21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding

Rebecca Lehrman and Bradford Dubik’s 21c Museum Hotel Durham wedding was a beautiful fever dream. Fancy This Photography was honored to capture all of their wedding festivities – from first looks to first dances – on April 23, 2022. Heather Bonawitz Kids of Paisley and Pearl Events planned Becca and Brad’s downtown Durham wedding. Paisley and Pearl Events is a Durham-based wedding planning company that helps couples produce stress-free events. Fancy This Photography loves collaborating with local event professionals to give couples top-tier wedding experiences!

I recommend selecting a wedding venue that is relatively close to an airport, especially if guests must travel long distances to attend your wedding. Becca and Brad’s friends and family flew into Raleigh-Durham International Airport from near and far to celebrate their love. Located in the heart of downtown Durham, 21c Museum Hotel is a quick 20-minute drive away from RDU airport. Guests can conveniently stay the night at the hotel after the wedding, or at any of the quality hotels in downtown Durham.

Couples can host weddings for up to 250 guests in the Main Gallery at 21c Museum Hotel Durham.

Wedding Traditions Honored at 21c Museum Hotel Durham

Becca and Brad shared some of the sweetest wedding vows Fancy This Photography has ever witnessed. They committed themselves to one another beneath a colorful chuppah designed by Blossom and Bone Florals in Durham. A chuppah is a canopy beneath which Jewish marriage ceremonies are performed. Becca and Brad also stood upon a embroidered rushynk during their 21c Museum Hotel Durham wedding ceremony. The rushynk is a traditional Ukrainian wedding cloth that symbolizes purity, fertility, and hope for the couple's future.

The reception was equally as meaningful and heartfelt as the ceremony. Toasts shared at this 21c Museum Hotel Durham wedding reception are some of the best Fancy This Photography has ever heard. It is an honor to be a part of such special celebrations. Congratulations, Becca and Brad!

Keep scrolling for more gorgeous images and information about this unique downtown Durham wedding venue.

White Wedding Shoes and Ring 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Fancy This Photography

Bride Getting Ready at 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Fancy This Photography

Fine Art Bridal Portrait 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Fancy This Photography

Beautiful Bride at 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Fancy This Photography

Smiling Bride at 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Fancy This Photography

Black and White Bridal Portrait 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Fancy This Photography

Downtown Durham WeddinG Style

Becca and her besties got ready in one of the luxury art deco rooms at 21c Museum Hotel Durham. ERMC Hair Stylist did the bridal party’s hair, and makeup was done by Artistry by Angela. I loved the unique mismatched green dresses worn by each bridesmaid. Becca’s wedding dress was contemporary and stunning with clean lines and a square neckline. Brad looked dapper in a gray suit and blue tie. His groomsmen donned dark green suits and handsome hats.

Fancy This Photography had a blast photographing the entire wedding party around downtown Durham. That’s the beauty of getting married at 21c Museum Hotel Durham! It’s close to awesome downtown Durham landmarks and makes wedding portraits more fun. Becca and Brad shared their first look in front of a colorful mural of Frida Kahlo titled I Am My Own Muse by Cecilia Lueza (2019). And of course, we had to stop at CCB plaza for portraits with the city’s mascot statue, Major the bronze bull. Lastly, we made our way to the top of a nearby parking garage for group and individual portraits in front of an iconic Durham skyline.

Becca and Brad shared their first look in front of a colorful mural of Frida Kahlo titled I Am My Own Muse by Cecilia Lueza (2019).

Wedding photos in front of this iconic Downtown Durham skyline are essential.

Planning a 21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding

Locals and tourists alike love visiting 21c Museum Hotel Durham for its fine dining, art and culture, events and one-of-a-kind overnight stays. Fancy This Photography’s team often explores 21c’s exhibits just for fun! This is honestly one of the best wedding venues in Durham. First, let’s talk about the hotel’s style and event spaces.

21c Museum Hotel Durham has a variety of event spaces that feature modern amenities without compromising the building’s art deco style. The museum hotel lives and breathes in the bones of the historic Hill Building aka CCB Building, built in 1937. Durham Bank & Trust Company—as well as its successor, the Central Carolina Bank— operated from this 17-story building on Corcoran Street for several decades.

Most ceremonies and receptions at 21c Museum Hotel Durham take place in its Main Gallery. This was true of Becca and Brad’s wedding! After their ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour in an art exhibit while the Main Gallery was flipped into a reception space. The Main Gallery features wooden paneled walls and columns, tall ceilings and windows, and modern chandeliers. Couples can host weddings for up to 250 guests here.

The Main Gallery at 21c Museum Hotel Durham features wooden paneled walls and columns, tall ceilings and windows, and modern chandeliers.

Quick FAQs About 21c Museum Hotel Durham

• Located in the heart of Downtown Durham - close to resstaurants, bars, entertainment

• 125 spacious guest rooms with large windows and custom furnishings

• More than 10,500 square feet of exhibition space

• Counting House restaurant bar and lounge

• In-room dining and catering provided by Counting House

• Spa, sauna, and steam room

• 24-hour fitness center

• Business center

• Laundry service

• 21c Museum Shop

• 24-hour valet service

• Pet-friendly rooms

• Designed by Deborah Berke Partners

• Free Wi-Fi

Counting House at 21c Museum Hotel Durham

21c Museum Hotel Durham couples get access to their on-site restaurant, Counting House. This top-tier culinary team can prepare custom wedding menus that wow your guests. Fancy This Photography even snapped a few photos of Becca and Brad sitting in the Counting House’s cool restaurant bar and lounge.

21c Museum Hotel Durham Wedding Details

Becca and Brad said “I do” in the Main Gallery of 21c Museum Hotel Durham. Colorful florals designed by Durham-based Blossom and Bone Florals gave the space a warm and welcoming vibe. Becca’s bright bouquet popped brilliantly against her white wedding dress. The chuppah flowers were jaw-dropping. Look closely, each column in the event space was wrapped in flower arrangements that looked to be growing upward!

For cocktail hour, guests were invited to explore an art exhibit with drinks and appetizers. Meanwhile, the Main Gallery was transformed from ceremony to reception space. Ceremony chairs were replaced by round tables and the chuppah became a backdrop for the newlywed’s sweetheart table. I love that Becca and Brad did not shy away from color in their wedding decor. Each table centerpiece was so vibrant and photo worthy!

Becca and Brad danced the night away to music by DJ Play Play. The rushynk even made a guest-star appearance during some traditional Ukrainian wedding dances! Fancy This Photography is so thankful to have been a part of this special day. To learn more about how we can capture your wedding day, click here.

Photography // Fancy This Photography
Venue and Caterer // 21c Museum Hotel Durham
Planning // Paisley and Pearl Events
Florist // Blossom and Bone Florals
DJ // Play Play
Hair // ERMC Hairstylist
Makeup // Artistry by Angela

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