Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Wedding Day

Wedding

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Reception

Sullivans Island, SC, United States

FAREWELL BONFIRE - Hosted by Grooms family

Our Story

Our Wedding

The Engagement

Steamboat Springs, CO on February 7, 2015Nathalie and Tony were on a ski trip with their goods friends Katy, Ted, Sara, and Mikey. Two out of the four friends were apparently very aware that it was going to happen, but Nathalie had no idea. At the time, Nathalie and Tony had been dating for 8 years since college and were truly each other's best friend. Typical story where guy wakes up one day and has a sudden revelation. After this revelation, Tony spent a few months looking for the perfect ring while having the jeweler visit him at work to show him stones. He felt it was important to keep this a secret and successfully did so until he accidentally let it slip to Sara after a few drinks on New Years Eve. Before leaving for the trip, Tony had been playing phone tag with Nathalie's father to ask for permission. Nathalie received what she would describe as a very strange phone call from her mother at which point she felt she needed to clarify to her parents that they were getting the wrong idea and to stop putting pressure on the situation. When she asked Tony why he had called her Dad, he told her he wanted to talk to him about car problems which they had been having recently...totally believable! Little did she know that Tony had already received her fathers blessing. On the trip, Tony didn't know when the perfect time would come so he decided to snowboard with his backpack and the ring box in the backpack...very stressful! The perfect time came when he decided to pull over at the slope side bar and get some warm drinks. He waited for Nathalie to come down the mountain and motioned her to pull over by the fire pits for some drinks. While enjoying the warm drinks and the warm fire, Tony took the traditional route of getting down on one knee and proposing! There was talk of Mikey riding by with a GoPro camera to catch the action, but Tony opted for the more intimite option :) Katy and Ted had actually left that day without knowing what was going to happen (a salty point for Katy). Their parting gift to the group was a romantic italian dinner for 4...complete with rose petals on the beds. Perfect ending!

Our Story 1

Photos

Lodging & Transportation

Elko, NVKaty and Nathalie met at The University of Michigan and lived together Junior/Senior year. After graduation in 2010, they both moved to Chicago where Katy worked at The Board of Trade and Nathalie worked for a marketing start-up. Katy and Nathalie have traveled, had many late nights in the city, and lived through countless college adventures together. Although Katy eventually moved to Elko, NV (where she currently resides) to work on gold mine, the bond that these two forged living in Chicago together as well as Katy's high attention to detail made her the perfect choice for Maid of Honor!

Katy Kneiser

Scottsdale, AZTony and Gianni first met while working for Chase Bank. They bonded over the fact that they both aspired to move on to better things in life beyond Chase. Other than work, Tony and Gianni always shared a lot of common interests including school, golf, basketball, and having good old fashion BBQs. It was a sad time when Gianni hit the open road on his motorcycle to move to AZ this year, but despite the distance, Tony considers Gianni to be one of the most honest and dependable people he knows. Although selecting a Best Man was tough for Tony, he selected Gianni because he feels that Gianni not only knows him for who he currently is, but also shares his vision for who he wants to be.

Gianni De La Cruz

Philadelphia, PAEric is Nathalie's oldest of two brothers and also a fellow graduate from The University of Michigan where he studied Chemical Engineering. Since graduation, Eric re-located to the East Coast where he is now working for Dupont. Eric and Tony share many of the same interests including sports and travel. They have bonded over a number of family vacations and Nathalie and Tony recently visited Eric in his new stomping grounds of Philadelphia. 

Eric Kanicki

Chicago, ILKatie is Tony's only sibling and after a brief stint in southern FL, she now also resides in Chicago. Although Tony and Nathalie miss having a convenient excuse to fly down to Miami for the weekend, they also love having Katie closer to home. She is the only member of the bridal party who calls Chicago home so she has been playing a critical role in Nathalie's pre-wedding milestones. Katie especially enjoys sending Nathalie Pinterest ideas and finally convinced her to start a wedding board. 

Katie Kovinkova

Brighton, MIAlyssa and Nathalie met while attending The University of Michigan and also lived together Junior/Senior year. After graduation, Alyssa pursued her law degree at Michigan State University (but her loyalty is still rooted in UofM sports). Although Nathalie was in Chicago, Alyssa made frequent trips to the city and vice versa. Eventually, Alyssa re-located to DC with her law degree and the girls didn't see each other quite as often. Even so, every time they did see each other, their close friendship allowed them to pick up where they left off. Alyssa actually got engaged soon after Nathalie and moved back to MI so Nathalie is very excited to share the planning of this adventure with one of her best friends! 

Alyssa Roehmer

Bloomfield Hills, MIIvan and Tony have known each other for a number of years and Ivan has always been a great friend. Ivan and his family opened up their home to Tony when he first came to MI to work for his father's business and eventually re-located (before he met Nathalie). Tony's best memories with Ivan revolve around a number of travel adventures together including a Midwest/East Coast/Canadian road trip in College and a handful of northern MI camping trips. You would think that Ivan is busy enough while working full-time, studying for his MBA at Ross Business School, and being Tony's Groomsman...but no! Ivan is also getting married Summer 2016!

Ivan Slobodyan

Denver, COSara and Nathalie have known each other since high school sharing some mutual friends. It was not until Sara graduated from Western Michigan and moved to Chicago that the girls really became close. For at least 2 years, Sara, Nathalie, Tony, and Mikey were an inseparable foursome taking advantage of the good food, fun bars, and countless activities that the city of Chicago had to offer. Sara likes to take credit for introducing Nathalie to CorePower Yoga which Nathalie will be eternally grateful for as her "Yoga Buddy". The fun times were cut short when Sara and Mikey decided to re-locate to Denver in Summer 2015, but Nathalie and Tony are looking forward to visiting them in CO to take advantage of the countless outdoor activities.

