PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FERNANDINA BEACH, FL PERMIT NO. 104
R ESID E N C E I N N B Y MARRI OTT A M ELIA I S L A N D W E L C OME S Y OUR S PECIA L GU E S T O N Y O U R S P E CI AL DAY
Offering: • Special Discounted Rates • Spacious Suites from Studios to Two-Bedrooms equipped with full Kitchens • 5-Star Service from our Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff • Full Hot Breakfast Daily • Outdoor Patio with Yard Games, Fire pit, and Gas grills • Resort-style pool • Complimentary Island Shuttle from 9am-9pm (on island only). • Steps from the beach and a short drive from Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach
Happy Couple Incentives: • Amelia Island Swag Bag with Scheduled Site Visit • Special Discount Rate for One-Year Anniversary • Champagne & Keepsake Wine Glasses for the Beautiful Couple on their Special Day To book a site tour, contact our Sales Department at 904.557.9811 and mention Amelia Island Weddings Promotion or email inquiries to jtaylor@residenceinnamelia.com.
2301 Sadler Road Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904-277-2440 or 904-557-9811 Check out our hotel and amenities at Marriott.com/JAXAR
MyEventMusic.com Live music to fit your event and your style!
Richard Stratton guitarist/vocalist
(904) 321-2239 rstratton@bellsouth.net
WE DO Weddings • Rehearsal Dinners Transportation to Oyster Bay Yacht Club Receptions • After Parties & More! WE CAN RECOMMEND Catering Options • Musical Entertainment Bathrooms • Handicap Accessible Coast Guard Approved for up to 101 guests. AmeliaRiverCruises.com
904-261-9972
ANCHOR TROLLEYS & TRANSPORTATION Historic Tours Private Group Tours Transportation to Wedding Venues CALL (904) 753-4486
FOOD • LODGING • SPIRITS
22 SOUTH 3RD STREET • FERNANDINA BEACH, FL
904-491-3322
AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 1
thefloridahouseinn@gmail.com • FloridaHouseInn.com
HOLLY ALLAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
LETTER FROM THE
As the publishers of AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS, we have the sincere pleasure each spring and fall to feature one of the most important occasions in anyone’s life: their wedding. It’s always a thrill to feature in these pages some of the beautiful couples who have begun their lives together here on Amelia Island. As we are often told, these happy stories of hope and love make for great reading. Despite Covid throwing a monkey wrench into everyone’s wedding plans last year, couples adapted to the changed circumstances, just as we all did. Some large spring weddings that were postponed became more intimate gatherings in the fall, often in family homes. Other couples waited until early this year to have something closer to the wedding they originally had planned. Regardless of the circumstances, every wedding was impacted in some way. One of the only things that didn’t change was that couples still wished to exchange vows here on Amelia Island. In the last decade, Amelia Island has become one of the top destinations wedding locations in the Southeast, and perhaps the whole country. Since we began highlighting weddings over fifteen years ago, Amelia Island has attracted many, many couples who wanted to celebrate an unforgettable wedding weekend with their family and friends. With its historic churches, stunning natural beauty, and a wide array of 2 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
Editor
outstanding venues, it’s not hard to see why our enchanting island paradise has become so popular. In addition to destination weddings, we always enjoy featuring Amelia Island families who have celebrated a son or daughter’s wedding here at home. It is an honor to share with you these celebrations with a local connection. Families with Amelia Island roots really know how to celebrate a wedding here, finding their favorite places for bridal luncheons, rehearsal dinners, barbeques, fishing and golf, after-parties, and nextday brunches. In this issue, all our featured wedding stories have strong connections to Amelia Island, having been either born and raised here or having parents living on the island. These couples have used their local know-how to create unforgettable wedding weekends for their family and friends. The stories we share with you are joyful and inspiring. In addition to the couples featured here, we want to congratulate everyone who has celebrated their wedding in the last six months. Seeing people at this magical moment in their lives is a deeply moving experience, a hopeful moment that is both heartwarming and life-affirming. As in the stories from this issue, the heart of the occasion always shines through in every wedding, whether large or small, lavish or simple. We hope you enjoy reading this issue of Amelia Island Weddings as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Visitors and residents alike know all about Amelia’s unique allure: the long stretches of unspoiled beach, scenic pockets of marsh, and moss-draped oaks. Whether you’re a resident, a regular visitor, or a newcomer to Amelia, we hope our magazine will inspire you to imagine the extraordinary possibilities available to you on this beautiful 13-mile-long barrier island.
