If you’re planning a surprise proposal with an audience, choose a place with good hiding spots. “Station 21 at Sullivan’s was perfect,” says Brijesh. The loud waves masked any excited chatter that might have spoiled the surprise.
After meeting on Bumble, Swati Patel led Brijesh Patel (no relation, of course) around Charleston to break the New Jersey transplant into his new town. Within a week, she says she knew he was her forever guy. Apparently, he knew, too. Six months later Brijesh made reservations at High Thyme on Sullivan’s Island for the couple’s regular Friday date night, and then lured Swati out on the beach before dinner. His carrot? The promise of turtles. “I had no idea if turtles even come on the beach then,” he laughs. Swati’s excitement turned to shock they came across a setup with champagne and letters spelling out “MARRY ME” alongside a tissue paper mala, an Indian floral garland. Brijesh got down on one knee, Swati squealed “Yes!”, and a minor mob ran out from hiding, including her childhood bestie (the groom-to-be had flown her in), and her sister joined via FaceTime. “I’m not an easy person to surprise,” admits Swati, “but it felt like a dream.” The couple wed 13 months later on January 3, 2020, in a massive Indian celebration at the Charleston Marriot.
(Check SullivansIsland.SC.Gov for current COVID-19 beach regulations. At press time, groups were limited to three and activities were limited to exercise.)
Written By Melissa Reardon
Photographs By Lucy Cuneo
A transplant from Virginia, Weston “Wes” McAfee vividly remembers the first time he saw his future bride-to-be. Charleston native Dana Elaine...
An Elegant Affair Proves New Year’s Eve Might Just Be The Perfect Time To Start A New Life Together
By Joanne O’Sullivan | Images by Brandon Lata Photography
Few people anywhere in the...
A Match Made in Heaven
Classic white blooms, greenery, and wooden elements set off this stunning Charleston wedding under the oaks
When it comes to love and marriage, couples who pair well...
A Charleston Winter Wedding Embraces the Season with Sophistication and Glamour
Just a few hours before sunset in mid-winter, Charleston takes on a certain golden glow, unparalleled at any other...
Take Cues from this Intimate Dreamy Blue “I Do”
Amy Bronston and Trevor Pittman’s love story reads like a romantic movie. It was during the 2019 holiday season in Washington DC, where...
This Halloween matrimony perfectly plays up the holiday—with a dash of fun and plenty of class in a scenic coastal Charleston setting
By Joanne O’Sullivan | Images by Anne Rhett Photography...
By Melissa Reardon | Images by Kelsey Halm Photo
Expert Advice for a Beautiful Fall Bouquet
With seasonal change comes an exciting rich color palette and tons of texture with which to design....
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Photos by Dana Cubbage Weddings | Written by Melissa Reardon
They say the greatest marriages are built on teamwork. And indeed, it’s one of the marital building blocks...
When an interior designer bride and an A-list event planner collaborate on a wedding that meets the missus’ aesthetic for graphics and patterns paired with foliage, the results are a visual feast for the senses
