From the Blog

Romantic Garden Style Wedding at Duke Gardens

Published April 5, 2017

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Updated April 5, 2017

Bride and Groom embrace in Duke Gardens in BHLDN dress and Navy Menguin suit with golden sun Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones (1)

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April and Costa’s Picture Perfect Wedding at Duke Gardens

Every couple dreams of getting married somewhere that has holds a special place to their relationship. April and Constantine went back to the location of their first date and with the help of their wedding planner, Gather Together, had a picture perfect wedding day.

Bride and Groom embrace in Duke Gardens in BHLDN dress and Navy Menguin suit with golden sun Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones (1)

April Harrison and Constantine (Costa) Stoumbos met during their junior year at Duke University. Their October wedding at Duke Gardens commemorated their first date exactly six years prior at that very location. The weekend was not only a walk down memory lane complete with a bridal luncheon at one of April’s favorite college eateries, but also a wonderful celebration for their college friends, as it was homecoming weekend on campus. After the gardens wedding reception, the couple hosted an all-night after party at The King’s Daughters Inn.

Duke Gardens Wedding Durham Wedding Graphic Map Bride with Bridesmaids in spring floral robes Duke Chapen Wedding

Bridesmaid helping Bride with BHLDN dress by Patricia Bonaldi Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones

The color scheme revolved around lots of gold and other metallic elements, with eucalyptus green and natural tones, and a burgundy and lavender contrast. 

[one-half-first]Mismatched Bridesmaids dresses BHLDN bridesmaid dresses blush and pastel pink dresses duke chapel[/one-half-first]
[one-half]Spring Pink Bridesmaid Bouquet by Watered Garden White Flower and Eucalyptus Bridal Bouquet by Watered Garden Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones[/one-half]

Flower Girls in white dresses Duke Chapel wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones

Father of the bride and bride walking down staircase at Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones

[one-half-first]White Flower and Eucalyptus Bridal Bouquet by Watered Garden Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones[/one-half-first]
[one-half]Watered Garden Bridal Bouquet, In memoriam locket, Charm on bridal bouquet, white roses[/one-half]

Bride walking down aisle at NC outdoor ceremony with groom smiling Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones

[one-half-first]First Kiss at Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones[/one-half-first]
[one-half]Bride and Groom walking hand in hand through Duke Garden Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones[/one-half]

Bride and Groom walking

Wedding party in mismatched bridesmaids gowns and navy suits in NC Wedding at Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones

“Katherine Miles Jones has a warmth and openness that immediately put us at ease and created an intimacy that comes across in the moments she captured. Her calming presence and funny jokes helped keep everyone relaxed when there was a bit of a time crunch right before the ceremony. Finally, her natural light style was incredibly flattering, capturing the natural beauty of the space and producing images that felt like the real us.”

Bridesmaids in mismatched BHLDN pastel dresses and bride in Patricia Bonaldi embellished dress with florals from Watered Garden at Duke Gardens by NC Photographer Katherine Miles Jones

[one-half-first]Bride and Groom embrace in Duke Gardens in BHLDN dress and Navy Menguin suit with golden sun Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones[/one-half-first]
[one-half]White Flower and Eucalyptus Bridal Bouquet by Watered Garden Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones (1)[/one-half]

April was set on a very organic palette reflecting the natural beauty of the gardens, and Chelsey inspired and designed the contrasting elements, bringing it all together. It felt warm and inviting, but also airy and romantic. April was floored when she walked into the reception, which she described a “woodland utopia.”

Hanging Floral Chandeliers by Watered Garden at Doris Duke Center Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones

[one-half-first]Romantic NC Wedding with Hanging Floral Chandeliers by Watered Garden at Doris Duke Center Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones[/one-half-first]
[one-half]Gold Accents in Romantic NC Wedding at Duke Gardens with menus by Mason Dixon by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones[/one-half]

Geometric Shape Table Decor and spring floral arrangements for Duke Gardens wedding by gather together, Katherine Miles Jones Photography

Romantic Outdoor Reception Cocktail rounds with Hanging lights and neutral linens Duke Gardens Reception by Gather Together photographed by Katherine Miles Jones

Table Assignments with personalized calligraphy on glassware, Katherine Miles Jones Photography

[one-half-first]Cheers bar menu sign hanging above wine bottles at NC Duke Gardens wedding Duke Gardens Reception by Gather Together photographed by Katherine Miles Jones[/one-half-first]
[one-half]Champagne Glasses Stacked at NC Duke Gardens Wedding with Gold Accent Light hangings by Get Lit Duke Gardens Reception by Gather Together photographed by Katherine Miles Jones.[/one-half]

Bride and Groom pouring champagne fountain at NC wedding reception by Duke Gardens Reception by Gather Together photographed by Katherine Miles Jones

[one-half-first]Hanging Floral Chandeliers by Watered Garden at Doris Duke Center Duke Gardens wedding by Gather Together Photography by Katherine Miles Jones[/one-half-first]
[one-half]Bride and Groom Cutting Wedding cake at Duke Gardens NC Wedding by Details Cake Design by Gather Together photographer Katherine Miles Jones[/one-half]

“Working with Gather Together eased our worries throughout the planning process so that we were able to be more present and enjoy the experience rather than stressing about logistics. This was true for the whole year we worked with her,” said the bride.

Bride and Groom exit under confetti at Duke Gardens Reception by Gather Together photographed by Katherine Miles Jones

SB&G Preferred Vendors

WEDDING PLANNER Gather Together | PHOTOGRAPHER Katherine Miles Jones | CATERER Parizade | HAIR Makeup for Your Day | RECEPTION MUSIC SPIN | CHAIRS & TENT Party Reflections | LIGHTING Get Lit Special Event Lighting | ACCOMMODATIONS 21c Museum Hotel Durham and The King’s Daughters Inn | BRIDAL LUNCHEON VENUE The King’s Daughters Inn  

Other Vendors

FLORIST: Watered Garden | CAKE Details Cake Designs | BRIDAL LUNCHEON Mad Hatter’s take-out at the King’s Daughter’s Inn | REHEARSAL DINNER C + P Catering |  CEREMONY The White Garden amphitheater at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens | RECEPTION Doris Duke Center at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens | RENTALS linens by Party Tables; furniture by Greenhouse Picker Sisters (lounges and bar) and Party Reflections (dining furniture and tent) | BRIDE GOWN Patricia Bonaldi, from BHLDN | BRIDAL SHOES Bella Belle, from BHLDN | BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Various from BHLDN | GROOM & GROOMSMEN Menguin | MUSICIAN Tim Leonard | STATIONER & CALLIGRAPHER Danielle Olcott of Mason Dixon, through Gather Together | TRANSPORTATION Carolina Livery and EcoStyle Transportation | MAKE-UP Katherine Noel and Adelyn Wyngaarden | WEDDING FAVORS Jordan almonds (traditional Greek wedding favor) with plantable, seed paper tags, and personalized cookbooks with recipes from all guests (a gift from April’s aunt, Carol Marshall) | BRIDESMAIDS’ GIFTS: homemade coffee scrub, gold gladiator Havianas sandals, personalized leather clutch, and a mini bottle of Patrón | GROOMSMEN GIFTS: White Nike Huaraches and tuxedo coozies

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