Looking back, being the mother of the bride was a completely different experience from being a venue owner. For years, I’ve been behind the scenes, orchestrating weddings, smoothing over details, and making sure every moment is seamless for our couples. This time, my role was completely different. The only similarity was that it was a wedding—but instead of running the show, I got to simply show up.
Our daughter’s wedding in England was a whirlwind. We flew out just after hosting a wedding at the barn, celebrated her big day on a Tuesday, and then flew straight back to North Carolina—arriving just in time to host another wedding at home. Coffee and carry-ons were definitely our best friends that week.
The shift in roles was eye-opening. As a venue owner, I’m used to making decisions, offering opinions, and directing timelines. As the mother of the bride, my job was something else entirely: to be supportive, respectful, and present. I had my opinions, of course, but I practiced the art of keeping them to myself and letting the day unfold as my daughter and her fiancée envisioned.
We did get to contribute something very special—a gift that felt uniquely us. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang made an appearance at the wedding, creating unforgettable moments and fabulous photos that everyone will remember. It was our way of adding a little magic without stepping on any toes.
