The Ribault Club

Ceremony

Our Wedding

Gentle reminder! The deadline for booking a hotel room at the hotels we have blocked rooms at is approaching quickly! Residence Inn Amelia IslandDeadline: September 5th 2025 Hampton Inn Amelia Island at Fernandina BeachDeadline: September 10th 2025 Please use the "Travel" tab to click the links to book a hotel room at these hotels.

Hotel Room Reminder!

Abbey, originally from Minnesota, decided to move to Jacksonville, Florida at the end of 2019 to pursue a new chapter in life and some much needed self discovery. It was a familiar place for her, as she spent her summers there staying with her grandparents and family, and she knew she would have the support she needed. During this first year, Abbey had no intention of dating. It was purely meant for focusing on herself, setting goals for the future, and settling into the next chapter. That's usually how it goes, right? When you're not looking for someone, they happen to show up in your life. Enter Matthew.Matthew was and is a close friend of Abbey's cousin Chelsea. Abbey and Chelsea have been inseparable since their childhood days, even despite the distance when Abbey lived in Minnesota. Abbey spent a lot of time at Chelsea's, and therefore was introduced to Matthew during her visits. Abbey, as stated before, had NO intention of pursuing anyone or dating! And Matthew was made well aware of this! Whenever a social gathering was happening at Chelsea's, Abbey found herself hopeful and asking if Matthew would be there too. Matthew made Abbey laugh. He was so goofy and silly, and Abbey always found herself laughing with him. He was friendly, always willing to help, and not to mention those blue eyes of his! Abbey and Matthew eventually exchanged numbers and began talking more frequently. They went on their first date, just the two of them, at One Night Taco Stand. They were both so nervous, but had a great time getting to know each other more. Abbey and Matthew continued to go on more dates and adventures, and officially started dating August 30th, 2020.Abbey and Matthew went on lots of adventures together, both big and small. Whether it was a trip to Target, a weekend away in Orlando, a walk in some nature preserve, or even a roadtrip to Minnesota (the ultimate test to any relationship is a cross-country roadrip), they had the best of times together. Matthew was Abbey's opposite, calm and collected, easy going. He was always patient with her, never made her feel like her feelings weren't valid, allowed her to feel all her big feelings and emotions, and never walked away.Matthew took Abbey on one particular adventure on August 14th, 2022. They went to the Jacksonville Arboretum, walking the trails and looking at all the beautiful greenery and gardens around them. As they crossed a small wooden bridge, Matthew reached for Abbey's arm turning her around. He got down on one knee, and asked her the question she'd been dreaming of her whole life: "Will you marry me?" The answer was obviously, YES!After several years of being engaged and surviving nursing school (if you know, you know), it's finally time for Abbey and Matthew to tie the knot! They are both so excited for this day to finally be here, and to celebrate with their closest friends and family as they start on this next adventure. Cheers to the future Willoughby's!

The Story of Us

Our Story

Photos

Cousin, sister from another mister, bestie! This girl is pretty much responsible for this wedding since she introduced Matthew and Abbey if we're being honest (thanks!!) Abbey and Chelsea grew close when Abbey would stay in Florida during her summer breaks. They were inseparable, always wanting to be together, and had the best of times together doing anything and everything. Their imaginations were unlimited. Hours were spent in grandma's pool, pretending to be superheros, creating masterpieces (can we really call them that?), watching shows and movies (the quoting is their special talent), playing on their Gameboys or Sims. They longed to one day be in the same state, and it finally came true in 2020! They've both gotten older and things may look a little different as adults, but they still remain the best of friends. Abbey was a part of Chelsea's big day, and it's only fitting that Chelsea be there for Abbey too. There's no one else Abbey would rather have standing next to her on her wedding day. 

Chelsea

Alissa, technically a step sister, but a sister in every way. Alissa won Abbey over with her bubbly, friendly personality. Alissa and Abbey have come a long way from their first sister outing to see the re-release of Jurassic Park (initially with no sound) and eating dinner at Perkins. They have become the best of friends, making homemade butterbeers and having Harry Potter marathons, and Abbey always losing to Alissa's board games. If you know Alissa, you know she comes with the games. When it comes to books, movies, and shows, Alissa is your go to person to give you the perfect recommendation or synopsis. She has the biggest heart, and makes anyone and everyone feel welcomed and loved. Alissa, a beautiful, majestic, rainbow sprinkle cupcake unicorn princess, is the perfect addition to Abbey's bridal party. 