STAFF Philip Kelly Deana Basile Kelly Publishers Deana Basile Kelly Editor Tom Barrett Art Director Karen Miller Julie Simmons Teri Sopp Dickie Anderson Marla McDaniel Contributing Writers
CONTACT US Sweetpea Media, Inc. P.O. Box 16624 Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 904-277-8012 islander@ameliaislander.com www.ameliaweddingsmag.com
Amelia Island Weddings Magazine is published twice a year in Spring and Fall. All editorial contents including maps and photographs are copyrighted 2021 Sweetpea Media, Inc. Reproduction of any material contained herein in any manner, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other artwork cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited materials. The cover and the magazine’s contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Amelia Island Weddings Magazine is distributed free of charge on and around Amelia Island. Back issues may be purchased from the publisher for $2 per copy plus postage if sent through the mail.
Features SPRING 2021
18
14 28
AN UNFORGETTABLE 8 FOR CELEBRATION, MAKE IT AMELIA Amelia Island is the ideal backdrop to create romantic and unforgettable memories of your special day.
STORY 14 COVER After dating since their sophomore year at Fernandina Beach High School, Averi Wellborn and Davis Bean went on to the University of Florida, where the high school sweethearts broke up briefly, got back together, and eventually married on Amelia Island.
WEDDING STORIES 18 ISLAND Four recently married couples share their unique wedding stories.
32
SPOTLIGHT: 28 VENUE SUGAR POINTE ESTATE One of the most remarkable private properties on the East Coast, Sugar Pointe Estate on the Bells River has a 3-acre lake, a 1,000-foot pier and boathouse, and 2,500-squarefoot party barn known as The Sugar Shack.
THE PERFECT GOWN 32 FINDING An overview of some of the latest trends in wedding gowns to help you find the perfect dress.
AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 3
Inside
30
SPRING 2021
CHECKLIST 6 WEDDING A helpful list of things to do and when to do them.
36
SCRAPBOOK 26 WEDDING A peek into the wedding albums of some
40
recent brides and grooms
30 JEWELRY Although Covid
brought weddings to a halt, it brought families together, generating new interest in heirloom jewelry, says Gigi Grubner of Amelia’s Fine Jewelry.
TRENDS 36 WEDDING FOR 2021 After our year of Covid, nearby destination weddings and hybrid weddings with Zoom are in, says Lisa Presnell of Lisa Presnell Productions.
& DÉCOR 38 DESIGN As weddings return this season, still under the shadow of Covid, brides are choosing outdoor settings, more intimacy, and utilizing local connections.
40 CATERING A checklist to help you find your caterer 42 HONEYMOONS Romantic accommodations, fun activities, and superior dining
