I had the opportunity to be a second photographer for Kate and Alex’s wedding at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Offering one of the most unique wedding experiences in downtown Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is sure to offer a one-of-a-kind experience for any couple looking for alternative wedding venue ideas.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Wedding | The Perfect Wedding Location
Kate and Alex are both gamers, Nintendo Switch enthusiasts that frequently hold competitions with their friends, computer programmers by trade, and lovers of the sciences. They spent much of their early dating days at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, as they enjoyed the ever-changing exhibits and the nostalgia of ice-age dinosaurs. Kate explained to me that when they were planning the wedding, the museum was a passing thought that felt almost comical in the beginning. They researched other venues, but every time, they kept coming back around to what felt like home to the both of them.
Getting Ready
Grounded in faith and family, Kate and Alex wanted their wedding ceremony to be centered around God’s Grace. Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, located in downtown Raleigh, offered a warm inviting atmosphere for their wedding, and was a short walking distance to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Kate and Alex spent a slow morning getting ready with their loved ones and wedding party. We all had a mini-dance party in Kate’s bridal suite to 90’s millennial jams, as Kate remembered high school band competitions from each song that played while they got ready for the day.
Shortly after getting ready, Kate and Alex had a first look in Hillyer’s gorgeous foyer. Their sweet personalities were an absolute gem to be around, as we captured their secret handshakes.
Family Portraits
Plenty of time was available before the ceremony for family portraits, and fun with the wedding party. The sweetest ring bearer tagged along to help coordinate activities.
Ceremony
The laughter and joy continued into their wedding ceremony in one of the most beautiful auditoriums in the Raleigh area.
Reception
After Kate and Alex’s gorgeous ceremony, we ventured over to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences for the most unforgettable wedding reception. Kate and Alex utilized all four floors, complete with unique museum decor on every level. From towering waterfalls, live snakes, rooftop high dinosaurs, aquatic life, educational exhibits, and lots of fun for all ages. The best part of the the evening was Kate and Alex taking us through the museum to show us specific areas they personally enjoy. Their guests stepped into a world where dinosaurs roamed the Earth, where ancient fossils tell tales of bygone eras, and where wildlife exhibits came to life within Kate and Alex’s wedding.
As the night ended, I was reminded why I wanted to start a photography business to begin with. It was for couples like Kate and Alex. For the couples who sway towards different. For couples who tend to think outside of the box naturally each day. For the couples who have ideas that are not traditional.
Have the wedding you crave. Have the wedding where it feels like home. Have your wedding in a location that you are comfortable, and speaks genuinely to your relationship. Have the wedding that offers experiences to you and your guests. You don’t have to get married in a rustic barn if you don’t want. It is ok to be yourself for your wedding. It is ok to incorporate some traditional elements, and not in other pieces of your wedding. Your guests won’t remember your center pieces. But you will remember how amazing it was to get married under dinosaurs.
Want to see some more amazing behind the scenes of this amazing wedding? Check out @jolynnphotography for more!
Wedding Ceremony Venue: Hillyer Memorial Christian Church
Wedding Reception Venue: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Photography: 1st shooter – Jen Z Cleek. 2nd shooter – JoLynn Photography
Museum Exclusive Caterer: Rocky Top Caterer
Hair: Blown Away Hair
Wedding Planner + Coordinator: Something Fabulous Weddings and Events
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