Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Wedding | Stephanie + Brandon - Greenville SC Wedding Photographer

I couldn’t be more thrilled to show up for Stephanie and Brandon’s wedding that cold December Sunday. Even after shooting Amy and Barry’s incredible wedding the night before and waking up very early in a warm comfy bed when it was cold and rainy outside, I was still excited. Stephanie and I had been talking for months all about the photos, what she wanted them to look and feel like, and this was my time to make it all happen. Seeing as it was 45°F out and raining, I was excited for the challenge.

The backdrop for it was a place I had been dying to shoot at for years, Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens just outside of Charlotte, NC. With dozens of acres of botanical gardens, and plenty of beautiful indoor spaces as well, I knew I’d have a field day with the opportunities.

I showed up at 10:30am that cold December morning to scout the possibilities at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens before Stephanie came bouncing in the door, umbrella in hand, filled with excitement. Where some brides may have been upset that the weather didn’t hold out, she looked past everything to realize her ultimate goal was minutes away; getting married to Brandon. I spent the next 40 minutes documenting everything as she anxiously got ready for the ceremony, just in time to walk down the isle towards Brandon. Her dramatic dress seemed to float as she walked down the polished floor in the center of the main hall. Shortly later, they were married and we adventurously headed out into the gardens in the rain to make some photographs of Stephanie with her hilarious bridesmaids and new husband, Brandon. Shortly after we headed inside for their cocktail hour, and early afternoon brunch (my favorite meal!). As everyone enjoyed some mimosas with their shrimp and grits, the dance floor opened up into a mix of acoustic guitar and top hits music. Then the magic really happened.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens is famous for its holiday lights; something I knew we were going to have to take advantage of. Sure enough, as the sun started to set early, the gardens illuminated in blue and green lights making for some absolutely incredible backdrops during our short hiatus from their reception. We headed back inside as everyone danced afterwards until it was time for their bubble reception into the awaiting Hummer Limo.