Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar

Rehearsal Party

Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Trinity Hall

Cocktail Hour

Dinner & Dancing

Bride & Groom Send Off

Our Wedding

Like a fine wine...

some things just get better with time. Twenty years of time to be exact.John-Anthony and Serena met one summer during Wild Dunes Dolphins swim practice. John-Anthony swears he was nine years old because he recalls he was swimming fifty meter races during his first meet. Serena, younger and the more well-behaved of the two, believed John-Anthony to be a "giant pain in the butt."Four summers or so later though, she had a change of heart. That obnoxious boy from swim team was now the cutest boy in the world. After that, Serena harbored what she thought was a secret crush on him for over fifteen years - even convincing John-Anthony to go as her date to junior prom as friends. John-Anthony finally got the hints. In 2016, he made his move by kissing Serena after driving her home in the trusty 4Runner from a Wild Dunes reunion.After years of will-they / won't-they whispers amongst friends, the two finally started dating in June of 2019. They have shared so much of their adult lives together already - including starting new jobs, purchasing a home, and loving Copy, Paste, and Lilly. John-Anthony and Serena are so excited to celebrate their next big step with you on their Wedding Day!

Our Story

Photos

Madison and Serena have been friends since Serena was born (Madison is 6 months older, which she never let Serena forget growing up). Their friendship has stood the tests of middle school, time, long distances. Madison isn't so much a friend as she is one of the Townsend family. Madison has been there every step of the way and has had a front row seat to Serena's lifelong crush on JA. Her children - Tripp and Annie - are also in the bridal party as Ring Bearer and Flower Girl.

Madison Stewart

Ashley and Serena were randomly matched as roommates their freshmen year at Virginia Commonwealth University, and were inseparable soulmates from then on. Serena will still refer to Ashley as her roommate even though they haven't actually lived together since 2015. While some might say a computer program should be credited with their long lasting friendship, they believe it was fate.  

Ashley Byrne

When Serena met Sheriden she thought that she was the most beautiful person and in turn was absolutely terrified of her (Sheriden sometimes suffers from RBF). Turns out Sheriden is one of the most loyal, kind, self-less friends anyone could ever have. They worked and played together for years in Arkansas, with Sheriden teaching Serena how an SEC tailgate goes down. Sheriden is always there to be a cheerleader for Serena no matter.

Sheriden Towne

Katie is the very first friend that Serena made during her time in Arkansas working for Lauren James. She is the most patient Type A person you'll ever meet considering that she had to share a desk with Serena - the LEAST Type A person you'll ever meet. Katie then introduced Serena to Kayla, who became Serena's "assistant" (use this term loosely as Kayla was the one keeping everything on track). Kayla is Serena's China travel partner and guru for all things trendy. These two are the coolest Zillennials (Millennials who can pass as Gen Z) you'll ever meet. 

Kayla Kerr & Katie Marquess

Serena looked at Maggie on Day 1 as Fashion Design majors and said, "I like her, I'm going to make her be my friend." Maggie didn't stand a chance and the rest is history. Maggie loves with her whole heart like Serena. She is the first to cheer for Serena's successes, uphold girl code, and always willing to share her Brooklyn home on the shortest notice for a much needed NYC getaway.  

Maggie Stumpf

Gracyn is Serena's Sister-in-Law, having married Serena's brother Walker in 2021. Gracyn is patient, kind, and always willing to share a lighthearted giggle with those around her. She is the mother of Serena's dog nieces, Lacey and Sadie, and human nephew, Clark. She is excited to welcome JA to the chaos and fun that is our family.

Gracyn Townsend

Jackie took Serena under her wing during undergrad as members of their sorority. She's always a safe haven of tough love, good hugs, and a wealth of the most sarcastic jokes one could ever want.  Their friendship has gone the distance, spanning multiple states - VA, PA, FL, AR, SC - and every time they are reunited it is as though no time (or mileage) has passed.

Jackie Shedd

Carly and Paige are two of Serena's most constant and best friends, and it only makes sense that these ladies would be featured together as they've all been bridesmaids in each others weddings. Serena has so many core memories with these two, including Carly introducing Serena to Taylor Swift's music when they were young, Paige modeling Serena's duct tape dress in their school fashion show, and the three of them sharing countless laughs and adventures. Some things will never change and you can still find Serena, Carly, and Paige turning to one another when in need, and driving around singing Taylor Swift at the top of their lungs.

Paige Kozane & Carly Cornforth

Brantley has been friends with JA since their time at Porter Gaud. He has been JA's roommate, best friend, and long-time "target sack" MVP. 

Brantley Fraser

Moneybuckets Dietch has been friends with JA since childhood - roaming IOP on their bikes, playing in forts, and being all around gamer nerds together. 

Dietch Goble

The Keanes are two of JA's best friends and part of the "Boiiiiiz." These guys are always armed with a quick pun or dad joke to keep the whole group laughing.

The Keanes - Brendan & Ricky

Tom Scully

Joe Fox

Walker Townsend

Wedding Party

Q + A

A mainstay hotel right in the center of the downtown. Cost effective and right on King Street.

Francis Marion Hotel

A trendy option for a stay in Charleston. The Mills House has it's own on site coffee shop, pool, cocktail bar and fabulous restaurant. This is where J.A.'s parents went on their first date, and holds a special place in our hearts.

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton

On the quieter side of downtown Charleston, and right on the Ashley River.

Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown

Located right on Charleston's historic waterfront Battery, this boutique hotel features elegant antiques, lovely piazza views of White Point Gardens, and is ideal for the guest looking for the elevated Charleston experience.

20 South Battery

Right in the center of the Charleston hustle and bustle, Planters Inn is a block from the shopping district of King Street, hosts the iconic Peninsula Grill, and is directly across from the historic City Market.

Planters Inn

Right over the Ravenel bridge - this is a quick uber to/from downtown at a much lower price point.

Serena & John-Anthony

Serena & John-Anthony

S&J

Wedding Day

5:00 PM

Ceremony

6:00 PM

Cocktail Hour

6:45 PM

Dinner & Dancing

9:45 PM

Bride & Groom Send Off