Styled Wedding Shoot at The Duke Mansion | Charlotte Wedding Photographer

Refined Editorial Elegance: Tess & Tal’s Styled Wedding Shoot at The Duke Mansion

There are places in Charlotte that speak before a single word is uttered—venues where history, beauty, and atmosphere do half the storytelling for you. For years, I’ve dreamed of producing an editorial bridal shoot at one of those places: The Duke Mansion, a stately historic estate in the heart of Charlotte. With its towering brick façade, sweeping verandas, manicured gardens, and timeless Southern grandeur, The Duke Mansion provided the perfect stage for a styled session I’ve envisioned for nearly a decade.

This styled shoot, photographed by Robert Burns II Photography & Videography, brought together not only a team of talented Charlotte wedding professionals but also a real-life married couple, Tess & Tal, who infused authenticity into every frame.

The Vision Behind the Shoot

This project has been years in the making. For me, it wasn’t just about photographing beautiful details or showcasing a stunning gown. It was about finally anchoring a creative vision I’ve carried with me: blending modern bridal fashion with the old-world elegance of one of Charlotte’s most iconic wedding venues.

The Duke Mansion’s historic architecture—brick, iron, and white columns—offered the texture and drama I had imagined for so long. Paired with thoughtful styling and authentic connection between Tess and Tal, the shoot became more than imagery; it became a statement about what elevated Southern weddings in Charlotte are truly capable of.

The Details: Florals, Cake, and Jewels

The styling for this shoot leaned into understated elegance. The bouquet by Radiant Bliss Designs featured light pink accents layered with soft neutrals, creating a romantic focal point without overpowering the gown’s statement silhouette.

A delicate, classically-styled wedding cake from Little Rose Desserts, LLC offered sweetness both in taste and presentation, tying together the vision of refined Southern charm. And to complete the ensemble, Tess’s engagement ring — a brilliant piece from Brilliant Earth — added sparkle that caught the afternoon light beautifully in every frame.

The Groom: Southern Charm in Style

Tal complemented Tess with a light-colored suit featuring a subtle check pattern, offering the perfect contrast against The Duke Mansion’s lush gardens and historic backdrop. His polished yet approachable style was a reminder that grooms’ fashion plays a vital role in completing the wedding-day narrative.

The Bride: Effortless Style from Classic Bride

Tess wore a breathtaking slinky, off-the-shoulder gown with a leg slit sourced from Classic Bride Bridal Shop & cb boutique, one of the Charlotte area’s most trusted bridal boutiques, physically located just north of the city in Huntersville, NC. The dress, named the “Cardiff,” perfectly combined sophistication with modern flair, proving why this Charlotte boutique has become a go-to for brides seeking timeless style with contemporary edge.

Her look was completed with a refined bridal bun and editorial makeup artistry by Katherine “Kath” Bracamonte of Kath Makeup Artistry. With bold but balanced tones, Tess’s look translated seamlessly from bridal elegance to high-fashion editorial.

Why The Duke Mansion is a Charlotte Wedding Photographer’s Dream

As a Charlotte wedding photographer, few locations rival The Duke Mansion for capturing the spirit of Southern weddings. Every corner of this historic estate tells a story: winding garden paths, intimate balconies, sweeping porches, and ballrooms rich with heritage. It’s a venue that doesn’t just host weddings; it elevates them into once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

For Charlotte brides searching for a wedding venue that blends sophistication, tradition, and photogenic beauty, The Duke Mansion remains one of the crown jewels of the region. Pair it with a gown from a leading Charlotte bridal boutique like Classic Bride Bridal Shop & cb boutique, and you have the foundation for an unforgettable day.

A Shoot With Purpose

This editorial was crafted with intention. More than just a styled session, it was produced as part of a larger vision to connect with local Charlotte creatives and elevate the narrative of Southern weddings. The images will be submitted for publication in the 2026 issue of BRIDE Magazine, a luxury bridal print publication I publish and produce.

My hope is that this project inspires brides-to-be, showcases the incredible talent of our local wedding community, and reaffirms why Charlotte stands as a premier destination for couples seeking both romance and refinement.

Vendor Team

• Photographer & Stylist: Robert Burns II Photography & Videography

• Venue: The Duke Mansion

• Models: Tess & Tal

• Gown: Classic Bride Bridal Shop & cb boutique

• GOWN DESIGNER: Meagan Kelley Designs

• Ring: Brilliant Earth

• Hair & Makeup: Kath Makeup Artistry

• Florals: Radiant Bliss Designs

• Cake: Little Rose Desserts, LLC

✨ If you’re planning your own Charlotte wedding and searching for a photographer who understands how to blend editorial artistry with authentic storytelling, I’d love to connect. Let’s create images that are more than photos—let’s create heirlooms that will last a lifetime.