DURHAM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | THE COOKERY | KAREN & MARK

back to blogging…

Where do I start??? I’ve been staring at these two lovelies for the last couple of weeks while making their wedding album… so, I decided, what better time to share their wedding than now! Better late than never, ammiright?? This wedding was fantastic, in the true meaning of the word. Karen and Mark were married at the end of September of 2019 and completely took advantage of the beautiful early fall weather and timing of the immaculate fiery autumn sunset. I am so excited about these photos!

Back in February of 2019, I photographed Karen and Mark in their home for their engagement portraits. It was an actual lifestyle engagement portrait session… We played board games, snuggled with their rabbits, and created pottery in their basement. It. Was. AMAZING. And I should blog those photos someday. But… all of those same personal details are what made their wedding so full and perfect for them, with many special thanks to Emily Katherine Events.

let’s talk about all the personal wedding details…

First, can we just say how dreamy this elegant industrial style turned out? The rustic twist made it unique. Natalie from Rabbit Foot Florals (now a part of Blossom and Bone Florals in Durham) was on top of her game as usual with the amazing flower and greenery designs --the arbor for the ceremony really could not have been more on point.

On the topic of flowers and foliage, Karen and Mark had a unique tree planting component to their ceremony, in addition to reading the vows that they wrote. They planted the tree in one of their own pots!

Which brings me to the next topic: All of the ceramics that you will see in the photos were made by Karen and Mark. Yes, ALL of the pottery, handmade, by the couple. How awesome and special to decorate the reception space with pieces made by your own two (four) hands! Side note: at the end of the night, Mark told me to pick out my favorite piece and bring it home with me... which I did, and is now sitting on my kitchen counter!

Keeping with the rustic theme and their love for bunnies, rabbit references were featured throughout the event. (Did they choose Rabbit Foot Florals because of the literal name? Probably not, but I have to appreciate the sheer perfection of this coincidence!) The napkins were folded to look like bunnies! They were so creative! The lovely chalkboard design and rabbit illustrations by Filled & Flooded was a fun detail to note. There were rabbit figurines sprinkled throughout the event. And, by the end of the night, everyone was wearing rabbit ears from the photo booth.

Karen and Mark loooove board games. So they provided a variety of indoor and outdoor games to entertain their guests during the reception. It was one more way for their sunny personalities to shine through.

The overall look and vibe was just so expertly crafted. Everyone had had so much fun dancing (DJ Ryan the DJ) and definitely enjoyed the pie bar by East Durham Bake Shop!!! What an amazing celebration of two of the most wonderful people who are so perfect for each other!!!

Congratulations, Karen and Mark!!! THANK YOU for letting me be a part of something so wonderful!