PHOTO: © LIFE AND LOVE STUDIO

The first recorded wedding in St. Augustine is dated Jan. 24, 1594. The groom was Gabriel Hernandez, and the bride’ s name was Catalina de Valdes.

Although their happiness on that day was undoubtedly remembered for the rest of their lives, it would have been even more special if they had known they were the first of thousands of couples who would begin their lives together in the Ancient City. And who could blame them for choosing this town as the setting for their happiest day?

For centuries, it has been irresistible to wedding couples. The shining sea, fresh breezes, horse-drawn carriages bedecked in colorful flowers, sunshine washing over architecture that speaks of European

elegance, church bells announcing the first hour of matrimony, even an actual Spanish castle— together, they offer an unmatched setting for taking the first step on the path to marital bliss.

Today, from the elegant resorts of Ponte Vedra Beach to the magic of Marineland Dolphin Adventure, local professionals offer services that ensure all of the elements of a perfect wedding are seamlessly combined to create a day that will be forever vibrant in the memories of the happy couple, their families and friends.

Planners, photographers, florists, caterers and many other specialists combine their skills to make fairy-tale weddings an everyday reality on Florida’ s Historic Coast.

A1A Ale Works

1 King St., Ste. 101, St. Augustine, FL 32084 904.829.2977 www. a1aaleworks. com A1A Ale Works Banquet and Catering Services offers two beautiful private dining rooms both of which are located in the heart of the historic district in downtown St. Augustine. A1A Ale Works Catering is St. Augustine’ s Off Premise Catering Specialist offering full service off premise catering for any event at any location.

Blue Water Jewelers

500 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine FL 32080 904.829.5855 www. bluewater-jewelers. com Blue Water Jewelers has been serving the St. Augustine community with affordable prices and unique jewelry design since 2006. It is our mission to provide fine quality jewelry and the best possible service to everyone. We are a family owned operation, and we are known for offering the world’ s most beautiful cut diamonds directly from the diamond capital of the world in Antwerp, Belgium. Blue Water Jewelers is also a proud partner with Breitling Watches and Forevermark Diamonds.

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