The Bradford began, quite fittingly, on the back of a paper napkin during a lunch at Bear Rock Café. While planning Dana’s wedding together, she and her sister sketched out what they imagined might one day become a wedding venue. At first, their vision looked more like a warehouse than the elegant estate it is today—but that simple sketch sparked a dream.
Determined to understand weddings from every angle, they launched C&D Events, a planning company that allowed them to walk alongside couples and gain invaluable perspective as planners, not just as a bride. After six years of curating celebrations, they felt ready to begin their original dream of creating a venue unlike any other.
Their search for the perfect property was long and challenging, but in New Hill, North Carolina, they discovered a hidden gem of land that felt just right. The process was anything but simple—six months of negotiations, a year of financing, countless meetings with the county—but in 2013 construction began. By August of 2014, The Bradford welcomed its very first event, and from there, the rest was history!
Though many guests assume The Bradford is a historic estate, it is not—it was built with great care to feel timeless, storied, and rooted in history. Every decision, from the architecture to the landscape, was made with intention. The sisters invested everything they had, took a leap of faith, and built more than a venue—they built a home for love stories.
Today, The Bradford stands as a place where hundreds of couples have celebrated the happiest day of their lives. It is more than just a beautiful property; it is a space designed with purpose, heart, and a deep commitment to creating unforgettable moments. With gratitude for every couple past, present, and future, The Bradford continues to be a dream realized—and a place where dreams begin.
