An Intimate Rooftop Wedding

I can hardly think of a nicer idea than sipping on a coffee or a mimosa on a beautiful morning surrounded by your closest friends and family while you gaze out over the city…with your new husband! Well, that is exactly what Katherine and Chris did in October. They held their wedding on the rooftop of the Durham Hotel one beautiful Sunday morning. They kept the invite list small, only about 20 guests! Most couples opt for a bigger affair, but this bride and groom wanted to keep their wedding day simple and relaxed. It was an honor to be involved in such a sweet, intimate wedding day.

Before the Ceremony

Both Katherine and Chris were able to get ready in rooms on-site (one perk of having your wedding at a hotel!) which made for a quick and easy transition to the ceremony on the rooftop! Katherine did her own hair, and her sister, who was also her maid-of-honor did the make-up. The other bridesmaids showed up nearly ready to-go just a little bit before the ceremony to allow time for taking portraits.

The Durham Hotel features a number of great spots to take portraits, including the rooftop, the lobby, and an alley off to the side. Even the front of the hotel is a cool spot for portraits with its mid-century modern architecture!

A Ceremony With a View

Once portraits were done, it was time for the ceremony. It was a family affair, as Chris’s sister played the piano and Katherine’s aunt officiated! More and more couples now have a relative or close friend officiate, as it is so special to have the ones you love so closely involved with your wedding. The ceremony was held on the open-air patio. It was a perfect cool fall morning, though a little breezy! The guests were treated to spectacular views of Downtown Durham and the hills off in the distance. This patio area of the rooftop seats up to 50 guests and comes with trendy tables and chairs, making it perfect for smaller, more intimate weddings.

Sunday Brunch

After a quick ceremony, the guests transitioned to brunch under the covered patio. All the guests were seated at one long table. This may be the first wedding I ever attended in which all the guests sat at one table! It was special. There is something about having everyone together that made it feel like one family, one community. The table decor was absolutely beautiful. The mother of the bride grew her own greenery and ornamental gourds—perfect for an October wedding! Following the reception, she encouraged guests and vendors to take it all home. I grabbed a few gourds myself, and kept them all the way until Christmas!

If you want more inspiration for fall weddings, check out this wedding I captured in Downtown Raleigh the year before!

P.S. Go all the way to the end of the blog to see Katherine and Chris’s adorable pup!

Venue and catering: The Durham Hotel

Floral: Floral Dimensions

Cake: Whole Foods

Table décor: Mother of the bride!