Few people are more involved in planning a wedding than the bride––and her mother. While we’ve all heard the horror stories about the MOB (mother of the bride) trying to make her daughter’s wedding the one she never had and making everyone miserable in the meantime, Teresa Greene sheds a totally different light on how a mother is supposed to act. Her daughter, Jama (our “cover girl”), even talks about the positive experience it was for them and how much fun they had together planning the perfect wedding.

Teresa, who married her own knight in shining armor 34 years ago, wanted her daughter’s fairy tale wedding to become a reality. She did it for all the right reasons––for her daughter.

“We began planning 12 months before the wedding and despite what others might have thought, not a day too soon,” Teresa reflects. “It was a special time for all of us, especially for Jama and me. As we began to see the big picture, the excitement mounted!”
It all paid off, she said. “When the wedding day came, everyone was happy.”

Jama and Teresa agree that an early start is imperative. “Your wedding might not be the only one on the calendar for your chosen date so consider booking your venue early, as well as the photographer, caterer, musicians, florist, wedding planner, etc. It can make all the difference in the world and can alleviate a lot of stress.” The details make a wedding unique. Teresa emphasizes. “It’s all about what the bride wants.”

Important also are frequent meetings with the florist, photographer, caterer, etc. “Request to see samples of your wedding flowers ahead of time to make sure the color is right. Communicate clearly about specific photos you want. Remember that your photos will tell your story for generations to come. Taste food prepared by your choice of caterer before you sign the deal. Taste the cake, too. Be specific about what you want and don’t settle for less.”

After all was said and done, the bridal luncheon remains among Teresa’s favorite memories. Attired as southern belles, complete with hats and all that’s feminine, the bride and her attendants were treated like royalty at Chelsie's Tea Room in Asheville’s Biltmore Village, greeted with mimosas and served delectable food followed by freshly-made, mouth-watering desserts on tables covered with starched linens and live flowers. Jama surprised her mother with a Pandora bracelet featuring a teacup charm.

Having Jama as a daughter made it all so easy, her mother says. “She has always shown the utmost respect to everyone, including us, always following through on her promises and honoring her commitments. Her father and I were honored to do what we could to make her wedding the one of her dreams.”

Mother and daughter stayed so busy planning that Teresa, especially, did not have much time to consider the life-changing significance of it all. “The last hours and minutes can be a bit overwhelming. I had to stay focused as best I could; I did not want to forget anything. Adrenaline kept me going until everything was perfect down to the last detail.”

As she was being seated, Teresa recalls looking around one last time, hoping that everything was just how she and Jama had imagined.

“I glanced up the long stone staircase and saw Jama as she patiently waited for her father to take his place by her side. She wasn’t a little girl anymore. Gone were the glasses, the ponytail and the braces. I saw a beautiful graceful, young woman in love.  She had found her Prince Charming. With tears in my eyes, I blew Jama a kiss and told her ‘I love you, you’re beautiful.’ My heart was full. It was time for a wonderful chapter in our lives to come to a close and a new one to begin.”
 
Teresa admits that the days following the ceremony were even more emotional for her than the ones leading to it. “My youngest daughter was taking a new direction in life and wouldn’t need me as much as before. I experienced a complicated mix of emotions––everything from loneliness, grief and loss, to joy, pride and satisfaction. After the reception, when the bride and groom prepared to leave, I really just wanted to hold her and never let go.”