Have you ever heard of
"The Invisible String Theory"?
“I have a strange feeling with regard to you.
As if I had a string somewhere under my left ribs, tightly knotted to a similar string in you.”
― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
For those of you who haven’t automatically clicked to the next page, bear with us for a moment!
No, we aren’t talking about the Taylor Swift song, but rather the idea that two people are connected by a invisible string that transcends time, distance, and geography. To quote the scholars at Cosmopolitan Magazine, it “revolves around the idea that you and your soulmate are bound by an invisible string, one that connects you despite distances and challenges. The Invisible String Theory is a theory based in fate, destiny, and determinism, one which suggests that two people are connected by an invisible string that means, no matter what, they will eventually find their way to each other.”
So here is our Invisible String Story. It’s cheesy, we know....
It starts in the summer of 2011 when our mutual family friends, the Manzos, hosted both our parents on a European trip together. Tom Metcalf and Mike Boyce met and bonded in a very unsurprising way – by sneaking out of the accommodations to head down to the local pub and enjoy a fresh pint with the bar attendant, Pauline.
They end their trip and go their separate ways. A year later, in 2012, Kara is now in Europe with the Manzos. When they realize their friend the Boyce’s happen to be in Rome at the same time, we met up with them for dinner. As Ross was working at this point, he did not make the trip. But Kara enjoyed her first, of what would eventually be many, dinners with the Boyce’s and met Mike, Patty, Devon, and Drew.
Fast forward to the summer of 2023 at Liz Manzo’s wedding. The welcome party on Friday night is at Kara’s childhood beach club. As Kara walks up the stairs to the East Deck overlooking the ocean, one of her favorite spots, the first people she sees are the Boyces. Having known Drew for many years at this point, he comes over to say hi with his brother, Ross. And while Ross and Kara didn’t get a chance to speak much on Friday, Ross likes to joke we did take our first picture together – look carefully at Patty’s dress!
The following day at the wedding, as the dance floor got going, Ross made his move. He came over, put a white cowboy hat on Kara, and apparently that was all it took! We spent the rest of the night talking and dancing, finally leaving at 2am when Ross asked for Kara’s number. At this point, we were living 1600 miles apart with Ross in Houston and Kara in Philadelphia. But after a few weeks of texting and Ross inviting Kara to Houston, Kara finally invited him up to Philadelphia. His flights were booked within the hour. After some initial nerves, we had the best weekend running around Philadelphia and were already booking our next weekend to visit. The rest of the story involves *many* planes, trains and a few boats but we both knew from the start it would be worth it.
Ross proposed in October 2024 at home on the balcony. Although Kara realized later she forgot to actually say “yes”, we had the best weekend celebrating. As Kara’s friends were to be visiting Houston that weekend, we had originally organized a themed party for our friends to meet. Rather than pivot from the plan, we inadvertently hosted a “North vs. South” themed engagement party and the pictures are well, memorable.
We like to think the invisible string theory applies to us.
Ross, a guy from Kansas living in Houston and Kara, a girl from Jersey living in Philadelphia, isn’t the obvious match up.
But sometimes, you just have an invisible string somewhere under your left rib….
Wedding Weekend
FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2025
LOWCOUNTRY BOIL WELCOME PARTY
7PM - 10PM
The River Barns Lawn at The Dunlin
1030 Sound Drive, Johns Island
All are invited to join Mike and Patty Boyce for a taste of the South!
Attire: Southern Casual
Saturday, June 28, 2025
CEREMONY
2PM
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
3871 Betsy Kerrison Parkway
John's Island, South Carolina
Please enjoy your day! Golf attire, slacks and sundresses encouraged.
There will be time to change before the reception.
COCKTAIL HOUR
5:30PM
The River Barns Lawn at The Dunlin
Attire: Cocktail
DINNER + DANCING
6:30PM - 11:00PM
The Shippon at The Dunlin
AFTER PARTY
11:00 PM - 2:00 AM
The Lime House at The Dunlin
Weekend Transportation Schedule
Friday, June 27th
6:45PM - Shuttle departs The Andell Inn
6:50PM - Shuttles depart The Dunlin
10:00PM - Shuttles return to pick up locations
Saturday, June 28th
1:20PM - Shuttle departs The Andell Inn
1:30PM - Shuttle departs The Dunlin
3:00PM - Shuttles return to pickup locations
---
5:20PM Shuttles depart The Andell Inn and The Dunlin
10:00PM - 2:00AM - Shuttles return to pickup locations
TRAVEL
CHARLESTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
28 miles | 40 minute drive
We recommend booking your flights early as Charleston Airport fills up. From there, it is an easy car ride to The Dunlin.
