The wedding weekend officially began with a 10:00 a.m. bridal brunch at one of Auburn-Opelika's most unique destinations--Botanic. shopbotanic.com/
Botanic is the creative vision of Stacy Brown, the renowned founder of Chicken Salad Chick, and her husband, King Braswell, a respected horticulturist, agronomist, and longtime owner of Blooming Colors and Crepe Myrtle Cafe'. Together, they have created far more than a restaurant. Botanic is a beautiful blend of lush gardens, a thriving nursery and landscaping business, a fresh bakery, charming gift shop, and an award-winning restaurant—all seamlessly woven together into one unforgettable experience.
We had enjoyed several meals at Botanic during previous visits to Auburn, and over the years it had become one of our daughter's favorite places. It seemed like the perfect setting to gather the women who had traveled from near and far to celebrate her.
One of the restaurant's most distinctive features is its atmosphere. Lush tropical plants separate the dining spaces, creating the feeling of wandering through an elegant greenhouse. Much of the restaurant is open-air, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the gardens while dining. In the middle of an Alabama July, however, "open-air" can also mean "warm-air!" Thankfully, plenty of fans kept the celebration comfortable enough that no one seemed to mind.
It's easy to understand why Botanic has become a popular venue for weddings and receptions. Everywhere you look feels like a photograph waiting to happen, making it a fitting place to begin one of the most memorable weekends of our family's lives.
Botanic is the creative vision of Stacy Brown, the renowned founder of Chicken Salad Chick, and her husband, King Braswell, a respected horticulturist, agronomist, and longtime owner of Blooming Colors and Crepe Myrtle Cafe'. Together, they have created far more than a restaurant. Botanic is a beautiful blend of lush gardens, a thriving nursery and landscaping business, a fresh bakery, charming gift shop, and an award-winning restaurant—all seamlessly woven together into one unforgettable experience.
We had enjoyed several meals at Botanic during previous visits to Auburn, and over the years it had become one of our daughter's favorite places. It seemed like the perfect setting to gather the women who had traveled from near and far to celebrate her.
One of the restaurant's most distinctive features is its atmosphere. Lush tropical plants separate the dining spaces, creating the feeling of wandering through an elegant greenhouse. Much of the restaurant is open-air, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the gardens while dining. In the middle of an Alabama July, however, "open-air" can also mean "warm-air!" Thankfully, plenty of fans kept the celebration comfortable enough that no one seemed to mind.
It's easy to understand why Botanic has become a popular venue for weddings and receptions. Everywhere you look feels like a photograph waiting to happen, making it a fitting place to begin one of the most memorable weekends of our family's lives.
Months before the wedding, I connected with Botanic's events manager, Angela, and together we decided the Jasmine Room would be the perfect setting for approximately 30 women to gather for a buffet brunch.
It was a bit warm and sticky that morning—typical for an Alabama summer—but the staff thoughtfully arranged fans throughout the room. Besides, those from the South know exactly how to dress for July! Cute, breezy sundresses were the attire of the day, adding to the relaxed elegance of the morning.
My sister graciously co-hosted the brunch and prepared a heartfelt devotion titled "How to Grow a Marriage." It was a beautiful message that intertwined biblical principles of marriage with the process of nurturing a healthy plant—from rich soil and abundant sunlight to regular watering and faithful care. Just as a flourishing garden requires intentional tending, so does a thriving marriage. As a lasting reminder of her message, Auburn received a charming potted plant to take home and enjoy.
One person who was missed that weekend was my dad—known affectionately as "Poppy." Although he remains remarkably independent at home in North Carolina, he decided it would be best to celebrate from afar, enjoying the photos and videos rather than making the long journey. While he wasn't with us physically, his presence was certainly felt. He wrote a touching tribute to his first grandchild, that Aunt Shannon shared, reflecting on the joy she has brought to his life from the very beginning.
It was a bit warm and sticky that morning—typical for an Alabama summer—but the staff thoughtfully arranged fans throughout the room. Besides, those from the South know exactly how to dress for July! Cute, breezy sundresses were the attire of the day, adding to the relaxed elegance of the morning.
My sister graciously co-hosted the brunch and prepared a heartfelt devotion titled "How to Grow a Marriage." It was a beautiful message that intertwined biblical principles of marriage with the process of nurturing a healthy plant—from rich soil and abundant sunlight to regular watering and faithful care. Just as a flourishing garden requires intentional tending, so does a thriving marriage. As a lasting reminder of her message, Auburn received a charming potted plant to take home and enjoy.
One person who was missed that weekend was my dad—known affectionately as "Poppy." Although he remains remarkably independent at home in North Carolina, he decided it would be best to celebrate from afar, enjoying the photos and videos rather than making the long journey. While he wasn't with us physically, his presence was certainly felt. He wrote a touching tribute to his first grandchild, that Aunt Shannon shared, reflecting on the joy she has brought to his life from the very beginning.
Next, Auburn gathered her bridesmaids to present their gifts and share a few heartfelt words about what each woman has meant to her throughout the different seasons of her life.
Her friendships stretched back to preschool with Megan, through middle school with Rachel, and into her college years with her Chi Omega sisters—Julia, Ella, Chloe, Caroline, and Payton—as well as her beloved "little sister," Ali. Completing the group was her matron of honor, Caroline, who also happens to be her new sister-in-law. Looking around the room, it was a beautiful reminder that life's greatest blessings are often the people who walk alongside us through its many chapters.
