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 I nn & 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

White Bridal Bouquet by Embellished Blooms Duke Chapel Wedding Renee Sprink

Invitations by Parl Life Press Rush Hand Calligraphy Duke Chapel Wedding Renee Sprink

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.

Groom getting ready at Washington Duke Renee Sprink

Marine Corp Groom in Uniform Renee Sprink

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

Bride and Marine Uniform Groom in front of Duke Chapel Wedding Renee Sprink

Bride with keyhole back Monique Lhuillier gown at Duke Chapel Wedding Renee Sprink

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.

Navy and Gold Reception Washington Duke Inn Reception Renee Sprink

Caligraphy on mirror at Washington Duke Inn Reception Renee Sprink

Calligraphy by Ruth Hand Table Numbers Washington Duke Inn Reception Renee Sprink

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.