Today was a wedding day I’ll never forget—and not just because I had the privilege of photographing it. This one was different. It was personal. It was the wedding of my cousin Jim to his beautiful bride Casandra, and it was held at one of Durham’s most unique and characterful venues: The Story.

Weddings are often a blend of tradition, sentiment, and creativity—but every so often, one comes along that breaks the mold entirely, and in doing so, becomes something truly unforgettable. Jim and Casandra did just that. Their wedding was unapologetically them: intimate, meaningful, and brimming with authenticity. From the guest list of just 26 close friends and family to the biker-chic dress code, this wedding was a celebration of love on their own terms. And I couldn’t have been prouder to be there, camera in hand, capturing it all.

When you’re a wedding photographer, you learn to expect the unexpected — but every now and again, you get a day that runs so perfectly, it feels like the universe lined everything up just right. That was exactly how it felt photographing Abigail and Cameron’s wedding at The Story in Durham — a gorgeous spring day full of sunshine, emotion, laughter, and one baby in a bow tie who stole the show.

The weather? Spot on. Not too hot, not too chilly — just that ideal kind of day where you can feel summer whispering through the air, but without any of the squinting, sweating, or wind-wrecked hairstyles that can send couples into panic. It was one of those days where everything clicked — and that includes the camera.

If you’ve chosen The Story as your wedding venue, congratulations! 🎉 You’ve picked one of Durham’s most elegant and stylish registry offices for your big day. With its modern yet classic aesthetic, intimate ceremony rooms, and a stunning grand staircase, it’s the perfect place to say "I do."

But here’s the thing: Your wedding photos are one of the most important keepsakes from your big day. You need a photographer who knows The Story inside and out, someone who understands how the light changes throughout the day, the best angles for timeless portraits, and—most importantly—someone who can work seamlessly with the staff to ensure a stress-free experience.

When it comes to kicking off a new year of wedding photography, there’s no better place to begin than The Story in Durham. It’s no secret that this elegant venue holds a special place in my heart. From its sophisticated charm to its seamless adaptability for weddings of all sizes, The Story offers an idyllic setting that I’ve come to love capturing. And what a pleasure it was to document Liz and Chris’s unforgettable day here as my first wedding of the year.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of photographing four weddings at The Story in Durham, a registry office that has quickly gained popularity. While it’s not a full-day wedding venue, its charm and elegance make it an ideal location for couples looking for a beautiful, no-fuss ceremony. I’ve had more enquiries for The Story in a short time than almost any other venue, which speaks volumes about its appeal. Here’s why I think it's becoming such a popular choice for couples, along with my first-hand experience photographing weddings there.