The Oldest City’s Options for Doing Your “I Do”
Written by OCL Staff
Photos by Tammy Harrow
Whether it happened on a romantic carriage ride, at a family dinner, or in the backyard, it happened. You are engaged! Once you have a moment to look up from gazing at your dazzling, sparkly bauble, it’s time to start planning. St. Augustine has become one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the country, and it’s not just the historic architecture and quaint cobblestone streets that make the Nation’s Oldest City the ultimate place to tie the knot. There is a plethora of skilled, quality professionals here to meet the needs of any bride or groom-to-be.
There are numerous venue options in St. Augustine, including historic houses of worship, beachfront docks with sweeping ocean views, rustic barns with majestic oaks standing tall along sweeping driveways, or lovingly restored buildings featuring one-of-a-kind bar spaces or breath-taking bayfront vistas. To outfit your space, rental vendors in St. Augustine offer all manner of items geared toward the feel you want to achieve. Use of provincial farm tables, outdoor chandeliers, damask linens, regal flatware, and even corn hole game boards can be arranged.
Nailing down these details may cause visions of culinary delights to dance in your head, and there’s certainly no shortage of delectable refreshment providers. Offerings vary from fried chicken to foie gras and everything in between. Brie, apple, and jam phyllo cups or wild mushroom and Boursin tartelettes could have your guests creating memories and forging friendships over the amazing repast you’ve selected. For the ‘sweet’ part of the celebration, a cupcake station might interest the bride-to-be, or a grand, multi-tiered, traditional confection with unexpected flavors like bananas foster or key lime may have guests in line for seconds.
To keep the party flowing, drinks and effervescent spirits can be purchased from a St. Augustine distillery or winery or one of many boutique wine shops or package stores. Having a glass of vino may lead to wanting to hit the dance floor. Whether an upbeat, jazzy sound is preferred for shaking your groove thing, or the soothing notes of a harp are desired, there are musicians and DJs to fit every taste. Once you’ve satisfied the ears with music, you’ll be searching for the perfect blossoms and greenery to please the eyes. Whether it’s bohemian bouquets of multi-colored roses and trailing hyacinths or earthy centerpieces of burgundy dahlias and cascading vines, custom floral design is an essential component for the wedding day. Professional photographers and videographers in the Oldest City are adept with catching your “I do” moment, as well as the candid occasions of love, merriment, and delight that occur throughout. To be certain you look amazing in each shot, salons are at-the-ready to provide sensational up-dos or cascading braids that will stay put through dancing and hugging and will have everyone complimenting your gorgeous tresses. Local shops also provide make-up application, lash extensions, spray tanning, massage and other spa services. Guys, you can get pampered, too. With expert attention to your hair, beard, feet, hands, and body, you’ll be relaxed and ready to take your vows with comfortable confidence.
Cheers to St. Augustine being the backdrop for intertwining hearts. To all of you planning your nuptials, best wishes and congratulations!
ACCOMMODATIONS
World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort
The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens
BAKERY & DESSERTS
BAR & BEVERAGE SERVICE
ABC Fine Wine & Spirts Concierge Service
CATERING, RESTAURANTS
Chef’s Garden Catering & Events
Flagler College Catering by Aramark
The Bistro at Culinary Outfitters
EVENT PLANNING
Coastal Celebrations by Lindsay Ohlin
St. Augustine Weddings & Special Events
St. Augustine Wedding & Events Association
FLORISTS
Jade Violet Wedding Floral Boutique
Tula Rose Floral & Event Design
JEWELERS
Madalyn’s Jewelry & Fine Gifts
Reubel Fine Jewelry at the Plaza
MUSICIANS & ENTERTAINMENT
OFFICIANTS
PHOTO BOOTH
PHOTOGRAPHY
RENTALS, LIGHTING, DECOR
SALONS, SPAS, SKIN CENTERS
Amanda Hopcraft, Make Up Artist
Harmony Medical Spa, Dr. Anh Vu, MD
Panache – An Aveda Salon & Spa
St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center
Small Indulgences European Day Spa
TRANSPORTATION & VALET
St. Augustine Horse & Carriage
UNIQUE IDEAS
VIDEOGRAPHY
VENUES
Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort
Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth
Renaissance World Golf Village
Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa
St. Augustine Historical Society
St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church
World Golf Hall of Fame Museum
World Golf Village’s King & Bear or Slammer & Squire