From the moment Niki reached out, I knew their engagement photos at Duke Chapel would be special. She works at Duke University and has loved Duke Chapel since childhood. Naturally, choosing it for their engagement session made perfect sense.
Niki and Lucas met on Bumble. Their first date took place at an Irish pub. On their second date, they explored Eno River—one of their favorite outdoor spots. A few months later, Lucas surprised Niki with a cookie cake that read, “Will you be my girlfriend?” It doesn’t get sweeter than that.
While Lucas is outgoing, Niki is more reserved. Still, they balance each other beautifully. Both love nature and prefer quiet time together. Above all, they’re best friends who can’t wait to get married.
We started their engagement session at Eno River State Park. Since it’s where they had their second date, it holds a lot of meaning for them. The gentle trails and peaceful water made for a relaxed beginning to the shoot.
Soon, clouds began rolling in, and thunder echoed in the distance. Instead of panicking, they laughed and kept going. Their energy was calm, connected, and completely in sync.
As we drove to Duke Chapel, the sky opened up and it began to downpour. However, Niki and Lucas embraced the moment. With clear umbrellas and joyful hearts, we wandered through the covered walkways of the chapel and captured more beautiful moments!
Even with the storm, Duke Chapel remained stunning. Its timeless stone arches and quiet corners gave us plenty of dreamy spots to capture their connection. In fact, the rain only made it more romantic.
During our consultation, Niki shared that she looked at many photographers. But something about our work stood out. She loved our story and instantly connected with our photos. That kind of feedback is what keeps us going.
If you’re planning a session in Durham, Duke Chapel is a beautiful and iconic choice. It offers both grand architecture and intimate moments. Plus, nearby spots like Eno River add a personal touch to your photos.
We love helping couples create sessions that feel true to who they are. Rain or shine, we’re ready to celebrate your story with images that last.
Click Here to See Another Durham Engagement Session with a Surprise Rain Storm!