Beach House

Brunch

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

Steven and I met about half way through my senior year of high school. He was stationed at the Naval base in Charleston and was finishing up his nuclear engineering school. We started dating in January of 2015, but at that point he was supposed to be moving to a new duty station in February. With that in mind, I tried not to get too attached, but as we can see that wasn't successful. We found out that he wasn't actually leaving in February, but it was still unclear when he would be going. Fast forward to July of that year, when he got his orders to Groton, CT. Of course he got his orders while we were at Universal Studios with his family- talk about a downer. At that point we decided that, although it would be hard, we would make the distance work. He moved to Groton in August of 2015, and we were long distance until I graduated college and&nbsp;moved up to be with him in June of 2018. We are currently living in Maine and will be here until we move to Steven's next duty station.&nbsp;

Our Relationship

Steven and I have been talking about our future together since we decided to do long distance because it really isn't worth dealing with being 800 miles away from each other if there isn't a future for the relationship. We had discussed getting engaged and I thought he might propose before he left for a deployment in the middle of 2017, but when he did it was a huge surprise. I went to visit Steven in Groton for spring break of my sophomore year. I have a favorite restaurant in Mystic, CT called S&P Oyster Company. Steven called ahead and made a reservation and told the staff his plans to propose while we were having dinner. I should have known something was coming because while we were leaving the Navy Exchange (the store on base) Steven said "this is going to be the best trip ever" and on the way home he was talking about engagement rings, but of course I was clueless. While we were having the conversation I said "honestly we could just be hanging out watching Netflix when you propose and I would say yes" and then started talking about other things. When we got home we&nbsp;turned on Netflix and I was trying to find a show (Steven had requested "something HGTV" which was strange because I always have to convince him to watch HGTV) and he said "baby, will you be my Ducky forever" and I, without looking, said "yeah". The rest is a blur because I looked over and he was holding a ring and I immediately hugged him and I don't remember the rest. I do remember him saying "is that a yes?" and putting the ring on my finger. 

Sidenote: Ducky is his nickname for me

The Proposal

As many of you know, Steven and I were legally married March 12, 2018. We are so thankful for the love and support that our friends and family have shown us throughout our relationship and marriage, and we can't wait to share our&nbsp;love with everyone as we celebrate in September.&nbsp;

Our Marriage

Our Story

Details

Photos

Devin and I have been friends since my freshman year of high school and we really became close when we carpooled our junior and senior years. She has been an amazing friend through many ups and downs and has stood by me at the hardest points of my life (and has heard me vent about literally everything- spending about an hour and a half in the car every day with a person really brings you closer). She was one of the first people I introduced to Steven and they have developed a great friendship too. She is the person I go to for advice, support, and a voice of reason and I am so thankful for her many years of friendship. I couldn't think of a better person to stand next to me as I marry Steven.

Devin Kelly McSween

Some random guy I asked to be in the wedding so that Julia and I would have the same number of bridesmaids/groomsmen.

D.J. Wilson

Sarah and I met when we started playing violin together when I was in seventh grade. When I first met her, I was scared of her because she was a few years older and had been in the violin group for a long time. The first day I walked in and she was sitting on the stage with her friends and I was so intimidated. Boy, I could not have been more wrong. Sarah has been one of the most supportive people in my life and I could not have survived the past 8 years without her. She has seen me through bad relationships, family hardships, and bad decisions and has loved me through it all. I could not have asked for a better friend and I can't wait to plan my wedding with her (since she is also my wedding planner). 

A cool sidenote is that I "married" Sarah's boyfriend's little brother in preschool- so we're technically "sisters"!&nbsp;

Sarah Berry Anderson

My "hipster" friend, loves Norwegian Death Metal and other weird music like that. Ready to give the most in-depth random fact at a moment's notice.

John McAleavey 

Brady and I served as electricians together onboard USS Virginia starting back in October of 2016. Best roommate I could've ever asked for and the hardest worker I know.

