Shelter Cove
Calling All Parrotheads: Parrot Palooza Island Sunset Celebration New to Shelter Cove Harbour This Summer
Grab your margarita, your Hawaiian shirt and get ready to eat your cheeseburger in paradise. Shelter Cove Harbour is debuting a new island sunset celebration this summer to give families, visitors and locals alike a new way to enjoy the summer season on Hilton Head Island.
Parrot Palooza will be on Fridays throughout the summer beginning June 21 and running through Aug. 16. Starting at 5 p.m., the festival will kick off at King Neptune Statue at Shelter Cove with street performers, entertainers, music, food, drinks, Caribbean-style décor and of course, a relaxed state of mind!
At 7 p.m., Shannon Tanner, known for his beloved performances at HarbourFest, now in its 25th year, will take the stage with the Oyster Reefers, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band. They’ll let you dance the night away to island-style music while the sun sets behind them along the harbour.
Amidst the palm trees, parrots and margaritas decorating the area, Shelter Cove restaurants will also get into the spirit with island-themed drinks and other specials.
So if you’re looking for a fun new way to party down on Fridays with the family, look no further than Parrot Palooza. It will definitely be 5 o’clock at Shelter Cove every week at the celebration. Then enjoy all the Harbour has to offer like boutique shops, delicious restaurants, gorgeous views and more.
What do you think about Parrot Palooza? Will you join us? Hope to see you there!
Memorial Day Weekend in Hilton Head Packed with Events
What’s your family doing this Memorial Day? May we suggest a visit to Hilton Head? We’ve got a host of different events all weekend that will appeal to a variety of interests.
Shelter Cove Harbour will once again host the annual Hilton Head Art Fest, now in its 5th year, which gives art lovers and novices alike the chance to browse art in a variety of media in the wonderful outdoor setting of Shelter Cove.
On Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Hilton Head vacationers and locals can visit the free arts and crafts market to see artwork from some 150 fine artists nationwide. Shoppers will find watercolor, jewelry, oils, ceramics, glass, photography and even life-size sculptures! Can you imagine taking home something akin to the famous King Neptune statue at Shelter Cove?
The artists at the festival are hand selected from hundreds of applicants to ensure an extensive variety of items that will appeal to a broad range of art enthusiasts, collectors and those looking for unique gifts. We can’t think of anything more amazing than taking back a work of art as a souvenir of your Hilton Head vacation!
Also, at Shelter Cove Harbour are a variety of musical performances, including Shannon Tanner who will kick off the 25th annual HarbourFest on May 24. He’ll play Friday-Sunday at both 6:30 and 8 p.m., entertaining crowds with his beloved kid-friendly songs like “My Hair Had a Party Last Night.”
During the day on both Saturday and Sunday, Shelter Cove Harbour will host the Patwa reggae band, a local favorite and perfect for setting a laid-back island mood. Grab a margarita at San Miguel’s Mexican restaurant and you’re set!
If your group wants to get more active, why not enroll in our Family Golf School, which is designed to fit a family’s needs and skill level or try our 90-minute Hilton Head surf school and learn how to catch a wave in no time. We’ll also be hosting adult tennis round robins over the weekend or try our new guided stand up paddleboarding tours of our 11-mile lagoon or the ocean for tailored paddleboarding guidance and a lesson on the flora and fauna of Hilton Head.
What are your plans for Memorial Day weekend? We hope they involve Hilton Head! If they don’t, go ahead and visit our Hilton Head web cams and pretend like you’re here :-).
Shelter Cove Harbour Presents “Music on the Harbour” Concert Series This Spring
Coming down to Hilton Head Island for spring break or the RBC Heritage tournament? We’ve got a fun outdoor concert series for all ages that Hilton Head vacationers and locals can enjoy every week on Thursday nights. Starting Thursday, April 4 through May 23, Music on the Harbour will host live entertainment on Thursdays at Shelter Cove Harbour.
Each Thursday from 6:00-9:00 p.m., a local band will perform an outdoor concert for free around the King Neptune statue. It’s a great opportunity to gather your family and friends and head over to Shelter Cove Harbour for dinner, live entertainment and lovely harbour views and sunsets.
