From the Mother of the Bride

Celebrating Family Moments and Creating Unforgettable Memories

Hi everyone,

Thank you so much for reading and supporting my Substack, Cortney’s Corner. I’m deeply grateful that my daughter Bellamy encouraged me to use Substack as another creative outlet. I know I’m not the best writer, and I’m pretty sure my English teacher back in Georgia would be shocked to learn I could sit still long enough to put my thoughts down on paper—or Google Docs. But as I've grown older and wiser, I write with the care and intention that life’s experiences have taught me. It’s been a wonderful way to channel life’s wins and struggles into something hopeful and uplifting.

Since my first post, I’ve reconnected with many old friends here, and I’m thrilled to read their stories as well. What talented and genuine friends I’m lucky enough to have in my life. Now that I’ve gotten the hang of things, I plan to post every other Tuesday, to keep it simple. I’d like to think of it as storytelling, so here’s another one in honor of Bellamy.

This summer, I’ve attended two fabulous weddings, which brings back loving memories of my own daughter's wedding just a year ago. On July 8th last summer, Bellamy married her boyfriend Graydon, who had asked Robert for her hand in marriage. We did our best to keep the engagement a secret from her siblings until he proposed to her in Europe—how romantic! When Bellamy called to share the news, she also mentioned that her soon-to-be in-laws had offered their home for a backyard wedding. Bellamy asked how Dad and I felt about it, and we were so touched. Graydon and Bellamy, Robert and I considered other locations like the south of France or even our home in Brazil, but it all seemed a bit forced and a big ask for everyone to travel so far. It just felt right to have it at his childhood home.

Photos from Bellamy and Graydon's rehearsal dinner.

How special that her future in-laws allowed Bellamy to create whatever she dreamed up. As we walked the property together, Bellamy and I asked, "Can we cover your pool?" "Sure!" "Can we put up a tent on the tennis courts?" "Sure." His grandmother even offered her home for the rehearsal dinner—what a gift! Yes, this meant making many trips to the West Coast, but I remember marrying at my parents' home in Georgia, and there is nothing more perfect. Bellamy, like me, is all about the details, and it was a joy to plan. Graydon’s parents are laid-back and loving, and their hospitality brought us all closer, which was an unexpected blessing. We were creating and getting to know each other more intimately and quickly. Planning the seating chart, for instance, was time-consuming but served as a reminder that every family has its unique dynamics and considerations when arranging seating for loved ones. We laughed as we tried to gather all our family and friends under one roof—or tent.

One moment that truly moved me was when Bellamy and Graydon asked my sister to officiate their wedding. This was such a special and unique touch that made their ceremony incredibly beautiful. It was a moment I’ll never forget. Another deeply meaningful moment for me was when my eldest son, Wolfgang, walked me down the aisle. It was a profound experience that added so much significance to the day.

My son Wolfgang walking me down the aisle.

Bellamy chose gorgeous summer butter-yellow colors and allowed her bridesmaids to wear any dress within the color scheme—vintage, new, patterned, or not. As for attire, we had a few bumps, like all weddings do, but no one noticed. First, I needed to get six tuxedos. Robert borrowed Breaker’s vintage designer jacket that read "Blind for Love." Wolfgang’s luggage went missing—yikes, along with the tux—so we quickly rented another. Breaker bought a hodgepodge of items from thrift stores, and on the morning of the wedding, he yelled, "My tux shirt has no buttons!" Thank goodness one of my closest friends, Susan, a costume designer, came to the rescue. My younger boys, Five and Holleder, were offered two different vintage Versace tuxedos from Susan’s husband and father-in-law. Major used his older cousin Narcisco’s Ralph Lauren tux. Getting the men in my family to follow the rules was tougher than ever, but was it because their sister was marrying? Absolutely. Tallulah, her twin, was adjusting too.

As a mom, you smile with your happy daughter, the bride, while planning the beautiful day. But then, during the change, I found myself holding up everyone else. How did Bellamy go from being my little girl to a bride so quickly? Our daughter and their sister was stepping into her next chapter, and we were all processing it. But none of us stopped to think, "Of course she’s getting married; Bellamy’s always been two steps ahead." Bellamy knows who she is and what she wants, and that has never changed. It was one of the best weekends of our lives to date. Emotions ran high leading up to it, but then we released and rejoiced on the dance floor. Happy, full of joy and gratitude. We gained an amazing son-in-law and a beautiful family that will always have our backs, and in return, we have theirs. I can’t thank Graydon’s parents enough for opening up their home to my daughter and to us.

Although Bellamy lives across the country, I’m overjoyed to see how happy she is and to witness the beautiful life she’s creating for herself. It helps me miss her less since she works with us, meaning I hear her voice every day.

And remember, family is what happens when two people fall in love.