Sullivan's Island Winter-Spring 2019-20

18 www.SullivansIslandMagazine.com | www.SullivansIslandHomes.com employer allowed them the use of the Sand Dunes Club. “The ceremony went really well,” Becky said. “No hiccups except one ring bearer dropped the box and put the items back in it, and the other ring bearer didn’t feel good and had to be carried down the beach trail.” Those things were minor to all involved. “I had flip-flops on until about halfway down the trail and then I kicked them off because I love sand between my toes. We couldn’t have been happier about the decision we made to get married on the beach. And I married the most amazing man that I am now lucky enough to call my husband.” Holly agreed that the ceremony was a success. “The weather was perfect — not a cloud in the sky! Lucky for us.” Weather can play a significant role in a beach wedding. Rain and strong winds are factors that can ruin a ceremony. It’s a risk these couples were willing to take. Many of the couples also said they studied the tide charts to make sure it was low tide. High tides can result in little or no beach. Weather and tides may be two reasons that beach weddings are not on the top 10 places to get married in the Charleston area. Andy Benke, Sullivan’s Island town administrator, said, “On the whole, there are about 15 to 20 weddings on the beach each year. Station 12 and Breach Inlet are popular for the view, but many couples enjoy exchanging nuptials under the shadow of the lighthouse at Station 18 ½.” If you are willing to risk the weather, beach weddings offer a few other perks besides the beautiful setting. They are often less hassle and less expensive. “It is usually a simpler setting that is peaceful and pristine without the headaches of booking a church, someone to play music and other challenges with the more traditional ceremony,” Benke said. “The Town enjoys assisting folks with requests of this nature, and, if it creates a pleasurable memory about Sullivan’s Island for them, all the better!” The Town does not charge for having a wedding on the beach. However, they do have some stipulations. You must fill out a registration form that lists a few simple rules and allows them to track who uses the beach for weddings. The Town does not allow alcohol, single- use plastics or commercial activity such as photography, catering and event coordinators. The weddings need to be stand- [ Feature ] Cole and Layken Davis enjoy the beach setting after their ceremony. Photo courtesy of Cole and Layken Davis. Mary Evelyn and James Martin chose Station 12 for their wedding. Photo courtesy of Mary Evelyn and James Martin.