Charleston Yacht Club

Rehearsal Dinner

Middleton Place

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

South Carolina Society Hall

Farewell Brunch with the Newlyweds

Our Wedding

Dana and Whit met the old fashioned way &mdash; on an app. They connected in February 2017 and a long texting courtship ensued. Not surprisingly, they have a unique flair for words! 

Because of conflicting travel schedules, the two wouldn’t actually have their first date until March at Hudson Clearwater restaurant in the West Village. Whit showed up late, which Dana wasn’t impressed with, however, he was able to bring her around to his side with his classic Southern charm. It worked. That night, they were the last two people at the restaurant sharing stories, life’s experiences and hearty laughs.



By their third date, they had an inkling they were meant to be. That evening started at the Whitney Museum’s Biennial opening. After convincing a security guard to allow them to enter, the partners in crime ended up&nbsp;crashing a 40th birthday party at a nearby restaurant, Santina, in the Meatpacking District. 





Whit and Dana love to travel. In their short time together, they've already visited Japan, Israel, Canada, Italy and Switzerland together! They’re looking forward to sharing life’s big adventures together; experiencing other cultures and cuisines together is one of their biggest thrills!

How We Met

The time had come to take the relationship to the next level. 



After experiencing the sales tactics of the Diamond District, Whit instead chose to work with his mom and their family jeweler to find the perfect ring for Dana. &nbsp;



After a brief scare with a few ring samples, Whit was excited to put the ring on her finger. But how to do it?



Getting engaged to anyone is stressful as you want to have the right level of surprise and preparation. This is made all the more complicated when that person is one of the world’s top journalists with a “good nose” for when things are amiss. 



He crafted a plan to propose while in the row boats at Central Park. It was something that the couple had on their New York bucket list, but hadn’t been able to do yet. He contacted some of the couple’s closest friends and even arranged a photographer to hide and capture the moment. 



However, nature wasn’t in their favor. On the day of the engagement, the row boats were closed at the last minute. Whit crafted a new plan and got down on one knee while on the Bow Bridge in the middle of the park. 



The plan worked. Not only was she legitimately surprised, but she also said YES!

The Engagement

Wedding Weekend Itinerary

Events Throughout the Weekend!

Our Story

Details

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

Shuttles will be leaving at 3:40pm on Saturday, April 20th from the Francis Marion Hotel to our wedding venue.&nbsp;Please arrive on time, as the venue is about a 40-minute drive.&nbsp;

Francis Marion Hotel

Airbnbs in downtown Charleston can be a great option for you. With all accommodations (hotels, too) be sure to have downtown Charleston as your home base.&nbsp;

Airbnb has some great homes for larger groups & families, as well as couples.&nbsp;















 Here are some fun ones we found in great parts of Charleston available on our wedding weekend:

6 bedrooms/16 guests: <a href="https://bit.ly/2m3te2v">https://bit.ly/2m3te2v</a>

 



5&nbsp;bedrooms/12 guests: <a href="https://bit.ly/2JcnfBs">https://bit.ly/2JcnfBs</a>

 



5 bedrooms/13 guests:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2u647Aq">https://bit.ly/2u647Aq</a>

 



4 bedrooms/10 guests: <a href="https://bit.ly/2KRpY8z">https://bit.ly/2KRpY8z</a>

 



4 bedrooms/8 guests: <a href="https://bit.ly/2ukLd8a">https://bit.ly/2ukLd8a</a>

 



3 bedrooms/7 guests: <a href="https://bit.ly/2KLbpDY">https://bit.ly/2KLbpDY</a>

 



3 bedrooms/6 guests: <a href="https://bit.ly/2L20Fxb">https://bit.ly/2L20Fxb</a>

 



2 bedrooms/4 guests: <a href="https://bit.ly/2u76UcO">https://bit.ly/2u76UcO</a>

 



2 bedroom historic home: <a href="https://bit.ly/2L6pckA">https://bit.ly/2L6pckA</a>

 



2 bedroom/6 guests: <a href="https://bit.ly/2MZYM4I">https://bit.ly/2MZYM4I</a>

 



2 bedroom/4 guests historic carriage house: <a href="https://bit.ly/2N0mait">https://bit.ly/2N0mait</a>

 



2 bedrooms/6 guests: <a href="https://bit.ly/2KG9xfM">https://bit.ly/2KG9xfM</a>

 



2 bedrooms/6 guests: <a href="https://bit.ly/2L1sCW0">https://bit.ly/2L1sCW0</a>

 



2 bedrooms/8 guests: <a href="https://bit.ly/2L44oum">https://bit.ly/2L44oum</a>

 



2 bedrooms/5 guests:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2L3cAL6">https://bit.ly/2L3cAL6</a>

 



1 bedroom townhouse: <a href="https://bit.ly/2KScQA1">https://bit.ly/2KScQA1</a>

 



1 bedroom/4 guests: <a href="https://bit.ly/2KVABHs">https://bit.ly/2KVABHs</a>

 



1 bedroom carriage house: <a href="https://bit.ly/2KLlTDB">https://bit.ly/2KLlTDB</a>

 



 





<a href="https://bit.ly/2ud9JZZ"></a>

Airbnb 

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn at a special rate of $214/night. Please say that you are part of the Walker/Mattioli block when booking.&nbsp;

Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown

We have a hotel block at The Francis Marion Hotel on King Street in historic Charleston for $279/night. Please mention the Mattioli/Walker wedding when booking.&nbsp;

We have arranged a block of rooms at The Hampton Inn for $319/night. Please mention that you are booking for Dana and Whit's wedding in order to get the discount.