Brady Grubb

I met Caroline my sophomore year of college when we were going through the process of getting our "littles" in our sorority. A friend of mine came to me after she met her and suggested that I request her as a "buddy" because she thought we would really like each other. We immediately clicked and, of course, she became my little. She has become one of my absolute best friends and I can't imagine my life without her. She has been such a support to me through college life as well as dealing with the hardships of a long distance relationship. From dinners at the ADPi house to road trips to Charleston, I have been so thankful for her friendship and support. 

Caroline Lindsey Fruehauf

I met Brandon when I moved to McIntosh County just before 7th grade. We've always had each other's back and I could always count on Brandon to be down with watching the Braves/Falcons/Bulldogs let us down!

Brandon Turner

Arrin is Steven's cousin and from the moment we met we became incredibly close. She has been a huge support system throughout our relationship and I have even gone to visit her without Steven just because I missed her. She is my go-to for advice and for support and she is such an amazing friend (and I can't wait to officially be related to her!) Honestly, Arrin has become more like a sister to me and she is one of the only people in the world that I trust with no limit. I even let her pluck my eyebrows, which I think shows the ultimate level of trust. I am so thankful that I became best friends with my fiancé's cousin and I can't wait to truly be family. 

Arrin Debra Smith

Corey and I met in 7th grade and since have been best friends. Always there to try to teach me to beat box or play drums (never succeeded) it was always a fun time and I'm thankful to have a friend as thoughtful and caring as Corey.

Corey Lightsey 

Rachel and I have been friends since we were in preschool. She is one of the only people I have known for my whole life and I am so thankful that she still puts up with me after all these years. She is one of the kindest people I know and she has supported me through every single thing that has happened in my life. My whole life I have known that she will be standing with me at my wedding and I am so glad that we have stayed such good friends through these past 17-ish years. 

Rachel Frances Biggs

My sea dad, taught me everything I needed to know to be a submariner. Always kept me going when times got rough and a brother for life.

Jimmy Snow

I don't even know where to start with Jaci. She is truly my soul sister. Not only is she one of the most supportive people I know, she is also the most dedicated friend. She is always just a phone call away and has dropped everything on multiple occasions to come to my aid. I think I have vented to her more than anyone else in the world and she still deals with me, and that is a true friend. From gym nights that turn into wine nights (sometimes without even ending up going to the gym) to our brunch dates, I couldn't imagine my college life without her and I know we will be friends for the rest of our lives. 

Jaci Michelle Wilkerson

This man played one of the biggest roles in making my 2017 Deployment aboard the USS Virginia survivable. Always quick to make a joke and one hell of a great leader.

Ryan Oaks

Mallory and I met our freshman year of college when we were cursed with a MWF 8:30 am "logic" class, which ended up being a math class with no numbers, no actual math rules, and lots of greek letters. We were supposed to meet up one morning to work on homework, and I accidentally overslept. She was really mad, but since we weren't really friends she was just really passive aggressive about it. A few days later we were supposed to meet again and that time, she overslept. After that we became really good friends and we never argue because we just tell one another when the other is making us mad (and neither of us is passive aggressive). She is my forever Moes date and the only person who will drive 6 hours to see me for just a few days. I couldn't imagine my college career without her and there is no one I would rather share a cup of queso with. I am so lucky to have such a kind friend who is really good at tough love, and I am actually thankful for that awful 8:30 class. 

