By Alexandria Proko
As 2019 approached, an industry friend and I were discussing the trends that would make the cut into the new year. Donut walls? Acrylic table numbers? Mason jars?
Growing up in East Brandywine beside a farm, I remember peering through the wooden fence posts that separated us from our neighbor to get a glimpse of their horses.
Despite my irrational fear of any animal larger than a medium-size dog, I used to pretend that those horses belonged to me.
The professional in me wants to abandon mason jars, to move onto something trendier. And the truth is, I can’t.
Something about a mason jar and its simple elegance ignites a nostalgia in me. One glimpse at those glass jars, and I’m taken back to my childhood, caked in mud and watching those horses while catching lightning bugs before bed.
Here in Chester County, I’ve realized that the reason “rustic” has stuck around so long is because it’s not just a trend here, it’s a lifestyle. We have our own unique history and agricultural past that has contributed to the way we live our lives. I don’t know about you, but nature and I were fast friends growing up.
That rush of nostalgia and understanding of our storied past has led me to our next venue feature, The Barn at Bournelyf. What’s that saying? If only walls could talk? Stepping into the Sanctuary of the barn, a truer statement couldn’t be made.

The Barn at Bournelyf is located on S. New Street a few minutes south of West Chester.
Just off of Rt. 202, the converted 1792 dairy barn is tucked away, providing a quiet retreat while still convenient to town – a whopping five minutes up the road.
While there are 21 bucolic acres available for tenting, The Barn at Bournelyf is best for intimate affairs such as rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and intimate receptions.
Up to 120 guests can be accommodated in the Sanctuary for a ceremony, cocktails in the Walti Room and the courtyard is not to be missed, sitting within the ruins of the barn’s stone framework.
What’s most interesting about The Barn at Bournelyf is that because it’s lush with beautiful stonework, it’s attractive whether you’re a fellow mason jar fiend or if you’d like something more bohemian and glamorous. It’s a charming blank slate with endless possibility.
To learn more about or schedule a tour of The Barn at Bournelyf, call me at 484-999-0137.
The Barn at Bournelyf is offering a discounted package for VISTA Today readers, including prep in the Manor House, a ceremony and an on-site coordinator for under $1,200.00. Simply VISTA Today when you call to claim the special package price.
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Alexandria Proko is the founder and creative director of Alexandria Catherine Events, a Chester County special events planning company. Her work is driven by a passion for ceremony, tradition and creating memories. She has been featured and has received accolades from Brides, the Philly A-List, The Big Fake Wedding, WeddingWire, etc. Allie can be reached via email at alexandria@alexandriaprevents.com.