Alison & Jacob: Downtown Durham Winter Wedding

Whether it is 96 degrees and 100% humidity or snowing and sleeting, Gather Together knows the wedding must go on! If you are local to the Triangle, you may remember this January 25th, when all schools, offices and restaurants closed down early for a pretty good dose of snow and ice. While most of the population was trying to retreat home, Gather Together (not to mention the entire bridal party) braved the weather on the way to the church for the rehearsal of Alison & Jacob's wedding!


Alison in her beautiful custom tailored lace dress - breathtaking!


Alison's fur stole with her new monogram. I think this will be a keepsake that's passed down for generations.


The dapper bridal party in downtown Durham.

When we first met with Alison & Jacob, we naturally gravitated to this beautiful couple because of their pure joy of being together and supporting each other in faith, hope and love. As they were planning their wedding, big plans to move to Tennessee in a few months were well underway, so they asked us for a little extra help during the process.


A warm embrace on this chilly January day.




As the ice cleared, the wedding day began with Alison and her father sharing one of our favorite special moments: the father-daughter first look. There is something that pulls at the heart strings with this relatively new wedding day idea, and we just love it! After Alison's father walked her down First Presbyterian's aisle and she said yes to the man of her dreams, Alison & Jacob greeted their guests at the quirky and fun Durham Armory for the reception.


The father-daughter first look was so emotional.


Alison's father sweetly helping with her veil. Great capture by our lovely photographer!


A gasp as Alison places the ring on Jacob's hand - what a beautiful moment.


The music of this organ filled the church. It was an ethereal walk down the aisle for Alison.

Thanks to the ingenious specialty lighting company, the Durham Armory was shimmering with twinkling lights everywhere overhead. Jacob's aunt added to the beauty by providing floral arrangements mixed with winter branches throughout the venue. The pops of subtle color cheered up the dreary weather. And, if you thought Alison kept that adorable monogrammed fur stole on due to the chill, you are most certainly wrong! Just moments into the reception, the dance floor was filled to the brim. It may have had something to do with the bridal party's unbelieveable flash mob (!!!), but the whole crowd was ready to party until the band had to stop.


How could flowers like this not bring joy and warmth?


These two did not stop smiling the whole evening. Love was all around, especially during the toasts by Alison's father, her sweet sister and maid of honor, and Jacob's best man.








Not kidding about the flash mob! We picked up some stellar moves from this hilarious choreographed dance.

Alison & Jacob opted for delicious pies for dessert, and had a mini cake all of their own to officially cut. After a heart-warming last dance shared by just the two of them, the evening ended with everyone bundled up and ready to face the cold. Hot chocolate favors sent them away with warmest thanks, and everyone guided the couple to their getaway car with a shimmering sparkler exit. It was a winter wonderland wedding for this fun, beautiful, loving couple!


Delicious pies just waiting for guests to take a bite.


For every winter storm, hot cocoa is close behind.


Not sure if their smiles or the sparklers were brighter! It was the perfect ending to an exciting evening.

By the end of the evening, all the girls of Gather Together were ready for fuzzy pajamas and their own hot cocoa (maybe with a splash of Bailey's...). We are looking forward to some warm outdoor weddings this Spring, but could not think of a better way to start off the year than Alison & Jacob's beautiful celebration.

'Til we Gather Together again...
- Samantha

Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church
Reception Venue: Durham Armory
Officiant: Rev. Fil Anderson
Photographer: Sarah Der Photography
Videographer: Without Walls Productions
Florist: Jane Henderson
Rentals: Party Reflections
Lighting: Get Lit Special Event Lighting
Ceremony Music: Kathy Parkins, Daniel Goans & Lauren Goans
Reception Music: Another Level
Pies & Cake: Foster's Market
Hair & Makeup: Altered Image