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OUR STORY

The Little Chapel at Haven Ridge is first and foremost, a private family-owned sanctuary.

"Rooted in love", is the mantra the Bradford family conveys through the inclusive community cultivated here. We specialize in intimate weddings, elopements and special events in a setting artfully designed to entwine European heritage and old-world architectural style. The Little Chapel is a symbol of hope, peace, and a reminder that no dream is impossible with faith. This sacred land, a nature preserve, is our backyard and has been near and dear to our family's hearts for over 30 years. We invite you to delight in this safe haven and share in creating new memories that will last a lifetime, from our family to yours. 

MEET OUR FAMILY

Family
Our Story

Mollie Bradford

Venue Coordinator, Marketing Director 

& Co-Owner of Winston-Salem's Picnic Ladies

Mollie is the creative force behind The Little Chapel at Haven Ridge, and she's dedicated to making your experience truly exceptional. With a hands-on approach, she collaborates closely with couples, photographers, and vendors to ensure every detail of your special occasion is perfect, from the time of touring to your event day. Mollie not only works on the grounds as the venue coordinator but resides on the property as well. For her, this isn't just a job—it's a lifestyle. Before co-developing the venue and its vision with her father, Mollie immersed herself in the wedding industry as a Bridal Consultant, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Marketing & Management. She is also the co-owner of Winston-Salem's Picnic Ladies alongside her sister, Sarah.

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David Bradford

Property Owner & Visionary

Prior to retirement, David was an entrepreneur, who developed 8 patents and received the Presidential Green Chemistry Award from the Environmental Protection Agency in 2006. Despite having no theological experience, he shifted his focus towards following the calling placed on his heart nearly 20 years prior to build a small sanctuary for his family. That dream became a reality and The Little Chapel would find its home on the land he'd purchased in 2005, alongside the house where he and his wife, Jan had raised their four childrenThe Little Chapel began its journey in 2015 and construction started in the spring of 2021, architecturally inspired by the Bradford's English and Scottish heritage.

Sarah Bradford Croom

Co-Owner of Winston-Salem's Picnic Ladies
& Property/Event Manager

Sarah graduated from Appalachian State with a degree in Elementary Education and returned to her hometown of Winston-Salem to raise her children. She is the Co-Owner of Winston-Salem's Picnic Ladies with her sister, Mollie, bringing one-of-a-kind luxury picnic experiences hosted on the venue's grounds. With a knack for anticipating needs before they arise, she seamlessly lends a helping hand, both on event day and behind the scenes.

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Joe Bradford

Wedding Officiant 

& Property/Event Manager

Joe is a Scottish-Gaelic speaking history buff who earned his Masters degree from University of Aberdeen of Scotland. He joined the team to continue his passion for helping others in the community through his generous hospitality and is our in-house Officiant for weddings at the venue. In 2024, Joe and his wife, Jen and their corgis have begun building their home on the property.

Ludo Bradford

Farm Pup

Ludo is our friendly goldendoodle pup who will do anything for a treat and a belly rub. Ludo brings wags of encouragement to the team. You may see him around from time to time. He's a real paw-fessional when it comes to  styled shoots.

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MEET OUR TEAM

In addition to our family team, we’re excited to introduce our talented in-house team of Coordinators and Event Managers, who are here to elevate your event experience! These trusted vendors are familiar with every detail of our venue and provide seamless service to ensure your day runs smoothly. We understand a wedding is a big investment, and your special day is not the time to stress or worry. That’s why we’ve assembled a team of skilled and trusted vendors, committed to taking care of all the details, so you can focus on enjoying every moment​.

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