Isabella & Owen’s American Themed Duke Chapel Wedding and Reception at the Washington Duke Inn
It doesn’t get more classic Durham than having a wedding at Duke Chapel and The Washington Duke Inn! When it comes to a formal NC wedding, this combination cannot be beat. Today we are sharing an American themed July 4th wedding that is achingly beautiful!
Isabella and Owen had always dreamt of marrying at the classically beautiful and historically rich Duke University Chapel in Durham, NC. As the bride-to-be, Isabella had the unique challenge of planning their formal nuptials while the groom was deployed in Spain. With the help of her mother, video calls, and their wedding planner, Nouveau Events, their special day was beyond just a day to remember. This stunning blue, white, and gold military wedding at Duke Chapel and reception at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is beyond perfection!
The couple decided to use the groom’s Dress Blue uniform as a basis of their wedding colors and theme. They wanted a formal affair with accents of blue, white and gold. These colors can be seen throughout their florals, attire, and other wedding decorations.
Getting Ready For Military Wedding at Duke Chapel
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The bride wore a beautifully classic tulle and lace Monique Lhuillier gown with an open back from Alexia’s Bridal Boutique in Raleigh, NC. The formal bridal gown was perfectly paired with stunning blue heels to coincide with their colors of the wedding. Her hair and makeup were expertly done by Make Up For Your Day in a classic updo.
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Photography was extremely important for this couple. The bride and groom decided on Renee Sprink Photography and have zero regrets with their decision. The bride shared, “Working with Renee was an absolute pleasure, she was incredibly flexible, made everyone feel extremely comfortable, was proactive about solving issues, and the pictures she captured of our wedding day and our engagement pics were amazing!” The photos captured on their wedding day by Renee Sprink at both Duke Chapel, and on the beautiful golf course at The Washington Duke Inn, will be cherished for years to come.
Traditional Catholic Ceremony at Duke Chapel
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The bridesmaids wore classic navy blue gowns by Jim Hjelm while the groomsman wore traditional black and white tuxedos from Bernard’s Formalwear. The attire of the wedding party perfectly complimented the traditional wedding and tied in with the theme that the couple was envisioning. Don’t they look like the most handsome crew, pictured outside of the iconic Duke Chapel in Durham?
Durham Wedding Reception at Washington Duke Inn
The Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club is well known not just for its gorgeous golf course and fine dining, but also for its upscale weddings. An entire wing of the Durham NC property is devoted to weddings, and they have a handsome and spacious ballroom with high ceilings and windows leading to a patio.
For her Washington Duke wedding, the bride chose a mix of exquisite floral table arrangements that were tall and short to be placed around the table.The florals were a mix of ivory blooms that were extremely elegant and paired with the wedding theme impeccably. The gold rentals around the reception by Party Reflections were the perfect pieces for this classic wedding.
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The bride and groom hand dipped small bottles of champagne that served as both table assignments and favors. The champagne was from Spain as a nod to the time the groom spent deployed during their engagement.
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SB&G Preferred Vendors
Photography: Renee Sprink Photography | Planner: Nouveau Events | Reception Venue: Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club | Gown: Monique Lhuillier from Alexia’s Bridal Boutique | Hair & Makeup: Makeup For Your Day | Catering: Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club | Rentals: Party Reflections | Jewelry: Diamonds Direct | Men’s Attire: Bernard’s Formalwear | Registry: Belk | Rehearsal Dinner: University Club | Enertainment: EastCoast Entertainment
Other Vendors
Ceremony Venue: Duke University Chapel | Bridesmaids Attire: Jim Hjlem | Cake: Miel Bon Bons | Videography: Crown Alley Films | Favors: Rondel | Florist: Embellished Blooms | Invitations: Park Life Press | Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Ruth Hand | Entertainment: Christopher Jacobson | Transportation: Classy Transportation & Raleigh Dream Events
Check out our last favorite wedding at Duke University Chapel here!
