Easy Does It

As a child, Mary Coffaro treasured Goat Island—a tiny stretch of tree-covered land with a scattering of homes set just off the Isle of Palms and accessible only by boat—as the site of countless summer camp outs hosted by a Sullivan’s Island Elementary classmate. She never imagined that years later she would say “I do” on the same sandy shores. Yet after now-hubby Alejandro Luis proposed at his parents’ Aiken, South Carolina, farm, the choice to revisit her childhood haunt was simple. “We wanted our celebration to hold true to our laid-back lifestyle,” Mary says, “and I knew that Goat Island’s relaxed charm was just right.” Enter Goat Island Gatherings’ Diann Clark, whose tip-of-the island property is available as a wedding venue. The couple booked the spot, hired Diann as a day-of coordinator, and Mary started designing a modest day herself. “I used the natural vegetation to my advantage,” says Mary, explaining that she played up the lush scenery with potted plants, found driftwood, votives, and lanterns. To hammer home the informal vibe, the Columbia, South Carolina, residents skipped seating for their marsh flats ceremony, favored cocktail tables over a formal seated dinner, and opted for a drinks-and-ice-filled canoe in lieu of a bar. “I wanted everything to be a reflection of the island,” says Mary, “and it turned out to be so perfect.”

Island: Goat Island
Distance from Charleston: 17 miles north
Personality: Serene, remote, and rustic hideaway
Best Bet to Wed There: Book through Goat Island Gatherings (843/568-4770)
Info: Nature-Tours.com/group-options/goat-island-gatherings
Like Goat Island? You’ll Also Dig: Dewees Island (843/882-5052; DeweesIslandPOA.org)

Vendor List

Baker: DeClare Cakes, www.declarecakes.com

Bride’s Gown: Augusta Jones from Gown Boutique of Charleston, www.gownboutiqueofcharleston.com

Bride’s Shoes: Aldo, www.aldoshoes.com

Bridesmaid Attire: David's Bridal, www.davidsbridal.com

Caterer: Square Onion, www.squareonion.com

Florist: FloriCHS by Nathalie Rumph, www.florichs.com

Hair: Article 5 Hair Salon, www.article5salon.com

Jewelry Designer: Semra Ascioglu, www.etsy.com/people/kirevi8‎

Linens and Rentals: Snyder Events, www.snyderevents.com

Musicians: Gino Castillo Quartet, www.ginocastillosite.com

Photography: Reese Allen Photography, www.reeseallen.com