Old Wide Awake Plantation

Wedding Day

Fall

Our Wedding

Billy and I met in September 2021 at a therapy group, where he immediately caught my eye. When he introduced himself, I turned red and broke out in hives, with my infatuation being rather obvious. On the group's last night, I prayed he'd ask me out. After it ended, I stayed behind, embarrassedly lingering, hoping he would get the hint. Well, he did, and he asked, "Would you like to go out sometime?' So, I awkwardly handed him a piece of paper to write his number down (this was a mistake). Due to his subpar handwriting, it took me several attempts to text the right number. After a lot of anxiety and frustration, I finally got a text back! We went on our first date downtown, which started out rough. The restaurant was way too loud. I ordered a nasty jalapeño margarita, and Billy decided it would be fun to split the bill (red flag?) which left me rather annoyed. The date did end on a positive note with a nightly stroll through the Battery, followed by an awkward handshake.&nbsp; As October turned to November, we spent more and more time together. We each went home for Thanksgiving, and I grew irritated, wanting the girlfriend title. On November 24, 2021, during a phone call, I casually asked, “So Billy, are we like officially dating or what?” He replied, “Do you want to be?” I answered, “Yes.” “Okay, will you be my girlfriend?” “Sure.” Yep, the good old traditional teenage way of asking a girl out. Fast forward to exactly two years of dating and making many beautiful memories, I was ready to be engaged, as I kept reminding him that my biological clock was ticking. But Billy is a slower and more methodical planner than I am, so I had to be somehow patient and trust him that it would happen “soon.”&nbsp; Well, six long months later, he finally decided the time was right after I asked, “So, can we get engaged this week?” He said, “Sure, how about Friday?” I said, “Okay, does that mean we are getting engaged?” He said, “Yes.” When Friday night came, I was extremely nervous and ran around frantically getting dressed, making us late for our dinner reservations. When we finally arrived at Poogan’s Porch, we got stuck in a rainstorm and were drenched.After dinner, we walked to the Battery, where he took my hand and sweetly asked on May 10th, 2024, at 11:30 pm, “Maddie, will you marry me?” And well, I just started sobbing and kept asking if this was a joke. He told me to stop asking stupid questions, so I finally said, “Okay,” and he put the ring on my finger.&nbsp; Billy is a loving, patient, and intelligent man. I knew from the moment I met him that he was the one. He has been my biggest supporter through my impulsive decisions, from going back to school for my PhD to adopting various pets. When I brought home a stray parakeet, he rescued me when I was too scared to grab it. He even accepted the hamster I bought for a friend’s birthday, knowing I’d end up keeping it. When he helped me raise a baby goat for three months, I knew he would make a great father. Despite scolding me for impulsively buying baby chicks, he eventually agreed to let me have more apartment livestock. He has been by my side, holding me every time I thought Steve was dying. When my Gammy died, he left his family to support me. Though I’m still not over my cat loving Billy more than me, I find myself loving him more each day. He allows me to be independent but always rescues me when I get in over my head. Billy is the kindest soul and has challenged me to be a better person. He has helped me through my insecurities and anxiety, showing me what true love looks and feels like. This is just the beginning of our story, and I can’t wait to see where life takes us as we start our journey of marriage together.

Maddie's Story 

"We met on Craigslist."

Billy's Story

Our Story

Photos

Steve has been the joy of Maddie's life for the past eight years and she could not imagine doing life with any other dog by her side. Although Billy will not admit it, he also has grown to love and adore Steve.  Steve is sassy, vivacious, loving, and so chihuahua. He truly is a girl's best friend.  

Steve Lowe 

Maddie and Stephanie met in 2019 during grad school and quickly became close friends despite a ten-year age gap. Stephanie, older and wiser, often serves as Maddie's voice of reason, providing both eye rolls and great hugs. She is tough, spirited, caring, and fiercely loyal. Maddie admires Stephanie most for her incredible parenting of her children, Jonathan and Vivian, and for extending the same care and support to her. Stephanie is not just a friend to Maddie; she is a cherished blessing.

Stephanie Wilkie

Gabby, one of Maddie's longest and closest friends, holds a special place in her heart. They met in 7th grade, though Gabby insists it was 8th grade. Gabby has been a steadfast support, especially during high school. She is genuine, loving, courageous, and reflects the grace and love of Jesus. As Maddie enters marriage, she can't imagine anyone else marrying her and Billy. Gabby has been invaluable to Maddie's life journey and who she is today.

Gabby Jenkins 

Mikayla and Maddie met in grad school and bonded over their love for Mexican food, margaritas, and their shared hometown of Charlotte, NC. Their friendship balances Maddie's depth and spontaneity with Mikayla's pragmatism and stoicism. Despite their differences, Mikayla supports Maddie's grand ideas with blunt honesty and genuine care. She is a great listener and incredibly selfless.