Mallory Catherine Lamperski

My younger brother. Always down to play video games.&nbsp;

Jonathon Wilson

Monica and I met our&nbsp;sophomore year of college when she became my "little" for my sorority&nbsp;(along with Caroline). We became instant friends and&nbsp;bonded over criminal justice classes and our desire to someday be lawyers (and attempting to open champagne bottles for our senior photos... we didn't do so well). She has been a huge support system throughout college and life and I&nbsp;can't wait to have her stand by my side on my wedding day! I&nbsp;am so thankful that Alpha Delta Pi brought us together, because I couldn't imagine my life without her!&nbsp;

Monica Marie Rizzo

Michael Moore

Delaney and I have known each other since we were babies. She has remained one of my closest friends, and it's hard to believe we've been friends for 20ish years! From trips to Universal&nbsp;to watching Dancing with the Stars with our parents (ugh), Delaney makes everything more fun. She has been supportive, loving, and an amazing friend even through distance when we went our separate ways for college. She was one of the first friends I introduced Steven to, and I even got her seal of approval (which was surprising since she was NOT a fan of any of my other boyfriends). She was also one of the first people we saw after we got legally married because we drove straight down to Florida after the ceremony and got dinner with her.&nbsp;I&nbsp;trust Delaney more than pretty much anyone I know and I am so thankful to share this moment with her.&nbsp;

Delaney Allyn Chariker

My little brother and one of the cutest kids ever.&nbsp;

Cameron Paul Wilson

My &nbsp;groomsman Brandon Turner and close friend Kaleigh Turner's&nbsp;adorable daughter. I've known Addie her whole life and have loved watching her grow up.&nbsp;

Adalyne Turner

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

The Hampton Inn Charleston- Daniel Island is the only hotel on Daniel Island. If you would like to stay here, we recommend booking as soon as possible! The link to book is&nbsp;<a href="https://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/south-carolina/hampton-inn-charleston-daniel-island-CHSDIHX/index.html">https://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/south-carolina/hampton-inn-charleston-daniel-island-CHSDIHX/index.html</a>

There is a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport as well as to the wedding venue. Once you land at the airport, simply call the front desk and they will send the shuttle to meet you. The day prior to your departure you can set up a time to be taken to the airport. Rides to and from the airport take priority, but the shuttle will also take you to the Daniel Island Club if it is not making an airport run. The hotel is 7-8 minutes from the wedding venue. Located in Charleston (Daniel Island), Hampton Inn Charleston - Daniel Island is close to Blackbaud Stadium and H.L. Hunley Submarine. This hotel is within the vicinity of Riverfront Park and Magnolia Cemetery.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 128 guestrooms. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access is available. Conveniences include coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing boards, and housekeeping is provided daily.Amenities Don't miss out on recreational opportunities including an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center.Dining A complimentary hot/cold buffet breakfast is included. Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. This hotel has 2 meeting rooms available for events. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary during limited hours.

Hampton Inn Charleston - Daniel Island

If you're looking for a luxurious hotel experience, the Belmond Charleston Place is a great option. It is located downtown Charleston and is about 35 minutes away from the wedding venue.&nbsp;&nbsp;With a stay at Belmond Charleston Place in Charleston (Historic Charleston), you'll be minutes from Charleston City Market and Confederate Museum. This 5-star hotel is within close proximity of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and The Powder Magazine.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 434 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and minibars. Flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature rainfall showerheads and designer toiletries. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.Amenities Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, and a sauna. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and babysitting/childcare (surcharge). Guests can catch a ride to nearby destinations on the area shuttle (surcharge).Dining Enjoy a meal at one of the hotel's dining establishments, which include 3 restaurants and a coffee shop/café. From your room, you can also access 24-hour room service. Relax with a refreshing drink from a poolside bar or one of the 3 bars/lounges. Full breakfasts are available for a fee.Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services.

