A New Wedding Venue Is Coming to Chester County, Pennsylvania — Introducing Willowdale
There is something special taking shape in the heart of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. A cherished family farm is being reimagined as a place for modern gatherings. It celebrates open land, lasting craftsmanship, and the spirit of connection that defines Chester County.
Opening in September 2026, Willowdale will join the Jeffrey A. Miller Hospitality Group (JAM) collection of venues. It blends the natural beauty of the countryside with JAM’s signature creativity, care, and hospitality.
Rooted in Legacy
For generations, Willowdale was a working dairy farm that supplied milk and ice cream to families throughout the region. Under the thoughtful stewardship of W. B. Dixon Stroud Jr., the property became a place that honored both its agricultural purpose and its sense of community.
Today, that same respect for the land continues with Michael and Katherine Bucklin, Dixon’s daughter and son-in-law. They are guiding Willowdale’s transformation with authenticity and care. Together, they are preserving the farm’s rural character while creating a new space for celebration, connection, and joy.
Photo provided by: Jana Bannan Photography
The Willowdale Experience
When complete, Willowdale will welcome guests to a collection of spaces designed to showcase the natural beauty of Chester County.
The newly refreshed Yellow House will serve as the perfect home base for the wedding weekend. It features eight beautifully appointed overnight rooms, nine bathrooms, and two private suites for couples to prepare for their once-in-a-lifetime day. The suites, located on the lower level of the home, will be available with or without an overnight stay.
Ceremonies will unfold in the Silo Courtyard or beneath the old tree on the Silver Maple Lawn, surrounded by sweeping countryside views.
After the vows, cocktail hour unfolds across the beautifully landscaped grounds, where guests can wander through the quaint Kitchen Garden or gather in the Millstone Lounge, a newly built space on the barn’s lower level that blends refined sophistication with heritage charm and laid-back luxury.
As the celebration continues, dinner and dancing will take place upstairs in The Loft, where vaulted arches, willow-leaf chandeliers, and a floor-to-ceiling wall of windows fill the room with soft, golden-hour light.
Crafted in Collaboration
Willowdale’s transformation is a true local effort, guided by a shared respect for the property’s history and setting. A talented team of partners is bringing this vision to life with creativity, care, and craftsmanship:
- Architectural Design – Archer & Buchanan Architecture
- Landscape Design – Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects
- Creative Direction and Design – Michelle L. Harris Designs
- Construction Managers – B&D Builders
- Event Management and Catering – Jeffrey A. Miller Hospitality Group
Together, this team is shaping a space that honors the land’s legacy while creating a welcoming destination for celebration and connection.
From the Heart of JAM
At JAM, we have always believed that the most meaningful celebrations happen in places that matter. Spaces with soul, history, and purpose. That belief guides every partnership we take on, and Willowdale is a shining example of it.
Set within the rolling hills of Chester County, Willowdale represents a rare opportunity to celebrate in a place that honors both its past and its future. Its story of adaptive reuse and land preservation reminds us why we do what we do: to bring people together in settings that hold meaning, beauty, and heart.
We can already imagine the first gatherings here, filled with joy, connection, and quiet moments that become lasting memories. We are deeply proud to help write this next chapter for a place that truly matters.
Willowdale opens September 2026. Stay connected for updates and first looks at @jamhospitality and @willowdaleevents.
Learn more about hosting your event at Willowdale here!