Old Customs House

Welcome Party

St. Peter’s Catholic Church

Wedding Ceremony

Ceremony

Coosaw Point River Club

Reception

Safe Harbor Beaufort

Complimentary Wedding Shuttle

Wedding Reception

Our Wedding

As fate would have it, on April 14th, 2023, Walter and Abby were set up by friends to attend the Coast Guard Ball together- expecting it to be fully platonic and mostly awkward. They were so wrong. The following day, to win Abby over, Walter engineered her a custom handmade papaya grabber. Abby's heart was won.This began a whirlwind of dating and exploring Hawai'i together... for only the next two months until Walter was shipped away to begin his new career in NYC. But, they sure made the most of it- island hopping, surfing, and watching sunsets. The perfect foundation to kickoff what would become a year of long distance across an entire country and half of the Pacific Ocean.

How We Met

Abby and Walter continued dating, despite the 4,000 mile distance, round-trip plane rides (sometimes for only a 48 hour visit), and 6 hour time difference. Somehow, they managed to see each other every other month. After a year of using up all of their PTO and blowing through all of their flight miles, they decided it was time to close the distance. Abby packed up the surfboards, and headed for NYC. Abby and Walter moved in together on June 23rd, 2024.

Across Land and Sea

In July 2025, Abby and Walter returned to the place where it all began. During their trip, they hopped over to Kauai to hike the breathtaking Na Pali Coast. After 11 miles of lunging up grueling elevation gains, traversing across roaring rivers, and inching across steep sea cliff ledges, they arrived at a serene secret beach at the base of the legendary Kalalau Valley. As the sun set, Walter dropped down on his knee and asked Abby to spend the rest of her life with him.

Engagement- Hawai'i 2025

Our Story

Photos

Maggie Duchow

Thomas Gnann

Josie Duchow

Alexander Gnann

Annalee Duchow

Cole Budi

Maria Keenan

Bryan Dadson

Mariah Danzer

Dean Harris

Jill Christensen

Hayden Lazzari

Olivia Kowalkowski

Brian Nelson

Anna Kippley

Eric Bertulaitis

Marlie Houston

Courtney Cotey

Richie Gordon

Wedding Party

Q + A

Stay in the heart of the Beaufort Historic District and explore the antebellum homes, plantations, and secluded islands of South Carolina's Low Country at our charming hotel on the Beaufort River. Walk to quaint shops, art galleries, bookstores, and a variety of cafés, bistros, coffee shops, and eateries. Dine overlooking the water in our Room by the Bay or take your coffee to our patio and watch boats drift along the marina. Southern hospitality is everywhere, from the fresh flowers in our lobby to our secluded outdoor pool. Wake up to a hot breakfast of biscuits and gravy, banana or pumpkin breads, bagels or scrambled eggs. You'll also enjoy a perfect home base for exploring Hilton Head, Charleston and Savannah, which are less than an hour's drive away.

Best Western Sea Island Inn

Located just 15 minutes’ drive from the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, this pet-friendly hotel features free WiFi access. Guests can start their day with a complimentary breakfast and then take a dip in the pool. Rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels. A refrigerator and coffee maker are provided as well. Select rooms have a microwave. A fitness center and laundry facilities are available for guest use. Working away from the office is made easier with access to fax and photocopy facilities. Guests can also enjoy free coffee and daily newspapers in the lobby. Guests can enjoy specialty beverages at the on-site Starbucks. Hunting Island State Park is 17 mi from this hotel, and Parris Island is 9.9 mi away. Guests will be 16 minutes’ drive from the Penn Center, and 1.4 mi from the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

Quality Inn At Town Center

This hotel is 3 minutes from downtown Beaufort, South Carolina and the Beaufort Town Shopping Center. It features an on-site restaurant, bar and spacious rooms with a 32-inch LCD TV. Free Wi-Fi and an iPod docking station are standard in every room at the Hilton Garden Inn Beaufort. Decorated with white linens and carpeted floors, all rooms include a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. Breakfast and dinner is offered daily at the Great American Grill or enjoy a drink in the evening at the Pavilion Lounge. Snacks and beverages can be purchased 24/7 at the Pavilion Pantry snack shop. Free access to the gym and seasonal outdoor pool is provided to all guests of the Beaufort Hilton Garden Inn. A business center and free parking are also available. Waterfront Park and Kazoobie Kazoo Museum are both 6 minutes from the hotel. Secession Golf Club is 5.5 miles away.

Hilton Garden Inn Beaufort

Travel

Welcome to the Lowcountry!

