Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

D.C. is a very romantic city, surrounded by politics and American history, two things, Sam and AnnaMaria both enjoy. Which is why in 2013, Sam moved to D.C. to pursue a career in politics at the Leadership Institute. That same year, AnnaMaria participated in the Field Rep training at Leadership Institute where she secured a job as the South Carolina Field Rep. Quickly exceeding all expectations, in March 2014, AnnaMaria was offered a job at the Leadership Institute headquarters, where Sam also worked in a different department. Upon her arrival in April 2014, AnnaMaria quickly became inseparable with her best friend Megan. Megan happened to Intern under Sam. Due to them sharing a cube, Sam began to see a lot of AnnaMaria. One day, Sam got the nerve to add AnnaMaria on Snapchat because she boasted about how funny her Snaps were. Sam's mission was to prove her wrong. The two had began to flirt in a very elementary way, they kept telling each other they hated the other and were very mean, in a playful way. AnnaMaria tricked Sam to help her put together a dresser. Little did Sam know, that meant a trip to Ikea with Megan and AnnaMaria, which then led to an impromptu trip to Arlington Cemetery. They spent that day walking around the cemetery and then went back to AnnaMaria's house where Sam and Megan tried to work together on the Ikea dresser. AnnaMaria made a steak dinner with lot's of wine. That night, Megan left before Sam did and Sam got the nerve to ask AnnaMaria to date at the Lightening vs Capitals game. AnnaMaria quickly said yes, and after Sam left, she quickly called Megan to figure out what to wear. The trip to the game was eventful. You see, Sam got to see AnnaMaria's first panic attack as the metro was packed to the brim with people and these two children kept bumping their heads into her butt. Sam held her close and it was the first time the two hugged. The tickets Sam bought for the game were all the way at the top of the arena where they couldn't even see the game. AnnaMaria charmed Sam with jokes and the two went to dinner at O'Sullivans after.The following month, AnnaMaria chased Sam. They went on an official first date after hanging out almost every day to see the movie Brick Mansions. That night Sam kissed AnnaMaria on the cheek and they said good night. Sam was a gentleman the whole time! As they did not kiss until a week after Brick Mansions. In June, a whole group of friends went tubing down the Shenandoah river. Sam even started a sing along on the bus to Sweet Caroline, which won AnnaMaria's heart and made her fall into love with him a little more. That day, Sam almost said he loved her, but instead asked her to be his girl friend on the bus. "You know, I have had this conversation many times on a bus, but with no one as pretty as you. Will you be my girlfriend?" He was a little drunk, okay, really drunk. So AnnaMaria just kissed him. The next morning, Sam asked for her answer and she said "yes, I did kiss you."The next big event happened at the Miranda Lambert concert in August 2014. AnnaMaria was dancing and screaming all of Miranda's lyrics at the top of her lungs when Sam turned her around and said "I love you," also whilst drunk. AnnaMaria was elated and said it back. She then quickly told Megan who was right next to them. Two weeks later, AnnaMaria took Sam to meet her family in North Carolina and to Sam's first East Carolina University game at University of South Carolina where he got to meet the Huff's! He quickly charmed them and they had a blast! The middle of the story is pretty standard, a lot of dates, a lot of sports, two job changes, OH and Sam decides to move to Texas in May of 2015. Two weeks after Harris Media offered Sam the job, the two took the hardest road trip. They drove for a week down to Texas with most of Sam's stuff packed into the Challenger. The trip was hard but the two knew that the long distance wouldn't last forever and so they pushed forward. The two saw each other every month and made it work through some of the hardest times of missing one another. In February 2016, AnnaMaria and Sam took a trip to Minnesota to visit Sam's family and go to the Stadium Series game, which the Wild won! It was on that trip that AnnaMaria decided that she could not handle the long distance any more and decided when she got back to D.C. would tell her family that she was quitting her job and moving to Texas. After many discussions, her parents supported the move and 3 days after her birthday, AnnaMaria turned in her two weeks at Our Military Kids. On March 18, 2016, Sam and AnnaMaria took to the roads one more time to move AnnaMaria to Texas. This trip only took two days! The two moved into a cute house and started the Texas journey. After three months of job searching, AnnaMaria finally landed an awesome job with HireBetter, thanks to Sam's Roadkill teammate! Then on AnnaMaria's first day of work, the two picked up their new puppy from the shelter, Miss Quinn. The summer flew by with more trips to see family and adventures, however, the best adventure happened on September 4, 2016. Sam, finally, asked AnnaMaria to be his wife at Torre Di Petra winery in Fredericksburg, Texas. Instead of AnnaMaria saying yes, she said "Thank you" and burst into tears. Now the journey begins with wedding planning and starting their future as a family!

