sarah@sarahhinckleyphotography.com

Welcome friend!

I'm Sarah, a North Carolina wedding and portrait photographer who serves couples by providing a genuine and stress free experience. Thanks for stopping by!

get in touch

the blog

categories:

weddings

engaged

bridals

seniors

tips

filed in: Weddings

March 25, 2025

Durham Wedding at the Cotton Room | Allison and Jess

Same Sex Durham Wedding at The Cotton Room | Durham Wedding | Wedding Photographer | Sarah Hinckley Photography

Jess and Allison’s Wedding Day

Allison and Jess’s beautiful winter wedding at The Cotton Mill in Durham was an emotional celebration full of love and laughter. Their love story started when Allison was a grad student at Dartmouth and Jess was coaching field hockey there. In just one year, they created so many memories together from hiking and field hockey games to long walks with Jess’s sweet pup Honey. Let’s not forget cooking new recipes together!

After their first year together, Jess moved to Durham for a new role at Duke, and Allison followed a year later after graduating. It didn’t take long for North Carolina to feel like home, and it’s where they both knew they certainly wanted to start their next chapter.

Jess proposed first in October 2023 at the Raleigh Rose Garden, and Allison surprised her with a proposal of her own two months later, this time back on Dartmouth’s campus. Jess didn’t think Allison had the ring yet (a change of pants gave it away!), but the surprise was still perfect, especially with her parents there to witness it.

Their wedding weekend in Durham was thoughtfully planned to welcome friends and family from all over the country. I’m so honored to have also photographed their rehearsal dinner at the Champion’s Club at Duke, where guests got a tour of the basketball court. It was such a cool and memorable experience!

On the wedding day, snow from earlier in the week still dusted the ground. Their first look was so sweet and set the tone for a heartfelt ceremony. Allison’s brother officiated and did an incredible job telling their story and engaging every guest in the room.

The Cotton Mill’s historic charm and soft winter light created the dreamiest backdrop for their portraits and celebration. It was the perfect setting for such a warm and personal day. Allison and Jess, it was such an honor to document this weekend for you both!