Judy Endelman is the director of our Benson Ford Research Center – which is home to millions of our 2D and 3D artifacts – but last year, she had another unique role: the mother of a bride. So imagine this, me – a private events planner – presenting Henry Ford Museum as a wedding venue to someone who knows so much more about the place and its artifacts than I ever will. (I confess: I was nervous.)

Judy and her daughter had been doing their homework. They had been looking at other places, were weighing options and wading through all the important decisions involved in prepping and planning for the big day.

On the day I took them on a wedding tour in the musuem, Judy had all kinds of interesting historical facts to share. As we walked through the Pretcher Promenade toward the Clocktower entrance that guests would use for the reception, Judy became quiet. In that moment, her jaw (really!) dropped. I watched as she let go of her daily perception of the familiar museum and saw it with the fresh eyes of a wedding guest – as a place for a fabulous event. I think my jaw dropped, too.

From me, Judy learned about what a wedding at The Henry Ford would look and feel like. We talked about details and menus, place settings and venues. I shared my area of expertise with her.

One of the things I learned from Judy that day was about the museum’s accreditation by the American Association of Museums. The Henry Ford is one of only 779 of 17,500 museums in the United States that is accredited. Judy explained that the process is rigorous, and museums have to apply for reaccreditation every 10 to 15 years. The Henry Ford’s accreditation was last renewed in December 2006. It means The Henry Ford is advancing its mission, meets recognized standards of collections care and educational programming, and it provides a superior guest experience.

The Henry Ford is all that, for sure – and it is one really awesome place to hold a one-of-kind wedding. And I’m sure Judy’s daughter, son-in-law and their wedding guests agree.

The bride and groom share a quiet moment in Lamy's Diner, a 1946 roadside diner from Marlborough, Mass. Lamy’s Diner became part of The Henry Ford's collections in 1984 when curators and conservators carefully restored it. Now along with serving up some good old-fashioned nostalgia, Lamy’s has a menu of some traditional diner fare. It’s a central part of the museum’s Driving America exhibition that opened Jan. 29, and will offer a great spot for special treats for weddings and other private events.

Christina Dodge is The Henry Ford’s social events manager and a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants.  She helps plan and bring to life the stunning weddings held at The Henry Ford.