Sea Island at Night is a photography book of Sea Island’s resorts, beaches, rivers and golf courses. The book, which was created and published by my husband and I, paints a unique portrait of Sea Island after dark lit only by the moon and stars.

What inspired us to create this book?

You see, Blake and I were wed on Sea Island, at Ocean Forest, in 2010. I wanted a photography book, full of Sea Island images, for our closest family and friends to sign. I dreamt of sweet, congratulatory notes scribbled in silver and gold ink on dark, glossy pages. My mother-in-law and I quickly learned that no book existed; Blake noted this void and, although much after the fact, made my dream into a reality. Instead of convivial family-at-the-beach photos, we opted to take this book in a different direction and focus on an often underexposed aspect of Sea Island: the natural beauty and tranquility of this coastal paradise at night, devoid of crowds.

Sea Island Wedding

We hope you enjoy this book, as Sea Island has moved us in ways that words cannot express. It was on the secluded beach on the southern end of the island, while lying on his back and staring up at the Milky Way, that Blake first felt compelled to propose to me. A week later, we were engaged. It was in the cozy nook, decorated deliciously in pink, off of the Georgian Room that our wedding weekend commenced with my mom’s toast at my intimate bridal brunch. It was at The Cloister Spa that my bridesmaids, my mom and I were pampered in preparation for the big day. It was in the Ocean Forest Clubhouse’s courtyard that Blake and I were all smiles as we posed for photographs. And it was on the brick patio out back that we exchanged vows in front our closest family and friends and then danced the night away. It was at The Cloister that we spent our first night as husband and wife.

My mom always thought Blake and I would make a dynamic duo: Blake is incredibly creative and has always desired to break into photography while I dream of being a best-selling author someday. So for us, this book is the first blend of our talents; this project has been a labor of love. It’s our first baby. Well, let me correct myself: It’s our second, as we welcomed our darling son Hudson in February of 2011; he will always be our most wonderful contribution to this world.

— Charlotte Perdue