Shelter Cove Harbour offers a range of delicious Hilton Head restaurants, ranging from Italian and Mexican to gourmet and seafood. The restaurants offer fabulous views of Broad Creek, and during Music on the Harbour, the sun will be setting for an even better view of the beautiful boats and marshes! Shelter Cove restaurants will be offering drink specials during the event as well, so hang around after dinner for a drink or two along the water.
Shelter Cove Harbour also offers plenty of shopping, ranging from art galleries and children’s apparel to souvenirs and jewelry. Shelter Cove Harbour is also home to Hilton Head Island’s largest deep water marina with 170 boat slips and charters for nature cruises, dolphin cruises, sport crabbing and fishing.
Here is the complete line-up for Music on the Harbour with each band performing from 6:00-9:00 p.m.:
- April 4 – Target the Band
- April 11 – Patwa
- April 18 – The Headliners
- April 25 – Jazz Corner Quintet Featuring Bob Marsteller and Gina Rene
- May 2 - Target the Band
- May 9 – Patwa
- May 16 – The Headliners
- May 23 - Jazz Corner Quintet Featuring Bob Marsteller and Gina Rene
Shelter Cove also hosted Music on the Harbour last fall to packed crowds. Take a look at this fun video of the fall concert series:
Music on the Harbour is just the start to a busy entertainment season at Shelter Cove Harbour. The annual HarbourFest kicks off with performances from our much beloved Shannon Tanner, celebrating his 25th year, May 24-26 with two shows at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Shannon will perform Monday-Friday through Labor Day at Shelter Cove Harbour. Fireworks kick off Tuesday, June 18 at dusk and will continue on a Tuesday night schedule during the summer with a special show on Thursday, July 4.
Need help with your Hilton Head accommodations or want to golf, play tennis, rent bikes and more? Palmetto Dunes is your source for Hilton Head fun! Give us a call at 866-744-7558 and we’ll get you set with a Hilton Head vacation rental and all the activities you could imagine!
ELA’s Blu Water Grille: Hilton Head Dining on the Water
Looking for somewhere new to eat on your next Hilton Head vacation? Head over to Shelter Cove Harbour where you’ll find an array of Hilton Head restaurant choices, including one of our favorites: ELA’s Blu Water Grille.
Located right on the water in Shelter Cove Harbour and recently featured in Bon Appetit, ELA’s offers fine dining in Hilton Head in a relaxed atmosphere with an award-winning view. It’s is the perfect choice for a fresh, imaginative meal after a day on playing golf in Hilton Head, hitting the tennis courts or kayaking Hilton Head through our inland lagoon.
ELA 's did receive an award for “Best Water View Dining in South Carolina,” but whether you choose to dine inside or outside at the Hilton Head restaurant, you’ll enjoy the atmosphere. Inside and out, the restaurant is classy yet comfortable; casual yet intimate. The waterfront garden patio is a wonderful place to enjoy the view, the gorgeous year-round weather and the night sky for your evening meal. Come enjoy live music in the evenings Thursday through Sunday.
The menu includes creations from Chef Chris Cohen, focusing on fresh catch seafood and steaks of the highest certified quality. Begin your meal with soup, salad (or both!). The restaurant includes daily specials, as well as staples such as lobster bisque and the ELA wedge salad, which features creamy blu cheese, bacon, tomatoes and red onions. Yum!
Seafood entrees include pan roasted grouper with lobster butter truffle potato puree and local market baby veggies and Atlantic swordfish steak served with sunchoke puree, arugula pecan pesto and seasonal vegetables.
If you’re in the mood for something other than seafood, options include an 8 ounce filet mignon with Grafton Village cheddar potatoes au gratin, as well as The Ugly Burger, which is served with truffle French fries.
For those who enjoy a glass of wine, ELA stocks varieties from boutique vineyards. And for those who like to cap off their meal with a delicious dessert, choose from a sweet list including key lime pie, tiramisu and ELA’s pecan pie.
Oh, and a couple celebrities, including Paula Abdul, have made ELA’s their Hilton Head restaurant of choice as well. You just never know who you might see as you nosh on their gourmet cuisine while you gaze over the water!
Is all this talk about food making you hungry? Go ahead and make a reservation for lunch or dinner today! Visit ELA’s website or call them at 843-785-3030. Bon appétit!
Take a Labor Day Golf Getaway to Palmetto Dunes
A long weekend is on the horizon (Yay!). And we can’t think of a better way to spend your days off than on a Labor Day golf getaway to Palmetto Dunes!
