Skull Creek Boathouse

Rehearsal Dinner

Welcome Party

Coastal Discovery Museum

Wedding Day

Spring

Our Wedding

We met on January 7, 2023 — a night that started as a casual hangout with friends and turned into something completely unexpected. Neither of us went out that evening looking to meet someone, but thanks to a Bojangles hat and a bit of serendipity, our paths crossed. A simple conversation at the bar quickly turned into hours of laughter. Ben (being the dentist he is) couldn’t help but compliment Julia’s smile — and from that moment on, the connection was undeniable. When we finally said goodnight, we both knew something felt different. After two weeks of texting (and a little push from Julia to actually ask her out), we had our first date at The Map Room — where Julia showed up almost an hour late, but thankfully, Ben was still smitten. We said “I love you” over the 4th of July, moved in together the following spring with Julia’s dog Louie in tow, and on a birthday weekend trip to Saugatuck in March 2025, Ben got down on one knee and asked Julia to marry him. Now here we are, planning our wedding and our future — and still laughing just as much as we did that first night.

Love at Glascott’s

Our Story

Hotels/Rentals

AccommodationsWe’ve reserved room blocks at two nearby hotels for your convenience — details and booking links can be found below. That said, feel free to stay wherever works best for you!

Call or use the website link below to reserve your rooms. Reservations must be made by April 7th 2026. Types of Rooms Available: Guest room, 2 Queen

Courtyard by Marriott Hilton Head Island

Call or use the website link below to reserve your rooms. Reservations must be made by March 26, 2026. Types of Rooms available: 2 Queen Beds Studio1 Queen Bed Studio

Home2 Suites by Hilton Hilton Head

If you’re planning to book a hotel or vacation rental outside of our recommended hotel blocks, we suggest staying in one of the Mid-Island or South Island areas of Hilton Head Island for the most convenient access to our wedding venue at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Recommended areas to look in: Mid-Island / Shelter Cove This is the most central area on the island and closest to the wedding venue. It’s about a 5–10 minute drive and offers easy access to restaurants, shopping, and marinas. South Forest Beach / Coligny Beach A popular area for hotels and vacation rentals with great beach access, dining, and shopping. This area is typically a 10–15 minute drive to the venue and is ideal if you’re planning to make a longer beach weekend out of your stay. Vacation Rentals (Homes &amp; Condos) For those booking homes through Airbnb or VRBO, areas such as Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Forest Beach, or Indigo Run are all great options and offer convenient travel to the venue.

We have a discounted rate on rental properties with Island Getaway. Call the number above or email amanda@islandgetaway.com and mention Rukavina/Joseph wedding to get a quote.

Island Getaway Rentals-Hilton Head Island

Airports

Ubers/Lyfts can be hard to come by on the island. I suggest looking into pre-booking a car service to take you to/from the airport.

Hilton Head Island Airport

I would recommend looking into car rentals if you plan on flying into Savannah or a pre-booked car service. Ubers/Lyfts can be tricky and expensive to drive you to and from HHI.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

Accommodations 

DAY OF Shuttle transportation will be provided to and from the wedding, with staggered pick-ups at Home2 Suites by Hilton Hilton Head Island and Courtyard Marriott Hilton Head Island. Guests staying elsewhere may travel to one of the pick-up locations or arrange their own transportation. On-site lawn parking will also be available, and cars may be left overnight if picked up by 10:00 AM the next morning. Please plan accordingly and celebrate safely. No drinking and driving!! Bus 1:1:45 PM - Home2Suites Pick up2:15 PM - Courtyard Marriott Pick up2:45 PM - Drop off at Coastal Discovery Museum Bus 2:2:00 Home2Suites Pick up2:30 Courtyard Marriott Pick Up3:00 - Drop off at Coastal Discovery Museum Please do not be late, the buses will not wait. Return at the end of the night:Bus 1: 10:00 PM - returns to Home2Suites and Courtyard Marriott Bus 2: 10:00 PM - will take guests to the "Bar-muda Triangle" for after party fun! You must find your own transportation from the Bar-muda Triangle to your rental or hotel. Friendly Reminder: Uber and Lyft operate on the island, but in case it’s a busy night, here are a couple of taxi numbers to keep handy: Yellow Cab: 843-686-6666Diamond Taxi: 843-247-2156 Stay safe and have fun — it's your vacation too!

Transportation

Our dress code is Garden Party Formal — polished but fun! Think florals, pastels, and light fabrics that feel right for a spring day outside. For women, a midi or maxi dress works great. We’ll be on grass, so consider block heels, wedges, or flats. For men, a light suit or blazer with a collared shirt. No tie required, but one is always welcome if you'd like!

