Durham Wedding Photographer at Croasdaile Country Club • Hailey + Michael

Pictures by Mikkel Paige Photography of a wedding in Durham, North Carolina. The bride carried hydrangea flowers for the garden-like golf course photos with her groom, who wore a grey suit. Her low-back gown and up-do hair twists were beautiful! Click through to the website post for complete details and more inspiration! #durhamNC #northcarolinawedding #golfcoursewedding #CountryClub #DurhamWedding #summerwedding #weddinggown #lowbackweddinggown #brideandgroom #firstlook

These native North Carolinians grew up, met and fell in love in the state. They met through at the University of North Carolina through a friend Hailey knew from high school and, seven years later, were ready to take a next step into a new wonderful chapter in their lives. Michael proposed at Lake Norman, his mom’s favorite place, at North Arbor Club on the water. they began planning their Durham wedding after an emphatic “yes”! North Carolina was a great choice for these natives to get married. But a golf course was even better! Michael loves golf and they wove several special golf details into their day. I also love that their bridesmaids wore Carolina blue, which brought out the blue in Hailey’s eyes.

Being a Raleigh and Durham wedding photographer is always made sweeter by working with great vendors; I have to give kudos to Amanda from A Swanky Affair. Work with her is always wonderful. I had the utmost confidence the day would run smoothly with her at the helm!

Their official wedding date announcement began with their Save the Date. I was so excited to receive one in the mail! I was especially looking forward to photographing it because they used a picture from their engagement session on it. They wanted their Durham wedding photographer (that’s me!) 🙂 to take their photos at American Tobacco Campus, one of the spots they looked into for their wedding.

One of my favorite details from the day was Michael’s watch, which was a very special gift to him from a family friend. It sat right next to the beautifully monogrammed cuff of his wedding day button-down shirt under his grey suit. Blue ties tied the looks together of the entire wedding party, perfectly complimenting the bridesmaids chiffon gowns.

They shared an emotional first look together after getting ready in separate rooms and exchanging cards. (Michael’s card made Hailey joyfully tear-up!) Each button was carefully fastened by her mom and shoes slipped on with the help of her bridal party. “Something blue” was on Hailey’s right hand in a gorgeous gemstone ring she reset that, of course, I couldn’t resist photographing.

We moved around the venue – from the golf course, to side of the house, to garden areas, capturing the two of them. I love the images with the pink blossoms on the Crape Myrtle trees. White “confetti” golf balls dashed about the lawn really drive home (no pun intended) the groom’s love of the sport.

Isn’t this wedding party photo ready for Golf Digest Magazine? I think so!

All of the bridesmaids’ looks, including the beatiful bride, were completely considered in 360 degrees. They each held a round bouquet of white hydrangea flowers and eucalyptus. They looked great no matter the angle so I wanted to take photos forward-facing and with their backs towards me as well. It showed off their unique hairstyles and dresses very well, especially the bride’s: I loved her low-back dress…which she gave a completely different look to with a tulle-overlay for the ceremony. If Hailey stood at just the right angle you could see the attractive cutout detail under her arm.

The groomsmen all wore grey suits to match one another, with blue ties and white flower boutonnieres. They all had unique novelty socks that Michael gifted to them under their brown dress shoes. The socks had graphics Michael associated with their personalities, whether they had video game remote controls on them, beer or ping pong paddles!

Their outdoor ceremony took place beneath grand oak trees and during prime golden hour time. A custom mirror sign welcomed guests to their wedding. The warmth of the day was felt from the company, thoughtful words spoken by their officiant, and southern September weather.

After the thoughtful ceremony guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the back porch overlooking the golf course. Passed hors d’oeuvres were served alongside refreshing drinks. A stunning escort card display directed people to their seats for the dinner that followed. High and low centerpieces were placed on tables throughout the ballroom drenched in warm candlelight. Custom cookies, designed and created by Hailey’s coworker, were at each seat as a guest favor after a truly delicious meal! They even had custom golf balls for their family and friends to take as a special treat. It was a detail I have never seen before!

One of the best things about Hailey and Michael’s wedding was the DANCING. They set the mood for the evening with an impressive choreographed dance that included a light and two dips! Their first dance, to “Diamonds or Twine” by Ryan Hurd, was followed by an emotional dance with Hailey and her dad. They danced to “Sweet Baby James,” a personal favorite, and he wore a special tie the bride gifted him. (I know he’ll cherish it forever!) Michael took his grandmother for a spin around the dance floor and she was all smiles to be there with her grandson. I have to say from the moment I met her I knew she was an outstanding, radiant guest!

There was something very extraordinary about the way the North Carolina and American flagged looked in the evening sky that night. I captured it just before Hailey and Michael made their grand glowstick-inspired exit. A wonderful end to a perfect day!