Here’s a rundown of the things you can do at this ever popular South Carolina golf resort, including plenty of golf but some other Hilton Head activities, as well:
Tee Time
The Hilton Head Celebrity Golf Tournament kicks off Friday Aug. 31, 2012 at our famed Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course, one of our three world-class golf courses. Since 1979, the annual event has raised more than $3.8 million for well-deserving children’s charities of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Celebrities at this year’s tournament include actors Richard Schiff of The West Wing and Brian Baumgartner, Kevin from The Office; TV personalities Paul Goodloe of the Weather Channel and Holly Sonders of Golf Channel’s Morning Drive; numerous professional athletes and plenty of South Carolina favorites including Bobby Cremins; and George Rogers, NFL running back, University of South Carolina graduate and 1980 Heisman Trophy winner.
While you won’t be able to play the Jones course Friday (it will be closed for the tournament), you can certainly go and enjoy the festivities! Or you could plan to play one (or both) of the other golf courses at Palmetto Dunes: the George Fazio Course (called the most challenging course in Hilton Head) and the Arthur Hills Course (with 10 holes on the water!). Of course, the Jones course will be back open on Saturday and Sunday.
We also have a special deal right now on Saturday that you can take advantage of while in town. If you book a tee time after 11 a.m. you get half off resort rates if you use code SSSPECIAL12 and book your tee time online here.
Boogie Down
While HarbourFest fireworks are over for the season, Shannon Tanner hasn’t gone home yet! Shannon is a family entertainer, who’s been singing and playing music to crowds at Shelter Cove since 1988. Shannon will be performing Friday at 6:30 and 8 p.m. with other live entertainment Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Cappy the Clown will be on hand 6-9 p.m. all weekend and there will be lots of other family activities to do, as well. So bring the whole bunch and experience a new family tradition!
Bike Around Town
Rent a bike from Hilton Head Outfitters, THE place for Hilton Head bike rentals, and explore. Hilton Head Island has more than 50 miles of bike paths that take you beneath live oaks draped with Spanish moss, past creeks and marshes, and close to an assortment of beautiful flowers in bloom.
What’s going on Labor Day weekend at Palmetto Dunes? As you can see, a lot! In addition to the events above, be sure to check out our event calendar for more information on daily tennis clinics, golf demonstrations and after-hours activities at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort! Enjoy your long weekend!
Annual Hilton Head Art Fair Spotlights Artists From Across the Country
If you’re looking for more than a tchotchke to take home as a souvenir of your Hilton Head vacation, consider heading over to the annual Hilton Head Art Fair running Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27 at Shelter Cove Harbour. The event is free.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can browse through works from more than 150 artists from $25 hand-crafted earrings to $30,000 metal sculptures. There’s something to suit every taste and budget. You’re also welcome to strike up conversations with the artists themselves to get a deeper understanding for their inspiration.
While you‘re admiring wood carvings, watercolors, photography and ceramic art, enjoy the scenery at Shelter Cove Marina, too. Stroll through the shops in this Mediterranean-inspired village and enjoy lunch at one of several cafes overlooking the water, such as Ela’s Blu Water Grille or San Miguel’s. On a warm day, an Italian Ice from Frosty’s is also a real treat.
Shelter Cove Harbour is located right across the highway from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, so throughout both days, the Palmetto Dunes Dunes Buggy van will be available to shuttle folks back and forth between the resort and Shelter Cove Harbour for free. Catch the Dunes Buggy at the free patron parking lots located at the adjacent lot behind the HS1 building and the chamber lot behind the arts center. The Buggy will drop you off at Neptune Circle in Shelter Cove.
Or free to pedal over by bike (Hilton Head Outfitters will be happy to rent you one!). There’s a safe pedestrian tunnel under William Hilton Parkway.
The 4th annual Hilton Head Island Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour is perfect opportunity to take a little or a lot of artistic inspiration home with you. You’ll find Hilton Head Island inspires artists and patrons alike.
Shannon’s Back & Other Spring Shelter Cove Events
Weeknights on Hilton Head Island are back to the way they should be -- centered around Shannon Tanner’s family-fun evening performances, now in their 24th year, at the Shelter Cove Harbour gazebo.
