Love Stories Through the Ages

The Bush couple’s signature in the Honeymooners Registry

From the first steps down the aisle to the quiet moments shared after “I do,” every love story deserves a chapter as unique as the themselves. For centuries, honeymoons have been a way for newlywed to mark the beginning of their shared journey. This is a tradition that is steeped in history and ever-evolving with time.

Barbara Pierce and George H.W. Bush at Sea Island.

The origins of the honeymoon can be traced back to the 16th century, when couples would partake in a honey-based drink thought to bring fertility and harmony during the lunar cycle following their wedding. By the 19th century, Victorian couples had introduced the concept of “bridal tours,” romantic post-wedding travels that set the stage for what we now know as honeymoons.

As the Industrial Revolution brought greater affluence and opportunity, honeymoons became more grand, with destinations like the French Riviera and Niagara Falls emerging as icons of romance. Today, the meaning of the honeymoon continues to evolve as couples redefine the tradition to suit their unique stories.

OVER THE MOON

A growing number of newlyweds are embracing new trends, including “early moons” and “mini moons.” These pre-wedding or short post-wedding getaways allow couples to recharge and connect amid the hustle of wedding planning or as a prelude to a more extravagant honeymoon.

“Planning a wedding can be a whirlwind,” shares Kellie Ryan, Wedding Sales Manager at Sea Island. “Taking an early moon gives couples a chance to focus on themselves before the big day.” The early moon trend appeals to couples who want to be present in their celebration while also having a little breather for themselves.

Mini moons, on the other hand, are typically brief escapes immediately following the wedding. These trips, often to destinations closer to home, provide a romantic reprieve prior to a larger honeymoon.

A HAVEN FOR LOVE

While honeymoon trends continue to progress, some traditions remain timeless. Ushering in more than 40,000 honeymooning couples since 1928, Sea Island has been a beloved backdrop for some of the world’s most storied romances—including that of George H.W. Bush and Barbara Pierce.

The Bushes celebrated an early milestone in their 80-year love story by honeymooning at The Cloister at Sea Island in January 1945. “They embraced the secluded beauty of the Georgia coast,” says Wheeler Bryan, the resort’s historian, “and developed an attachment to Sea Island that spanned decades.” Their connection to the resort became part of their legacy. The couple returned in 1991 as President and First Lady, planted a live oak as a lasting symbol of their enduring love, and visited again in 1995 for their 50th anniversary.

Beyond its presidential ties, the resort has cemented itself as a romantic haven with cherished traditions that resonate across generations—including the resort’s Honeymooner Registry. Newlyweds, including the Bushes, inscribe their names into a series of bound books, creating a living history of love stories that began at Sea Island.

“Couples often return to find their names in the registry, ” says Bryan. “They relive the magic of their honeymoon and add new chapters to their love story.” Families frequently revisit with children and grandchildren, sharing memories and creating new ones.

“Weddings and honeymoons here aren’t just events—they’re foundations. People return for decades to reconnect with where it all started,” says Kellie Ryan.

Couples celebrate milestones with thoughtful touches, from anniversary cakes replicating their wedding desserts to annual family portraits in front of The Cloister Chapel. One enduring favorite is the swing in The Cloister Garden, where generations of couples have marked their journeys together.

SO LONG AS YOU BOTH SHALL LIVE

“Couples today come for more than just the picture-perfect backdrop,” Ryan explains. “They’re drawn to the traditions and the sense of belonging that Sea Island provides.” This long-standing connection makes Sea Island more than a destination—it becomes a part of their lifelong love story.

While steeped in tradition, Sea Island continues to adapt to the desires of today’s honeymooners. Offering candlelit dinners in secluded gardens, spa treatments tailored for couples and bespoke experiences like horseback riding on the beach, the resort blends its storied past with modern luxuries.

The Sea Island Honeymooners Registry

As honeymoon trends evolve, Sea Island remains constant. For the 40,000-plus couples who have celebrated their love here, and for those yet to come, Sea Island offers not just a place to start a journey but a legacy to treasure for generations.