This Wedding Reception Had the Best View of Durham!

Romantic Contemporary Durham Wedding at Duke Chapel with a University Club Wedding Reception

It’s hard not to fall in love with Durham, NC. Alisa and Matt wanted to use the natural beauty of their Durham wedding venues and share the city they adore with their guests. With their wedding ceremony at Duke Chapel and their University Club wedding reception, their venue choices alone displayed the classic artistry of the city. A neutral color palette of white, gold and silver with a splash of modest colors like champagne, dove grey and blush, the couple let their venues shine for them on their special day.

Alisa and Matt’s Love Story

The lovebirds met through a mutual friend in San Francisco. Matt was heading off to college in Colorado and Alisa was going back to attending a California university. Matt was determined to keep in touch and when they were both home for winter break, they went on their first date. After a year of long distance, Matt transferred to be with Alisa! Not being able to catch a break – Alisa went off to UNC-Chapel Hill for her graduate degree and after another year of being apart, Matt became a golf professional at the Duke University Golf Club. Distance couldn’t keep this couple apart!

It was only fitting that Matt proposed to Alisa on the golf course with the cutest “Marry Me?” sign written out in golf balls!

Duke Chapel Wedding Invitation, Black and White,Morgan Henderson

Bride and Bridesmaids in floral robes sit on bed before wedding, Morgan Henderson — PRE WEDDING ACCOMODATIONS Washington Duke Inn & Golf Course

Captivating Sheer Neckline Pronovias Wedding Gown

Alisa wore an elegant fitted Pronovias gown with a sheer neckline embellished with delicate designs. The classically beautiful design was so effortlessly beautiful on Alisa it’s hard not to stare! Her bridesmaids wore the only colors injected into the wedding- champagne, dove grey and blush.

Bridal Portrait at Duke Chapel of Bride in her Pronovias wedding gown, Morgan Henderson

Groom in black and white tuxedo with orchid boutonniere,Morgan Henderson

Wedding Portraits on the Duke Golf Course

It only made sense, given the location of the proposal and the groom’s profession, that the first look photos and wedding party portraits were done on the Duke golf course. The beautiful rolling green hills of the course created the perfect picturesque backdrop for the couple and their close friends to capture the moments they will remember forever by Morgan Henderson Photography.

bride walks to groom for first look photography, Morgan Henderson

First look wedding photography, Morgan Henderson

Mismatched bridal party walk on golf course, Morgan Henderson

BRidesmaids in Jenny Yoo mismatched gowns and bridal portraits, Morgan Henderson

Groomsman in black and white tuxedos on golf course at Duke, Morgan Henderson

Wedding party on Duke Golf course, Morgan Henderson

Classic Romance at Duke Chapel Wedding Ceremony

It will never surprise anyone why couples choose to exchange vows at Duke Chapel. It is the most famous wedding chapel in the state and definitely tops the list of the most famous in the country. Every inch of the chapel exudes elegance, tradition and gothic beauty. Brides love choosing Duke Chapel for their ceremony because little to no decor is needed to make the event extraordinary.

Black and White wedding photo of bride walking through Duke Chapel Doors, Morgan Henderson

Bride and Groom outside of Duke Chapel in Durham, Morgan Henderson

BRide and groom walking away wedding portrait on grass, Morgan Henderson

Contemporary University Club Wedding Reception – an Event Venue with the Best View in Durham

The University Club is the premiere dining club in Durham NC. It is on the 17th floor of the University Tower and is the tallest building in the city. With ceilings surrounding the venue, it gives guests a bird’s eye panoramic view of the vast surroundings. Loosely associated with Duke University, the University Club is open to non-member sponsored event rentals. With not only one of the best restaurants in Durham, but also hands down the best bird’s eye view of Durham, this place is a major win for a wedding event!

“Most of our guests came from California (our home state) so it was really cool to show them a bird’s eye view of dense green NC. Guests could also see the top of Duke Chapel from the reception which I thought helped tie the venues together,” shared Alisa.

Panoramic view of the University Club wedding venue in durham, Morgan HendersonPanoramic view of the University Club wedding venue in durham, Morgan Henderson — RECEPTION VENUE University Club | PARTY RENTALS American Party Rentals

Tall White wedding flower arrangements by Floral Dimensions at University Club Wedding Reception, Morgan Henderson — RECEPTION VENUE University Club

University Club in Durham Weding Venue with sunset Views, Morgan Henderson

Sweetheart Table with Mr and Mrs and floral decor at University Club, Morgan Henderson

First dance on dance floor between bride and groom at University Club in Durham — RECEPTION VENUE University Club

Alternative to the Traditional Wedding Cake

The couple decided to choose a sweet treat that was a touch different than the traditional wedding cake. They decided on a bundt cake topper on a tier of specialty made cupcakes for their guests to nosh on as dessert. Sign us up for this reception!