Belmond Charleston Place

Located 15 minutes from the Charleston Airport and 25 minutes from the wedding venue, the Hyatt Place North Charleston is in a great central location.Hyatt Place North Charleston is located half a mile off Interstate 26, making it easy to get to all the things to do&nbsp;in the north and downtown Charleston areas. Whether you’re looking to stay indoors or venture out, whether it’s history or the modern world that catches your eye, North Charleston has something for you.With free internet, free wifi, a pool, and pet friendly rooms, the Hyatt Place North Charleston&nbsp;has something for everyone.&nbsp;

Hyatt Place North Charleston

The Days Inn is located in Downtown Charleston, about 35 minutes away from the wedding venue.&nbsp;With a stay at Days Inn Historic District, you'll be centrally located in Charleston, steps from Confederate Museum and Circular Congregational Church. This motel is within close proximity of The Powder Magazine and Gibbes Museum of Art.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 123 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, as well as phones with free local calls.Amenities Enjoy recreational amenities such as an outdoor pool and bicycles to rent. Additional features at this motel include complimentary wireless Internet access and complimentary use of a nearby fitness facility.Dining Enjoy a satisfying meal at a restaurant serving guests of Days Inn Historic District. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily for a fee.Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.

Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston Historic District

Travel

Sit in the lap of luxury as you cruise the streets of Charleston in style and comfort, on an amazing carriage ride. Expert guidance, professionalism and knowledge await your arrival to explore this iconic destination.
Palmetto Carriage Works is the oldest carriage tour company in Charleston and has developed the greatest carriage experience in the city! A Palmetto Carriage tour offers a blend of knowledge, wit, humor and history and is exciting and ever changing, a seamless fusion of 19th century conveyance in a 21st century city.
On this hour long tour, you will ride a carriage through the Historic District of Charleston passing beautiful antebellum homes, garden, mansions, and churches while hearing the history of the &quot;Holy City.&quot; All tours start in the Big Red Barn where you will get an opportunity to visit with the company's four legged employees while they take their breaks. You will then board the carriage and tour 30-40 blocks of the city and return back to the barn. A Palmetto Carriage Works tour is a must do while visiting Charleston.

Carriage Tour of Historic Charleston

Led by your expert guide, listen to mysterious legends as you explore the famous USS Yorktown in Charleston and see areas normally off-limits to the public. This iconic World War II ship is home to many ghost stories and haunting tales sure to make your spine tingle with awe and wonder.
Ghost tours have a way of creeping into your schedule during a visit to beautiful Charleston. Join your expert guide on this memorable trek through the hallways and gallows of the USS Yorktown, known as the &quot;Fighting Lady.&quot; As you make your way through the ship, hear the many unexplained mysteries of this legendary World War II aircraft carrier.
While your guide shares stories about fallen war heroes, walk in their footsteps and listen for a sign that they may still be watching. On this exclusive tour, explore areas that are normally restricted from the public. Keep your eyes peeled for a ghost while you learn about strange activity documented by numerous ghost-hunting groups and creep around the deck as you dare to explore the unknown.

Haunted Ghost Tour of the USS Yorktown

Travel back in time to the early days the nation with a tour that immerses you in Charleston's historic sights and centuries-old landmarks. Afterward, peruse the fascinating exhibits of the Charleston Museum&mdash;recognized by the American Alliance of Museums as the first museum in the country.

Get picked up from your hotel and snag a seat on an air-conditioned vehicle for a 90-minute ride around utterly charming Charleston. Packed with buildings that predate the American Revolution, this city bears traces of more than 300 years of history. Cruise down residential lanes lined with colonial townhouses, and pass by the stately churches and government buildings at the intersection known as The Four Corners of Law.



Snap photos of the pastel-hued Georgian houses along Rainbow Row, and delve into the days of the Civil War at the Battery Waterfront, where you can spot beautiful mansions along the harbor, old cannons in the shade of leafy oak trees, and surf crashing against the sturdy stone walls of Fort Sumter.



Afterward, visit the Charleston Museum, which was founded all the way back in 1773&mdash;before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Admire collections of antique furniture and silver, Lowcountry textiles and ceramics, and 19th-century firearms. You can also peek at the only known fossil of the extinct Pelagornis sandersi, which was discovered during construction at Charleston's airport.

Julia & Steven

Julia & Steven

Photos