Erin and Matt's Down Home Wedding at The Cookery!

Erin and Matt's wedding at The Cookery was the third one I've done there. The Cookery is a fabulous venue for a smaller wedding and you can dress it up or down. It is truly a wonderful repurposed building right in downtown Durham. 

View from the side with the amazing mural!

The main room is concrete floor, exposed brick and industrial fixtures. Extremely versatile. 

Erin and Matt brought ribbon wands for the guests to wave at the end of the evening when the bride and groom made their exit.

Outside the main room is the patio area with a tent. They added the padded rubber flooring which was comfortable to stand on and acoustically helpful. But the real purpose was to divert rainwater so that it would not accumulate on the patio. Rain was a possibility for this day and they were prepared.

Up on the mezzanine there is room for more seating. I have done a wedding up on this level too.

A symbolic tribute to Matt and Erin's wedding day! The calligrapher is Marika Wendelken.

No traditional wedding cake for this couple. They chose cakes by Chez Moi and pies from Scratch. 

Their wonderful DJ was Shannon Pate with Elevation Entertainment. He was so helpful in setting up the sound for the patio and plugging my microphone in. The space can be challenging but he had all the right equipment and the knowledge to sync it all together. Thanks, Shannon!

The view from the mezzanine as the guests start arriving. 

Jack Pope, our ring bearer, is ready for the ceremony to begin! 

The guests are filling in the chairs. Latecomers were fortunate that the second row was available! 

Matt, on the right, and his groomsmen are ready for the ceremony to begin. 

John, our best man, Matt and I get lined up to enter.

First couple are Brad and Tina.

Second couple are Joe and Sarah. 

Then Leo and Julie. 

Our Maid of Honor Jennifer enters solo.

Erin was stashed out of sight up on the mezzanine and on cue descends the steps. 

Her father, Dave, joined her at the foot of the steps and escorted her in.

Once he transferred Erin's hand into Matt's, they turned and faced each other as the guests took their seats and the ceremony began.

Welcome to all, opening prayer, remembering those loved ones no longer with us then a tribute to their parents. 

Telling their story was a lot of fun and filled with laughter that reflects what a wonderful match they are for each other.

Then what they love about each other and look forward to in marriage. 

They exchanged their vows and it was time for Jack to hand me the rings! 

I invited Erin and Matt to gaze around at their guests who were honoring them on their wedding day.

Pronouncing them husband and wife! 

Matt dived in for the kiss! 

And here they are! The Newlyweds!

Always a triumphant moment! 

Outside for photos! 

Erin and Matt, what a great wedding. It was YOU! I loved being part of your day and helping you set the tone for the celebration of your marriage. I wish you the best always!

Our Vendors:

Venue Wedding Director: Tammy Carwane (The Cookery)

Wedding Day Coordinator: Kim Smith, friend

Photographer: The PopesPhotography (Gerald and Airika Pope)

DJ: Shannon Pate of ElevationEntertainment

Florist: Tre Bella

Caterer: Sage and Swift

Cakes: Chez Moi

Pies: Scratch