While not the official start of HarbourFest (which begins in June), Shannon, known for his beanie hat -- propeller and all -- begins his spring set of performances Tuesday-Saturday now-Memorial Day at 6:30 p.m. After Memorial Day, he’ll perform twice in the evenings Monday-Friday at 6:30 & 8 p.m.
How did Shannon get his start? As a teen, he helped out on his dad’s shrimp boat that docked at another Hilton Head Island landmark, Hudson’s. One night after work, he played his guitar and, much to his surprise, attracted a crowd of tourists. A star was born.
But this star is pretty good at sharing the spotlight with children and their parents (many of whom were children themselves watching Shannon some 20 years ago). From one devoted parent who’s been returning year after year to Shelter Cove:
I am the father of two girls and we have been vacationing at Hilton Head every year for the last 13 years. We have seen your show (usually multiple times) every year and I want to thank you for what you do. I commented to my wife and kids (now 22 and 26) that it is incredible to me that you must have done 1,500-2,000 shows over the years and each show seems like the first one you have ever done. You are amazingly upbeat and devoted to putting on a great show.
Because of his infectious levity, larger stars have shared their stages with him like Amy Grant, the Beach Boys, America, and Toby Keith. He’s also had the honor of performing private shows for President Ford, Vice President Dan Quayle and Henry Mancini, to name a few.
Come to Shelter Cove this spring to hear Shannon--and everyone else--sing “My Hair Had a Party Last Night,” “Twinkle Little Star Rap” and “Down to the Island.” We promise you’ll be humming it in your head all year…
Shannon’s not the only thing going on in Shelter Cove this spring. Some other upcoming events to add to your calendar include:
- Nash Gallery Art Fair, April 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Hilton Head Taste of Summer Craft Beer Festival, May 19, 2-6 p.m.
- 4th Annual Hilton Head Art Festival, May 26-27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Spring is hoppin’ at Shelter Cove. See you there!
Hop a Ride on the Dunes Buggy for Travel Throughout the Resort
When you come to Hilton Head, park your car and don’t go back till it’s time to go home. Leave the transportation to us!
Starting April 1, our popular Dunes Buggy is back and ready for the busy season. This free transportation for resort guests travels throughout Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove Harbour. That means you can go from the beach to shopping without ever setting foot on your gas pedal.
Destinations include the golf courses, restaurants within the resort, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, Hilton Head Outfitters, the General Store, pro shops, Shelter Cove Marina and all the restaurants and shopping within Shelter Cove.
If you need to hitch a ride aboard “the buggy,” call 843-689-4222 and we’ll dispatch on a first-come, first-serve basis usually within about 10 minutes of your call. Give us a little more time during the busy weeks of the Heritage and Fourth of July, please ☺. The Dunes Buggy runs all summer through September.
And lest you be tempted to head to your car, remember we’ve got bikes, kayaks and hey, your own two feet, to get you where you need to go here in Hilton Head. You’ll enjoy the views a lot more and burn off a few calories while you’re at it.
See you soon on the Dunes Buggy!
Palmetto Dunes Holiday Gift Guide: The Perfect Fishing Shirt
Reel in the right holiday gift this year for the fishing fanatic in your life. The Palmetto Dunes Ships Store has the perfect fishing shirt: Bonehead by Columbia. The Bonehead collection is made of cotton poplin, creating that lived-in comfort feeling. It also features mesh-lined vents on the shoulders to help keep you cool when you’re reeling in the big one!
For those super sunny fishing days, you can always use the hook and loop on the collar to keep the sun off your neck. If all these features aren’t enough, there’s also a hook and loop closed fly pocket at the chest, a utility loop, a rod holder loop and a tool holder all on this shirt to help keep your hands free to work with your rod lines and lures.
This amazing shirt is available for men and women, short and long sleeve and in several colors. If you order or pick up this gift before December 31, you can also take advantage of a 20% discount at The Ships Store.
Stocking Stuffer Special: If you need a fishing stocking stuffer to go with the Bonehead shirt by Columbia, you should pick up a Tervis tumbler. We have a large selection of cups, lids and handles here in Hilton Head!
Holiday Happenings on Hilton Head Island
It’s quickly becoming that time of year when you sit at the table to give thanks, hear holiday music on the radio and spend hours of your weekend wrapping gifts. The holidays are full of fun here on Hilton Head Island, and if you’re planning a trip here before 2012, you won’t be bored or disappointed.
