Our Love Story
Sparks first flew between Whitney and Ryan back in 2013, when her older sister married his childhood best friend and they both served in the wedding party. They stayed in touch, and the following spring Ryan drove three hours to Whitney's front door to ask her for a first date in person...she said yes! The two dated long distance for years, with life taking them on different paths for a bit, but their bond brought them back together again and again. In July 2024, Ryan got down on one knee to ask Whitney to marry him…and she said yes!
Schedule
Saturday August 30th 2025
8:00pm - 10:00pm
Welcome Drop-In
Come hang with us at a local restaurant and bar known for its tacos and margaritas!
Attire: Casual
Publico Kitchen & Tap
2013 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205, USA
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Sunday August 31st 2025
6:00pm
Ceremony
Attire: Summer Chic
The River Road and Jasmine Houses & Gardens
2208 N Lake Dr, Columbia, SC 29212, USA
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6:30pm
Reception
7:15pm
First Dance
8:00pm
Cake and Toasts
9:45pm
Sparkler Sendoff
11:00pm
After Party
Optional hangout at a local bar for folks who want to keep the party going
Art Bar
1211 Park St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA
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Travel & Accommodations
We recommend that out of town guests fly into the nearest airport, Columbia Metropolitan (CAE). There are several rental car options in Columbia and the venue has ample parking. Rideshares through Uber and Lyft are also readily available in the area. Both our ceremony and reception will be held at the River Road and Jasmine Houses and Gardens (2208 N Lake Dr, Columbia, SC 29212). There are many accommodation options nearby, with downtown Columbia offering the largest selection. If proximity is your primary concern, we recommend the following hotels — all are within a 15-minute car ride of the venue.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbia Harbison

❤ Recommended by Whitney and Ryan
5.6km away from Ceremony

Aloft Columbia Harbison

❤ Recommended by Whitney and Ryan
6.0km away from Ceremony

Hyatt Place Columbia / Harbison

❤ Recommended by Whitney and Ryan
6.3km away from Ceremony

Doubletree by Hilton Columbia SC

❤ Recommended by Whitney and Ryan
10.3km away from Ceremony
Gift Registry
Having you attend our wedding is truly the greatest gift, and we aren't expecting any more. If you'd like to contribute something tangible as well, however, we're registered through Zola. We appreciate your support and generosity!
FAQ
We put together this list to save you time, but feel free to reach out with any additional questions.
Can I bring a guest?
While we'd love to offer a plus one to all guests, we have a strict guest list to meet our venue restrictions. We'll only be able to accommodate those listed on your invitation.
Can I bring my children?
Unfortunately, no. This is an adult-only celebration, with the exception of the children in our wedding party. We appreciate your understanding.
What should I wear?
We're encouraging guests to wear formal, 'Summer Chic' attire — lightweight fabrics, bright colors, and bold prints encouraged! We want you to look sharp but still be comfortable in the Carolina heat. Don't overthink it! Check out this Pinterest page for outfit inspiration: tinyurl.com/summerchic25
Will the ceremony and reception be held indoors or outdoors?
The ceremony will be held outdoors (weather permitting). The reception will follow immediately at the same location and be split across two spaces - partially indoors, and partially in an outdoor tent. Food service will be heavy hors d'oeuvres rather than a seated dinner, so guests are encouraged to grab food and move freely across the spaces.
What are some things to do in Columbia?
We recommend checking out: Soda City Market: This outdoor market is held every Saturday morning on Main Street and features local vendors and great food trucks. Riverbanks Zoo: The zoo offers over 2,000 animals, lots of scenic walking paths, and a 70-acre botanical garden. Columbia Museum of Art: Ryan and Whitney came here on their first date! The museum is right downtown in Columbia and offers diverse art exhibits ranging from Renaissance paintings to modern installations. The Riverwalk: This paved, 8-mile public trail along the Congaree River is in Whitney's old neighborhood. It's great for walking, jogging, fishing, and birdwatching with your toes in the river!
Where should we eat while in town?
Columbia has lots of places to get a great meal. Here are a few of our favorites: Big T's BBQ (Garners Ferry Rd.): Don't be turned off by the stripmall location! This is the best spot to try South Carolina's mustard-based bbq sauce on top of hash & rice, a chopped barbecue dish rarely found outside the state. Motor Supply Co. Bistro (Gervais St.): Slightly fancy farm-to-table featuring local heritage foods, with everything made in-house and a menu that changes every day. Saluda's (Saluda Ave.): Upscale spot serving reimagined Southern classics. Their take on shrimp & grits is Whitney's all-time favorite. Rush's (multiple locations): This chain is a Columbia-area fast food staple. Order a chili cheeseburger with a chocolate milkshake, or a box of fried chicken to go. Thank us later! DiPrato's (Pickens St.): One of the best brunch spots in Columbia. This airy eat-in offers NYC Italian-style deli offerings along with lots of Southern signatures, including a super-popular smoked gouda and bacon pimento cheese. Menkoi Ramen House (Gervais St.): This place has a perfect spicy tonkatsu broth and is great for late nights; they stay open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.