Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden - Brianne and Matt

“We wanted to have an indoor/outdoor wedding, and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden was perfect,” says Brianne. “When we visited, we knew at once that it was where we wanted to host the celebration of our marriage!”

While they were away at summer camp during high school, Brianne Hough (23 and a first grade teacher) met Matt McMullan (24 and an accountant) but their romance didn’t begin until they both decided to go to the University of North Carolina. The pair dated long distance after graduation until Matt proposed at his family’s beach house in December. “Matt planned the proposal on this particular weekend so that we could be with our closest camp friends during our annual New Years Eve trip in the days following our engagement,” says Brianne. “It was such a special way to bring in the New Year!” After a traditional church ceremony at First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia, the couple invited guests to celebrate at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, North Carolina. The newlyweds wanted a color palette that was bold yet classic, and settled on navy with pops of blush and gold for their glamorous summer soiree. Lush peony and orchid arrangements filled the timeless ballroom reception with gold mercury glass accents adding a touch of sparkle. “I love big, bold, fluffy flowers and ended up choosing to include some taller arrangements for height and drama,” says Brianne. “I’m so glad I did—they were so beautiful with orchids and calla lilies cascading from the sides and beautiful gold vases.” Despite their formal reception, the couple still wanted to honor their summer camp history and incorporated some special details. “Our napkins had lyrics to camp songs on them and we sent our guests home with individually wrapped, gourmet S’mores!” says Brianne.