Putting together a wedding and joining two families together can be the most challenging teambuilding exercise of your life.

I am very lucky.  My almost son in law Michael is a doll, articulate, handsome, talented and fun. His family is all those things too.  The two families have bonded so nicely even though we are miles apart in geography, background, size of family and interests.  However, we value the same things and that has enabled us to meet, greet, share, get to know each other and now execute a large wedding with virtual ease.

As mother of the bride (and father too) I have all the authority according to the wedding protocol to call all the shots with location, money, timing, vendors, decorations etc.  However, the wedding is not being done in my home town.  It is being done in Michael's home town of St. Louis.

A good team leader, that's me, would take a good long look at what my resources are and plan from there. 

My best resource has been Michael's mom Karen.  She is lovely, knowledgeable about St. Louis, totally in love with my daughter Shannon and has exquisite taste in everything.  Without her and without me "using" this perfect resource, I would have had triple the work to put this social event of the season together all by myself, being the Team Leader – also known as THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE.  

What did we do to make this work: 

• We discovered each other's talents and applied them to the execution of the details.
• We discussed budgets, desired outcomes and made the expectations work.
• We got to know each other better and built our trust and respect for each other by sharing heartfelt stories about our "babies".
• We found out we both like funny tasting martinis and have shared many of those too.

The wedding is Friday May 18^th at 5:00 in St. Louis, MO.  I am sure these last 7 days will be filled with those of many many details and some thoughts of will we get all the last minutes details done.  However, this is what I know:  

• The plan of execution is clear and agreed upon by all parties
• The location, timing, budget and details have been detailed and we all know our duties
• Trust and shared values have been established through shared communications, and
• The wedding project is on schedule for a perfect outcome

You know the best result of this whole thing is… 

I personally get to have a new son and family who have made my daughter and family fully grateful and thankful.  

Don't you just love this teambuilding stuff?

My best,

Natalie