Fiesta at The Cookery Durham NC

The Cookery Durham NC is one of the Triangle area’s top warehouse venues for weddings and private events. We love capturing life’s celebrations at this dynamic space on the edge of downtown Durham. Today’s blog features a private party with a lively Mexican fiesta theme, photographed by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography. Nikki used two Nikon Z6II camera bodies to cover the event over the course of four hours.

There are so many great reasons to hire a professional photographer for your organization’s private event. Whether it’s a corporate conference or an awards gala, professional photos provide an authentic view of how previous events looked. With consistent, high-resolution images, you can see true-to-life color and crisp detail. You also get beautiful, candid photos of attendees.

“Not everyone has a chance to be in front of a camera in their everyday life, so this is a treat,” says Nikki. “Everyone deserves to be documented.”

In addition to intimate private parties, The Cookery can accommodate up to 400 guests for an indoor-outdoor event. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

The Cookery Durham NC Wedding and Event Venue

Fancy This Photography wholeheartedly recommends The Cookery Durham NC as a wedding and event venue. The staff at this downtown Durham gem are immaculate. They are kind, communicative, and supportive throughout the planning process. The Cookery is a beloved Durham staple, offering a surprisingly large and versatile space with many unique locations to photograph.

"I love the dark space amidst the rust," says Nikki. "It is so nice to see the beams of light stream in through the windows. It is magical in its own world."

Keep scrolling to see more photos from this vibrant fiesta at The Cookery Durham NC. Learn more about the venue and what it’s like to work with Fancy This Photography.

It features two spacious ballrooms, multiple outdoor patios, a dressing suite, and a courtyard. We also have to mention the state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

We love the exposed brick and uniquely arched doorways throughout The Cookery Durham NC. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Learn More: Fiesta at The Cookery Durham NC

The Cookery Durham NC is a deceptively large event venue. It features two spacious ballrooms, multiple outdoor patios, a dressing suite, and a courtyard. We also have to mention the state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, which North Carolina catering company Donovan’s Dish utilized for the private event pictured here. The Cookery’s “front room” offers vaulted ceilings and massive windows that fill the space with natural light.

We love the exposed brick and uniquely arched doorways throughout The Cookery Durham NC. Colorful floral arrangements by An Event To Remember and rentals from American Party Rentals added a warm, inviting vibe to the warehouse venue. Look closely, the fiery uplighting provided by Signature Sound and Lighting made the brick walls glow! The lighting technician also doubled as DJ.

In addition to intimate private parties, The Cookery can accommodate up to 400 guests for an indoor-outdoor event.

Colorful floral arrangements by An Event To Remember and rentals from American Party Rentals added a warm, inviting vibe to the warehouse venue. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

Interested in booking Fancy This Photography to capture your organization’s private event? Click here to schedule a free consultation.

Photography // Nikki, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography

Venue // The Cookery Durham NC

Rentals // American Party Rentals

Caterer // Donovan's Dish

Planner, Designer, Florals // An Event To Remember

DJ // Signature Sound and Lighting

Dessert // Two Roosters

Durham Event Photography at The Cookery

When PIKE Fraternity at Duke University hosted their stunning event at The Cookery in Durham, NC, Fancy This Photography had the honor of capturing every detail. The Cookery provided a vibrant, industrial-chic backdrop with its exposed brick, arched doorways, and modern lighting, making it the perfect venue for a memorable celebration.

The Event Details

From the beautifully arranged tables adorned with vivid florals to the playful touches of mini sombreros and vibrant textiles, every detail added personality to the gathering. Whether it was the delicate arrangements of wildflowers, pops of bright green from fresh limes, or the thoughtful presentation of hors d’oeuvres, every moment was worth savoring—and photographing!

The team at Fancy This Photography specializes in capturing events like these, turning special moments into lasting memories. We love working in the Triangle area—Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill—where venues like The Cookery elevate the atmosphere of any gathering.

Why Choose Fancy This Photography for Your Event?

Our expertise goes beyond weddings and portraits. Whether you're hosting a corporate gathering, university celebration, or private party, we provide comprehensive event photography to preserve the energy, emotions, and exquisite details of your occasion. We work closely with our clients to ensure the story of your event is authentically documented.

Your Story, Our Focus

Are you planning an event in Durham, Raleigh, or Chapel Hill? Let us tell your story through the art of photography. Contact us today to learn more about our event photography services and how we can capture your next celebration.