The holiday excitement begins with Thanksgiving here at The Dunes House in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. We’re serving up a traditional style Thanksgiving Day feast so if you’d be thankful for no cooking and no clean up, this is the perfect option for your family! If you’re staying that weekend, The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is hosting the Community Christmas Tree Lighting to move us directly into the Santa spirit.
Come celebrate this joyful season with us at Shelter Cove Harbour Friday, November 25 by getting your picture with Santa, live entertainment and even free ornaments from Christmas on the Harbour for the first 200 children. The fun continues into Saturday with holiday sales and amazing deals from many of the shops in Shelter Cove.
Want to feel like you’re walking in a winter wonderland while you’re here on the Island? Then the Hilton Head Winter Wonder Festival on December 9 is a must-add to your calendars. From 4-8 p.m. at Shelter Cove Park, you can roast marshmallows, create holiday crafts or even hunt for the golden candy cane. This event is a wonderful family-friendly festival that allows parents and grandparents to come for free with their children!
For more information on events happening while you’re here on a fabulous winter vacation, click here!
Shannon Tanner: Beyond HarbourFest
Shannon Tanner holds a special place in the hearts of all who’ve visited Palmetto Dunes, as well as Hilton Head locals and those strolling through Shelter Cove during the summer season. Although summer has come to a close, he’s keeping his musical act in motion by heading into the school systems with his “Wish to Be Just Who You Are Shannon Tanner School Tour.”
This anti-bullying campaign uses Shannon’s music to teach children important life lessons and the impact of bullying on kids. Shannon says the inspiration came from some of his own childhood memories, as well as the ever-growing number of cyber bullying reports.
Shannon has been performing at our HarbourFest event for 24 years and we hope his anti-bullying campaign shapes the lives of children for many years to come! Check out this amazing video below of Shannon performing at Roaring Brook School!
Reel in Fall Fish at Palmetto Dunes
Summer is winding down but that doesn’t mean the fun is done here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort! With cooler temperatures and seasonal fish coming through the Atlantic Ocean, fall is a great time to plan a fishing trip. The gang here at Palmetto Dunes offers several fishing charters year round and Captain Trent Malphrus is a genius behind the reel and rod!
For the more experienced fisherman, chartering the 34-foot True Grit is the perfect choice. Fishing charters range anywhere from three to 10 hours, depending on the fisherman’s preference. But don’t worry if this sounds a little advanced for you. At Palmetto Dunes, there’s something for every level of fishing enthusiast. Palmetto Dunes even offers party fishing trips. The Captain Hook is a 70-foot party boat, which boasts restrooms and seated fishing areas.
The autumn months bring many varieties of fish. From Sea Trout to Tarpons and even Barracuda, you’re sure to reel in something big while you’re here! So start thinking about your trip now, and we’ll “hook” you up.
New Hilton Head Restaurant at Shelter Cove Harbour: Ela’s Blu Water Grille
Visitors to Palmetto Dunes this summer will find a great new option for dining at Shelter Cove Harbour. Ela’s, located directly above the Ship’s Store, serves up fresh seafood and steak with a wonderful Italian twist and amazing water views to boot.
Master Chef Kal Rabadi greets local fishermen daily to decide what will be on his menu that evening. And vinophiles will gush over the extensive wine menu!
They’ve only been open less than a month and already have a celebrity following! In fact, Paula Abdul dined there on her recent Hilton Head trip. But celebs aren’t the only ones giving Ela’s a thumbs up; the locals are giving it great reviews too. Here’s what one of our Facebook friends had this to say about his visit:
“Tried [Ela’s] this past week and it was one of the better meals we've had on hhi in a very long time...still in it's infancy in a few areas, but they've got what it takes...owners are on site every night and the chef is terrific...we're rooting for them to succeed!”
You can find them on Facebook and OpenTable, so make sure to check them out the next time you’re down this way! If you ever need any other recommendations for dining in Hilton Head you can always tweet us @PalmettoDunesSC or check out our Tempt Your Palate blog post from earlier this season!
A Day of Art on the Water
With a backdrop itself a work of art, Hilton Head will host the annual Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour Memorial Day weekend May 28 and 29. The free event runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day .
