Wedding: Justin + Megan

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An Intimate Duke Gardens Wedding | Durham, North Carolina 

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Have you ever been to the Duke University gardens in Durham, North Carolina? If you haven't, you really should go as soon as possible!!! Talk about the most gorgeous wedding venue ever!!!! Filled with fountains and palms and gazebos and bridges, it made my little beauty-seeking heart so, so happy!! The navy blue, grey and natural greens went perfectly with the scenery and made for the most gorgeous pictures! 

Justin and Megan currently live in Raleigh but are dear friends of mine from their time in Virginia Beach. You can see their engagement pictures from a few months ago by clicking here - Engagement: Justin + Megan. I speak for our whole friend group when I say they are dearly missed!! This couple honestly amazes me. It has been a rough few years for them and their families, and the resilience they have shown in this time of loss is truly remarkable. Justin has been Megan's rock and I am so thankful that they have each other! She lost her Dad and her little brother both within the past two years, and the way I have seen her cope with that loss is with incredible amounts of love. This beautiful wedding was planned in just a few months because she and Justin decided they didn't want to wait any longer to be married. We tend to forget how precious life is until it's taken away from us. Megan, you inspire me. Your and Justin's love for each other inspires me. I know that I am not the only one! This wedding was real and heartfelt and it was an incredible thing to witness. I hope that the many emotions of the day come through the pictures so that you can experience it, too! 

I loved these personalized hangers!

Do dresses even get more perfect than this?!?!

"Meg, I love you. Dad" I cried when I saw this. Megan wore this bracelet engraved with her dad's  handwriting as she walked down the aisle. 

The cutest little bridesmaids' bags! 

I love, love, LOVE backless dresses! Look how gorgeous that lace up design is!!

Meg!!!! You are seriously SO radiant!!

!!!!!!!!!!

What an incredible place to get married!!! 

The sweetest moment. Megan's brother walked her down the aisle! 

They're married!!!!

A gift from Justin's grandfather - a beautiful, vintage pocket watch. 

Best friends!!! Megan was Justin's nanny for a few years in Virginia Beach.

I can't get over this incredible gazebo!!

Such a stunning wedding party!! I'm so in love with the colors, too! 

AND NOW FOR MY FAVORITE PART!! Look at this beautiful couple!!!!!

All my dreams came true when we got to shoot at this incredible fountain!!

Could you get any cuter?!?!!

A group involved in a scavenger hunt asked if they could take a picture with the bride and groom. They decided to spell out "LOVE" behind them! This might be one of my favorite pictures of the day!!!

This is fairy tale material right here!!

Duke Gardens, you have seriously outdone yourself with perfect photo locations!!!

My favorite picture of you, Meg!! You are seriously SO BEAUTIFUL!!!

The Devil's Krafthouse is a new restaurant on Duke's campus, and it was the perfect place for Megan and Justin's casual, candle lit reception!! 

A table was set up in honor of Megan's dad and little brother right in the middle of the reception. Such a sweet and beautiful reminder of their love for Megan and of their presence in her heart. 

The couple decided not to plan a time for their first dance, and instead to let it happen naturally. It couldn't have been more perfect. 

Justin and Megan,
I was (and still am!!) so incredibly honored to have been invited to be a part of your beautiful day. I love you guys!! 

                            xo, Court

Dress: Willowby by Watters 
Bridesmaids' Dresses: Azazie
Groomsmen Attire: Men's Warehouse
Florist: Angel Roses Florist
Invitation Suite: Moore Printing and Graphics
Favors: jams from New England Cranberry, honey sticks from local Durham vendors
Cake: Tom and Rebecca Bedd
Ceremony Venue: The Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University
Reception Venue and Catering: The Devil's Krafthouse
​Ceremony Violinist: Udeshi Hargett