Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Lynette McCarthy of Middletown Delaware

Lynette McCarthy shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Lynette, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Oh, that one’s easy — people think we just rent space. (laughs) for weddings and other events. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “But it’s just a room, right?” And I get it! On the surface, it does look like that. But behind the scenes? There’s so much more going on.

When a venue isn’t 100% DIY, it’s not just about handing over keys and wishing the couple good luck. We’re talking tables, chairs, benches, setup, teardown — all those things that sound small until you realize how fast rental costs add up and how long it actually takes to set up a hundred chairs or benches in straight rows or reception tables and chairs for 100+ guests!

And then there’s the experience piece. We’ve seen it all — the weather surprises, the timeline crunches, the “who has the rings?” moments — and we’re right there behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly. A lot of what we do is invisible, but it’s what keeps the day from turning into chaos.

Plus, when couples walk into The Ballroom at Windsor, they’re stepping into a space that’s already beautiful, climate-controlled (because, let’s be honest, Delaware humidity is no joke), and full of spots perfect for photos. Add in our décor, vendor guidance, and the calm reassurance that comes from a team who’s been through hundreds of weddings, it’s all about having a space designed for weddings with experienced wedding vendors that bring your dream wedding to life — not just a rental.

So no, we don’t “just rent space.” We create the setting for one of the biggest days of your life — and make sure it feels stress-free, even when it isn’t behind the scenes. (laughs)

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! I’m Lynette McCarthy, co-owner and venue manager of The Ballroom at Windsor — a family-operated wedding venue tucked away on McCarthy Tree Farm in Middletown, Delaware. We like to say we’re where country charm meets sophisticated elegance — and where couples are treated like family from the moment they tour.

What really makes us unique is our heart. We care deeply about creating an experience that’s warm, welcoming, and stress-free. Every couple that walks through our doors gets our full attention — we don’t do cookie-cutter weddings here. Each event feels personal because it is personal to us.

Another big part of who we are is our love for repurposing and saving pieces of history. From vintage vault gates and old barn wood to architectural salvage and heirloom décor, we’ve woven historical touches throughout the property. It’s not just about design — it’s about giving these beautiful old pieces a new story instead of letting them end up in a landfill.

I’m also really focused on continuing education and networking with other locally owned venues. There’s so much value in sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and finding new ways to elevate what we offer couples. Behind the scenes, I’m always working on updates to keep the space fresh — especially in our landscaping and finishes. It’s important to me that every time someone visits, they see the care and pride we put into every corner of the property and venue building.

At the end of the day, The Ballroom at Windsor isn’t just a venue — it’s a place built with love, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. 💛

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
That’s a deep one! (laughs) I’d have to say my mom first. She’s strong, independent, and never afraid to speak her mind — truly no filter, in the best way. Growing up, I watched her work hard for everything she had, and she never let challenges stop her. That shaped so much of who I am today. She taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and staying true to yourself — lessons that carry into how I run my business every single day.

And then there’s my husband. He’s my best friend, my soulmate, and honestly, my partner in every sense of the word. We balance each other so well — I’m the creative thinker, and he’s the practical, get-it-done half who keeps things moving. He builds what I dream up, and together, we make it happen. (laughs)

Both of those relationships taught me the importance of teamwork — whether it’s family, marriage, or business — it’s about lifting each other up and leaning on one another’s strengths. I think that’s also why The Ballroom at Windsor feels the way it does. It’s built on that same foundation of love, grit, and partnership. 💛

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
For me, it was dreaming. I’ve always been a bit of a daydreamer — when things felt scary or uncertain, I’d drift into my own little world and imagine creating something beautiful, planting and growing things (I’ve always loved nature), or just picturing happy moments ahead. It was my way of finding peace and possibility.

And of course, my mom and my baby brother were my safe place. They had this way of making me laugh, no matter what was going on. My mom’s strength and humor always grounded me, and my brother’s silliness reminded me not to take life too seriously. Between the dreaming, the laughter, and a whole lot of love — I always managed to find my way back to joy. 🌿💛

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Oh, I could write a book on this one! (laughs) But honestly, one of the biggest lies I see is this idea that locally owned venues need the big box wedding sites to be successful. Nope. We may be small, but we are mighty—and we have a ton of heart, experience, and genuine connection behind what we do.

Somewhere along the way, the industry convinced itself that we couldn’t stand on our own without paying for visibility or being part of those giant platforms. But the truth? We absolutely can. When we put in the time to invest in our own SEO, tell our stories authentically, and show up consistently online and on social media, couples find us—and they connect with us because we feel real.

And unlike those big sites, we’re not selling a couple’s data the second they click “inquire.” We’re not pushing a hundred unrelated vendors on them. We’re not trying to fit their dream day into a marketing algorithm. We’re just here to help them find a beautiful place to celebrate, with people who actually care.

That’s the magic of being local. We know our couples. We know their families, our/their vendors, and their favorite coffee shop down the street. When they reach out to us, they’re not just another lead in a spreadsheet—they’re a real couple who deserves a personal, heartfelt experience from start to finish.

So no, we don’t need the big sites to validate us. We just need to keep showing up with honesty, warmth, and that genuine care that can’t be bought—or faked.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
Honestly? When I’m here on the property. There’s just this calm that settles over you the second you arrive—it’s almost hard to put into words, but you can feel it. The air’s a little softer, the world gets a little quieter, and suddenly that peaceful feeling just washes over you.

It’s the soft hum of nature, the cute animals wandering around like they own the place (and, let’s be honest, they kind of do!), the way the light hits the trees—it’s all so grounding and full of heart. This place is filled with beauty, nature, and love, and I never take that for granted.

And the best part? I get to share it. Watching couples and their guests soak it all in—seeing that little moment when they realize how peaceful it feels here—that’s pure magic to me. It’s like they exhale for the first time in weeks. That’s when I feel most at peace… when I can see other people feeling it too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.farmweddingde.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmweddingde
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmweddingde
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCePJjb6-h5iSYHUO5cMv3gw/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@farmweddingde

Image Credits
Get Ready Room Photo Credit: Fantail Photography

Married Couple Photo Credit: Natalie Wagner Photography