Each bridesmaid received a lovely pair of Victoria's Secret pajamas along with handcrafted pearl earrings Auburn had discovered in a small Etsy shop. The gifts were beautiful, but it was Auburn's words that everyone will remember. Speaking without notes, she shared personal stories and sincere gratitude for each woman, celebrating the unique role each had played in shaping her life. It was genuine, thoughtful, and unmistakably Auburn.
While I remembered to record the touching tribute that Poppy had written and Aunt Shannon shared, I didn't record Auburn's reflections for her bridesmaids. At the time, holding up my phone during such an intimate moment felt intrusive. I wanted to be fully present rather than viewing the morning through a screen.
Ironically, those unscripted speeches are now some of the moments I wish I could replay. We had an exceptional videographer for the wedding itself, but the bridal brunch devotions, bridesmaids' reflections, and rehearsal dinner toasts exist only in our memories. They were priceless.
So here's one small piece of advice for future mothers of the bride (or anyone celebrating a milestone): designate someone—a sibling, cousin, or trusted friend—to quietly record those unexpected speeches and heartfelt conversations. The professional photos will beautifully preserve what everyone looked like. Those simple phone videos will preserve what everyone said. And years from now, those words may become the greatest keepsakes of all.
Her friendships stretched back to preschool with Megan, through middle school with Rachel, and into her college years with her Chi Omega sisters—Julia, Ella, Chloe, Caroline, and Payton—as well as her beloved "little sister," Ali. Completing the group was her matron of honor, Caroline, who also happens to be her new sister-in-law. Looking around the room, it was a beautiful reminder that life's greatest blessings are often the people who walk alongside us through its many chapters.
Each bridesmaid received a lovely pair of Victoria's Secret pajamas along with handcrafted pearl earrings Auburn had discovered in a small Etsy shop. The gifts were beautiful, but it was Auburn's words that everyone will remember. Speaking without notes, she shared personal stories and sincere gratitude for each woman, celebrating the unique role each had played in shaping her life. It was genuine, thoughtful, and unmistakably Auburn.
While I remembered to record the touching tribute that Poppy had written and Aunt Shannon shared, I didn't record Auburn's reflections for her bridesmaids. At the time, holding up my phone during such an intimate moment felt intrusive. I wanted to be fully present rather than viewing the morning through a screen.
Ironically, those unscripted speeches are now some of the moments I wish I could replay. We had an exceptional videographer for the wedding itself, but the bridal brunch devotions, bridesmaids' reflections, and rehearsal dinner toasts exist only in our memories. They were priceless.
So here's one small piece of advice for future mothers of the bride (or anyone celebrating a milestone): designate someone—a sibling, cousin, or trusted friend—to quietly record those unexpected speeches and heartfelt conversations. The professional photos will beautifully preserve what everyone looked like. Those simple phone videos will preserve what everyone said. And years from now, those words may become the greatest keepsakes of all.
The bridal brunch concluded with Auburn and me heading to The Artistry Beauty Bar for our hair and makeup trial. Not only would it prepare us for the rehearsal dinner that evening, but it would also help finalize the look we wanted for the wedding day.
When Auburn first asked if I wanted my hair and makeup professionally done for the rehearsal dinner, my initial response was, "No, I don't really need that." But then I realized it wasn't really about the makeup. It was another opportunity to spend a few uninterrupted hours with my daughter during one of the most meaningful weekends of our lives. It also gave us a chance to make sure there would be no surprises on the wedding day.
As it turns out, the trial was worth every minute. In fact, when my husband saw me at the rehearsal dinner, he did a double take! The trial allowed us to make a few subtle adjustments so that on the wedding day I felt polished and glamorous—but still looked like me.
Stay tuned, because in a future post I'll introduce you to the incredibly talented Torie and her team at The Artistry Beauty Bar. They were warm, professional, remarkably gifted, and played a much bigger role in helping everyone feel beautiful and relaxed than I ever expected. They were truly one of the highlights of the weekend.
When Auburn first asked if I wanted my hair and makeup professionally done for the rehearsal dinner, my initial response was, "No, I don't really need that." But then I realized it wasn't really about the makeup. It was another opportunity to spend a few uninterrupted hours with my daughter during one of the most meaningful weekends of our lives. It also gave us a chance to make sure there would be no surprises on the wedding day.
As it turns out, the trial was worth every minute. In fact, when my husband saw me at the rehearsal dinner, he did a double take! The trial allowed us to make a few subtle adjustments so that on the wedding day I felt polished and glamorous—but still looked like me.
Stay tuned, because in a future post I'll introduce you to the incredibly talented Torie and her team at The Artistry Beauty Bar. They were warm, professional, remarkably gifted, and played a much bigger role in helping everyone feel beautiful and relaxed than I ever expected. They were truly one of the highlights of the weekend.
And while the gals were enjoying breakfast and getting glam the guys were hard at work purchasing and delivering beverages to the wedding venue! We overbought a bit and fortunately were able to return the extras. Thank you Gabe and Gil plus Uncle Beau, Uncle Mike, and Brian for your game-day help!
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