Our Story

Best Food in Town

Poe's Tavern

2210 MIDDLE ST, SULLIVAN'S ISLAND, SC 29482(843) 883-0083 | <a href="mailto:info@poestavern.com">INFO@POESTAVERN.COM</a><a href="http://poestavern.com/sullivans-island/">http://poestavern.com/sullivans-island/</a> AnnaMaria's favorite place to grab a burger and celebrate her favorite author. Edgar Allen Poe has had a huge impact on her life and writing style since she was a young girl. Poe's Tavern allows her to enjoy the best burger on the island while feeling intellectual .At 18, E.A. Poe enlisted in the army and called Sullivan's Island "home" while stationed at our friendly neighbors' charming soldier fort. We've respectfully named the place in his honor, and are well-known by locals and visitors alike for our atmosphere, burgers and bartop concoctions. It's the right place to be whether you're on the clock or on your vacation.

Husk

<a href="http://huskrestaurant.com/home/">http://huskrestaurant.com/home/</a><a href="http://huskrestaurant.com/home/"></a>76 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401 Sam, Gretchen and I dinned at Husk on our last trip to Charleston. Centrally located in historic downtown Charleston, Husk, from James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Brock of McCrady's and the Neighborhood Dining Group, transforms the essence of Southern food. Led by Brock and Executive Chef Travis Grimes, a Lowcountry native, the kitchen reinterprets the bounty of the surrounding area, exploring an ingredient-driven cuisine that begins in the rediscovery of heirloom products and redefines what it means to cook and eat in Charleston.

Your Trip to Charleston

Lee and I met in 6th grade at Scott Highlands Middle School. Through  sports, jobs, or road trips to Florida, one thing has been consistent, it's never been boring. Lee is always someone you can count on to have your back, and so, I am honored to have him next to me on the biggest day of my life. You can find Lee calling out the moves to the Cupid Shuffle on the dance floor.

Lee Pickup

Lindsay and I have known each other for five years! Our relationship started off with her as my supervisor when I interned for the Jesse Helms Center. Little did I know we would become unstoppable and unbreakable together. She a huge part of who I am today. Lindsay has always been one of the few people I turn to for advice on almost everything.You will find Lindsay chasing around her son on the dance floor at the wedding. 

Lindsay Hollandsworth

James and I met playing neighborhood games in elementary school. Since then it was a steady diet or pond hockey and video games. James was always up for an adventure rollerblading around Lino Lakes, or in Mankato for college. You can find James  making s'mores on the patio.

James Narog

Megan is a fireball and one of the sassiest people I know. I met Megan while I worked at the Leadership Institute and I recruited her at a Mexican Restaurant right off the UNCG campus. From the moment I met her, I knew she would be destined for amazing things, I didn't realize that we were destined to be best friends! Later, I had the pleasure of being her supervisor and getting to explore California with her. We went on to take for granted living together and exploring DC together. The hardest part of leaving DC was leaving behind my best friend. Luckily, she will honor Sam and I by standing next to us in November! You will find Megan on the dance floor at the wedding!

Megan Wilburn

Tim and I met in 2012 working on the Kurt Bills for US Senate campaign. Since then, Tim has followed me to DC and then Austin, TX working adjacently together the whole time. Tim is someone I've had the privilege of  traveling the country with and working on creating political change. You can definitely find Tim with his booming voice demanding the end of the Fed or watching Arnold videos.

Tim Bertram

College is a bit of a blur, but one thing that has never been blurry is the relationship that Camille and I share. I was lucky enough to be assigned Camille as my Big in Alpha Kappa Psi. We did not meet until the day before I found out she was my big. From that moment, we became inseparable. Wether it was going to Carolina Ale House on Sundays to watch football, or our Thursday night TV tradition, we were always together. Now, since we live so far, we still share our adventures, we both go to Pure Barre, we share our experiences via photos and snap chat, and we make it a point to see each other regularly. You will find Camille in the photo booth at the wedding! 

Camille Hefner

Gretchen is more like a big sister than a friend. I have never bonded so easily with someone than I did with Gretchen. She has helped me through tough times and has been a huge part of my family for six years now. She is a rockstar at everything she does! When Gretchen first met Sam, she completely interrogated him about his intentions and gave her stamp of approval. You will find Gretchen at the bar, probably watching the Gamecocks play Clemson. 

Gretchen Huff

Bryce and I met freshman year of college. We lived together for the next 3 and a half years during which Bryce was always there when I needed someone to lean on or found out about a new drinking game we had to try. You can find Bryce flying around by the wedding, talking about driving airplanes.

Bryce LaTour

Jorja is my (AnnaMaria) uncle. He has helped me in times of need and has always been there for me. I could not imagine a summer without shenanigans on the lake or four wheelers. He endlessly threatens Sam but shows nothing but love and support for Sam and I. I would not want to start our life without my uncle Jorja. 

Richard Gallozzi

Gianna is the best Junior Bridesmaid! She is intelligent, talented, and very passionate. She loves to go on adventures and have a beautiful singing voice. I cannot wait to have this sweet girl stand next to me on our wedding day! 

