Couple | Marine and Joe
Date | October
Durham, NC Venue | Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Boulder, CO Wedding Photographer, Available for Travel Nationwide | Effervescent Media Works

It rained and it rained.  But one thing I do love about rain is how romantic it makes a setting and how rich it makes all the color. The terrace at Duke Gardens is a stunning sight.



This is something so Alice and Wonderland about this shot.  These crazy large leaves on the plants are quite imaginative don't you think?



They wrapped years of history with childhood photos around the pillars outside of the ceremony tent so quests could walk down nostalgia lane during cocktail hour or before the ceremony.  You can find may other ideas for displaying pictures at your wedding here.


It was a peaceful day of pouring rain for Marine and Joe's wedding at Duke Gardens.  They had originally planned on getting married in the stone and grass amphitheater that overlooks the large lily pond in the White Gardens, but instead had the wedding ceremony under a tent over looking the gardens and the tranquil rains surrounded the scene as violin music graced the atmosphere of it all.










They played "La Vie En Rose" as the recessional song.  It was beautiful and heartwarming.









They had a festive entrance with each couple of the wedding party dancing their way in. Marine and Joe danced in and Joe twirled and dipped Marine on the dance floor and everyone cheered.



Marine has French heritage, and Joe has Italian and New Jersey so the reception was filled with a nice mix of culture.
Macaroons are perhaps the most divine choice of cookie there is.  I made them perfectly the first time I ever tried, but the half a dozen times since... well, it is a fine art.

Raspberry and blueberry Tarts

It stopped raining just as soon as it was dark, but then still sprinkled a little.  I stole Marine and Joe away for some night shots.  I love the "star" effect the rain made against the night sky.
Nobody knows fine cheese like the French.
When I was getting the detail shot of the ceramic bunnies cake topper, we quickly realized it was a little too heavy on the cake and was leaning to one side, so we decided to move up their cake cutting to prevent any unfortunate flopping over. Since rabbits are good at that.
Marine's father gave an exceptionally entertaining wedding toast as he educated Joe, in French, of true French tradition... basically he was giving him an outline for a happy marriage through cultural tradition, and implementing each piece so he may be a true "French man" in order to be officially part of the family.
Firetrucks are more interesting that Wedding Toasts when you are five years old.

DJ Rang rocking the house. (above) And to celebrate the merging of cultures all present the bride and groom festively danced with colorful flags from France, America and Italy.  Family joined in for a fun loving colorful display of the families new melting pot.



Vendors:
Photographer: Effervescent Media Works
Venue: Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero 
Makeup Artist: Bella Trio Salon and Spa 
Floral Designer: Whole Foods 
Cake Designer: Whole Foods 
Catering: Catering Works Inc. 
Band: Blue Sands Music 
DJ: DJ Rang 
Wedding Coordinator: Ashley Boykin of Social Conceptions
We are honored to have been featured on Brown Sparrow Wedding

Thank you Marine and Joe for letting Effervescent Media Works capture your special day.

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