September 23, 2023
For Stephanie and Joel, a hurricane and subtropical storm marked momentous occasions in their relationship.
The two met through Stephanie’s work. She’s the Advancement Director for Ground Zero and Joel is a Director at Baywatch Resort and Conference Center. He came on a tour of Ground Zero and began volunteering.
It wasn’t until the morning Hurricane Ian would make landfall, that Stephanie mentioned to Joel that she wanted to walk the beach. He drove from his home in North Myrtle Beach to meet her for the walk. Afterwards they had breakfast at the only pancake house open that morning. Stephanie says she knew then and there Joel would be the one.
The two spent time together, met one another’s families, and attended church as a couple. As Stephanie recalls: “Since the beach has marked each significant event in the couple’s courtship, Joel chose a rainy evening walk on the beach to propose.” Joel pointed out that from where they were near the Ocean Club at Grande Dunes, they could almost see the Sky Wheel.”
When Stephanie said she couldn’t quite see it, Joel said “I also see our future,” got down on one knee and proposed.
The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes served as the wedding and reception venue, but Mother Nature, again, had her own plans. This time it was storm Ophelia, so the outdoor Grande Garden had to be scratched in favor of the Nautilus Ballroom.
Joel’s daughter Chloe walked him down the aisle and Stephanie’s parents, Tim and Cheryl Martin walked her down the aisle. The wedding was attended by Joel’s mother, two brothers and their families, Stephanie’s family and the couple’s close friends.
The colors were navy blue, sage green and white and boasted ostrich feathers from tall trumpet vases to “maximize the elegance of the evening.”
Dennis Hubbell with Hubbell Entertainment emceed and kept everything fun, with great music; Karen Long from Stunning and Brilliant Events was the planner; Kathy Strauss of ImageWerks and Pete Denio were the photographers; and Rachel from Two Oaks Bridal assisted with the bride’s gown.
The couple now make their home in Living Dunes, Myrtle Beach.
