Why Newport
Joanna's great-grandparents, Henry and Angela Scholtz, were sailors. They belonged to the New York Yacht Club, spending time in Newport as Henry was on the America's Cup Race Committee. Their sons Andy and Fred were also serious sailors who competed since they were boys at the Riverside Yacht Club in Greenwich, CT. Fred, Joanna's Pop, was the Chairman of the Race Committee in 1976 when Ted Turner defended the America's Cup. He claimed, his true sole job was to keep Ted Turner, "Captain Outrageous", under control - which he failed to do!
Newport is a special place for the Scholtz family. For Joanna, it was a summer vacation spot where the family spent time on Quonochotaug Pond in Charlestown, Rhode Island. Jo loved time at the beach, collected creatures off the dock with her brothers, and often took day trips to Newport.
Joanna and Ryan took their first vacation together in Newport. Not only did they fall in love with the charms of the town, but it's where they fell for each other.