By Lisa Collins-Haynes | Photos by Rob Jinks Photography
In 2001, nearly on its last leg, the Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast was a far cry from what Ellen Goldberg remembered from the 80s. A company she worked for at the time held their company picnics there, and Goldberg had fond memories of the 47-acre property with a 200-year-old house and pool. So when she learned that the Briar Patch was up for sale, she and her husband decided to purchase it and bring it back. After a year of renovating and restoring in what she continues to call “a labor of love,” the Briar Patch opened back up as a nine-room bed and breakfast in June 2002. When Goldberg’s niece saw how amazing the Briar Patch was, she asked if her friend could be married there and Goldberg agreed. That’s how the weekend weddings began, and the rest is history.
Fast forward to 2017, and Goldberg and her staff, Henrietta and Alexandra, happily host 30 – 50 weekend weddings a year. The weekend concept is part of their appeal. Goldberg says, “Two things that set us apart is the value for the money and our flexibility. When brides choose Briar Patch, they can enjoy the entire weekend with family and friends in a cozy and intimate setting, as opposed to only a few hours. Additionally, we are very accommodating, allowing couples to choose their own vendors, for example.” She notes that they even accept special requests. “We’ve had very formal weddings and very informal ones, to the extent of having all the food being prepared by food trucks. We’ve had couples bring in outdoor pizza ovens in the past, and we’ve had ice cream trucks on the property for weddings too. Another special request available is the option to have a horse drawn carriage carry the bride right up to the altar. We really give the couple the freedom to have the wedding they want here at Briar Patch,” says Goldberg.
“Having them here for the weekend, the staff and I get to know the couple and their families a little more. We really feel like we’re a part of their celebration as well. Often the couple comes back to the Briar Patch to celebrate their first anniversary,” she explains.
During the weekend, along with the rehearsal dinner on Friday evenings, the family breakfast on Saturdays and the ceremony, guests can enjoy horses, hiking trails, shopping, and visiting the wineries and breweries around Middleburg. Many families just sit around, talk and enjoy each other’s company in this peaceful and serene setting. The Briar Patch can accommodate up to twenty-eight overnight guests, and up to 200 for the ceremony and reception. Couples can choose to be married outdoors with picturesque mountain views, or in inclement weather, ceremonies can be moved inside to the new events building.
Goldberg mentions that they are currently booking for the 2017/2018 wedding season. While they recommend booking early to ensure that your date is available, she has noticed a trend lately with last minute bookings. That could be attributed to shorter engagements or other reasons, but Goldberg and her staff are always happy to get them on the schedule if there’s availability.
Goldberg and her team pride themselves on keeping up with the wedding industry trends. The staff is youthful, relatable and can really identify with their clientele, which helps provide a better service. Weekend weddings at the beautiful Briar Batch Bed and Breakfast are truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Visit the property at 23130 Briar Patch Lane in Middleburg or online at briarpatchbandb.com.
TJ and Heather's beautiful summer wedding was held at Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast, with photos captured by Rob Jinks, www.robjinksphoto.com.
Lisa Collins-Haynes {lisa@bridesandweddings.com} is a wife, mother and international travel writer. Her life’s tagline is, “Living a liberated life of leisure.” She’s also a passport stamp junkie and a self-professed out of control travel spirit (O.C.T.S). Her bags are always packed and she’s constantly looking for the next adventure.