Rachel Red Photography Blog: Olivia + Yanbin . Durham Chapel Hill North Carolina Wedding Photographer

I've been to quite a few weddings. I've met many beautiful brides. But this wedding...was something special. I have a feeling I will remember this one for many years to come as will the 45 guests who were fortunate enough to attend. Most of all, Olivia and Yanbin will never forget this day. Their vows to each other during the ceremony had everyone in tears. Their first dance was a beautiful waltz. Their first look was sweet and even a little silly. And this was only one of the two weddings they are having! They'll be leaving for China in a week or so for a traditional family wedding there, so this one was for close friends only!

We started our day at The Carolina Inn where Olivia and Yanbin were getting ready. I was immediately excited when I walked into her room to see her gorgeous Monique Lhullier dress.

While I took pictures of Olivia my amazingly talented assistant, Courtney, took photos of Yanbin getting ready. This is one of my favorite images from the wedding.

Next stop? Duke Gardens in Durham North Carolina, one of my favorite locations in the state. Olivia and Yanbin wanted a lot of photos of just the two of them (my favorite!) so they opted to see each other before the wedding. I love these next few moments. It shows off their playful personalities.

It looks like a gorgeous, sunny day but in reality it was raining slightly and chilly. The ladies put their coats on in between shots but I think they'll see that it was worth it for the photos!

The flowers arrived and were the perfect compliment to Yanbin's velvet tux.

This next photo was a special request from Olivia. I loved the idea and hope she is happy with it as well.

The ceremony itself was held in the middle of the gardens and was very sweet and emotional.

The next three images are some of my favorite images. Not just of this wedding, but of my entire career as a wedding photographer. I love how the location made a simple, elegant image feel grand and timeless. You'll see these images on my website soon.

Back at The Carolina Inn, Courtney photographed details of the reception room and cocktail hour. Olivia did a wonderful job planning all of this herself! Some of my favorite things are the linens as well as the cake detail that mirrored the reception hall's crown molding. She planned her colors and theme around the room. So smart!