Bridal Portraits at Duke Gardens

Lauren is finally MARRIED and I am so excited to share some of my favorite images from her bridal portrait session earlier this spring! We did her spring bridal portraits at the stunning Duke Gardens in Durham, NC.

How Lauren Chose Her Dream Dress

“I went to Carolina Bridal World with my mom. I knew I wanted it to be intimate with just the two of us…I knew I wanted a simple, elegant dress that would stand the test of time. I wanted the photos to be timeless but I also knew I was going to be a dancing queen!”

“Once we got to CBW and I showed the attendants (Mikayla is THE best) what I was thinking. After a few dresses, I thought I liked one a lot. I didn’t think it would be an “ah-ha” or emotional moment. But I wasn’t completely sold. I liked the top of one and the bottom of another. Mikayla looked at me and said “I know what you want”. I put it on and I left the dressing room. As I walked by the mirrors in the showroom I got immediately emotional. I teared up, called my mom over, and we both knew. It was the dress. It was far more magical than I could have imagined. Each time I have worn it I haven’t wanted to take it off. It fits like a glove, is so comfortable, and made me feel beautiful. It had the right balance of drama and simplicity. Paired with my best friend’s veil, it was perfect!”

Duke Gardens in Durham

Duke Gardens is one of my favorite places in the RDU area to take portraits. I have done many engagement sessions here, and a few bridal portrait sessions! It is beautiful any time of year, and the reservation process for a photography permit is so simple to apply for.

One of the busiest times of the year to visit Duke Gardens is when their row of Cherry Blossom trees are blooming in mid-March. Hundreds of people travel to the gardens to see them! We visited for Lauren’s bridals just after the peak of the Cherry blossoms blooming, so we missed most of the crowds, and still got some beautiful light colored cherry blossom trees! It was perfect timing.

We also lucked out with rows and rows of colored tulips in bloom. March turned out to be a beautiful time of year to take portraits with so many flowers blooming! Lauren is a die-hard NC State fan, so of course we took some photos with the red tulips in the background! It was the perfect place to end her session, with the sun setting just beyond the tress.

Lauren and Dustin had their spring wedding day at the Matthews House in Cary and it was the perfect day! They had lots of beautiful pink and white flowers, a romantic outdoor ceremony on the lawn, and a dance floor that was FULL all night long! To see a recap of their wedding day and more photos of Lauren in her beautiful wedding dress, you can see their wedding on the blog here!

See some of my favorite images from her spring bridal portraits at Duke Gardens on the blog below!

Dress: Carolina Bridal World

Veil: Her Something Borrowed from a friend!

Hair and Makeup: Mane Choice Bridal

Florals: Brushed by Bec

Venue: Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Photography: Sarah Hinckley Photography

Suggested Blog Posts:

Duke Gardens Engagement Photos | Sam and Joe

Carolina Grove Bridal Portraits | Caroline

Spring Bridals at Merrimon-Wynne | Emily