Getting around Johns Island
If you didn't rent a car you still have a few options here! While Ubers are not as easily available as they may be elsewhere, we have had good luck if we reserve one in advance. If you are staying at The Dunlin, you are also able to take out their complimentary Mercedes-Benz fleet for up to four hours at a time. For all wedding related events, we will be providing transportation to The Dunlin and The Andell Inn.
ACCOMODATIONS
THE DUNLIN
6000 Kiawah River Drive
Johns Island, South Carolina
For convenience, we have a room block set up for June 27 - 29, 2025.
To book, simply click the direct link below or call (855) 923-7912 ext. 1.
Our room block rate is denoted by "IHO Metcalf/Boyce Wedding" for standard rooms.
If you are interested in booking a suite that is outside of the room block, please reach out to the contact below as they may not appear available online.
jody.jones@aubergeresorts.com
(855) 923-7912 ext. 1
Two night minimum required for room block.
ANDELL INN
300 Farm Lake View
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
The Andell Inn is a small Marriott boutique hotel about a 10 minute drive from The Dunlin. While they do not accept room blocks, they do, of course, allow for single night stays. We encourage guests to book early here due to the lack of room block offerings.
Clicking the button below will allow access to 5% discounted rate.
We will be providing transportation from the Andell Inn to The Dunlin.
KIAWAH RIVER HOUSE RENTAL
The Dunlin is located on the Kiawah River development. There are private homes for rent that are part of the Kiawah River Community. The community is relatively small, with the houses being a quick 3-15 minute walk from the hotel.
Some homes may have a minimum stay duration.
They are rented through Sewee Properties, link below.
What is the attire for Friday Night?
Friday is southern casual. Think sundresses and golf attire. It will be outside so we want you to be comfortable! While it will be taking place on a lawn, a large section of it is turfed or paved, so ladies, you have shoe options!
In case of inclement weather, it will be moved inside to the Lime House adjacent to the lawn.
Will dinner be served Friday Night?
Yes, we will be serving dinner. However, it will be a lowcountry boil as opposed to a sit down dinner. So if your travel brings you in late, please still feel free to swing on by!
Will transportation be provided Friday night?
Yes. Please refer to the Transportation Schedule section of our website for specifics on departure times.
What do you mean by golf attire for the ceremony?
We want you all to enjoy your Saturday! Please feel free to come to the Church in your Sunday best. Think slacks and a polo or a colorful sundress. There will be about two and a half hours from the end of our ceremony until the start of our cocktail hour, which should be plenty of time to change for *most* of you!
Will transportation be provided on Saturday?
Yes. Please refer to the Transportation Schedule section of our website for specifics on departure times.
What is the attire for Saturday night?
Our reception is cocktail attire. Gents - think suits. Ladies - you've got free rein. Midi dresses, mini dresses, maxi dresses - the choice is yours! Cocktail hour is outside, but will be largely on the turfed/paved part of the lawn.
But South Carolina? In June? Don't worry, we're not totally crazy. Men, fear not, Ross' first question on our site visit was about their air conditioning. Ross has issued strict instructions to be cranking it for the reception and after party, both of which will be indoors.
Speaking of The After Party....
5 hours with you all is simply not enough! The after party will be a mere ten feet away in the neighboring barn (again- air conditioned!) so we're hoping it will be easy for you all to keep the party going!
Are kids invited?
We love your kids! The Dunlin and Andell Inn are both kid friendly should you choose to travel with yours. However, our wedding events are adults only, please (with the exception of our incredibly awesome nieces and nephews - we hope you understand!)
Will there be a brunch on Sunday?
Nope! We will be leaving at 8am for our honeymoon (pray for us on that wakeup) and many of you will have flights to catch too. However, if you are sticking around, we have recommendations of great spots on our newly minted Things to Do page.
Do I need to rent a car?
