Ethan proposed at our community garden during what seemed to Carolyn like a normal weekend morning. After grabbing coffee and a pastry and tending to the garden together, he lingered by our garden plot. When Carolyn asked, “What do you want to do next?” he said, “I want to do this,” got down on one knee with a beautiful ring in hand, and through many happy tears asked Carolyn to marry him. She said, “Of course!” and we spent the rest of the afternoon sharing the news and celebrating with friends over margaritas and champagne. Ethan designed Carolyn’s ring with a local jeweler, incorporating a diamond from each of our grandmothers.
We’re getting married at Twin Oaks, the Balch family home in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It’s where Carolyn grew up, where her mom also grew up, and where her parents were married, so she’s dreamed of getting married there since she was little. The property gets its name from the pairs of oak trees that line the driveway.
The vibe is elevated but relaxed, joyful, and personal. Think a garden ceremony followed by a fun celebration outside on the front lawn under a tent with drinks flowing, dinner, and dancing. We want the day to feel warm and welcoming, with plenty of time to celebrate, mingle, and enjoy great food and drinks with even better company.
Dress nicely and have fun with it! Think celebration-worthy, but not overly formal or black tie. If you plan to wear heels, just keep the grass and uneven ground in mind.
There will be a large field on the property available for parking if you choose to drive. We’re also working on transportation details and suggestions, which will be added to the Travel page soon. Most importantly, we want everyone to be safe, so if you happen to have a little too much fun, you’re absolutely welcome to leave your car overnight and come back for it the next day.
As much as we love the “more the merrier” mindset, we were very intentional with our guest list. If your invitation did not include a plus one or list your guest by name, you won’t be able to bring a guest.
If a child is listed on your invitation, they are invited to attend. Otherwise, we kindly ask that guests make arrangements to attend without children. Thank you for understanding!
All food will be served buffet-style and we’ve been working closely with our caterers to make sure there’s a wide variety of options that should accommodate most dietary needs or preferences. If you have a specific concern, feel free to reach out to us!
Thanks for making the journey! The drive from Richmond is about 5 hours (you can make it in less if you get lucky with that DC traffic!) Our typical route is taking I-95 North to the Port Deposit, Maryland exit, then hopping on Route 1. If you prefer to take the train, the best option is to take Amtrak from Richmond to Wilmington, Delaware which is about 20–25 minutes from West Chester.
We’re so glad you asked. A few of our favorite local cheesesteak spots are listed on the Things to Do page. But really, the bigger question is how you should order it. Carolyn’s take: fried onions and ketchup are a must, mushrooms and hot and sweet peppers are a great addition, and if they have Cooper Sharp cheese, even better.
Shhhh, why would you ask that?! Let's hope it doesn't! But if it does, it won’t stop us from getting married and celebrating. We’re making sure there’s a solid plan in place so the day is still a great experience no matter what. Rain or shine, it’s going to be a good time.