Dress Code

Q + A

Matron of Honor

- Erin Watts

Bridesmaids

- Jenna Anderson

- Caroline Church

- Shannon Daniel

- Madeline Letton

- Caroline Marklay

- Ginny Scales

- Sarah Vincent

Junior Bridesmaids

- Vivian Gonzalez

- Anna Rukavina

Flower Girls

- Elizabeth Joseph

- Joelle Morande

- Palmer Marklay

Best Man

- Andrew Joseph

Groomsmen

- Robert Campbell

- Michael Joseph

- Bradley Kozinski

- Joseph Livingston

- Colin Riley

- Anthony Rukavina

- Nathaniel Rukavina

Ushers

- Michael Castleman

- Connor McCurdy

- Kevin Morrison

Ring Bearers

- Luke Rukavina

- Christopher Joseph

- Jack Joseph

Wedding Party

Things to Do in Hilton HeadIf you’re making a weekend/week out of it (and we hope you do!), here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy Hilton Head Island: Golf &amp; Tennis/PickleballHome to world-class courses and courts. If that’s your thing, book ahead! Rent a BikeHilton Head has over 60 miles of scenic bike trails — it’s one of the best ways to explore the island! Harbour TownStroll the marina, grab an ice cream, and take in the iconic lighthouse views — a must-see! Coligny Plaza &amp; Beach ParkA lively spot with cute local shops, ice cream stands, restaurants, and beach access all in one place. Great for a casual afternoon of strolling, shopping, and soaking up the Hilton Head vibe. Local Dining: Java BurritoOur all-time favorite for breakfast or lunch — think delicious burritos, locally roasted coffee, and the cutest vibe. We’re obsessed. Giuseppi’s Pizza &amp; Fat Baby’s PizzaTwo of our go-to spots for pizza! Giuseppi’s is an island staple, and Fat Baby’s is always a hit for a fun, laid-back night with great food. Frosty Frog CaféIt wouldn’t be a trip to Hilton Head without a spiked daiquiri from Frosty Frog. A true Hilton Head initiation! It’s fun, festive, and a little touristy in the best way. Palmetto Dunes General StoreA Hilton Head favorite since 1979! Stop by for classic soft-serve ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or swirl) and a nostalgic general store vibe. Located just steps from the tennis and pickleball courts and across from the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, it's an ideal stop after a game or round. &nbsp;Island Bagel &amp; DeliA local favorite for fresh, New York-style bagels made daily, plus a variety of breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Perfect for a quick, delicious bite before exploring the island. The Salty Dog CaféLocated in Sea Pines, this is a Hilton Head must. Grab a drink, enjoy the live music, and don’t forget your Salty Dog t-shirt! Stu’s Surfside SubsOne of Ben’s absolute favorites. The owner’s best friend went to Dayton (Go Flyers!), and there’s a little tribute to the school right in the shop — plus, the subs are delicious. Michael Anthony’s Cucina ItalianaFor anyone looking for an upscale night out, Michael Anthony’s is one of the island’s best. Incredible handmade pasta, elegant atmosphere, and perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Bowdie’s ChophouseA cozy, upscale steakhouse perfect for a special night out. Known for its dry-aged steaks, craft cocktails, and intimate atmosphere. Reservations recommended! Nightlife &amp; Drinks: The Bar-Muda TriangleIf you’re looking to go out at night, Hilton Head’s Bar-Muda Triangle is the go-to nightlife cluster just off Sea Pines Circle at Hilton Head Plaza. Originally named for the three bars it started with, this plaza now has multiple venues that make it easy to bar-hop without a car. Each spot has its own vibe, and you really can’t go wrong. Here’s how to do it right: Start at Reilley’s Grill &amp; BarIsland pub vibes, hearty food, and a lively bar that keeps going late.<a href="https://reilleyshiltonhead.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reilleyshiltonhead.com</a> Slide into The BoardroomA favorite for late-night live music—steps away from Reilley’s.<a href="https://theboardroomlive.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theboardroomlive.com</a> Brother Shuckers Bar &amp; GrillOysters, live music, and a bustling patio crowd. Food till midnight, bar till 2 AM.<a href="https://brothershuckershhi.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">brothershuckershhi.com</a> Papi Tequila (Taco Cantina)Tacos, tequila, and margaritas—fun and colorful energy.<a href="https://www.papitequilahhi.com/papi-tequila-menu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">papitequila.com </a> Uncle Billy’s Burger JointSmash burgers, bar snacks, and next-door cross-ordering with Papi Tequila.<a href="https://www.unclebillysburgerjoint.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unclebillysburgerjoint.com</a> Local bonus mention: One Hot Mama’s sits just across the circle in Park Plaza. Not technically in the Triangle, but always included in the crawl for its BBQ, cocktails, and late-night energy.<a href="https://onehotmamas.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">onehotmamas.com</a> This area really does have something for everyone, whether you want a casual pint, live music, oysters, tacos, or a late-night burger.

Things to Do

Registry

Photos

thejosephs2026.com

Julia & Benjamin

Julia & Benjamin

J&B

Welcome Party

Wedding Day