Find Your Inner Coastal. Tucked into winding, historic streets framed by natural foliage and centuries-old, moss-draped live oak trees, Beaufort is more than a hidden Lowcountry gem—it's a transformative destination that has charmed visitors since 1512. Breathe in the salt air. Breathe out, transformed.

Below are our recommendations on food and activities in Beaufort, but it's certainly not a comprehensive list! Beaufort's website is easy to navigate, and we encourage you to check it out as you plan your visit to the Lowcountry. <a href="https://www.beaufortsc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Plan Your Visit to Beaufort and Port Royal, South Carolina | Visit Beaufort</a>

Food Recommendations

Breakfast: <a href="https://blackstonescafe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Blackstone's Café</a> (205 Scott St, Beaufort, SC 29902) | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041410907904#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rain -N- Bagels</a> (221 Scott St, Beaufort, SC 29902) | <a href="https://www.lowcountryproduce.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lowcountry Produce Market &amp; Café </a>(302 Carteret St, Beaufort, SC 29902) | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/red.roostercafe.3/?_rdr" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Red Rooster Café</a> (2045 Boundary St, Beaufort, SC 29902) | <a href="https://www.urbanbrewandco.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Urban Brew + Co.</a> (2139 Boundary St, Beaufort, SC 29902)

Lunch: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PortRoyalRibautRD/?_rdr" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aalvin Ord's</a> (1415 Ribaut Road, Port Royal, S. C. 29935) - Walter's all-time favorite lunch spot. Walter recommends ordering a medium of The Salvation, The North of Cuba, or Roast Beef all the way on French. Closed on Sunday! | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShrimpShackSC/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shrimp Shack</a> (1929 Sea Island Pkwy, Saint Helena Island, SC 29920) If you're heading out to Hunting Island, you have to stop in for a shrimp burger at this family-owned seafood spot on St. Helena Island. | Any of the breakfast recommendations above serve a great lunch |

Fishcamp on 11th Street is a vibrant, nautical-themed seafood destination in Port Royal offering a relaxed waterfront experience. Set directly on the historic shrimp docks, it provides a laid-back and authentic coastal atmosphere where guests can enjoy sweeping views of the water, passing shrimp boats, and frequent dolphin sightings.

Fishcamp on 11th Street

Located in historic downtown Beaufort, Hearth is a vibrant restaurant where you can enjoy inventive, eclectic wood-fired pizza served along with hearty Italian dishes, craft cocktails, beer &amp; wine in a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Hearth Wood Fired Pizza

Roadhouse Ribs is a family-owned barbecue destination in Port Royal that blends the diverse BBQ traditions of Carolina, Texas, Memphis, and Kansas City styles. Tucked away under oak trees in Port Royal, this spot is known for its "lowcountry-meets-upscale" atmosphere, featuring classy decor, a stylish full-service bar, and wall-sized wine racks.

Roadhouse Ribs

Activities To-Do

⚓ Quick Guide to Beaufort, SC1. Historic &amp; Cultural Sites<a href="https://seaislandcarriagecompany.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Carriage Tours:</a> Take a horse-drawn tour through to see antebellum mansions, historic churches, and movie filming sites.<a href="https://www.penncenter.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Penn Center:</a> Explore Gullah-Geechee history on St. Helena Island. 2. Outdoor Adventure<a href="https://southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hunting Island State Park:</a> Most popular state park in South Carolina. Explore this beautiful sea island's beach and forest. 3. Relaxation &amp; Local VibeDowntown Beaufort: Explore Waterfront Park and meander Bay Street to shop boutiques, art galleries, and other local shops.The Sands in Port Royal: Hunt for shark teeth on the beach and walk the boardwalk.

Things to Do

Registry

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

                         Ceremony and Reception-  Formal

Pops of color are welcome, and tux is not required. Gowns should be tea, ankle, or floor length. Suits should be dark colored with a tie. Tuxedo is not required.

Welcome Party- Lowcountry Garden Party

The welcome party will be "Lowcountry Garden Party". This should feel casual yet polished. Think breezy dresses or casual skirts, flowy pants, khakis, linen, button downs or polos, light layers, comfortable shoes, and optional fun colors or accessories. Fun jewelry, bags, scarves, and hats are welcome, but no need to dress up unless you’d like to.

The following article provides some ideas and visuals, but please note we are not encouraging guests to purchase any of these items- <a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/garden-party-attire" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.vogue.com/article/garden-party-attire</a>

Abby & Walter

Abby & Walter

Dress Code

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION- FORMAL

Ideas & Advice

Welcome Party- Lowcountry Garden Party