Lori+Rachel // Wedding at The Cookery.

This wedding was an absolute blast. Lori and Rachel, who have been in incredibly good spirits in every interaction we’ve ever had with them, were having an obviously great time without worry or stress despite high winds (seriously, seriously windy), abnormally cold temperatures (seriously, seriously cold, especially for April), and having to put their wedding under a tent because of the aforementioned things. They just didn’t care. Well, not that they didn’t care, but rather – they were focused on the right thing (each other) instead of worrying about anything else, and they let the wedding day chips fall where they may.

And they fell wonderfully! They laughed and smiled for 98% of the day, and Lori fist pumped and made this expression of complete success for the remaining 2%. Their wedding party was also a delight to work with, and we had encountered their lovely officiant Meg at a previous wedding where she made the cupcakes! Small world. Super happy to have been a part of this wonderful couple’s day, and excited to return to The Cookery for more weddings this year! This was our first time there and we can say with authority that it’s awesome. Check out the awesome below in 5, 4, 3, 2…

  • Date: April 9, 2015
  • Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Cookery // Durham, NC
  • First Dance Song: “The Story” – Brandi Carlile
  • Lori’s Occupation: Burn ICU Registered Nurse at Jaycee Burn Center, UNC Health Care
  • Rachel’s Occupation: Project Manager and Sustainability at Southern Energy Management
  • How You Met: Lori was Rachel’s chemistry tutor at Elon University in 2003… she got a B!
  • Interesting Fact: Lori will rap “Shoop” by Salt & Peppa at any moment…company holiday parties, weddings, or even on the PA system of a tour bus. Rachel is a natural athlete – marathon runner, soccer standout, and an ace with a golf club.
  • Vendor Credits: Officiant –Meg Fanney. DJ – Steve Stowe of Joe Bunn DJ Company. Cake – Guglhuph. Florist – Lori and Rachel’s wedding party. Caterer – Durham Catering. Coordinator – Matthew Lardie.

Elana+Kevin’s Wedding in Durham

When we first met Elana she told us that she was very much hoping that it would rain on her wedding day so that she could use an umbrella and get umbrella pictures in the rain. Then it did rain and Elana, while not devastated, was still maybe slightly less than thrilled despite her prior wishing. ;) She was still willing to go outside though and kept a super upbeat attitude (rain is good luck, right?)… and we did get pictures with an umbrella, so in a way her wishes did come true and all was not lost despite this crazy rainy October that we’ve had. :)

These two were our first wedding that we had on the books for 2013 and we were so excited to finally get to work with them at the Cotton Room! They had an amazing team of friends and family helping them out (Kevin’s uncle presided over the ceremony and his aunt did all the gorgeous flowers) and we had the opportunity to photograph yet another amazing Hora (our most favorite of Jewish wedding traditions)! There were also glow sticks and corn hole and favors of honey jars that were made by the bees that Elana’s parents keep in their yard (I took one home…a jar of honey… not a bee… and it is amazingly delicious).

Enjoy the wedding of these two adorable and amazing people! Elana and Kevin – you have been the best and we love you both so much!

Date: October 12, 2013

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Cotton Room // Durham, NC

First Dance Song: “Beneath Your Beautiful” – Labrinth

Elana’s Occupation: Child/Adolescent Therapist at Diverse Family Services

Kevin’s Occupation: Entrepreneur

How You Met: We were both music majors at UNC. One beautiful Saturday morning we ran into each other in the Craige parking lot and the rest is history.

Interesting Bride Fact: Elana decided when she was six that the last name Zipkin just wouldn’t do, she was going to have move to the beginning of the alphabet one day. 20 years later, it finally happened.

Interesting Groom Fact: The first time Kevin’s mom met Elana she told Kevin “She is way out of your league, you are never going to get her.” He must’ve done something right!

Honeymoon Destination: Honeymoon is on hold…we’re work-a-holics…

Vendor Credits: Officiant – Thomas Campbell (Kevin’s Uncle) | DJ – Damien Maas | Florist – Susan Yuditsky (Kevin’s aunt) | Cake – Simply Cakes | Caterer – The Cotton Room | Hair – Curl Up and Dye with Kim | Makeup – Made Up by Lindsay Morse