Risa Daniels & Matt Isabel

Durham Wedding Weekend Captured by Fancy This Photography

Risa Daniels and Matt Isabel are two Duke Blue Devils who didn’t meet on campus. Instead, they met through mutual friends while cheering on their alma mater in New York, post graduation! Matt asked Risa to marry him at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, in the city they love most.

On Oct. 25, 2019, the bride and groom kicked off their Durham wedding weekend with a welcome party at The Rickhouse. Risa and Matt booked fellow Bull City devotee Nikki Whitt Belch of Fancy This Photography to capture the festivities. Nikki delivered more than beautiful images; she helped the wedding day flow seamlessly.

The Durham Hotel Bride and Groom Durham Wedding Weekend Captured by Fancy This Photography — PHOTO Fancy This Photography | VENUE The Durham Hotel

Sparkly Wedding Keds Durham Wedding Weekend Captured by Fancy This Photography

“For solo shots of just the groom and me, we felt very comfortable and at ease,” Risa says. “There was limited direction, which was nice, it felt like she captured more natural images that didn’t feel so staged. The most important part is that the photos are stunning.”

Bride Mom and Sister Bella Bridesmaids Durham Wedding Weekend Captured by Fancy This Photography — DRESSES Bella Bridesmaids

“We love Durham, and we were lucky enough to be able to show the city off in so many ways throughout the weekend,” Risa says. “All the venues were within 10 minute walks of downtown, so our guests could easily get around. My dad (a Duke alumni himself) led guided tours through campus.”

Bay 7 Black and White Ceremony Pic Durham Wedding Weekend Captured by Fancy This Photography

The Picture-Perfect Durham Wedding Weekend

Risa and Matt strolled through downtown while Nikki photographed them at local landmarks like The Durham Hotel and a parking deck rooftop with a view of the skyline. Afterward, Risa’s father officiated their wedding ceremony surrounded by loved ones and twinkle lights at Bay 7. They danced the rest of the night to a live band, and even performed the horah – a Jewish celebratory dance in which the bride and groom are lifted in chairs and danced around in a circle.