Catching up with local couples who share how they met and fell in love
Story by Joan Perry | Contributing Writer
Avondale mural image by Danielle Brutto
I may have watched too many Hallmark Christmas movies, but as I considered a February West Ashley Wanderer column, I wondered how many of the people we encounter every day had their first romantic spark in our own neighborhood.
The definition of “Meet Cute” in a movie plot describes a situation in which a potential romantic couple meets for the first time in a way that is considered adorable, amusing, or cute.
I became a pest, messaging and stopping every couple I knew, to ask if they met West Ashley. Even if they didn’t, their voices became gentler, and their eyes got dreamy, while they described how and when they first met their sweetheart.
People move a lot, so I was often disappointed, but I got good stories. From finding true love at the old Piggie Park (now Bessingers on Savannah Highway) to making a connection while serving in a volunteer role, the stories I heard made me smile and warmed my heart.
Janet Nye and Jason Zwiker had been members of a writer’s group that met at the former Books-A-Million (now Michael’s) off Sam Rittenburg Boulevard. They formed a friendship based on their common interest before the sparks flew. Together now for 22 years, Janet says they are “still crazy for each other and absolute best friends.”
When I pestered Lisa Howell about her relationship, she said, “Yes, we did!” Lisa was working as a Registered Nurse on the Medical Surgical Unit, while Micheal Fredericks was managing the Post Anesthesia Care Unit at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. They kept it in the neighborhood and the family, when her cousin Jackie Molony, who served as the Patient Representative, married them in the hospital chapel. Lisa’s recent social media shout-out was, “Happy 18th Anniversary, Michael. I love you today, tomorrow, and forever.”
I admit to having the inside scoop on our West Of Free Press power couple: Lindsey and Lorne Chambers. They were an easy one and a personal favorite.
“I was the first intern on the first day that the first issue of West Of was printed (21 years ago on Feb. 1). I was doing the interview with Lorne when the first issue arrived. It was cool to see Lorne’s reaction to the new paper, seeing it in print for the first time! I could see he was a good one, I admired his actions and choices over the years, but we didn’t start dating until several years later, when I was working as an advertising sales rep at West Of. I knew it was romantic when we found ourselves hanging out at happy hour (R.I.P. Voodoo), lingering a little longer than the rest of the office crew. We’ve been together for more than 18 years now and married since 2013.”
Isn’t this fun? I am such a snoop.
I put my Love Detective Audrey Moody on the job, and she turned in her daughter Alison Moody and husband Tom Johnson. Alison’s story hit every West Ashley theme I could hope for – neighborhood introduction, boating, church, school and family.
Quick! Someone call Hallmark.
“My husband Tom and I fit the bill. We met as next-door neighbors in Avondale, married at John Wesley United Methodist Church, and raised our children here. Even with Charleston’s tremendous growth since my childhood, our family marvels at how much it feels like a small town. I believe that’s the magic of West Ashley. It keeps its flock close.”
When the company Alison worked for relocated her back home, she was able to buy a small house in Avondale. Because of its central location, friends and family often stopped by after work or on weekends for a drink and visit. One of those friends, Chris Cullum, would visit because his friend Tom Johnson lived next door. If Tom wasn’t home, Chris would sit in her yard while she gardened. Alison traveled for work, but on Thursday nights, a small group of friends gathered to cook dinner and watch a television series together. Some nights they went out afterward; others ended with cards or simply sitting in the backyard. It was a wonderful way to reconnect with Charleston after being away. Neighbor Tom was soon invited to join the group.
“We got to know each other through those Thursday night gatherings. Tom had a boat, so some turned into Saturday invitations on the water. That’s how we started dating. A year later, we were engaged and married on April 18, 1998, at John Wesley United Methodist Church.”
Alison and Tom have two children, Copeland and Boyd and eventually moved to a larger home in Ashley Harbor. The children graduated from West Ashley High School, played sports for St. Andrew’s Parks & Playground just as she and her brothers did. “We love living in West Ashley, raising our children here, worshiping here, and building a life rooted in community. Our kids still run into an aunt, uncle, or grandparent at the grocery store, a restaurant, and always at church on Sunday.”
Happy Valentine’s Day to all, no matter where you meet. Romance could be around the corner. Stay healthy my friends, and wave at me as I wander. Send ideas for upcoming columns to: westashleywanderer@gmail.com.
