The Cookery Durham Wedding | Kristin + Peter

You’re absolutely not going to want to miss the stunning details of Kristin and Peter’s The Cookery Durham wedding.

The Cookery Durham wedding planned by McLean Events

When we met with Kristin and Peter for the first time, there was one thing that really stood out: They were cool, the kind of cool that you just want to be around, the kind of warmth and style that just comes naturally and draws people in. It goes without saying that the vision for this day needed to be something that not only captured Kristin and Peter's aura, but also a little kick, something really cool.

When we approach a design concept for a wedding, we ask our couples to tell us about things that make their hearts happy. Kristin and Peter brought two things to the table: their love for the city of Durham, North Carolina (where they met and would be married), and a photo of them in "The Rain Room," an interactive lighting illusion exhibit at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

These two ideas would become the heartbeat of their wedding day design. The other unique thing about this couple's wedding day is that their style so flawlessly morphed between urban-chic and classic-traditional and back again multiple times throughout the course of their celebration. From their choice of ceremony and reception venues, to Kristin's dress, a elegant lace design from Liancarlo and "First Look" location, 21c Museum Hotel Durham, a cutting edge hotel and museum combo in the heart of downtown Durham, they managed to blend modern, urban, and traditional into one day.

Wedding party at 21c Museum Hotel Durham

Wedding bouquet by Tre Bella Durham wedding florist

K+P were married in the stately and quite dramatic sanctuary of Duke Chapel on the campus of Duke University where the two met and, might I also add, camped out in a tent for 10 days to snag their desired wedding day reservation.

Wedding party outside of Duke University Chapel

From here, guests travelled to the industrially urban and very "Durham" Cookery for their reception dinner and dancing. Enlisting the expertise of one of the most talented and perhaps under the radar chefs in the area, Jacob Boehm of Snap Pea Catering, they treated guests to a delectable menu served family style, with chef announcing each course.

Guests dined in the warm glow of candle light, with happy conversation pulsating throughout the newly minted "ballroom" at The Cookery. We selected organic style dishware, an intricate patterned silverware, a freshly poured glass of champagne, and a very modern style menu. The environment was a delicate mix of the couple’s unique style.

The Cookery Durham wedding reception tables

Head table at The Cookery Durham wedding

Tall centerpieces of greenery at The Cookery Durham wedding

You won’t be surprised to hear that this groom was no ordinary groom. Peter baked and decorated his own wedding cake and did so quite beautifully. This was yet another small detail that infused personality and love into their wedding day.

But the best was saved for last on this day of celebration and fun—In the front room of the Cookery, the band Bull City Syndicate was set and ready to bring the house down. And remember when I mentioned the two inspirational things the Kristin and Peter brought us for their wedding?

We enlisted the help of lighting guru Get Lit Special Event Lighting to bring to life our vision for a hanging light installation made of hundreds upon hundreds of strands of crystals to recreate The Rain Room exhibit at MoMA. Complete with the illusion of falling rain drops and a whole lot of drama, it was a quite a showstopper.

Get Lit, Event Lighting and Bull City Syndicate

The Ballroom at The Cookery in Durham, NC

The front room at the Cookery Durham wedding venue

Bride and Groom first dance under crystal lighting

Wedding lighting designed to look like The Rain Room MoMA

Guests danced the night away in what can only be described as a magical space that was only fitting for this sophisticated, cool, wonderfully kind, and endearing couple. They ended their night with good old fashioned pizza from a local favorite as they boarded the shuttle for the after party.

PS - K+P followed Southern tradition and "buried the bourbon" a month prior to their wedding day to keep the rain away -- and yes it worked. It's a trade secret here in North Carolina so keep it between us! *wink wink

We’d love to plan your unique wedding at The Cookery. Find out more about our wedding planners.