I met Hilary & Jeff for the first time at their rehearsal dinner being held at the Doris Duke Center (Duke Gardens) in Durham, NC. As both Hilary and Jeff traveled in for their wedding, they had chosen to hire me based on my other Duke Chapel Weddings. I had only talked with them over the phone previous to their wedding, it was a real treat seeing them both for their rehearsal dinner and getting to know them a bit better.
The next day, I met up with Hilary & Jeff at the Washington Duke Inn where they both were getting ready for their wedding ceremony. Hilary was having her Hair & Makeup done by my fabulous wife, Ginger and Jeff, well, he didn’t really need my wife’s services so he hung out with the guys beforehand. We headed out as soon as everyone was ready so we could shoot some duke chapel wedding photos before the ceremony. Jeff & Hilary chose to see each other before the wedding ceremony so we staged a great “moment” in the Duke Chapel Arcades (side hallways) for them to see each other before the ceremony began. The one advantage to seeing each other beforehand is it left us alot of time to shoot more formals with Hilary, Jeff their friends and family.
The ceremony was conducted by their friend who happens to be an ordained priest, making it all the more special. The wedding ceremony was certainly one of the more memorable ones I’ve had as you could feel how special every element was to both Hilary & Jeff. Immediately after the wedding ceremony, we walked outside to do a few more couples photos. By this time, it was pitch black outside leaving us with deliciously dramatic lighting surrounded by beautiful architecture to shoot a few more of their couples portraits.
We headed over to the Washington Duke Inn where the Heather Hayes Experience was all set to get the party started. This was my first time hearing her perform and I was completely blown away by both her vocals and the entire bands performance. They certainly know how to get things going! With very moving toasts, a great group of close friends and family to celebrate with and an all around wicked party, Hilary & Jeff’s wedding certainly was one to remember! I want to thank both Hilary & Jeff for their hospitality, graciousness and warmth! It was a real pleasure getting to know you, your families and friends over the two days of your wedding! As always, here are a few of their wedding photos!