Hey, that's your call. But if you are staying at The Andell Inn or The Dunlin, we will provide transportation for all wedding related events. Beyond that, we will say Ubers aren't as easy to get but we have had good luck with booking them in advance. Additionally, if you are staying at The Dunlin, they do have complimentary Mercedes-Benz available to take out for up to four hours if you want to go exploring.
Restaurants on Johns Island
Lost Isle
We highly recommend checking out Lost Isle - they just made the New York Times Top 50 Restaurants in America list and we concur! A totally outdoor backyard seating vibe with all of the food cooked over an open air wood fire. We love the pork chop and the chicken but don't sleep on the eggplant dip, the whipped ricotta and the potatoes. Okay, so we basically love it all there! No reservations, first come first serve.
Linette's
Linette's is the main restaurant at The Dunlin, great for a meal on their screened-in porch overlooking the salt marsh or for a drink at our favorite birdcage bar. For brunch, Kara, of course, loves the burger and the chicken sandwich and Ross insists on a side of their made-in-house sausage. For dinner, their buttermilk fried oysters are a must try! To drink, a Slow Burn is a requirement - containing both vodka and tequila, what could go wrong?
The Willet Room
This is the lounge at The Dunlin, more for small bites and drinks. Ross will tell anyone who will listen about their homemade cocktail sauce with the oysters, but we also like their fish dip with fried saltines and the shaved ham. In the morning, you will find a coffee bar with pastries here.
Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary
Located on the famed Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the Jasmine Room is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is a quick 20 minute drive from The Dunlin and 10 minute drive from The Andell Inn. When you come to the security gate, just inform them that you are going to the Jasmine Room and you will the be able to drive around Kiawah Island. Reservations are required for dinner only.
Freshfields Village
A ten minute drive away from The Dunlin is Freshfields Village and they have you covered for the rest. Coffee shops, wine bars and a Jersey Mikes Subs - walk around and see what floats your boat. They also have a grocery store and liquor store for those extending their stay.
TO DO ON JOHNS ISLAND
Activities at The Dunlin
You are in the lowcountry and the livin's easy! Time slows down and life is relaxed.
The Dunlin offers a variety of activities such as:
Drinks in the Willett Room
Lounge by the pool over looking the salt marsh
Bike around Johns Island
Visit their Goatery and farm
Tennis and Pickleball courts
Paddle Board and Kayak rentals
Fishing
Sunrise yoga offered on Saturday and Pilates on Sunday
A trip to the Spa
Explore Freshfields Village
A ten minute drive from The Dunlin is Freshfields Village, where The Andell Inn is located. Here there is a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, stores and workout classes. From Blue Mercury, to Faherty, J. McLaughlin and Lululemon, they have you pretty covered if you forgot something. Urban Nirvana is also here if you are looking to glam it up with a blowout.
Golf
South Carolina is of course known for their exceptional golf courses. We will be within close distance of the 5 golf courses of the Kiawah Island Golf resort, including the legendary Ocean Course. All five can be booked by the public online, with Oak Point Golf Course being the one closest to The Dunlin.
CHARLESTON
Downtown Charleston is about a 35 minute drive from The Dunlin. If you are staying at The Dunlin they do offer a complimentary house car for up to 4 hours for you to go explore. From some of the worlds best antiquing, to exploring the historic streets to just darn good restaurants and bars, there's a whole lot to do here!
Charleston Restaurants
167 Raw
We cannot hype this seafood spot enough! Trust us, we know how it sounds, but do not sleep on the Pastrami'd Swordfish Sandwich. They do not take reservations. The doors open at 11am, and you will see a line start to form around 10:30am to get in. If lines aren't your thing, just plan ahead, put your name in about an hour and a half before you're ready to eat and go explore King Street! Alternatively, right around the corner is their sister restaurant, Bar 167, which is also great with less of the hustle and bustle.
Halls Chophouse
If you ask Kara's brother Pete, this is the best steakhouse in America and we think it's pretty great, too. You can't make any mistakes with ordering here, except if you forget to order creamed corn skillet. That would be a HUGE mistake!
Other Spots in Charleston
Restaurants:
Vern's
The Ordinary
Basic Kitchen
Home Team BBQ
The Darling Oyster Bar
Chubby Fish
Bars:
The Blind Tiger
Uptown Social
King Street Dispensary
Prohibition
Vintage Lounge
