Saint Patrick Catholic Church

Wedding Day

Wedding

Governor Thomas Bennett House

Reception

Our Wedding

Him: A great while ago, when the world was full of wonder, when the world was young, and the humans and the animal people could speak to each other, when I was just fifteen years of age… there was a fair maiden that entered into my world. She was a young scholar such as myself, gallivanting through the realm of Pensacola Catholic High School. She had a glowing aura, like a queen walking among mere peasants. Queen Elizabeth moved to our small fishing village-town of Pensacola from a vast, wondrous metropolis called Jacksonville. Robert, one of my closest friends and my best man, introduced me to her when we all gathered to a see a play at the local theatre and even gave her his seat next to me. I was petrified and euphoric because I had never actually talked to someone so breathtakingly gorgeous. It was not long after that I invited Elizabeth to my castle to meet my family. We made an instant connection when we quickly found out about each others affection for food and the culinary artistry of the Waffle House. This was just one of the many fine dining experiences I have had the pleasure of experiencing with Elizabeth. Of course I will never forget our very first date where we indulged in the most authentic of Italian cuisines and the best bread sticks in all the land, at the Olive Garden. And I'll always remember the Valentine's Day I forgot to make reservations leading us to the greatest cheddar-bay biscuits anyone has ever tasted, at the Red Lobster. I could write a novel about our relationship but I'll leave you with just a snippet. Building a relationship over the last ten years has not been a walk in the park, it takes a lot of effort, trust and communication. Finding someone who is supportive, faithful and understanding are in my opinion the most important aspects in building a lasting relationship. We don't have everything in common of course but what we do have in common we share it together, and make memories that will last a lifetime. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Her: I can remember spotting Felix in the hallway of Catholic High during sophomore orientation. I was the new girl who was nervous of how I was going to integrate into this close knit community. However, after seeing this cute boy those feelings quickly changed to excitement. From then on I always had my eye out on Fe. He never really noticed me. I tried my hardest to talk to him every now and often found myself trying to hang around his friends. He didn't seem interested and I never got the feeling that I stood out to him in any special way. As the first couple months passed our interactions became more frequent. My friend Allison and I use to "race" Felix and Robert home after school. (I know not very safe). These little "speed dates" eventually lead to group hangouts which then lead to some one on one time with Felix. It only took two weeks for us to go from acquaintances to being in a relationship. I can remember it clearly. One evening after watching a basketball game Felix walked me out to my car and that's when I went in for our first kiss (although Felix will swear he made the first move) From then on we enjoyed life as boyfriend and girlfriend. High school consisted of many soccer games, couch hangouts, immature fights, late night texting, my mother calling to yell at me to say goodbye to Fe &amp; get inside because it was a school night, and so much fun. This all lead to our favorite years at Florida State University. We both made new friends, enjoyed football, traveled, and may have lost a few brain cells down in Key West. It was sad to leave FSU but moving to Boston meant a new start and a new home for us. The city introduced us to harsh winters, beautiful falls, lots of fresh lobster, and time with family. We have loved every minute up here together, except for the winter of 15' which we are still defrosting from. Then on October 10, 2015 everything changed.... The Proposal: Saturday October 10th, two days before my 25th birthday, Felix slipped out of our Boston apartment around 7 a.m. while whispering into my sleepy ears "I am going to the gym". I remember it being odd and out of character for him but getting back to sleep was more important at the time. Around 8:30 I heard a knock on our door. Assuming it was Felix I didn't get up because I knew he had his own keys. However, another knock soon followed. I was surprised to open up the door to my best friend Kristi, as she had convinced me she would be at school all day for a in-service event. She asked "Hi have you noticed anything?" I was instantly confused and wondered if we had made plans to grab breakfast before her in-service. I kept replying "no" and she would ask again. She then prompted me to take a look around my apartment. That's when I found clue # 1 "For your 25th birthday I'd like to send you on a little quest, to find your first task head to the Blackbird Donut's nest!". I was shocked at the kind gesture and work Felix had put into celebrating my birthday. As I quickly got ready I jokingly shared with Kristi, "what if he proposed today?" and we laughed it off. We made our way to spot #1 Blackbird Doughnuts (my favorite doughnut spot in Boston). After arriving I was pleasantly surprised by a few more friends waiting to join me on my day of