Wedding Day

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

Ceremony

Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Michael was born in Highland Park, Illinois, and grew up in Germantown, Wisconsin. Jenna was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and grew up in Middleburg, Florida. Michael is a lawyer, and Jenna is a historian. Their story began in 2019, when Jenna moved from St. Augustine to Milwaukee to begin her M.A. in European History at Marquette University. When she arrived, she got to tour the History Department's Mezzanine, which is known affectionately as "the Mezz." Originally assigned to one of the double desks next to the stairwell, the easily-distractable and talkative Jenna asked to switch to a random desk facing the back wall (desk 403N) to prevent the temptation of talking to every person walking up and down the stairs. Because she didn't know anyone, Jenna was relieved when she was told that her deskmate would be a second-year master's student named Michael, who was very nice, and studied Irish history just like her. She figured they'd be fast friends... They saw each other for the very first time during the training for teaching assistants in Marquette's AMU that August, though they didn't formally meet that afternoon. While there, Jenna texted her Mom that one of the students sitting at another table was "very cute, and not wearing a wedding ring." Little did she know that he was her deskmate, and that someday he'll be wearing a ring that she'll place on his finger! Years later, Michael would remark to Jenna that he had also noticed her from across the conference room where their training was held, and that he thought she was beautiful from the second he laid eyes on her. She jokingly challenged him on this, insisting that he was just saying that to be romantic. Michael was able to prove her wrong in his ability to remember her ice-breaker fact from that day, even though years had elapsed. He correctly recalled that Floridian Jenna had told the room that she'd never seen leaves change colors in the fall! Michael and Jenna had crushes on one another from the moment they saw each other, but this intensified when they met and discovered that they are two of a kind. Though they're birds of a feather, and everyone else in the History Department saw that, they were too nervous to admit that they liked one another. Michael was scared that if he asked Jenna out and she didn't reciprocate his feelings, that it would make her uncomfortable at work and, even worse, ruin their friendship. During this time, they loved spending time together by sitting beside one another in class, hanging out outside of work, and staying at their desk for hours even after their assignments were done. They would also hang out with their close mutual friend, Patrick Eickman (groomsman). Eventually, Pat found out from both Michael and Jenna individually that they'd developed secret romantic feelings for each other. He was able to drop hints and assurances that they should just end their suffering and admit it to one another. The rest is history—pun intended! Jenna and Michael's first date was on December 9th, 2019. Michael asked Jenna to go to dinner with him at the (apropos) County Clare Irish Inn &amp; Pub in Milwaukee, as a "post-finals celebration." This was also the place where, four years later, he would ask her to spend the rest of their lives together. Jenna commissioned an artist to paint the exterior of the County Clare as an anniversary gift for Michael, and the watercolor now hangs in their entryway. Jenna began her doctoral program in Williamsburg, Virginia in 2021. Michael followed shortly thereafter to begin law school. They now live in Fredericksburg, Virginia with their beloved kitty, Felicity. They are self-professed nerds, and enjoy hiking, cooking, and traveling together.

County Clare Irish Inn &amp; Pub by Rachel Chinn, which hangs in Michael &amp; Jenna's entryway

