Wedded: A family connection brought Glenna Brown and Matthew Gallagher together

DATE: May 13, 2017

HER STORY: Glenna Fabrienne Brown, 31, was born in Hydes. She works as a teacher in Baltimore County Public Schools. Her parents, William and Michele Brown, live in Hydes.

HIS STORY: Matthew John Gallagher, 39, was born in Big Flats, N.Y. He works at CareFirst Blue Cross BlueShield. His parents, Joseph and Jane Gallagher, live in Horseheads, N.Y.

THEIR STORY: The couple started talking in August 2011 after being connected by Glenna's uncle and aunt, who lived across the street from Matt.

"My uncle asked Matt for his phone number so I could call him," she said with a laugh. "I had no idea they were going to ask him for his number and wasn't sure what I was going to do, but I figured I had to call him since he was their neighbor."

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Karen Clark and Bryon Stepp got married at the Maryland Zoo. (Robbie McLean, Bayline Studios / HANDOUT)

The two texted for close to two months before they actually met. During their numerous conversations, they realized they had mutual interests including traveling and sports.

"Ultimately we decided that it was crazy that we hadn't met yet, so one night at the end of September my best friend and matron of honor went to his house to finally meet him," she said. "I figured if we both liked him then he had to be the one."

Two hours — and a barrage of questions — later, Glenna decided that Matt had passed with "flying colors."

She added: "I realized this could be something special."

At the end of the night Matt asked Glenna, "Do you ever want to see me again?"

That question led to five years of dating and their eventual wedding. The couple lives in Baltimore.

THE PROPOSAL: Matt proposed the morning of July 16, 2016, while the two were walking along the Canton waterfront.

They were partaking in a regular ritual — getting coffee in the morning and walking along the waterfront park.

"I had no idea that this walk would be any different," she said. The day was a scorcher — 97 degrees — and Matt seemed extra excited to get out and start the walk.

"This should have tipped me off that something was going on because I don't think anyone would want to get a coffee or walk in that heat," Glenna said.

She still didn't catch on when Matt said he wanted to sit down for a bit. "I thought he was crazy," she remembered. "I told him it was far too hot to sit down."

She also didn't get the hint when he persisted that they sit down for a minute to enjoy the view.

"Much to his dismay, I forced him to keep walking. After a few more minutes of walking, he said he needed to tie his shoe," she said.

That was when Matt made his move. Instead of tying his shoe, he got down on one knee.

"I thought he passed out from the heat. I bent down to pick him up and I noticed that he hadn't actually fallen, but was on one knee with a box in his hand," Glenna said.

"At one moment I was so nervous that Matt might be sick and the next moment I was in total shock to see Matt with a ring. The nervousness quickly went away and excitement took its place," she said. "I was beyond thrilled to finally hear him say, 'Will you be my wife?' "

VENUE: One hundred thirty-one guests attended a ceremony at Loyola University Maryland's Alumni Chapel; the reception was at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore.

FLOWERS AND DECOR: The colors of the wedding were navy with fuchsia and gold accents. Flowers were created by Flowers By Michael in Glen Arm. The bride's bouquet included fuchsia and white orchids, hot pink roses and ivory garden roses.

HER DRESS: Glenna wore a jeweled spaghetti-strap dress with a plunging V-illusion neckline by Maggie Sottero from Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection.

BRIDESMAIDS' ATTIRE: The matron of honor wore an indigo chiffon A-line Hayley Paige Occasions full-length dress and the bridesmaids wore full-length navy chiffon sweetheart neckline dresses by Bill Levkoff. All dresses were from Betsy Robinson's Bridal Collection.

MEN'S ATTIRE: Matt wore a navy suit with a fuchsia necktie. Groomsmen the same suit with a matching navy necktie, all by Michael Kors from Jim's Formal Wear through Amanda Ritchey.

MUSIC: Chuck Montgomery from Mix Masters Entertainment provided the music. The couple's first dance was to "The One" by Kodaline.

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FOOD AND DESSERT: Chef Zach Gamiel and Executive Chef Scott Hines from the B&O American Brasserie created the food menu with the couple. "We loved being able to create each item with the chefs and bring our personalities into the cuisine," Glenna said. Appetizers included mini-chicken and waffles, scallops with bacon jam, mini crab cakes and vegetarian spring rolls. Dinner consisted of beef short rib with a red wine demi-glaze and sea bass with lobster sauce with mashed potatoes and asparagus with a citrus zest. The couple also served a four-tier cake, featuring red velvet with cream cheese icing, vanilla with strawberry buttercream, and chocolate with vanilla buttercream from La Cakerie.

FAVORS: The couple handed out key-shaped bottle openers with a tag saying, "The key to happiness is love and the ability to open a bottle."

SPECIAL TOUCHES: Makeup was provided by Carly Walter. Hair was done by Caitlin McVicker. The couple continued their celebration with an after-party in the hotel's lounge area. Late-night food included fried macaroni and cheese balls, Old Bay bacon-wrapped chicken, tater tots and soft pretzels.

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john-john.williams@baltsun.com

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