adventure. I scarfed down my favorite blueberry cake doughnut and followed the instructions on clue #1 by paying it forward and purchasing the guys order behind me (side note he didn't continue this act of kindness as I hoped he would, oh well). We then made our way to the Boston Commons and Public Garden. While strolling through the city's natural beauty we took a few snapshots. Next step on clue #1 was to stop at the bar Cheers and chug a beer. Unfortunately it, along with almost every restaurant/bar in Boston, was closed until a few hours later (Boston's weird drinking laws – ugh). We stopped into Party City to try on weird costumes, take pictures, and act like 5-year-olds to burn some time. Next we stumbled into a bar and treated ourselves to a "local" Sam Adams. At the bottom of my beer came clue #2, "Go the place where the holidays are crazy, get a makeover downtown at Macys!" Felix had set up a make-up appointment along with a gift card to purchase goodies of my liking. I had never had my makeup done professionally before so I sure did feel like a lady. In this busy hot spot of Boston the clue also included I stop into a new store and buy an outfit for the night's event, dress up as a dude and ask a stranger if I still looked beautiful (Felix's personality and my awkwardness all combined), &amp; grab an ice cream treat. After a few hours of being as girly as can be it was time for clue #3, "Go to the place with the little swimming tuxedos, Brucey's, sea turtles, and Finding Nemos!" Alas tourism and adventure had begun. Felix had left tickets for my friends and I at the Boston Aquarium will call to enjoy the creatures under the sea. As I look back this spot has a special meaning for us and my brother and sister-in-law, as part of their wedding took place inside this exact aquarium by the penguins! I was prompted by the card to completed several tasks in the aquarium and then slowly make my way to the famous Fanueil Hall for a quick snack, street entertainment, and thrifting. After scarfing down a slice of pizza I received clue #4 "Give your hands and feet a break from the day and send them to Paradise! What do you say?" Again Felix had set up an appointment and prepaid for a pedicure and manicure as a relaxing break from waltzing all over the city. My friends saw I was getting anxious and were wonderful at keeping me calm and entertaining me. I really can't thank them enough for being me with me on such a special day. Finally after my mani/pedi, around 4, I received my last and final clue. Clue #5 "Here we go it's almost done! Call your mom for the last one!" It was in this moment I knew, my stomach began to sink thinking this may be the day I have been dreaming about since I met him 9 years ago. Including my mom in such a special moment meant the absolute world to me and he knew it would. With a shaky voice I called my mom and asked what I was to do next. She prompted me to go home change into a nice dress and meet Felix down on the Esplanade, the river walk in Boston, at 5. I was as nervous as could be so I rushed home, only with Kristi this time, and got ready for something I had been waiting for since the day I met Felix. With my new outfit, fresh nails, and glowing makeup I made my way down to the esplanade by myself. As soon as I saw Felix I couldn't help but run into his arms and cry hysterically (warning this happens a lot over the next hour). I thanked him for the most wonderful day and for loving me like nobody else possibly could, but it wasn't over. He ushered me over to a gondola in the river and told me we were going for a ride. During this sunset ride I was given roses, a basket of cheeses and crackers, champagne, and our own private accordion player to accompany us through it all. It truly was as magical as it sounds. 45 minutes into the ride I was suspicious. It was then our gondola driver (I'm not sure what the professional term for that is) mentioned to us that something was in the water in front of us. He pulled up to the side of it and Felix grabbed it out of the water. It was a glass bottle with a message in it (cliché? More like a fairytale). He handed it to me and as I unwrapped it I noticed there was long written message. I quickly knew what was happening and before I could read it I looked up to see Felix down on one knee (which was pretty impressive considering we were on a small gondola). I immediately wept into my hands and all I could get out was yes, yes, yes! I barely could read the entire note, besides the last line "will you marry me?" and didn't even look at the ring. The excitement and genuine happiness only brought out tears in us both along with a million hugs and kisses. It was a moment I would never forget with my best friend in the world and my now soon to be husband. To top it all off as soon as we docked I looked up to find my parents walking towards us. Felix had them fly up to surprise me and celebrate with us! The night finished with dinner at special restaurant and calls to family and friends. The whole day had such meaning to us both. The cards and clues captured Felix's youth, adventure, and fun personality while keeping in mind all the places, things, and people that make me happy. He brought me to a special place for our family, the aquarium, and then brought my family to me. He truly out did himself and made me feel like the most lucky human to walk the earth.

