We love it when Charleston is the backdrop for a budding romance, and we love it even more when a couple who started here returns for their “I do’s.” So it went with Amanda and Joey, who both...
Nadja and Ryan both grew up in Sarasota, Florida, but they didn’t meet until they were in college (and on her 21st birthday, no less). A decade of dating later, he surprised her with a 10th anniversary trip to the San Juan Islands off the coast of Seattle. During a walk on a quiet beach there (the islands are accessible only by ferry), he proposed; she, of course, said “Yes.” They picked Charleston for their nuptials because they’d come to love it on trips here to visit Nadja’s dad and stepmother. And the two self-proclaimed foodies wanted to make sure their guests were well (we mean fantastically) fed. As the Charleston Wine + Food Festival approaches, take a read about their overall wedding style and culinary picks below. (And feast your eyes on Nadja’s crazy gorgeous look–that dress! that hair! We die.)
The Wedding Row: What were you envisioning for your wedding? Was there a theme or color palette in mind? Any “musts”?
Nadja: I’m a pretty low-key gal and Cannon Green is such a beautiful venue there wasn’t much I needed to add. I wanted to highlight its natural beauty, so [I went with] simple greens—eucalyptus and olive branches. I was going for an Italian meets Southern feel, which was mostly highlighted in the delicious food.
TWR: Tell us about the wedding menu. We see a lot of tasty treats.
Nadja: Cocktail hour and dinner were so yummy! We had roaming oyster shuckers during cocktail hour, which was delicious and interactive. Dinner was family-style, Tuscan themed. We love the joy and fun that come with family-style eating.
TWR: Do we spy a coconut cake? Do tell.
Nadja: Yes! It’s the famous Peninsula Grill Coconut Cake—we ordered a few and Cannon Green served each beautifully. I’m actually not a big fan of cake in general, but THIS cake is heaven. All our guests were visiting from out of town so this was also a special way to share more delicious Charleston treats.
Planning and Florals: Engaging Events | Photographer: Anne Rhett Photography | Venue, Catering, and Bar: Cannon Green | Cake: Peninsula Grill | Music: Bunn DJ Company | Beauty: Vanity Salon