44 DIRECTORY Names, addresses, phone numbers, and websites of people who can make your wedding a complete success.
ABOUT THE COVER Averi Bean at the Ribault Club. Photo by Pam Bell Photography
4 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
38 42
A preferred coastal wedding destination Where sunshine, Southern charm & golf meet The Golf Club of Amelia Island wedding & event experts seamlessly turn your special day into a dream come true! Choose between the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean or our 18th fairway as your back drop while we commit to making every moment memorable from beginning to end. Contact us today for more information and to enjoy seasonal rates! Sheridan Regan Catering Sales Director sregan@golfclubofamelia.com | 904-277-0021
Amelia Weddings 12+ MONTHS PRIOR ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Propose! Research rings and stones to choose engagement ring. Set an initial budget Determine what type of ceremony you want (church/religious group/ justice of peace) Determine the type of reception you want (day/evening, indoor/outdoor, formal/casual) Select a target wedding date and back-up dates Select location of wedding (hometown/destination/resort) Research availability of reception venues, according to the location and wedding type you’ve chosen Determine size of reception and draw up preliminary guest list Decide if you want a bridal party and, if so, how large Reserve venue as soon as possible, especially if you’re planning a large wedding If planning a destination wedding, collect lodging information for guests Interview and choose caterer Start to research bridal gowns/bridesmaids’ dresses/tuxedos or groom’s clothing Interview and choose wedding planners/photographers/ videographers/musicians Visit bridal shows
SIX TO NINE MONTHS PRIOR ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Refine guest list with families Purchase the bride’s gown and groom’s attire Confirm guests lodging for destination wedding Purchase the bridesmaids’ dresses Shop for dress accessories (veil, jewelry, other accessories) Go over music program for both ceremony and reception Research destinations for honeymoon Interview and reserve florist Order the wedding cake, if not provided by caterer Start planning rehearsal dinner and reserve a restaurant Arrange for wedding party transportation to the wedding (limousines, horse & carriage, vans)
FOUR TO SIX MONTHS PRIOR ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state Shop for wedding rings Select and order invitations and stationery Make sure that men’s attire has been ordered Complete the guest lists Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper Inform mothers to select their dresses Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations
TWO TO FOUR MONTHS PRIOR ■ Confirm the menu and catering details with caterer ■ Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception ■ For a destination wedding, collect info on local activities and restaurants for guests ■ Select your wedding rings ■ Buy a wedding guest book ■ Set the dates and times for rehearsal with the person officiating marriage ■ Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon or any other parties ■ Plan the design and printing if you choose to have a program for the ceremony ■ Finalize details with florist, musicians, photographer, videographer, etc.
6 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
WEDDING PLANNING CALENDAR
■ Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests ■ Confirm rehearsal dinner time and place ■ Confirm the wedding cake details with baker
SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS PRIOR ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Mail invitations and announcements Prepare a portrait if planning a newspaper announcement Set appointment with photographer for formal bridal portrait Select gifts for your attendants Ask family or wedding party members to prepare speeches or toasts Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup specialists Hire the limousine or other form of transportation
FOUR TO SIX WEEKS PRIOR ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Update the expected number of guests with caterer Buy a gift for your intended Schedule a final fitting for gown Purchase a going away outfit Pick up your wedding rings Purchase or borrow all wedding accessories, such as ring pillow, goblets, candles, etc. Confirm florist details and delivery times Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony Write placement cards or table assignments Make sure that all bridesmaids’ attire has been fitted Meet with d.j. or musicians to confirm reception music: first dance, parent dances, wedding party
TWO WEEKS BEFORE ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Make arrangements for wedding gifts to be safeguarded and transported Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc. Reconfirm your guests’ accommodations Check all clothing and accessories for you and bridal party Get marriage license and any blood tests
ONE WEEK BEFORE ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Review any seating details with ushers Make sure all wedding attire fits Finalize the seating arrangements with caterer Reconfirm honeymoon reservations and start packing Call any guests who have not responded, and give final head count to caterer Finish all the place cards for reception Confirm dates with musicians and vocalists Delegate wedding day responsibilities to reliable individuals Wrap and present the wedding party gifts
O N E D AY B E F O R E ■ Get a manicure or massage to relax ■ Stay with family or friends the night before and get to sleep early ■ Review and rehearse all the details with your participants
T H E B I G D AY ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Rest and Relax with a good bath Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed Be sure to eat properly Leave plenty of time for hairdresser and makeup appointments Enjoy your wonderful day and cherish every moment!
Our dedicated staff can accomodate any event! Café Karibo has the amenities to ensure that every guest has a memorable experience. Email us today!
Choose from Our Private Dining Room Upstairs Overlooking Historic Downtown or Our New Orleans-Style Garden for Your Rehearsal Dinner or Small Reception Extensive Wine List & Full Bar Available Open for Lunch & Dinner 6 Days a Week • Closed Tuesday
T.meredith@cafekaribo.com CafeKaribo.com 27 N. 3rd Street Downtown Fernandina Beach 904.277.5269
here's to er! t f a r e v e y l i happ
YO U B O O K T H E D AT E . WE D O T H E R E S T !
