Belmont Abbey Vows and Garden Romance: Abby & Grant’s Vanlandingham Estate Wedding

16 hours ago

3 min read

The wedding of Abby McDermott and Grant Lohmeier was a celebration of faith, family, and garden elegance. From a ceremony beneath the twin spires of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians at Belmont Abbey to a candlelit tented reception surrounded by blooming hydrangeas at The Vanlandingham Estate, every moment of their September weekend in Charlotte felt timeless, personal, and full of joy. Photographer

The weekend began on Friday evening with a welcome party at Nuvole Twenty-Two Rooftop, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Matt Lohmeier. High above uptown Charlotte, guests in cocktail attire gathered as the sun set behind the city skyline, catching up over drinks before the big day. Megan Stone Photo captured the night in a mix of digital and film shots, preserving every laugh and candid moment of the kickoff celebration.

Abby and Grant’s invitation suite set the tone for the weekend. Crisp white cards were paired with sage green envelopes and a patterned liner, and the invitation was topped with a hand-drawn illustration of The Vanlandingham Estate. An “Our Favorite Spots” card shared the couple’s go-to places around Charlotte with out-of-town guests, a thoughtful way to turn the wedding into a full weekend experience.

On Saturday, Abby and her bridesmaids spent the morning getting ready together, the girls in matching pink pajamas and Abby in a delicate white lace set. Her long blonde hair was styled in soft, glossy waves, pulled back half-up and finished with a bow. The energy was calm, happy, and full of anticipation for the afternoon ahead.

At one o’clock, Abby and Grant were married at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians at Belmont Abbey. The red brick Gothic Revival church, with its soaring spires, made a breathtaking setting for a traditional ceremony. Abby walked down the aisle in a strapless draped satin column gown layered with a sheer lace topper and a cathedral-length veil. Grant looked classic in a black tuxedo and bow tie with a white boutonniere, and Abby carried a lush bouquet of white roses, hydrangeas, and soft greenery.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds headed to The Vanlandingham Estate for portraits in the gardens. Surrounded by oversized hydrangeas and towering old trees, Abby removed her lace topper to reveal the clean, sculptural lines of her strapless gown, a stunning second look for the evening ahead.

Cocktail hour unfolded across the estate’s terrace and gardens, where cozy lounge seating, rattan cocktail tables, and passed champagne welcomed guests as they arrived. The bar was framed by an overflowing arrangement of white blooms and greenery in a woven basket, and sage green cocktail napkins carried a handwritten note from the couple.

As evening arrived, guests made their way into the reception tent, which was transformed with flowing white drapery, twinkling string lights, and tiered woven pendant lights overhead. Long tables and rounds were dressed in white linens with blush napkins, gold-rimmed plates with delicate green detailing, and gold Chiavari chairs. Low arrangements of white and blush roses and hydrangeas lined the tables alongside green taper candles, while tall centerpieces of white blooms and greenery added height to the room.

A checkered dance floor sat at the center of it all, framed by a stage lined with white florals and a custom sign that read “Cheers to the Lohmeiers.” Once the music started, the dance floor filled and stayed that way, with colorful lights washing over the tent as friends and family celebrated late into the night.

From sacred vows at Belmont Abbey to a garden celebration under the lights, Abby and Grant’s wedding weekend was a beautiful reflection of their love, their faith, and the people who mean the most to them. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Lohmeier!

Vendors:

Photographer: Megan Stone Photo

Videographer: Julian Coley Films

Ceremony: The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, Belmont Abbey

Reception Venue: The Vanlandingham Estate

Welcome Party: Nuvole Twenty-Two Rooftop

Planning: Alexandra Madison Weddings (Parker Coggins-Charlotte planner)

Florals: Buy the Bunch - Fredda Smith

Hair: Dailyn Brito + 2 stylists

Makeup: Maggie King (MKUP Beauty Studio) + 2 stylists

Tent and Rentals: Curated Events

Catering: Best Impressions