Clevy & Nell’s Backyard Wedding in Durham NC
Clevy Selengbe and Nell Fortune-Greeley tied the knot on October 15, 2022. Opting for a backyard wedding in Durham NC at Nell's family home, the couple exchanged vows beneath a picturesque pergola. Surrounded by immediate friends and family, Clevy and Nell celebrated their special day in an intimate setting on a crisp fall afternoon.
Clevy and Nell first met at 21c Museum Hotel Durham, where Clevy worked as a museum manager and Nell as a sales manager. During a photo shoot for employee headshots at the hotel, they connected with Nikki from Fancy This Photography. She recommended her partner photographer, Courtney Collins, to capture their wedding day. To acknowledge 21c Museum Hotel Durham’s significance in their relationship, they hosted their rehearsal dinner at Counting House, the hotel's restaurant and bar.
Keep scrolling to witness more from Clevy and Nell’s backyard wedding in Durham NC, photographed by Courtney Collins.
Durham NC Wedding Photographer, Courtney Collins
Courtney eased Clevy and Nell's pre-wedding nerves by providing a thoughtful shot list beforehand. Her positivity, humor and efficient approach made organizing family portraits and formals a breeze. Nell applauded her work, saying, “Her photos are absolutely stunning, and we will treasure them forever. She made our backyard wedding look like a fancy venue.”
Using a 35mm and 50mm R6s, along with a Rolleiflex 3.5B equipped with a 75mm f/3.5 lens, Courtney's small gear allowed her to move more easily throughout the event. She enjoys shooting intimate weddings like Clevy and Nell's, where the couple can interact closely with their guests. "You can truly see everyone," she notes.
With a relaxed wedding day timeline and no bridal party, Courtney had more creative freedom. Instead of focusing on posed portraits, she captured candid moments and sentimental details. She loved shooting Clevy and Nell's wedding on film, adding an even more authentic quality to their memories.
Backyard Wedding in Durham NC Featured by Heart of NC Weddings
Fancy This Photography was thrilled to see Clevy and Nell’s backyard wedding in Durham NC published in the 2024 edition of Heart of NC Weddings magazine. Courtney’s fierce fall wedding photography popped off the pages. The fashion and style of this micro wedding were on point. From start to finish, it was a major slay!
Intimate Outdoor Wedding Ceremony
Clevy and Nell's backyard wedding in Durham, NC was intimate and meaningful, attended only by their closest friends and family. Clevy walked his mother down the aisle, while Nell was escorted by her father. Fall wedding flowers by Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary in Chapel Hill added an air of romance. The bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere featured white and green blossoms.
As sunlight streamed through the pergola, Clevy and Nell exchanged loving looks during the outdoor ceremony. They were surrounded by the warmth of their loved ones after sealing their vows with a kiss.
“Intimate weddings like this are my favorite to capture,” confesses Fancy This Photography partner, Courtney Collins.
American and Congolese Wedding Fashion
For their backyard wedding ceremony, Clevy and Nell wore modern American wedding attire. Nell wore a white midi-length wedding dress from Bec + Bridge, featuring clean lines and a square neckline. Her look was complemented by an elegant updo with a floral accent and forest green velvet shoes. Clevy looked sharp in a gray suit with a navy-blue patterned tie.
Transitioning to the outdoor cocktail hour and indoor reception dinner, the couple changed into traditional Congolese wedding attire. Nell's geometric gown featured intricate patterns and gold adornments, paired with Congolese jewelry. Clevy's attire matched Nell's perfectly. They seem to be cut from the same cloth. Fancy This Photography’s team cannot decide which wedding outfit we love more on Clevy and Nell! They truly looked amazing in both. We feel honored to have photographed their beautiful backyard wedding in Durham NC.
Family Wedding Traditions
Clevy and Nell's backyard wedding in Durham NC blended American and Congolese wedding traditions, reflecting the couple's heritage. A significant moment occurred when Clevy's family gifted them with traditional Congolese wedding attire, which they changed into during the reception.
In Congolese culture, weddings often consist of three parts: the traditional wedding or 'marriage coutumier', the civil wedding, and the religious wedding. Clevy and Nell's backyard wedding in Durham NC served as both a marriage coutumier and a civil wedding, symbolizing the union of their families in support of their marriage.
At-Home Wedding Reception Dinner
Clevy and Nell's indoor wedding reception was held at Nell's family home, giving it an intimate vibe. The dinner was served on family china, adding elegance and meaning to each table setting. Guests enjoyed a delicious selection of dishes catered by Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets, a popular East Asian-inspired eatery located in downtown Durham. Local food enthusiasts Dennis Bernard and Tracy Lindskoog also contributed to the feast.
Backyard Wedding Photography
Fancy This Photography would love to capture your backyard wedding day or weekend in timeless photos. Click here to schedule a free consultation.
Need some more backyard wedding inspiration? Check out Ashley and Jack’s backyard wedding weekend in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Click here to see their blog.
Photography // Fancy This Photography
Chairs and Tables // Best Tents and Events
Flowers // Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary
Caterer // Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets, Dennis Bernard and Tracy Lindskoog
White Wedding Dress // Bec + Bridge
A spotlight on The English Garden Raleigh Florist! This beloved North Raleigh flower and gift shop is owned by husband-and-wife duo Cydney Davis-English and Warren English. Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography, was honored to capture a branded photo shoot at their studio.