Alissa

Future sister-in-law right here! Carolyn loves fiercely. She is a protector and will take on anyone who wrongs you. If you need someone in your corner, Carolyn is your girl. She will even drop everything to pick you up on the side of the highway when your car breaks down on the way to nursing school clinicals (forever grateful). Carolyn is a lover of all things plants and gardening, and together her and Abbey try to learn from the master, her mom and Abbey's future mother in law, Debra. Carolyn and her family have made Abbey feel nothing short of welcomed and loved. As her future sister in law, it's only right she stand up by Abbey's side as she marries her brother.

Carolyn

Abbey's cousin to the north, Natasha was always someone Abbey looked up to. As kids, they would play "Elf Bowling", pretend to be teachers, eat their hearts out at the Minnesota State Fair, and wrestle with their Grandpa Mark. Natasha proved her success in life, succeeding through school and college, landing an impressive career, and owning who she was and wanted to be. Family is everything to Natasha, it is the core of who she is. They have lost loved ones together, but both Natasha and Abbey never forget where they came from and those people. Abbey was a part of Natasha's own wedding day to her amazing now husband Michael, and now it's Natasha's turn to be a part of Abbey's. Remember, saving all my love for you. 

Natasha

Wedding Party

Q + A

A block of rooms has been reserved at Residence Inn by Marriot Amelia Island. This is about 30 minutes from The Ribault Club. Click this link to reserve your room: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1741702758819&amp;key=GRP&amp;guestreslink2=true&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your group rate for DeGroy Willoughby Wedding</a> Last day to reserve a room is September 5th, 2025 Rates are $179.00-$279.00 per night depending on room type. Check-in: Thursday October 9th, 2025 at 4:00pmCheck-out: Monday October 13th, 2025 at noon

Residence Inn Amelia Island

A block of rooms has also been reserved at Hampton Inn Amelia Island, also about 30 minutes from The Ribault Club. Clink this link to reserve your room: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/aisflhx-wdw-fc7f7824-db82-4bb2-a94d-478f103fa663/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/aisflhx-wdw-fc7f7824-db82-4bb2-a94d-478f103fa663/</a>Scroll down and select "Visit the booking page" You can also call 904-321-1111 and dial 0, provide dates and group code WDW Last day to reserve a room is September 10th, 2025 Rates: $139.00 + tax Thursday and Sunday, $179.00 + tax Friday and Saturday Cancellation policy: to avoid a cancellation fee, reservations must be cancelled by October 5th, 2025

Hampton Inn Amelia Island at Fernandina Beach

There are also tons of additional hotels, airbnb's and VRBOs in the Amelia Island area if you wish to look elsewhere. Amelia Island is about 30 minutes from both The Ribault Club and the Jacksonville Airport. Here are links to search for airbnb's and VRBOs in the area: <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/amelia-island-fl/stays" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AirBnB</a><a href="https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/north-east/amelia-island" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vrbo</a> Please reach out to either Abbey or Matthew if you have any issues booking the blocked rooms or need assistance finding additional lodging.

Travel

Cute downtown area to walk around with lots of little shops and restaurants. Horseback riding on the beaches (Amelia Island Horseback Riding, Kelly Seahorse Ranch). Walk the beaches and look for sharks teeth!

Amelia Island

Kayak, paddle board, and bike rental for Amelia and Talbot Islands

PADL - Amelia and Talbot Islands

Visit Boneyard Beach, home to beautiful driftwood trees that have fallen over the years

Big Talbot Island State Park

Little Talbot Island State Park

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Oldest city in the US with lots to explore! Visit the fort Castillo de San Marcos, The Alligator Farm and Zoo, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, The Fountain of Youth, take a trolley tour, and walk through the historic streets to see all the shops and restaurants!

Abbey & Matthew

Abbey & Matthew

Registry