’s wedding on a Sony A7RIII camera. The weather was overcast, but rain held off just long enough for outdoor portraits. Temperatures were surprisingly pleasant and not too chilly for December. Bennett and Sasser said “I do” at the bride’s childhood church, Duke Memorial United Methodist Church. The couple cared about supporting local business when it came to selecting their wedding vendors.

On Saturday, December 18, 2021, Bennett and Rawls hosted their wedding reception at The Cotton Room Durham NC. Jennifer V. Events planned their wedding weekend.

“We loved Nikki and Sarah from the moment we met them,” says Bennett. “They have an energy about them that makes you feel comfortable and excited, and we love the types of photos they take (not overly exposed or overedited).”

Keep scrolling to read Bennett & Rawls’ love story and to witness more from their winter wedding at The Cotton Room Durham NC. 

The Love Story 

Bennett and Rawls met in Washington, D.C. as college graduates and kickball teammates. She went to UNC and he went to USC – they were a collision of Carolina fans who bonded quickly over their shared hometown of Durham, North Carolina.  

Back-to-back national championships on the kickball field aka the National Mall led to love. Bennett and Rawls’ relationship continued to grow over dinner dates, football games and concerts. On Thursday, November 25, 2020 (Thanksgiving), he proposed. 

The Proposal

Bennett had accepted a new job in Charlotte and the pair decided to move back to The Old North State together. The timing was perfect. 

Rawls’ family invited Bennett’s family over for Thanksgiving. Before anyone arrived, Rawls got down on one knee in the front yard and asked Bennett to spend the rest of her life with him. 

The proposal was a complete surprise. Rawls received Bennett’s father’s blessing a couple of days prior and didn’t tell anyone when he planned to pop the question. Bennett said “yes” and the two families celebrated together over a Thanksgiving feast. 

Winter Wedding at The Cotton Room Durham NC

With the wedding set to take place one week before Christmas, Bennett and Rawls wanted to decorate The Cotton Room Durham NC with lots of white, gold and green. Black tartan tablecloths set the tone for a fabulously festive event. Gold ornaments with black tartan ribbon placed at each table setting tied the holiday theme together. 

The Cotton Room is a Durham NC wedding photographer’s dream. The venue is filled with warehouse windows and receives gorgeous natural light during the day and evening hours. Exposed brick walls and wooden beams frame and fill images with warm contrast. Overall, The Cotton Room Durham NC’s appearance and layout is a ten out of ten.

This was Sarah’s first time photographing a Christmas-style wedding. She says the bride and groom did a wonderful job balancing Christmas cheer with sophisticated style. 

First Look at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church 

Bennett says that their first look at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church was her favorite moment of the wedding day. 

“I always thought walking down the aisle would be the first time my husband would see me, but since we were having a winter wedding and the sun sets so early that time of year, a first look was sort of a necessity,” says Bennett. “It was so nice to share that moment with Rawls and to be able to see my dad and the entire wedding party before walking down the aisle took a lot of nerves away.” 

Bennett grew up attending Duke Memorial United Methodist Church. It is the same church that her grandparents got married in.

Meet Bennett & Rawls’ Wedding Party 

Bennett had 12 bridesmaids and Rawls had 13 groomsmen. Bridesmaids included: Kara Alvarado (Matron of Honor), Claire Murray (Maid of Honor), Emma Berry, Shannon Spillane, Laura Welsh, Hallie Deyton, Jessica Sawyer, Jaclyn McCarthy, Rachel Babler, Sabrina Sasser, Lucy Sasser and Kate Schaefer. Groomsmen included: Wilkins Zollicoffer (Best Man), Andrew King, Will Townsend, John Plonk, Nat Luger, Lane Page, Paul Hosmann, Joe Saunders, Max Frankel, James Waid, Hank LeFlore, Thomas DeLoache and Tate Sasser.

Dogsmaids: Sadie & Callie (not pictured)

Wedding Ceremony at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church

Bennett and Rawls shared vows in Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, the bride’s childhood church and the same church that Bennett’s grandparents got married in. At the ceremony, Rawls’ sister surprised the couple with homemade program inserts of a photo from Bennett’s grandparent’s wedding at Duke Memorial. Some guests in attendance were members of Bennett’s grandparent’s wedding party!  

Duke Memorial United Methodist Church is a Durham icon/local landmark. The church is rich in history - a fitting characteristic, since the bride's grandparents were also married there.

Fancy This Photography’s team were not able to use flash inside the church. This can be difficult in historic buildings that typically have lots of darkness and shadows. Sarah’s advice for photographing dark wedding venues is to use cameras that can handle higher ISO’s without producing grainy images. It’s also beneficial to use a fast lens with a wide aperture of f/2.8 or wider. 

Rockin’ Reception at The Cotton Room Durham NC 

After their wedding ceremony at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, the newlyweds invited guests to join them at cocktail hour and the reception. Bennett and Rawls were sold on The Cotton Room’s openness and natural beauty. They also loved the venue’s unique location on Golden Belt campus and close proximity to Downtown. Guests had their choice of nearby hotels. As friends and family entered the reception space, they were greeted by lyrics from one of Bennett and Rawls’ favorite Avett Brothers songs written on a giant chalkboard. 

“Always remember there was nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name"

Calligraphy // Marika Wendelken

Bennett and Rawls’ college mascots, Cocky and Rameses, are pictured on these wedding favor koozies.

As photographer, Sarah’s favorite moment from Bennett & Rawls' wedding was their first dance! Instead of a traditional first dance, the newlyweds chose an upbeat and fun song. 

Sarah’s favorite detail? The “B&R Candy Bar” of course! This was a sweet surprise from Bennett’s mom and a nod to Rawls’ severe sweet tooth (months later, they are still eating candy from their dessert bar). To cut the wedding cake, Mr. and Mrs. Zollicoffer used Bennett’s great grandparent’s cake cutter and server. 

The “B&R Candy Bar” was a surprise from Bennett’s mom and a nod to Rawls’ sweet tooth.

Loved ones toasted and danced to the newlyweds at The Cotton Room Durham NC. Another one of the bride’s favorite moments was when live band, Irresistible Groove, played Jay Sean's "Down" - which is “a banger of a wedding song.”

Live Band // Irresistible Groove

We love holiday-inspired weddings! Click here to see Alex and Danielle’s New Year’s Eve wedding at The Meroney Theater in Salisbury, North Carolina. 

Photographer // Fancy This Photography 
Planner // Jennifer V. Event
Ceremony Venue // Duke Memorial United Methodist
Rehearsal Dinner Venue // The Rickhouse
Rehearsal Dinner Caterer // Rocky Top Catering
Reception Venue // The Cotton Room
Reception Caterer // Triangle Catering 
Florals // West Queen Studio
Groom’s Tuxedo // Fairclough & Co.
Wedding Dress // Bellissima
Hair & Makeup // Bella Trio Salon and Spa
Party Rentals // CE Rental Raleigh
Cake // Publix
Live Band // Irresistible Groove
Calligraphy // Marika Wendelken