Our Story

Photos

Jeri Hardin

Allan Hardin

Michael H. Whittaker

Kathleen Whittaker

Rachael Green

Gabrielle Harsey

Patrick Eickman

Joseph Lancaster

Jacqueline Mooneyham

William Mooneyham

Patricia Hardin

O. J. Hardin

Wedding Party

Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront

Casablanca Inn On The Bay

Best Western Historic Bayfront

Hilton Garden Inn St. Augustine Historic District

Hampton Inn St. Augustine US1 North

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Augustine Historic District

Travel

This recommendation list is brought to you by the Bride, a former St. Augustinian! Subheadings will link to corresponding websites for more information. <a href="https://www.visitstaugustine.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">THE OLDEST CITY</a>St. Augustine is affectionately known as the "Oldest City," as it is the oldest continuously occupied city in the contiguous U.S. It was established by the Spanish in 1565, a full forty-two years before the English colonized Jamestown in Virginia. Today, it is a thriving tourist destination with countless things to do. <a href="https://www.flagler.edu/admissions-aid/visit-flagler" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FLAGLER COLLEGE</a>Flagler College is Jenna's beloved alma mater! Jenna graduated from Flagler College summa cum laude in 2019 with her Bachelor's Degree in History &amp; Religion. Taking a tour of Flagler College is an excellent activity, as the college boasts impressive architecture, and is consistently ranked amongst the most beautiful campuses in America. In 1888, Henry Flagler opened Hotel Ponce de León, designed by famous architects John Carrére and Thomas Hastings, as the premier luxury hotel for the Gilded Age's wealthiest. It was one of America's first electrified buildings and contains a spectacular collection of Tiffany glass. Today, it is the main structure of Flagler College. Flagler Legacy Tours cost $14, and can be arranged on Flagler's website. Tours depart from the college's rotunda at 74 King Street. <a href="https://missionandshrine.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NOMBRE DE DIOS</a>Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is known as the "America's First Parish," as the first Mass in the contiguous United States was celebrated on September 8th, 1565, just down the road from the Cathedral and Casa Monica. The Mass was celebrated between the Spaniards, including Pedro Menendez de Aviles, and the native Timucua people. For those interested in Catholic history, Mission Nombre de Dios and the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche is a short walk or drive from downtown. There is an excellent museum on-site. <a href="https://staughs.com/oldest-house-museum-complex/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GONZÁLEZ–ÁLVAREZ HOUSE (THE OLDEST HOUSE)</a>The González–Álvarez House, or the Oldest House, is believed to be the oldest residential structure in St. Augustine, dating back to 1723. Today, it houses a museum devoted to St. Augustine's history. The complex also houses the St. Augustine Historical Society, where Jenna has worked and volunteered for several years, transcribing oral histories and setting up museum exhibits. Admission is $12 for adults, $9.95 for seniors and military (with ID), and $4 for students (with ID). <a href="https://staugustine.ufl.edu/visit.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">THE GOVERNOR'S HOUSE CULTURAL CENTER &amp; MUSEUM</a>The Governor's House location has been home to several government buildings dating back to 1598. Today, it is home to a free, self-guided museum on St. Augustine's history. During their visits to St. Augustine, Spanish monarchs greeted the public from the east balcony (King Juan Carlos &amp; Queen Sofía in 2001, and King Felipe VI &amp; Queen Letizia in 2015). It also houses archives, where Jenna has worked in the past conducting historical research.

Things to Do

Registry

Since she lived there, the Bride has numerous favorites in St. Augustine. Many of the following recommendations are deeply sentimental. Above all, she recommends <a href="https://www.columbiarestaurant.com/historic-district-st-augustine" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Columbia Restaurant</a> for dining, a Florida institution. Columbia specializes in Spanish-Cuban cuisine. Jenna's parents Jeri and Allan ate there the night they were married in St. Augustine in April 1996, and she and Michael ate there the night of their engagement photos in January 2025. Jenna's personal favorite is <a href="https://hookedonharrys.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harry's Seafood Bar &amp; Grill</a>, which serves Cajun food. Harry's has an adorable outdoor space for dining al fresco, complete with Spanish moss decorated oaks, and a gorgeous view of the Matanzas Inlet from the balcony. Jenna and Jeri especially recommend their fried green tomatoes. <a href="https://pkstaug.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prohibition Kitchen Gastropub</a> on St. George Street is a favorite of both Jenna and Michael for casual fare. Michael highly recommends trying the boiled peanuts. They're a Southern classic and a Prohibition specialty! During family vacations to Crescent Beach, Jenna's maternal family always picks up food from <a href="http://www.osteensrestaurant.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">O'Steen's Restaurant</a> on Anastasia Boulevard, just over the Bridge of Lions. It comes highly recommended by Jackie &amp; Billy Mooneyham, Grandparents of the Bride. A self-proclaimed seafood aficionado, Jenna loves their fried shrimp best. Jenna prefers <a href="https://pizzalleyschiantiroom.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pizzalley's on St. George</a> for a brick oven slice. If the weather is nice, ask to sit in the back. For those with a sweet tooth (like the Bride) <a href="http://waffleshakes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cousteau's Waffle and Milkshake Bar</a> can't be beaten. The Bride frequented <a href="https://www.thehyppo.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops</a> with her college roommates, Victoria and Hannah, when the weather was hot. Jenna always got the pineapple cilantro pop, but you can't go wrong, no matter what you choose. Finally, for coffee, Jenna recommends <a href="https://thekookaburracoffee.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Kookaburra</a> (her go-to drink was an oat milk P.C.) and <a href="https://www.relampagocoffee.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Relámpago Coffee Lab</a>.

Places to Eat

To access our registry, please click <a href="https://www.myregistry.com/wedding-registry/jenna-hardin-and-michael-whittaker-williamsburg-va/4151987" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Our Registry

HORS D'OEUVRES- Chicken Quesadilla Cone with Spicy Ranch- Cordova Crab Cake with Remoulade- BBQ Shrimp &amp; Grits Cake- Bruschetta with Tomatoes, Capers, Basil, Lemon Ricotta, Balsamic Glaze on Crostini FIRST COURSESpanish Caesar Salad of Baby Romaine Lettuce, Shredded Manchego, Croutons and Smoked Paprika Caesar Dressing ENTRÉE CHOICES- Seared Snapper &amp; Herb Crusted Airline Chicken with Mediterranean Orzo, Zucchini Medallions, Brown Butter Braised Leeks &amp; Fennel- Grilled Beef Tenderloin &amp; Poached Lobster Medallion with Broccolini, Butternut Squash Purée, Au Gratin, Hash Potato, Bordelaise DESSERT- Publix Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting- Publix Chocolate Cake with Wedding Cream Cheese Frosting- Publix Desserts &amp; Baked Goods NOTE: If you have food allergies, please let us know in your RSVP so that we can inform the catering staff.

Wedding Menu

Dress Code

Jenna & Michael

Jenna & Michael

Photos