Meet the Family Behind Avonlea Farms

Avonlea has always been a family dream. Long before we found this property, we were spending weekends driving around Virginia, trekking through fields, brambles, and the occasional patch of poison ivy trying to find the perfect place to bring the idea to life. That was years ago — back when I was still in college, tagging along with my dad on property tours and imagining what it could become.

Today, Avonlea Farms is still fully run by the three of us: my parents, Debbie and Clint, and me, Jess. From the big renovations to the small daily details, we’re the ones behind it all — and that’s exactly how we like it.

My parents have been married for 37 years, and we’ve been working together on this dream since before it even had a name.

Clint — The Builder, Fixer, and Problem Solver

If you see something new at Avonlea, there’s a very good chance my dad built it.

Debbie is the idea person, and Dad is the one who brings those visions to life — sometimes a little begrudgingly, but always with perfection in mind. He handles nearly all of the physical upgrades and big projects around the property. From hanging lights and cutting trees to building wainscoting in Anne’s Suite and tackling renovations, he’s the one making it happen.

While we now have a landscaping team that helps maintain the gardens, Dad still does about 80% of the mowing himself (with Mom proudly claiming the other 20%). If something needs fixing, building, or figuring out, he’s on it.

On wedding days, he can’t stay away — even when everything is already handled. You might find him running equipment to hang ceremony details, fixing a faucet before guests arrive, or chatting with guests during cocktail hour (especially the ones who want to know the story behind the farm).

He’s hardworking, trustworthy, and has a very true “dad” sense of humor.

More than anything, he’s all about creating a relaxing day for our couples. He has a way of noticing when someone feels overwhelmed, and he’s been known to quietly invite a nervous bride onto the front porch for a glass of iced tea and a few calm moments away from the chaos.

Debbie — The Heart and Vision Behind Avonlea

If Avonlea has a “feel” to it, that’s because of my mom.

She’s the visionary behind the design, décor, and overall aesthetic of the farm. She loves interior decorating and is constantly dreaming up new ways to make the spaces feel more beautiful, welcoming, and thoughtful. She’ll come up with an idea, and my dad will figure out how to build it — they make a pretty perfect team.

Right now, they’re working together on designing a new retaining wall feature in the pavilion behind the bar and DJ area, complete with removable panels for windy or rainy days. It’s a great example of how the two of them work: she dreams it, he makes it happen.

Mom has a gift for connecting with people. She remembers names, faces, and love stories, and she genuinely enjoys getting to know each couple. She gives most of the tours here (about 90% of them!), and you can feel how much she cares when she walks couples around the property.

She’s also often the venue manager on wedding days — she knows how to step in, take charge, and make sure everything stays on track. Couples always notice her kindness first. She’s truly a ball of sunshine and a big part of what makes Avonlea feel so warm.

Jess — The Voice Behind the Scenes

And then there’s me!

If you’ve emailed Avonlea, you’ve talked to me. I personally answer every inquiry, manage bookings, contracts, invoices, and keep track of all the moving pieces behind the scenes. I organize Walk Through Wednesdays, manage our ads, run our social media (including TikTok), write our blogs, and keep track of vendor relationships and guidelines.

I’m also the coordinator liaison for our couples, helping guide them through planning and pairing them with the head coordinator who’s the best fit for their day (sometimes that’s me, too!).

I’m around a little less on wedding days now that I have a new baby, but I live next door — so I’m never far. You’ll still see me popping in, checking on things, and making sure everything is running smoothly.

My favorite moment of any wedding day is when the bride walks down the wooded aisle and steps out of the trees. The sunlight hits behind her and she starts to glow. It happens every time, and it never stops feeling like magic.

And at the end of the night, the best part of this job is hearing a couple say they had the perfect day.

Together, the three of us are constantly working on Avonlea — planning improvements in the winter, maintaining the property year-round, and staying closely involved in every wedding that happens here. This place has grown so much over the years, but at its core, it’s still a family project built with a lot of heart.

We’re so glad you’re here and that you’re getting to know us.