A Grand Strand couple says they love getting married. In their 28 years of marriage, they’ve married each other in 29 different ceremonies all over the world.
“The only thing I can tell the folks out there is guys don’t start off way up here,” Gunner Beery laugh about the couple’s original wedding. “It’s going to make it so difficult.”
He’s referring to the Parisian wedding at the Eiffel Tower. That’s not a bad way to start.
“He writes all the ceremonies,” Mary Anne said.
From the time those vows centered around the American Airlines flight to one dressed as a Ninja Turtle.
Heck they even tied the knot on Ground Hog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
With each ceremony comes a unique ring. Some nice while others of little financial value. Each one a reminder of another moment renewing their love.
“We got married on his birthday (one year) so on his birthday he has to buy me a present,” Mary Anne said.
This year the two tied the knot at these Golden Arches in North Myrtle Beach. It’s the place they say they come to breakfast or meet with friends every day.
“Enjoy life, don’t take things to seriously,” Gunner says of the reason for their success. He also said respecting his wife plays a big role.
It’s a love story with a different beginning. One that started when Mary Anne didn’t hire Gunner. Not because he wasn’t talented but she didn’t feel like the job was good for him. Three years later they met again at another job fair.
“He stopped by my booth and said I remember you,” Mary Anne said.
“You’re the one that didn’t hire me,” Gunner replied.
They said that conversation continued, he was hired and they’ve been in touch every day since.
“I know that he is never going to criticize me,” Mary Anne said. “He likes me and I like him.”
While dating Gunner decided it was time for the next step. He put a book called “Marrying the Boss” on her desk along with two first class tickets to Paris that left in only three days.
“We were spontaneous,” Gunner said.
I’d say so. Now nearly three decades and so many memories later the two love birds tell me laughter is a big part of their success. That and a respect and a plan for how they spend money.
Mary Anne says a budget is important while Gunner quickly laughingly adds, “For things like purses and shoes.”
“He’s my best friend, he’s just always there,” Mary Anne said.
They are simple gestures like holding the door and hey even putting the toilet seat down
“She tells her friends, he didn’t come that way,” Gunner laughs.
They are the joys of a life spent together. Hand in hand ,side by side, just waiting for the next surprise adventure.
The couple has also been married in Las Vegas by Elvis, a baseball themed ceremony, in swimsuits in a Gilligan’s Island theme in Hawaii, a hot dog stand in West Virginia and a beach house on the coast.
One of their favorite moments came when they were married at the same church in Montana where his Great Grandparents were wed. They were able to sign the same book as his ancestors.
They say many of the ceremonies are a surprise to the other person.