Charisse and Hannah, being true New Yorkers, wanted to keep that vibe alive on their big day. Hannah’s father, who’s a botanist and the director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, played a special role in this. After Hannah’s mother passed away in 2020, the garden dedicated the breezeway entry to her memory. So, getting married in the Sara Waitt Breezeway was a beautiful way for them to honor and include her in their celebration. With a summer garden theme, a soft, romantic color palette, and a touch of whimsy, their vision came to life perfectly at the North Carolina Botanical Garden wedding.

Surrounded by their closest loved ones and the lush beauty of the gardens, the brides pledged their love in a heartfelt ceremony at the breezeway. They chose simple decor that perfectly complemented the picturesque setting, with flowers climbing up the beams to enhance the serene atmosphere. After the ceremony, they hosted a stunning reception at Carolina Grove. The all-white indoor space, with its soaring ceilings, was beautifully accented by tablescapes featuring delicate centerpieces, candles, and vintage-inspired settings, creating a truly unforgettable celebration.

If you and your partner dream of greenery and florals as the perfect backdrop for your special day, this enchanting celebration is a must-see. Christian Reyes captured all the swoon-worthy details of this gorgeous garden wedding, filled with inspiration you’ll definitely want to share with your vendors.

The Couple:

Charisse and Hannah

The Wedding:

North Carolina Botanical Garden, North Carolina, United States

Personalizing their North Carolina Botanical Garden Wedding Ceremony with Their Favorite Songs

We made our ceremony special with our own personal guitarist. Hannah’s Uncle Mike, a very talented musician, played for each of us as we walked down the aisle. Hannah walked to “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves, and I to “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo.

A Quiet Moment Amid the Wedding Whirlwind

Our private last dance was the most memorable moment of the day. The wedding was such a whirlwind, but for 3 minutes and 18 seconds—the length of “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves—everything came to a standstill, and we were able to fully soak in the moment together. It was so special.

Why Hiring a Planner Is Worth Every Penny

Hire a planner! If possible, find a way to budget for one—you will never regret the help. A skilled planner can take care of the countless details that go into making your wedding day run smoothly, from coordinating vendors to managing timelines and troubleshooting any last-minute issues.  It’s an investment that brings peace of mind and helps turn your vision into reality.

How the Breezeway Became a Tribute to Hannah’s Mom

Hannah’s father is a botanist and the director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden. When Hannah’s mother passed away in 2020, the garden generously dedicated the breezeway entry to her. Getting married in the Sara Waitt Breezeway was a deeply meaningful way for us to honor and include her in our special day. The forecast predicted temperatures in the high 90s, but it felt like Hannah’s mom really put the “breeze” in her Breezeway for us that day!

Bringing Jamaican Flavor to Their Celebration

Our dinner menu was a tribute to Charisse’s home country, Jamaica! It was exciting to bring Jamaican culture into our celebration with dishes like jerk chicken, coconut rice and peas, plantain curry, oxtail-style short rib, and more. We were a bit concerned about finding authentic Jamaican food in North Carolina, but our fantastic catering team went above and beyond, making the menu taste just like home.

Making the Day Unique with Bluebonnet Bouquets and Monogrammed Sneakers

Hailing from Austin, Hannah and our florist worked hard to source Texas bluebonnets for her bouquet. When it became clear that getting the preserved flowers across state lines was a slim chance, I found a beautiful bluebonnet bouquet pin as a perfect alternative. Meanwhile, knowing that I’m a huge sneaker enthusiast and would want to switch out of heels for the dance floor, Hannah surprised me with a fresh pair of AirForce1s, custom monogrammed with my new initials.

Congratulations to Charisse and Hannah on their whimsical North Carolina Botanical Garden wedding. A big thank you to Christian Reyes for capturing all the swoon-worthy details of this gorgeous garden wedding. 

Honoring passed loved ones in meaningful ways adds a deeply personal touch to your celebration, making it all the more special. Whether through a sentimental ceremony, thoughtful decor, or a tribute to cherished memories, these touches can create lasting, heartfelt moments.