Every once in a while, someone asks you to do something and your first thought is, Oh goodness… my to-do list.
That was exactly my reaction when my sweet friend Mary, who lives in Alabama, asked if I would spend a day in Atlanta helping her shop for her mother-of-the-groom dress. I immediately started mentally running through all the things I “needed” to accomplish that week before stopping myself.
This is exactly why I’ve built the career I have.
One of the greatest gifts of working for myself is the ability to say yes to the people I love when life presents opportunities like this. Chores can wait. Emails can wait. Time with dear friends cannot.
So of course, I was in. And goodness, was it ever worth it.
Mary and her friend Nancy drove over from Alabama and reserved The Whitley in Buckhead. We arrived just as the Argentina National Soccer Team was checking out of the hotel, which turned out to be an unexpected bit of entertainment. The sidewalks were packed with fans hoping for a glimpse of their favorite players, while police officers, security teams and even snipers kept watch from above. It was quite the spectacle and not something you see every day.
After a little time to freshen up, we headed to Nobu for dinner. I’d been to the original location in New York years ago, but this was my first visit to the Atlanta restaurant. We ordered family style so we could sample as many dishes as possible, and everything was absolutely delicious. We lingered over dinner, catching up before heading back to The Whitley for one last drink in the lounge before calling it a night.
Wednesday morning started slowly, just the way I like it. We slept in a bit, got ready for the day and made our first stop at Henri’s for iced coffees and a light breakfast. Since the ladies gave me complete freedom to choose our restaurants, I thoroughly enjoyed playing Atlanta tour guide for twenty-four hours.
But wonderful meals weren’t the reason we were together. The entire purpose of the trip was helping Mary find the perfect gown for her son’s wedding.
As my friends’ children become engaged and married, I’ve found myself making an interesting observation. There are so many traditions and expectations surrounding the mother of the bride, but there really isn’t a clearly defined role for the mother of the groom. I don’t mean that negatively at all. It’s simply something I’ve noticed as we all enter this new stage of life together, and something I’m glad I have a chance to wrap my brain around far in advance. haha! But I share that as it made this outing feel even more meaningful because, for one whole day, the focus was entirely on celebrating Mary.
Our appointment was with Britt at BW Designs, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about the experience. If I am ever blessed to be the mother of the groom one day (please, please, please, please with a cherry on top), I know exactly where I’ll be making my first appointment.
Britt was funny, kind, charming and incredibly gifted. He immediately put everyone at ease, making what could have been an intimidating experience feel relaxed and exciting. By the end of the appointment, I joked that I probably would have bought a paper bag if he’d suggested it.
Mary chose a completely custom couture gown, and watching the process unfold was such a joy. She absolutely beamed the entire time, and I honestly don’t know that I’ve ever seen her look prettier or happier. I cannot wait to see the finished gown. And no… this isn’t the dress. I’m certainly not spoiling that surprise.
With the gown officially decided, we wandered over to Phipps Plaza hoping to find something for the rehearsal dinner as well. Unfortunately, Saks’ formalwear selection was surprisingly sparse, and after looking around for a bit, we unanimously decided not to tarnish such a perfect day with more shopping than necessary.
Instead, I took them to one of my longtime Atlanta favorites, Café at Pharr, where we enjoyed leisurely chicken salad lunches before it was time for everyone to head home.
As I drove away that afternoon, I realized the dress was only part of what made the trip so special.
What I’ll remember most is that Mary invited me to be part of such a meaningful milestone in her family’s story. It reminded me that some of the very best days aren’t the ones we’ve carefully planned months in advance. They’re the ones that begin with a simple invitation, require us to set aside our to-do list and leave us driving home with a full heart, grateful we said yes.
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