Kim and Ryan wanted a simple, romantic evening with their closest friends and family to celebrate their commitment. They love Charlotte, where they currently call home, but wanted something intimate and less traditional to exchange their vows.

So they got married surrounded by roses nestled in a fairytale garden that is surprisingly right in the heart of the city.

It is really crazy that this gorgeous venue, McGill Rose Garden, is located 1 mile from the downtown area, and even better, less than 15min from where they live. Cities often have really cool locations or transformed spaces that double as event/wedding venues. It does require some thinking outside the box, but I promise, if you’re looking for something different, you can find it. I had a past bride get married in a coffee shop, some art museums have event spaces, or even libraries like the Peabody Institute near my hometown in Maryland. (Which being an avid reader gets me really excited haha.)

All that to say, if you want a nontraditional wedding venue that represents you, it’s out there.

Kim was able to get ready in the comfort of her own home. She showed up to the venue straight chillin’ in her pink robe and Uggs, sipping a drink from her “bride” tumbler, and I just couldn’t stop laughing. Kim has legitimately been cracking me up since our first consultation over coffee at a local bakery. Come wedding day I thought she may be more stressed and overwhelmed but she was true to form - relaxed and still hilarious. Before getting into her dress we wandered around the venue, all the decorated nooks and crannies, the gorgeous ceremony space, and the candle lit reception draped with willow trees. And I could just see it on her face, the whole day playing out in her mind in this space. Everything she had dreamed about and intentionally planned had come together, she was about to be married in front of her dear friends and family among so much beauty.

She was so so excited, and that is something I never tire of on wedding days.

A few of my favorite moments from this day; right after the processional as we wound through the garden, Kim looked over her shoulder at me and said, “Erika, I’m a wife now!”. It was a complete honor to share in the joy of that moment with her. Second, little guests playing tag in the garden. When you’re at a private outdoor venue you have the perk of things being more relaxed for you and your guests. Third, a donut bar? With donuts from Suarez, a local Charlotte bakery (which just happens to be one of Jake and I’s favorites in the city.) 100 times, yes. Fourth, a balloon arch over the bar, cause why the heck not? And last, Kim switching back into her Uggs for the reception.

Kim sent me a sweet card after the wedding and wrote,

“I’m still finding it hard to put my gratitude into words but i’ll try! The photos you took at our wedding are absolutely, perfectly US! You captured our love, happiness, and celebration perfectly! I’m so pleased that we have these photos to look back at forever! And best of all, I’m so glad to have met you and that I can consider you a friend. Thank you again x infinity!”

I am truly humbled and grateful.

Kim’s amazing vendor team:

Venue - McGill Rose Garden

Planner - Lauren of Something Perfect

Florist - Nectar

Hair & Make Up - Aly of Beauty Asylum

Desserts - Suarez Bakery

Caterer - Something Classic

If you love this Intimate Garden Wedding, you may also love

this Intimate Coffee Shop Wedding

OR

if you’re planning your wedding, this post about 5 Things I Wish I Knew When Planning A Wedding