How We Met

Our Story

Details

Photos

Kristi Katopis

Robert Harbour

Megan Marrinan

Alex Kiefer

Rachel Burke

Nick Bourgeois

Alex Speer

Hannah Smith

Elizabeth Long

Mike Price

Brian Juba

Maya Akser

Adrienne Fisher

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

Please call the hotel directly and tell them you are with the "Juba / Skievaski Wedding"

Francis Marion Hotel

You can make reservations using this personalized reservation link or through the hotel's main website, using the group code: JSW**Edit: reservations must be made by April 18th

Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic District

You can make reservations using this personalized reservation link or through the hotel's main website using the code: WJS**Edit: reservations must be made by April 18th

Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District

Please call the toll free number to make reservations. The block code is: YMCReservations must be made by April 19th

Courtyard Charleston Waterfront

Travel

Downtown The Cocktail Club (craft cocktails)The Grand Bohemian (rooftop bar) The Pavilion Bar (rooftop bar)The Belmont (craft cocktails)Stars (rooftop bar)Vendue (rooftop bar) The Griffon (pub)Mount Pleasant Red's Ice House (Shem Creek)

Where to Drink

(Dinner reservations are strongly recommended for most restaurants.)Steakhouses:<ul><li>Hall's Chophouse ($$$$) – Downtown: Beef and seafood served in an elegant environment, also known for its Sunday gospel brunch. </li><li>Grill 225 ($$$$)– Downtown: Chophouse in the Market Pavilion Hotel </li></ul>Southern:<ul><li>Circa 1886 ($$$)– Downtown: Lowcountry cuisine with seasonal and local eats.</li><li>82 Queen ($$$)– Downtown: Southern hospitality and fresh local cuisine. </li><li>Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B.) ($$$)– Downtown: Reinvented southern and lowcountry cuisine served in an airy, 18th-century warehouse.</li><li>Poogan's Porch ($$) - Downtown: Located in a grand victorian home downtown enjoy southern classics (the bride's favorite!)</li><li>Paige's Okra Grill ($$)– Mt. Pleasant: casual southern-focused home cooking.</li></ul>Seafood:<ul><li>The Darling Oyster Bar ($$) – Downtown: Creative seafood dishes at a stylish spot with a vintage appeal.</li><li>167 Raw ($$) – Downtown: Cozy and casual with diverse seafood options.</li></ul>Lunch/Brunch:<ul><li>The Rarebit ($)– Downtown: American classics with divine Moscow mules.</li><li>Rutledge Cab Co. ($)– Downtown: Trendy American comfort food with a twist.</li><li>The Shelter ($)– Mt. Pleasant: upbeat brunch with southern classics.</li><li>Hominy Grill ($)– Downtown: popular for brunch as it serves of lowcountry classics.</li></ul>International Cuisine:<ul><li>Taco Boy ($)– Downtown: Tacos with innovative fillings &amp; frozen cocktails in a funky, vibrant setting, plus outdoor seating.</li><li>O-Ku ($)- Downtown: Sushi with a trendy vibe and exotic drink list.</li></ul>Sullivan's Island:<ul><li>Home Team BBQ ($) - Downtown and Sullivan's Island: BBQ and Southern fare. </li><li>Obstinate Daughter ($S)- Sullivan's Island: trendy spot paying homage to the Revolutionary War History on Sullivan's island, serving up a variety of food made from the freshest ingredients. </li><li>Poe's ($) - Sullivan's Island: American grub restaurants devoted to Edgar Allan Poe, known for their burgers. </li></ul><li></li>

Where to Eat

<ul><li>Magnolia Plantation and Gardens</li><li>Middleton Place Plantation</li><li>Folly Beach</li><li>Sullivan's Island</li><li>Isle of Palms</li><li>Shem Creek</li><li>The Battery and White Point Gardens</li><li>Rainbow Row</li><li>Charleston Waterfront Park</li><li>Charleston City Market</li><li>Fort Sumter National Monument</li><li>Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge</li><li>Walking Tours</li><li>Charleston Farmer's Market in Marion Square</li><li>Second Sunday on King Street</li></ul>

What to Do

Things to Do

Engagment Photos

Trip down memory lane...

Elizabeth & Felix

Elizabeth & Felix

Registry