Making New Memories at Palmetto Dunes
There’s no doubt that kids of all ages (including adults!) love Shannon Tanner, a longtime fixture at Harbourfest in Shelter Cove Harbour, our hallmark event of the year. Tourists and locals come from near and far to do the “crazy hair dance” and see Shannon don his trademark beanie each summer night while singing song after family-friendly song. But one recent visitor had an even more memorable experience than most: bonding with his daughter in a moment that he’ll never forget. This father wrote us to tell us how his 8-year-old daughter was upset that she was missing her school’s father/daughter dance because of their recent Hilton Head vacation. A little sad, she and her family headed out to Harbourfest and found themselves along with many families enjoying the fun that is Shannon Tanner. He writes: “It was about that time in the show where you asked the little girls to grab their dads for a song you were about to do. For the first time in the day she got excited and grabbed my hand and dragged me up to dance with her. You then sang a song I had never heard before and it was a moment in my life that I will never forget. It was Cinderella. As I listened to the words, I related to the song and couldn't hold back my emotions as I held my little girl while we danced together.” Later that night, she told him she was so happy because she got to dance with her dad after all. “I melted right then and there,” said the dad. “I have since downloaded the song from iTunes and can't listen to [it] without remembering that night and getting emotional.” We’re so glad that this family will have happy memories of Shelter Cove, Palmetto Dunes and Hilton Head forever, and we hope you’ll come make your own memories, as well.
5 Don't Miss Spots at Palmetto Dunes
When you vacation at Palmetto Dunes, you’ll be hard pressed to find yourself bored. But just in case there’s a moment that finds you wondering what to do next, we have 5 great don’t-miss activities that are part of the ultimate Palmetto Dunes experience. Stay tuned for future posts on more top activities at the resort!
October 2nd Wedding
We had such an amazing wedding weekend! Nicole couldn't have been more accommodating and wonderful through the wedding planning process. Enjoy these couple of pictures. I hope everyone has a fabulous experience like my husband and I did!!
Brian Gay and Boo Weekley at Palmetto Dunes!
Brian Gay, 3-time PGA tour winner and 2009 Heritage defending champion AND 2-time Verizon Heritage winner Boo Weekley visited Palmetto Dunes at the Robert Trent Jones Pro Shop!
Kids from the Local Boys and Girls Club came in for photographs with Brian Gay, and even got a golf exhibition from Director of Golf Instruction, Doug Weaver.
Elegant, but Simple
Picking the perfect location for your wedding can be the most daunting part of planning. After researching and visiting many wedding venues on Hilton Head Island, we knew instantly that Nicole Guy was honest and sincere in what she and Palmetto Dunes could offer for our wedding day. The moment we saw the Dunes House, we knew that it was the perfect location for a beach ceremony. The Dunes House offered us elegance, yet simplicity which is exactly what we wanted for our special day. Along with the ideal setting, came a ceremony and reception that ran smoothly and seamlessly. Everything was perfectly coordinated on the "day of", Ben and I only had to show up. From the sea oats and linens on the tables to the delightful dinner, everything was wonderfully prepared. Nicole and the staff at Palmetto Dunes provided us with a venue and an experience that surpassed all our dreams of a perfect wedding day.
A Rainbow of a Wedding!
