John and I first met when we were in middle school! John had a friend who lived in Eastwind and he would come over and play street hockey out in front of my house. John claims he thought I was cute even then (braces!), but it wasn't until highschool that we first went out on a date. Our first official date was to a school dance and then prom. By summer of my senior year, it was official! We had a rough first year and a half, as I was living in Asheville, NC at school. But we made it through...and 9 years later...he proposed! Although I had been expecting it for quite some time, John managed to surprize me. It was New Years eve and I asked him if he wanted to go to The state park for a walk with Tucker, the dog. We went and while I was turned around to pick up a stick for Tucker, he got down on one knee. :) Of course I said yes, however, Tucker stole the moment by cutting his foot on an oyster. Now we get to make it official!

The ceremony will be held at Winter Park Presbyterian Church where John's family has attended for many years. In fact, John's mom, Sue, and dad, Chuck, went to college in Tennessee with the minister who will be marrying us!

Listed on the National Historic Register, St. Thomas Preservation Hall is a beautifully restored building that dates back to 1846. Formerly a Roman Catholic church, it was built in the Gothic Revival style by R.B. Wood, a Wilmington architect-builder.


This is the link to the driving directions from the church to St. Thomas:

http://www.mapquest.com/mq/9-LFMxJgDIrRbmy6gRUxfd

Wilmington, believe it or not, actually has an international airport...so if you are flying it should not be a problem to come directly here. There are a ton of hotels and bed and breakfasts in town...the best hotels would probably be the Hilton Riverside or The Holiday Inn Sunspree. The Hilton is downtown on the river and is a great spot if you want to walk around in the evenings downtown for dinner and shopping. The Holiday Inn is down at the beach and it is a fairly new, very nice hotel. If you are more in the mood for a quaint spot, downtown is full of historic bed and breakfasts. In fact, the Wilmingtonian and the City Club are right next door to where the reception site is. If you need help finding a place I would be more than happy to send along a few suggestions! Getting around town is best by car...although if you are downtown there is a free trolley.

Area attractions are, of course, the beach and downtown...but there is also a really cool aquarium at Fort Fisher that kids really love. Downtown there is a children's museum and a serpentarium that I know kids have a blast visiting. It will definitly be warm so bring summer cloths and don't forget your bathing suit!!

Hello friends and family! We are so excited that you are all going to be a part of this much anticipated day! You have all been such an important part of our relationship...quite a feat after 9 years!...and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love and support along the way.

Much love,

John and Jennifer