Duke University Chapel

Wedding Rehearsal

It's a Southern thing - Downtown Durham

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

The Oaks at Salem

Cocktail Hour

Dinner & Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Our story began as many do - as coworkers! Rebecca originally got James' number from a friend to thank James for teaching her to use emergency equipment at work. Rebecca got covid that same week, and James kept her spirits up while she quarantined, volunteering to pick up groceries, etc. Rebecca remembers texting her sister to say "hmm I think my coworker likes me!" That is when our friendship began and we have not stopped talking since.A few weeks later, Rebecca accidentally dropped a location pin to James on her phone then walked into church at the Duke Chapel. From James' perspective, it looked like she was in the middle of the forest and when Rebecca didn't respond, he got worried and drove out to Duke to make sure she was ok. Rebecca did not know until the next day he had done that, and swore to never be a damsel in distress needing to be rescued again!Funny enough, her car broke down at work the next week, and who came to pick her up but James! Rebecca had just worked a twelve hour nightshift plus hours of trying to get the car fixed, and James patiently drove her around Durham on his day off. She thanked him with a smoothie date at the park, and that was when their mutual feelings were revealed. James said I love you first (before they were even officially dating), but Rebecca was a little more cautious until James had surgery and she had to confront the fact that something might have gone wrong! In a very scary moment (and guided by some good friends) she realized that being together was really what she wanted too. They made it all official at their friend's New Year's Eve party and celebrate their anniversary on January 1:)It was during a trip to Japan that James first knew he was going to spend the rest of his life with Rebecca. She planned a summer trip to the South of France and James knew that would be the perfect time to propose. He popped the question in Cassis, France on July 17, 2024. We cannot believe how time has flown and we are almost to the wedding! We are so grateful for your love and support and cannot wait to celebrate our marriage with our favorite people in September.

Our Story

Photos

Emma Blackford

Marie-Helena Peeters

Matt Thompson

Ben Thompson

Wedding Party

Q + A

RDU is a small and easy-to-navigate airport with only two terminals. It is about 20 minutes from both Downtown Durham and our reception venue, and centrally located to a variety of hotels.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport

The Courtyard Raleigh Cary includes breakfast as well as a shuttle for guests directly to our reception venue, the Oaks at Salem. To add additional days on either end of our blocked days, please call the hotel for assistance. Last day to book within the room block: August 15, 2025. Link to book rooms: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1742149662431&amp;key=GRP&amp;guestreslink2=true&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your group rate for The Blackford/Thompson Wedding Room Block</a>

Courtyard Raleigh Cary

Travel

Mothers and Sons Trattoria

107 W Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701

This is our favorite restaurant in Durham - amazing real Italian food, excellent vibes, and the spot we celebrated our second Valentine's Day together!

Taverna Agora

326 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Another one of our favorite spots, walking distance from Rebecca's old apartment in Raleigh. Enjoy some great Greek food and cocktails and a pretty rooftop patio!

Foster's Market

2694 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707

Our favorite coffee and breakfast place! General store aesthetic, great for kids with lots of options and indoor and outdoor seating!

Fount Coffee + Kitchen

10954 Chapel Hill Rd Ste 109, Morrisville, NC 27560

Another great coffee place with breakfast and lunch options. Always a good option and very close to the airport!

Watts and Ward

200 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

1920s speakeasy with an incredible outdoor patio! (drinks but no food - checkout surrounding Downtown Raleigh for great food options).

Bull McCabes Irish Pub

 427 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701

A sports bar with good food and a big green space - good for groups and families or grabbing a drink.

Downtown Cary Park

327 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511

Really just the historic downtown of Cary, the park is HUGE and very kid friendly. The surrounding streets have a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

2000 Lewis St, Durham, NC 27705

Walkable from both the Duke Chapel and Duke Hospital (where we met!), these botanical gardens are beautiful any time of year and one of our favorite places to come and unwind with some books and coffees!

Rebecca & James

Rebecca & James

Travel

Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Courtyard Raleigh Cary