Meet The Team
We are all about taking care of our guests. Every event, every day! Meet the professional team behind the scenes. Each member of our team is here because they are extremely talented in their own way- and because they love what they do!

Faith Watkins, Co-Owner 
Co-owner, Faith Campbell Watkins is an Oxford, NC native. She has worked with antiques and decorating for several years. Partnering with Philip Paulsen at Remember When Antiques and Collectibles, Gift and Garden Shoppe, and now at Thorndale Oaks has allowed her to showcase her unique talents that she has been using with friends and family. Faith considers working for an event center, like Thorndale Oaks, to be her dream job.

Philip Paulsen, Co-Owner 
Co-owner, Philip Craig Paulsen, is an Michigan native. He brought his love of re-purposing to North Carolina by making hand made creations from salvaged wood, metal and other equipment. His beautiful, hand-crafted items are sold at Thorndale Oaks’ sister store, Remember When Antiques and Collectibles, Gift and Garden Shoppe in Oxford, NC. Philip’s vision for the potential of various abandoned, yet historic properties has now been used to decorate Thorndale Oaks with the newest and best use of reclaimed materials to give you our gorgeous event center. 

A Little More About Our Owners...

Southern Hospitality is the first impression one receives when meeting Faith Watkins and Philip Paulsen, co-owners of Thorndale.  These two consider their clients more than guests and strive to create connections that extend well beyond the wedding day or event.  A venue with rich history has been renovated to be a place showcasing everything they love.                                                                                                                                                                      

 Faith and Philip are connoisseurs of all things old, historical and unique.  When Thorndale became a reality and no longer a dream, some of the treasures they've collected over the years finally found a home in their venue.   Together, their skill sets combine to breathe beauty and warmth into Thorndale Oaks.                                                       

Naturally these two want you to experience everything they love about their property.  They have always enjoyed being able to share their creativity and vision with friends and family and now they want to extend the same to couples who are getting married here or hosting that special day.  Staying true to the simpleness of life, they have created an atmosphere that feels more like a home than a run of the mill wedding venue.                                                        

When you step inside the venue, you instantly feel the richness of elegant history and beauty everywhere you look.  Great care was taken during the renovation of the old Thorndale Country Club of Oxford by using their collections to breathe new life into the time worn space.                                                                                                                  

Their history together and their ability to mesh the old with the new shows throughout and is one of the main reasons that they are such great business partners and owners.  They want each person who chooses Thorndale to host their event to feel the heart that has been embedded in each improvement from the bottom up.  You will step onto this property as a stranger and leave feeling like family.                                                                                                    

They absolutely love what has been accomplished at Thorndale Oaks and being able to offer their clients and guests, not only a beautiful facility and grounds, but an overall unforgettable experience.                                                         

Faith and Philip founded this wedding venue to serve others.  Their ultimate goal is to delight those who come through the doors with tailored service and attention to detail.  They have always envisioned such a rustic and elegant space and feel that has been accomplished thereby bringing to life your perfect wedding day/event in a one-of-a-kind handcrafted venue called Thorndale Oaks.                                                                                                                   

The journey has only begun...…

Pedro Villasana, Executive Chef 

Relocating to Durham, Pedro took a position as Head Chef at Anotherthyme Restaurant, a renowned fine dining establishment. After 9 years at the helm of the kitchen there, Pedro was invited to become the Sous Chef at the Treyburn Country Club in northern Durham County. After 5 years he was promoted to Executive Chef and spent the next 13 years leading one of the most prestigious golf club dining operations. 

          After his extensive work as Head Chef at Treyburn Country Club, Pedro was ready for a new adventure in the culinary industry.  Lucky for us at Thorndale Oaks, the owners persuaded Pedro to make Thorndale his next endeavor. Once he started cooking for events and weddings, we knew that we had found a gem in our new Executive Chef.  

When it comes to culinary cuisine, you will find exactly what you have been looking for in the food preparation for your wedding/event.  If there is something that you don’t see on our delectable menu, no worries, Chef Pedro can create a one of kind menu for your event.  We are beyond excited to have such talent leading our kitchen staff at Thorndale.  Once you taste the food, you too will understand why we can say that we have one of the best Chefs here in Granville County.   Thanks Chef Pedro for bringing your extensive years of the food industry here to Thorndale Oaks. 

In addition to his passion for creating delicious and innovative dining experiences, Pedro enjoys running and playing soccer. Pedro lives in Durham in a Spanish Mission style home with his wife Ann Marie. They have 2 adult children and enjoy spending time in family activities. 

DL Page, Business Manager & Event Coordinator 

His creative skills and outgoing personality will transform your wedding/event into one you will never forget. Whether you are entertaining a large group or just a few of your closest friends and family, DL will transform our space to fit your specific needs and have every detail in place and ready for you to celebrate.     

As our Event Coordinator and Creative Consultant, DL also ensures that each and every moment of your special day comes together to make the event planning process simple and fun!  There is no one more qualified to be your wedding director and event coordinator to make sure everything is done on time and leaving you with no worries so you can enjoy your day. 

If you need an officiant, he is one of the best, as he has served in the local church ministry for 27 years and has officiated many weddings over the years.  He will work closely with you to make your ceremony personable and exactly the way you have envisioned. 

DL works directly with our clients to ensure that the wedding or event turns out beyond expectations, from planning custom menus, design specialist for décor, coordinating music, reception logistics, and everything in between, DL is here to help make your event with us one to remember.  

He is from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and has spent most of his life networking through his background of music, theater, ministry, wedding and event planning. With over 30 years of experience in event and wedding planning, DL Page knows a thing or two about impressing your guest list.  

DL has been married to his wife, Rhonda, for 26 years and they have a son, Noah, who is in college.  DL and his family love spending time together watching ACC basketball and going to the beach with family and friends on the weekends.  One of their favorite things to do as a family is trying new restaurants and looking for the best food in town.   So, if you ever need to know the best places to eat in Myrtle Beach, DL is your man.