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

Magical Moments

From the very beginning, the day felt extra magical. The property, the rustic fairytale elements and the sun beams playing through the trees, made it magic. Chelsea seemed so at ease as she did her makeup and her hair, chatted with her bridesmaids and slipped into her dress. The day was filled with charm and nostalgia, and I can’t wait for you to see..

the coolest groom around

It’s always the hope that your groom and groomsmen are comfortable, but this isn’t always the case. At Fancy This Photography, we will always put our very best foot forward in making our bride and grooms feel comfortable. Cameron and his men were full of fun and at ease through all the photos we captured. I couldn’t have asked for a cooler group to work with.

““Chelsea and I went to photography school together at Randolph Community College. We were both in the portrait studio concentration. She has been a dear friend of mine, for now several years. I felt honored to be her photographer. Her family built that sweet chapel behind their home, and Chelsea and cameron were the first to marry there.” ”

— Nikki, Owner of Fancy This Photography

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the first look

I’m not convinced I didn’t see fairies dancing in the forest on Chelsea and Cameron’s wedding day. The way the rays of sunlight filtered through the leaves and branches, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The scene looks like a fairytale forest, with the light creating a sense of movement and motion all around them.

the ceremony

A wedding on a family farm outside of Ashboro, NC. This wedding offered a relaxed and rustic atmosphere, with the beauty of nature as the backdrop.

The chapel located on the property, nestled among the trees, added to the charm of the setting and served as a beautiful and intimate location for this wedding ceremony. The guests were surrounded by the natural beauty of the property.

The setting of a family farm was truly magical for these two. With a setting such as this, there is plenty of room for guests to roam, and the views were breathtaking.

There are also practical benefits to holding your wedding on a family farm, such as having the ability to choose your own vendors, flexibility in scheduling, and the opportunity to create a truly personalized and unique wedding experience. Plus, hosting your wedding on a family farm can be a meaningful way to incorporate family traditions and values into your celebration.

Overall, a wedding on the land of a family farm outside of Ashboro, NC with a chapel set among the trees offers a one-of-a-kind wedding experience that is both intimate and romantic, while also being relaxed and down-to-earth.

As you approach the chapel, you are struck by its beauty and charm. The wooden structure blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings, as if it has always been a part of the forest. The doors of the chapel open, revealing a dramatic tall ceiling and arched leaded glass. Again, the sun shone through the windows creating the perfect glow on the whole ceremony.

Just Married

A fairytale day to remember…

With Chelsea’s family farm, there were so many picturesque backdrops for their couples portraits. We chose near a beautiful shaded tree, that was on Chelsea’s late grandmothers lot. The entire scene gave us that gorgeous sunkissed light that made it extra fairytale like!

wait, there were horses

Can’t forget these magical moments with the littlest fairy, the golden sun and horses to end the day.

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