Mary Lou Retton’s Daughter McKenna Kelley Marries Braden Doughty in Texas Hill Country Wedding! (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Braden Doughty and McKenna Kelley celebrate their marriage with family and friends in Texas on Sept. 28, 2024.Photo:Grace J Photo; www.gracejphoto.com

Grace J Photo; www.gracejphoto.com

McKenna Kelleyhad her dream wedding day!

The gymnast and teacher, who isthe daughterofMary Lou Rettonand Shannon Kelley, tied the knot with Braden Doughty on Saturday, Sept. 28, in front of 150 guests atThe Preserve at Canyon Lakein Texas.

For Kelley, the romantic location “is truly the venue of my bridal dreams,” she tells PEOPLE.

“It’s a beautiful mansion-esque venue of white with exposed wooden beams, high ceilings and tons of windows that look out onto a preserve,” she adds. “It’s the perfect canvas to capture our timeless, elegant theme.”

McKenna Kelley and Braden Doughty embrace.Grace J Photo; www.gracejphoto.com

Kelley, who is the second ofRetton’s four daughters, adds that she and Doughty, who first crossed paths while students at Louisiana State University planned their nuptials together. “We were very collaborative,” she says. “We both had suggestions and ideas that we were able to combine for our big day."

For help on final touches, the pair tappedScarlet Rose Eventsand their coordinator Alexa Nagel, who “made the weeks up to the wedding seamless, with coordinating final timelines and meetings with vendors. Alexa did a fantastic job of making me feel taken care of and prepared for wedding day. She’s also been the best hype girl!”

Braden Doughty and McKenna Kelley hold hands.Grace J Photo; www.gracejphoto.com

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“I went in with a pretty-open mind," she recalls. “But once I put on the dress I knew it was the one. The simplicity of it spoke to me. I love the A-line silhouette and the crepe texture of the bodice. It felt so flattering and I felt so confident. I added drop sleeves and viola! It was my Barbie wedding dress dream! This is the one time in my life I will get to wear a wedding dress, I’m going to cherish every second!”

Braden Doughty and McKenna Kelley pose together.Grace J Photo; www.gracejphoto.com

Kelley’s bridesmaids wore champagneShow Me Your Mumudresses which they chose themselves. “It is important to me that they feel beautiful and confident,” says Kelley.

Before the pair recited traditional vows, they enjoyed a private moment together to exchange letters. “We are not doing a first look, so we will do this without seeing each other,” Kelley explained ahead of the ceremony. “We plan to be on either side of a door or wall to hold hands and share a prayer.”

McKenna Kelley and Braden Doughty’s wedding rings.Grace J Photo; www.gracejphoto.com

Ahead of the wedding, Kelley says she wasn’t feeling stressed about the big day.

“Literally no worries. I have honestly been so nonchalant about the wedding process itself. I think the hardest part has been our move to Louisiana while trying to finalize details for a Texas wedding. Making sure I have everything I need packed and not losing it while traveling is my biggest fear!”

Doughty popped the question to Kelley on Jan. 20, 2024. “The proposal was absolutely perfect,” Kelley told PEOPLE at the time. “It was at a resort overlooking Braden’s favorite golf course. My entire family was there, including most of his,” she says. “It was the most magical day.”

Falling in love came easy, Kelley says. “We both were athletes at LSU — he played baseball and I was a gymnast,” says explains. “I had always admired his outspoken faith. I even remember saying ‘I want to marry a guy like that!’ Post-graduation and adult life later, and here we are!”

Braden Doughty and McKenna Kelley celebrate.Grace J Photo; www.gracejphoto.com

Just days before their “I dos” McKenna said they were looking forward to becoming husband and wife.

“I think we are just so ready to be married. We have worked really hard to set the foundation of this marriage in Christ, and we are ready and excited to officially create that union.  We know that weddings take a lot of time, travel and money, and we are honored that people would make those accommodations and sacrifices to celebrate us.”

Kelley and Doughty wrote each guest a heartfelt handwritten thank you card for being a part of their special celebration.

“Every one of our guests have made a significant mark on our lives. We would not be the people we are today without them,” she says. “We wanted to remind them of their importance in our relationship and how thankful we are for each of them. Though this wedding is about us, it wouldn’t be without them.”

“We especially want to thank our parents for their love and support and encouragement throughout this whole process. This day would not be possible without them,” Kelley says. “Jennifer and Richard, and Shannon and Mary Lou, thank you for everything! We love you.”

source: people.com