David Ernst and Laura Lance were recently married at “Hamburger Rock” on South Whidbey.

The ceremony took place July 22, and was conducted by Ernst’s father, Eldon Ernst of Langley. The couple was surrounded by family and friends and at a spot of special significance.

Hamburger Rock is a large boulder on the tide flats near Baby Island. The Ernst family has been coming to Whidbey “for generations” and David Ernst named it over 40 years ago.

Though the couple hail from Richmond, Calif., they describe themselves as islanders at heart; David Ernst is a fisherman and Laura Lance an avid clammer. Holding true to these passions, following the ceremony they jumped over a shovel and fishing pole, and Lance immediately went out to dig a few clams — in her wedding gown.

“A keeper, in my eye,” said David Ernst, in an email to The Record.

A reception followed at the Baby Island Beach Club Clubhouse.

The couple met in high school in 1980 in Berkeley, Calif. They enjoyed a lengthy engagement before marrying, David Ernst said.

“My folks, my brother and several other relatives either live year round on the Island or come regularly for the summers,” he added.

David Ernst’s parents are Eldon and Joy Ernst of Langley, formerly Berkeley, Calif.; and Lance’s parents are Christine Caldwell and John Brownson of Berkeley.