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Ye Olde St. Augustine: The Wedding Destination
©2011 by Carole Herdegen
What can the oldest city in the United States tell us about romance and
destination weddings? To answer this question we need to revisit the
history of St. Augustine located on the eastern coast of Florida. Some
500 years ago, Ponce de Leon, the Spanish explorer on Christopher
Columbus' second expedition to the Americas in 1493, is credited for
contributing to the roots of romanticism in the new world. While serving
as governor of a province in the Dominican Republic, Ponce de Leon heard
of a magical place not far away that held the answer to eternal youth and
health. Now an older man himself, tales were circulating of a frail old
man who drank from a magical spring and was transformed into taking a new
young wife and having more children. Ponce de Leon requested permission
of Charles V, King of Spain, to search for treasures and the legendary
spring known only as "the Fountain of Youth". After searching the near-by
islands and drinking water from hundreds of springs, he eventually landed
on the coast of Florida where history tells us he truly believed he
finally reached his "Fountain of Youth". Once on land, now the city of
St. Augustine, he met the tall native people of the Timucua Tribe, and
attributed their exceptional height to the spring water they drank.
Unfortunately, after being shot by an arrow, Ponce de Leon died in Cuba in
1521. Did he actually believe he found the magical spring waters? Most
probably not; however, locals and historians continue to perpetuating the
myth.
As a result, St. Augustine is known today not only as a celebrated place
to pursue the spirit of youth and romance but also as the most appropriate
destination location for weddings and marriage anniversary celebrations.
Hardly ever mentioned is St. Augustine's first-recorded wedding, that of
Gabriel Hernandez and Catalina de Valdes on January 24, 1594.
When couples search for wedding sites, they want an intimate setting that
is both romantic and memorable. While St. Augustine satisfies these
requirements, it also contributes a legendary touch of history. The historic district of the city with its beautiful shops and inns is the perfect place for such a festive occasion. Horse-drawn carriages replace limousines while century's old inns and boutique hotels offer a local tradition in place of glitzy modern hotels. This quaint picture book setting provides everything from florists, caterers, photographers, wedding officials and beautiful locations should the wedding couple select a beach, an old fort or any of the town's many historic sites.
The St. Francis Inn is a perfect example of traditional historic accommodation. Located in the heart of the original part of St. Augustine, it is renowned as our country's oldest continuously operating inn. Built as a family residence in 1565, it was converted to an inn in 1845. For many years, The St. Francis Inn has been a member of the Select Registry, the organization of distinguished inns of North America. It's not a secret that its secluded courtyard garden has been the setting for many weddings. Each room and suite is unique and appropriately named for historical characters associated with the Inn. Period furniture and décor add to the historical ambiance. However, modern convenience items have not been excluded such as Wi-Fi, I-pod docks and flat-screen cable television. One of the Inn's biggest attractions is its sumptuous gourmet breakfasts made to perfection by Chef Gary. Guests find the menu of Cinnamon Pecan French Toast Bake, Citrus Pancakes with Mandarin Orange Sauce or the home-made granola completely irresistible.
Chef Gary and his staff at the Inn are experts at hosting wedding parties.
Whether its accommodations for visiting guests, the wedding ceremony
itself, rehearsal dinners or receptions, one cannot deny the most romantic
settings possible are offered at the St. Francis Inn and the many other
inns and small hotels that comprise the historic city of St. Augustine.
IF YOU GO:
St Francis Inn
279 St. George Street
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Tel: (800) 8246062
FAX: (904) 810-5525
E-Mail: info@stfrancisinn.com<mailto:info@stfrancisinn.com>
WebSite: www.stfrancisinn.com<http://www.stfrancisinn.com/>
While exploring St. Augustine...Don't Miss:
Tini Martini Bar at the Casablanca Inn - Voted #1 bar in St. Augustine -
"live" jazz
24 Avenida Menendez (on the bay front)
Tel: (904) 829-0928
Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archeological Park
Wedding celebrations on a historic site
11 Magnolia Avenue
Tel: (904) 829-3168
E-mail: fountain@aug.com<mailto:fountain@aug.com>
WebSite:
www.fountainofyouthflorida.com<http://www.fountainofyouthflorida.com/>
Bistro de Leon - Chef Jean-Stephene Poinard
One of France's top 100 chefs & voted best restaurant in St. Augustine
#12 Cathedral Place
Tel: (904)810-2100
WebSite: www.bistrodeleon.com<http://www.bistrodeleon.com/>
57 Treasury - St. Augustine's best floral designs for weddings
144 King Street
Tel: (904) 827-1707
WebSite: www.57treasury.com<http://www.57treasury.com/>
St. Augustine Eco Tours - Boat and kayak excursions
Tel: (904) 377-7245
E-Mail: zach@staugustineecotours.com<mailto:zach@staugustineecotours.com>
WebSite: www.staugustineecotours.com<http://www.staugustineecotours.com/>
Travel Editor/Consultant
TravelQuest with Carole Herdegen
2007 NATJA First Place Award Winner
Best Online Travel Magazine
3839 Oakhills
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
Tel: 248-540-7228
E-Mail: cherdegen@hotmail.com<mailto:cherdegen@hotmail.com>
WebSite: www.TravelSite.com<http://www.travelsite.com/>
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the right travel insurance If you plan to be away for a few months then you will need a backpacker travel insurance policy, most of which now include up to two weeks ski or winter sports cover.
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