The best part about a Palmetto Dunes wedding is that you can extend your special day; it isn't over in just one night! We arrived on a Wednesday and left on a Monday (6 days total), and visited with friends and family each day. Most had never been to Hilton Head and fell in love with Palmetto Dunes. Our closest friends stayed with us in a gorgeous rental home just steps away from the Dunes House and my parents stayed in Villamare Villas. Although we live in Chicago, the area's vendors were helpful and reliable while planning and delivered wonderful results. Nicole Guy worked with me as I changed my mind numerous times with the menu, guest count, timeframe, and more. Sometimes, with an outdoor reception, the biggest concern is weather. Have you wondered what you would do if it started raining during your wedding ceremony? It happened to us, but the blissful aftershock of officially tying the knot overcame any feelings of panic as Michael and I boarded the wedding party bus from Holy Family's rainy parking lot to the entrance of Palmetto Dunes. Our skilled photographer John Brackett didn't seem to mind either, as he guided the driver to a PD special spot with the signature Hilton Head Island trees and foliage for a breathtaking backdrop. After photos, we approached the Dunes House to the sound of our steel drum band and party conversation. Our guests delightfully sipped champaign and munched on passed hors d'oeuvres while staying dry inside. As we each took drink and food for ourselves and mingled with our guests, we couldn't help wondering if the rain would stay or leave, but to our delight, the gorgeous rays of sun pushed through. I could hardly believe the outcome when a beautiful rainbow appeared over the ocean! The sky transformed into an amazing palate of blues which translated to beach photos that look magical. Although nature placed us slightly behind schedule, dinner was served as planned outside on the deck. Before long our guests were dancing to the sounds of "The Mighty Kicks" while enjoying the liberating feeling of letting loose under the stars. We were told by many that this was the best wedding they have ever attended! To see a short video clip, go to: http://s808.photobucket.com/albums/zz6/michaelpeck13/?action=view¤t=OUR_WEDDING-011.flv
The Beginning of Our Forever
Thank you for helping make this dream come true. This is the place where I have always felt most at peace with my life and with myself. I feel like I can breathe easier here. -Excerpt from Sarah's vows to Joe
I too thought about the ocean and I thought it was a perfect metaphor for our love. There's incredible beauty and power. There's endless depth and it's a constant reminder to me that no matter how well we know each other, there's so much more out there that we can discover about each other. -Excerpt from Joe's vows to Sarah
Our wedding in Palmetto Dunes in Hilton Head, South Carolina was as magical a day as we had dreamed. We had a very personal sunset ceremony with one of the most scenic views imaginable. We highly recommend the staff at Palmetto Dunes Resort. From Nicole Guy's advice on vendors to her comforting words when the weather didn't seem to be cooperating, we couldn't envision planning this most important day without them. We were even able to get a sound technician on the beach to play our Beatles ceremony, Octopus's Garden as the guest were seated, All You Need Is Love for the processional, and The End for our first kiss and end of the ceremony. As you can see from our photo, it was a beautiful, intimate event. We would like to give special thanks to Scott and Francis Moody of Pro Photo, Inc., who were our amazing photographers.
We Made it Through The Rain!
They say that rain on your wedding day is good luck. I just think it's an old saying to help brides feel better during a deluge! Nonetheless, we had no choice but to happily embrace our blessings from heaven when the skies opened up on our wedding day at Palmetto Dunes. Part of the reason I chose PD is because the Dunes House and the adjacent covered patio made for a picturesque "Plan B" in case of rain. We're from Chicago and had really hoped for a beach wedding. We were told by all the vendors that it "never" rains on Hilton Head in May. Turns out they were right- except for our wedding day! It absolutely poured buckets: thunder, lightning- you name it! But Nicole Guy was absolutely wonderful the morning of the wedding in shifting everything indoors and making sure we still had the special oceanside wedding we desired. I truly feel that our positive attitudes during the downpour, the loving energy we got from our guests, and Nicole's swift actions moved God to cease the rain precisely when the ceremony ended! It seems no sooner did the minister allow my husband to "kiss the bride" that the rain stopped and the sky turned a beautiful, dreamy dark blue! We were able to take photos outside on the deck and on the beach- our photographer loved the post-storm sky and said it was much better than having bright sun. Our dinner was still indoors and featured the simple elegance and intimacy the Dunes House offers; the food was delicious and the decor was wonderful. We enjoyed drinks and dancing outside, and we look back on our rainy wedding day as absolutely perfect! Our thanks to Nicole and Palmetto Dunes- even with the rain you gave us a dream wedding we'll never forget!
Paradise Found - A Wedding at Palmetto Dunes
We can't say enough about the wonderful job done by Nicole Guy and the Palmetto Dunes staff! We looked all over Hilton Head Island for the perfect location for our destination wedding, and Palmetto Dunes had the most beautiful and well cared for homes around. Nicole was able to help us put together the relaxed celebration that we dreamed of but didn't have the experience to plan. With the help of the Palmetto Dunes team we were able to enjoy the time with our friends and family rather than stressing out. And the food was amazing! Chris put together a dream menu that had everybody coming back for more. In fact, Nicole was even able to share one of the appetizer recipes with us so we could incorporate it into our first Thanksgiving dinner as a married couple. Palmetto Dunes treated us like family every step of the way. When we needed to make last minute changes to our honeymoon plans, they arranged for us to return to the home where we were married. It was a dream wedding and perfect honeymoon, and it was all spent at Palmetto Dunes!