Newlyweds: Jessica Phillips and Darren Fallon
Darren Fallon (33) is a server and bartender at The Obstinate Daughter, as well as the Sutler Gin representative for the area. Jessica Phillips (33) is a server at 167 Raw Oyster Bar. He’s from Walhalla, South Carolina. She’s from Wellington, Florida. Together a little over three years, they got married on 3/22/26 at Alhambra Hall.
Current location:
West Ashley.
How did you meet?
Darren and I met in Cincinnati while doing a walk-through of a construction site for a restaurant that was being built. At the time, Darren was the Beverage Director for the Restoration Hotel and I was the training manager for a restaurant group down in Florida. The Restoration Hotel and the restaurant group I worked for have the same owners, so that’s how we both ended up in Cincinnati at that walk-through. The owners had asked us both to go up and see the restaurant because they wanted us to open it once it was built.
What did you do on your first date?
We went to a cat cafe in Kentucky and then bar-hopped through Covington and Cincinnati.
Tell us about the proposal.
One of my traditions as an adult has been hosting Friendsgiving. When Darren and I moved to Asheville, North Carolina for a year, we didn’t have any friends there, so it was the first time I didn’t host one. It was a sad moment for me. When we decided to leave Asheville and move to Charleston, I was so excited because Darren had lived here for 13 years before Asheville and had an incredible group of friends, so I knew Friendsgiving would be back on that year.
We sent out invitations, but little did I know, he had more plans than just turkey and a potluck. He first surprised me with my childhood best friend showing up early in the weekend. Then the next day, my mom, little sister, and godmother surprised me at the bar we were hanging out at. Then on Friendsgiving, we got a surprise knock at the door and Darren’s parents showed up. That’s when I knew something was happening.
We had about 30+ people at Friendsgiving, and I always do a toast before we eat where I make everyone go around the room and say what they’re grateful for. He decided to go last, and on his turn, he proposed in front of all of our friends and family.
Why did you choose to get married in Charleston?
The majority of our guests were here, and being in the hospitality industry, it just made the most sense. We paid for our wedding ourselves, and we had many gracious people in our industry who lent a helping hand and donated things to make our special day happen. To make that possible, it only made sense to get married right here in Charleston.
What was your first dance song?
“Ordinary” by Alex Warren.
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Do you believe in love at first sight?
Not necessarily love at first sight, but definitely an intuition – of knowing there’s something beyond just meeting someone who’s passing by or going to be a friend.
What’s your definition of love?
We think love is being your partner’s best friend. Always putting them first and being considerate of how they feel. Thoughtfulness goes a long way, and we always try to make ordinary days feel special.
What are your thoughts on dating nowadays?
It’s harder to find love these days. Dating is more complicated. People work too much, and it’s harder to meet people outside of your industry or have connections with people outside of it. Online dating is really hard, and the days of meeting naturally without the internet are few and far between.
What advice would you give people searching for their life partner?
Be patient. They show up when you’re ready, not when you want them to. We truly believe you go through everything in life for a reason, and life prepares you to meet the person you’re supposed to be with. Try to understand the lessons the universe is teaching you and enjoy your friends and family along the way. Take care of yourself, too, and never wait for someone to come save you. Save yourself. Be happy and make a plan for your life before someone else comes into it.
On paper, would you say you’re a compatible couple?
Very much so. We’re 17 days apart and born in the same year – we couldn’t be more alike. We sometimes feel we’re the same person, just the male and female version.
What’s the best piece of advice you received about marriage?
To put each other first.
What are your future plans?
We’re in the home-buying process now, and we plan on having two children once we get our house settled. Some travel plans are in there, too.
Who’s the better cook?
Darren, hands down. He went to culinary school and can cook anything.
Who’s more organized?
I am, but he does a pretty good job, too.
What are some of your favorite date spots around town?
We love Felix for cocktails. Marbled & Fin is our favorite restaurant for dinner. Maguro is our spot for sushi or nigiri date nights. And Home Team BBQ is our casual date night for Game Changers.
*Not the bride: the first-look prank before Darren saw the real Jessica.
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