Sara Kronfol

Denver, COAlthough Mike and Tony were initially introduced through Nathalie, they quickly developed their own friendship and enjoyed activities such as snowboarding, fishing, and boating together. Mike seems to think that a trip is not a trip unless time is spent on the water! If you really want to get him going on a passionate conversation...just ask him about fishing. Outside of recreational activities, Mike has also been involved in business development ventures with both Nathalie and Tony and specializes in all financial related topics. Ask him how we're making a difference one cup at a time...

Michael Sisty

Ann Arbor, MIOlivier is Nathalie's youngest brother. He is the last to graduate from The University of Michigan (a clear family tradition) in 2017. Olivier spent his 2015 summer overseas in Europe interning at The University of Brussels. Since Nathalie and Olivier are seven years apart, Nathalie has always served as a "bossy older sister". Even so, Tony and Nathalie have enjoyed sharing both their wisdom and new experiences (including BYOB sushi in Chicago) with Olivier throughout College. 

Olivier Kanicki

Wedding Party

Gifts

Q + A

Nathalie and Tonys favorite things in Charleston

Best Breakfast

Callie's Hot Little Biscuit476 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Best Dinner

The Grocery4 Cannon St, Charleston, SC 29403

Best Waterfront Dining

Fleet Landing186 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401

Best souvenir shopping

Historic Charleston City Market188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

Best rooftop bar

The Vendue19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401

Best local brewery

Palmetto Brewery289 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403

Sweet Tooth?

So delicious that we're using them for our wedding!Café Framboise159 Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Best outdoor patio with live music

Republic Garden &amp; Lounge462 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Best "Off the beaten path" Tourist activity

Irvin House Vineyards &amp; Firefly Distillery6775 Bears Bluff Rd, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487

Best Walk around Town

Start: Waterfront ParkWalk south on Concord and continue onto Bay St.Turn Right on BatteryWalk north on Meeting St. or King St.Turn Right on Market St.End: Charleston Historic Market

Best Day Trip

Kiawah or Seabrook IslandEnjoy golf, beach, or renting a boat at Bohicket Marina

Most Beautiful Walk in the Park

Cypress GardensEnjoy the beautiful scenery where they filmed scenes for The Notebook, Cold Mountain, and The Patriot. 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461

Things to Do 1

Experience the ultimate in southern charm at this hotel in the heart of downtown Charleston. Opened in 1853, The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel is a unique hotel close to the Museum Mile and many historic downtown sights. The Mills House can offer a room block of 15 rooms per night at a discounted rate of $309.00/night regardless of single or double occupancy for a two night minimum stay.It's a holiday weekend / high season so rates are higher than normal. Hotels are booking up quickly.MAKING RESERVATIONS:Guests are to ask for The Mills House Hotel Reservation Department and identify themselves as part of the Kanicki and Kovinkov Wedding Block. You may call 1-800-874-9600 or 843-577-2400 to book. You must book by July 1st for this rate.

The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel

This is the most convenient airport to fly into (approx 25 min to downtown). Note that this airport is small with limited direct flights to major cities. I have found that Southwest flights have historically been the most affordable...not to mention bags fly free!

Charleston International Airport

Depending on where you are flying from, Myrtle Beach can often be more cost effective than Charleston Airport. You have to weigh the pros &amp; cons of convenience because in this scenario a rental car would be required to drive 2 hours south to Charleston. Its not horrible...Tony and I have done it in the past.

Myrtle Beach International Airport

You can't beat the location, right beside the open market. Convenient to all the shopping, restaurants, and night life you could ask for. You can walk everywhere.There are no negotiated rates so book early! Rates range $230-280/nightNOTE: This hotel does have 1 bedroom and bi-level suites available (2 double beds + pullout sofa) that can accommodate larger parties if you want to share with a friend!

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Charleston - Historic District

There are many great beach towns in the Charleston area where you can organize a small group and stay for less on the beach!ISLE OF PALMS - 30 min to downtownFOLLY BEACH - 25 min to downtown *no shuttle service back on wedding day*KIAWAH ISLAND / SEABROOK ISLAND - 50 min to downtown *no shuttle service back on wedding day*Note: The Wedding Party will be staying on Isle of Palms on 54th Ave

Rent a beach house and stay with Friends!

A trolley will be available for guests to and from the wedding.ISLE OF PALMS - PICK UP 1:00pm - Meet at 14 - 54th Ave. For those who are staying on IOP, there may be flexibility by request if you are staying between 22nd - 54th Ave (coordinate with Nathalie/Tony ahead of time to stop the trolley...please be ready at the end of your street along Palm Blvd). DOWNTOWN - PICK UP2:00pm – To stay within City of Charleston guidelines, trolley will pickup guests on Concord one block north of Vendue Range entrance of Waterfront Park Fountain. Depart by 2:15 taking guests to Scared Heart Church 888 King Street.CEREMONY - PICK UP4:30pm - Upon exit of the church after the ceremony, guests will depart via trolley to the reception site.DROP OFFS11:30pm - Trolleys will depart from Boone Hall Plantation and return guests to IOP/Downtown pick-up points.

Trolley Transportation: to ceremony - to reception - back home

We have reserved a private Beach House property for the bridal party, groomsmen, and their guests.The house is reserved for (3) nights from 9/2/16 - 9/5/16. If you are arriving earlier or leaving later, please make additional arrangements.Amenities include: A rock throw to the beach, a swimming pool, hot tub, roof top patio, and shuttle service to the wedding venue.

Nathalie & Tony

Nathalie & Tony

Photos