Gianna

Brian has been like a brother to me since I was little. He has watched over me and supported me through many different stages, like quitting my job and moving to Austin to be with Sam. Brian is one of the most intelligent and compassionate people you will ever meet. He is mom's number 1 son! lol You will find him on the dance floor with his beautiful family! 

Brian Austin

Issy is the sweetest little girl in the world who loves to play dress up and ride four wheelers. She is shy, yet loving and very intelligent! She is going to be the most gorgeous flower girl in the world. 

Isabella

John, better known as ToeJam, is a huge part of our family. He started as my uncles friend and ended up being a staple at any family gathering. He likes to embarrass himself by threatening my guy friends and Sam, but he means well. lol He is a giant teddy bear who goes out of his way to show love to Sam and Myself. We are happy he accepted the position of Usher at our wedding. 

John Flick

Wedding Party

Photos

Q + A

Registry

The block code is: NBD and the toll free number to call to make reservations 7 days a week from 8am – 11pm is 888-724- 9647. The special rate for your guests is $129 for standard rooms and $139 for waterview rooms. Rooms are available with either one king bed and sofa sleeper, or two queen beds. This special rate will be available until 30 days prior to arrival. Please encourage your guests to make reservations prior to October 23, at which date, all unused rooms in the block will be released back into our hotel inventory.

Courtyard Charleston Waterfront

Set on the picturesque Ashley Marina, by the banks of the Ashley River, the stylish Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown hotel is in the heart of downtown Charleston, SC. Enjoy easy access to Charleston's Historic District, The Medical University of South Carolina, The Citadel, College of Charleston, South Carolina Aquarium, as well as Historic Plantations, shops, restaurants, and beaches. A complimentary shuttle service runs to and from the hotel to Charleston's Historic District, just 1.5 miles away.

Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown

Travel

Fort Sumter is where the Civil War began. Go and learn about this historic site while taking an amazing cruise through the ocean on a chartered boat. You may even see a dolphin or two on your way to Ft. Sumter. Once there, walk around the island and see the remains of the Civil War. One of my favorite places to visit!

Charleston, SC, United States

Now owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution, the historic market place was once the leading trade slave market in the south. Be sure to stop the basket weaving still done by the Gullahs. Take a little piece of history with you from the market, and learn about the past.

Historic Charleston City Market

From the mountain to the sea, take a captivating aquatic journey and discover 60 unique habitats including a 385,000 gallon Great Ocean Tank.
Home to more than 10,000 plants and animals, the South Carolina Aquarium features a state-of-the-art learning center that encompasses the mountain forest, coastal plain and ocean. Find amazing aquatic animals like river otters and loggerhead turtles. Don’t miss the rare albino American alligator which is only one of 50 in the world.
Roll up your sleeves and reach into the Touch Tank. The aquarium staff is always there to guide and answer questions while you explore reef creatures like the hermit crabs and sea urchins. Divers interact with visitors during daily dive shows from the Great Ocean Tank. Stroll through the Mountain Forest exhibit keeping an eye for birds flying overhead.

South Carolina Aquarium

Dare to venture out onto Charleston's haunted streets to walk with ghosts and hear tales of past lifetimes and unfinished business. Visit a cemetery and keep your eyes peeled for anything unusual as your local guide provides gripping narration of the city's terrifying folk tales and paranormal sightings.
Put on a comfortable pair of walking shoes and listen to uncomfortable tales of Charleston's many spirits. Take a walk through the perpetually overgrown cemetery at the Unitarian Church, and watch for the casual poltergeist as you navigate a labyrinth of headstones. Your guide recounts the life of Sue Howard, a mother who grieved so intensely for her dead infant that her spirit has made an imprint on the physical realm that has lasted for more than a century.
This storied tour has been making the rounds for more than 20 years, and is chock-full of historic tales about real people and the chilling legends they left behind. Hear stories of people being burned alive, and learn about Issac Hayne, who was found guilty of treason and marched through the streets of Charleston to be hanged at the gallows at White Point. Even make a visit to Bloody Alley, known for sightings of the &quot;man in grey,&quot; who some claim to be the Grim Reaper.

Legends of Charleston's Ghosts Tour

Things to Do

Magnolia Plantation

November 25, 2017

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens. So join us here at Magnolia Plantation to experience the beauty of its gardens and its rich history today. The week of the wedding, all wedding guests receive free entry into the plantation. Please take advantage of this historic venue.

The Carriage House

The Carriage House (c.1840) overlooking the Ashley River is completely surrounded by ancient Live Oaks with beautifully draped Spanish Moss. Today, the updated building brilliantly dances the fine line between timeless charm and modern amenities.At night, burning torches line the bank of the river while the patio fireplace sets a festive mood. Inside, the wagon wheel chandeliers hanging from exposed beams set the ambiance with a gentle glow.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens 3550 Ashley River Road | Charleston, SC 29414

AnnaMaria & Samuel

AnnaMaria & Samuel

The Venue

Magnolia Plantation

November 25, 2017

The Carriage House