The Hampton Inn 

If you are looking for a 5-star stay, we have arranged for a hotel block at the Belmond for $555/night. Use Dana and Whit for the discount.&nbsp; Please use this link to book: <a href="https://www.belmond.com/reservations/hotel-loading?productId=CPH&promocode=190419WALK" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.belmond.com/reservations/hotel-loading?productId%3DCPH%26promocode%3D190419WALK&source=gmail&ust=1531841601646000&usg=AFQjCNHV0UPyJ-lmy4yYIy4xMU2KGsaZSw">https://www.belmond.com/reservations/hotel-loading?productId=CPH&promocode=190419WALK</a>

The Belmond Charleston Place

A block of rooms has been reserved for April 19, 2019 - April 21, 2019. The special room rate will be available until March 5th. To book, please use this link:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2NHmROc">https://bit.ly/2NHmROc</a>

Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic District

With a stay at The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Charleston, steps from Gibbes Museum of Art and Circular Congregational Church.  This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Charleston County Courthouse and St. Michael's Episcopal Church.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 216 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.Amenities Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and babysitting/childcare (surcharge).Dining Enjoy a meal at a restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). Relax with a refreshing drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges.Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Charleston? This hotel has 3600 square feet (334 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and meeting rooms. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.

The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel

Travel

This stretch of pastel-colored historic homes is a beautiful spot for a photo. We suggest renting bikes to see lots of the city, as it is easily bikeable.&nbsp;

Rainbow Row

This historic park is on the water in Charleston and is where the iconic Pineapple Fountain is located. It's a quick bike ride or walk from Rainbow Row, and there are tons of historic mansions lining the street next to it.

Waterfront Park

This historic market in the center of old town has vendors selling crafts, popular Charleston treats and other items. It is one of the nation's oldest public markets.

Historic Charleston City Market

This historic plantation is located on acres of land just 25 minutes from downtown Charleston. Once an active plantation, it still has slave quarters and a plantation house that you can explore. It is also the location for the filming of a lot of "The Notebook" movie.&nbsp;

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

This beautiful park is covered in giant oak trees and Spanish moss and is Charleston's answer to Central Park. It's a great place to ride your bike through after seeing Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park.

Hampton Park, Charleston, SC, USA

One of the best ways to see most of Charleston's historic and popular sights is by bike. You can easily see most of them in one day. They have a version of City Bike called Holy Spokes, or your can rent from Affordabike.Here's the route we did while there: Bike from City Market to Rainbow Row to Waterfront Park to a loop around Colonial Lake ending in Hampton Park. We also took our bikes across the Ravenel Bridge which had amazing views, but is a steep ride.

Affordabike Bicycle Shop

For those looking to extend the weekend and make it to the beach, Kiawah Island is just a 50-minute drive from downtown Charleston. It has a beautiful beach and great golfing.

Kiawah Island, SC, USA

For those looking to see Charleston from a different vantage point, Schooner Pride offers sailboat charters daily. You can book private rides or be part of an existing group.

Schooner Pride

Located just 25 minutes South of Charleston, Folly Beach&nbsp;is a barrier island on the front lines of the Atlantic, with nothing but ocean stretching before it. Despite its popularity, the place has managed to retain its small-town character.&nbsp;

Folly Beach, SC, USA

In Charleston near the harbor is Sullivan's Island, which was once home to Edgar Allen Poe when he was stationed there for military service.&nbsp;

Sullivan's island beach

This promenade is on the water and the street is lined with historic mansions dating back to the antebellum. This stretch is right near the Waterfront Park and makes for a beautiful stroll or bike ride.&nbsp;

The Battery

This charming stretch of downtown Charleston is lined with great restaurants, bars, shops and beautiful homes. It's where a lot of the commerce and nightlife is. Read on for some of our favorite restaurants and bars in Charleston, many of which are on Upper King Street and its surrounding streets.

Upper King Street 

Great spot for dinner or just oysters and cocktails at their bar. Make a reservation if you plan on having a meal here.

The Darling Oyster Bar

Husk is regularly voted the best restaurant in Charleston. Reservations are a must. This restaurant is known for its Southern food.&nbsp;

Husk

Fig is one of Charleston’s biggest success stories. Owned by Mike Lata, the kitchen is run by James Beard winner Jason Stanhope, who brings his South American background and French technique to Southern cuisine, creating dishes like fish stew provencal, made with locally caught white shrimp, squid, mussels, and Carolina gold rice.

If you're looking for classic Southern fare in an authentic environment, the line outside Hominy is worth the wait. This restaurant is known for their grits, okra and fried catfish.&nbsp;

Hominy Grill

This great bar near Upper King has amazing cocktails and a vintage vibe.

The Gin Joint

Great craft cocktails and small bites, like meat and cheese boards. They also have the best homemade poptarts. Sit at the bar.&nbsp;

The Belmont

Charleston is known for its horse & carriage rides, which are a great way to get a primer of the city's rich history. There are four competing carriage companies to choose from, all right across from City Market. Tours last roughly 90 minutes and we suggest booking them in advance as they do book up!

Dana & Whitman

Dana & Whitman

Photos