Mikayla Bowden

Maddie and Bronwyn met in 2019 when Maddie moved to Charleston where the two met in the most coincidental of ways. They did not expect to bond so well, but Bronwyn quickly became a mother figure to Maddie and always reminds Maddie of how special and valued she is. Bronwyn is the person Maddie can depend on and relate to the most. Bronwyn is lively and vivacious. Despite Bronwyn's efforts to bond with Steve, he has made it clear he does not like her. Though Steve typically has a good judge of character, he's wrong about Bronwyn—she's just lovely!

Bronwyn Bitner

Emily and Maddie were co-workers when both worked as early interventionists while Maddie was in grad school. Emily made it her mission to befriend Maddie, patiently accommodating Maddie's hectic schedule. Emily’s persistence has nurtured a heartfelt friendship between the two. Emily is sweet, gentle, and loving. She embodies the traits of a true servant-leader and reflects the joy and love of Christ.  Maddie absolutely adores Emily.

Emily Richburg 

Laura is Maddie's youngest cousin. After Maddie's cousin, Matthew, and her brother, Jackson, were born a year apart, Maddie was so excited to finally have another girl in the family. Throughout the years, Maddie has watched Laura grow from a sweet, adorable, and energetic little girl into a strong, beautiful, independent, and lively young woman. Laura has a level of determination and wisdom that many her age do not have. She has made Maddie so proud of who she is and all she has accomplished. 

Laura Ritchie

Phoebe and Maddie were roommates and teammates at UNC Asheville for all four years of college. Known as Bebe to Maddie, Phoebe patiently and lovingly endured Maddie's constant need for hugs and emotional tears. Fiercely independent and logically minded, Phoebe has provided sanity during Maddie's moments of insanity. Though Phoebe has only tolerated Steve, he adores her, even refusing to leave her suitcase when she left Asheville. Phoebe is a beautiful person, highly talented, and successful in every goal. She has brought immense joy to Maddie's life.

Phoebe Schneider

Groomsmen After continual reminders, Maddie finally gave up that Billy would give her pictures and bios of his groomsmen.But he would like all his family and friends to know how special his groomsmen are to his life. He is so appreciative to have him by his side on this special day!

Charles Foxworth- Best ManRossi Clinton- GroomsmanCharlie Sabella- GroomsmanJohn Hanna- GroomsmanNick Liger- Groomsman

Ms. Thena is Billy's oldest niece and she is just the cutest! She's spunky, silly, and has a radiant smile. Thena is also a wonderful big sister to her younger sister Emery. She is deeply loved and sure to be one to take the spotlight on wedding day!

Athena Askins 

Maddie has been blessed to watch Claire and Sarabeth grow from adorable babies into beautiful, smart little girls, and, also in friendship that she has formed with their parents. Claire is strong-willed, clever, and independent, yet also kind and gentle. Sarabeth is sweet, easy-going, and loving and is an expert in hiding her sassy side. Maddie sees the girls as if they were her own. The girls will bring the same sparkle and shine down the aisle that they have brought into Maddie's life these past five years.

Claire and Sarabeth Hill

Jackson is Maddie's younger brother and he has been given the most special role to lead the ring goats down the aisle. Maddie is so honored to be Jackson's older sibling and is also so thankful that he somehow agreed to be the goat herdsman. Jackson and Maddie have many similar qualities with their odd humor, obsessive love for animals, and having sensitive spirits. Maddie would not want anyone else to be in charge of the goats. 

Jackson Lowe

Meredith and Bucky are two out of the ten baby goats that were born in mid-January. 

Bucky was born on the night of the inevitable Charleston Snowstorm with his two brothers. He was not supposed to be a ring goat, but Maddie underestimated him, thinking he would not last out in the snow, and quickly became a house goat. Bucky is a very mellow and happy goat kid. He gives the best kisses and is potty trained, well mostly. 

Meredith is Bucky's half-sister and was hand-chosen to be a ring goat. Well, she was the second choice after Maddie mistakenly first took her brother. Meredith is beautiful and very sophisticated. She is headstrong, clever, and demanding. She is the problem child out of the two. 

Bucky, Meredith, and Maddie have become inseparable. Billy has not been the happiest camper with another round of house goats, but he is slowly being accepted into our "herd." 


Meredith and Bucky 

Wedding Party

Q + A

Select link below for special rates for various hotel accommodation options. Alternatively, browse our suggested options in the Charleston area.<a href="https://www.hotelplanner.com/065655667/EventPage7890642" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.HotelPlanner.com/EventPage7890642</a> We also recommend searching on Airbnb and VRBO for house stays.

The Inn at Middleton Place

The Elliott House Inn

Hampton Inn & Suites Charleston / West Ashley

Near Night Heron ParkMake yourself at home in one of the 500 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and ovens. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Conveniences include safes and separate sitting areas, and housekeeping is provided on request.With a stay at Kiawah Is

Kiawah Island Golf Resort Villas

Francis Marion Hotel

Travel

Charleston Tea Garden

South Carolina Aquarium

Deep Water Vineyard

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

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