Let the Beach Be Your Something Blue If you’re dreaming of an Amelia Island wedding, let Amelia Hotel at the Beach help you make a lasting memory for you and your guests.
Call Us Today at WEDDINGS • RECEPTIONS • REHEARSAL DINNERS PARTIES • CORPORATE EVENTS
or visit www.ameliahotel.com
CALL (904) 261-4773 FOR A PERSONAL TOUR W W W . O Y S T E R B AY YA C H T C L U B . C O M PHOTOS: BOW TIE PHOTOGRAPHY, TYLER MACKENZIE PHOTO
AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 7
ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHY PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPHY
LEAH POWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Amelia Island
F O R A N U N F O G E T TA B L E C E L E B R AT I O N , M A K E I T A M E L I A By Karen Miller
Everyone agrees that there are few places more magical to tie the knot than Amelia Island! As you drive over the Intracoastal Waterway onto the island, pastoral marshes and moss-draped live oak trees beckon couples into the charm that Amelia Island is known for. A jewel in the Sea Island chain of barrier islands, Amelia Island has thirteen miles of pristine beaches, framed by the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Amelia Island has all the qualities of a beachfront resort, but with the intimate feel of a small town, rich in history and loaded with Southern hospitality. Dozens of delightful and picturesque places are available for your ceremony and reception; from historic churches to charming bed-and-breakfast inns, beachfront parks, 8 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
and world-class hotels. From an intimate gathering of a dozen guests to a grand affair for two hundred, Amelia Island offers an assortment of wedding venues that are perfect for your needs. And there are lots of fun things for your friends to do while they’re here for your wedding. From golfing, fishing, surfing, and horseback riding to spa treatments and shopping, your destination wedding becomes a luxurious vacation for all of your guests. From the sand between your toes to the crash of ocean waves, Amelia Island is the ideal place for romance. No destination wedding is too big or too small. Whether sweet and intimate or large and traditional, your Amelia Island wedding will leave a lasting impression!
RIBAULT CLUB BY PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPHY
TRADITIONAL ELEGANCE For the perfect destination wedding, Omni Amelia Island Resort has the world-class amenities you’re looking for, plus detail-oriented professionals who will create an experience you and your guests will remember for a lifetime. To make your weekend unforgettable, we can offer you a Bridal Spa Day, Groom’s Golf Outing, Welcome Reception, Beach Fire, and Rehearsal Dinner. The list of possibilities is virtually endless, and our staff will help you create your own personal, magical event. The Omni Resort will house your guests in luxury and comfort, with the beauty of the ocean at your doorstep. Menus are available to suit every level of elegance and budget, and their chefs will produce wedding cakes your guests will rave about for years. To see all that Omni Amelia Island Resort has to offer, contact the Wedding & Event Department for a property tour. For an elegant wedding celebration that will sweep you back in time to the luxury of a by-gone era, try The Ribault Club. Located on beautiful Fort George Island just south of Amelia, The Ribault Club began as a luxurious winter retreat for wealthy industrialists in the late 1920’s. A fantastic circular drive leading up to the elegant Georgian facade of the clubhouse makes for a fabulous entrance and exit for the bride and groom. Surrounded by ancient live oaks dripping with moss and towering palm trees, the exquisitely restored historic building, made of wood and white painted brick with French windows and green shutters, is the perfect setting for a stunning wedding. Designed in a horse-shoe shape with a ballroom on one end and a dining room on the other, the club offers a variety of different spaces, including a covered verandah overlooking the lush shaded lawn and the Fort George River. A series of smaller salons can provide a perfect place to store gifts, or a place for kids to gather and watch a movie during a reception. To create a truly memorable event, General Manager Chrissy Radney and wedding coordinator Angie Martino will help you with every detail of your special day. Oyster Bay Yacht Club, a private yacht club and marina, is an exquisite destination for weddings, receptions, rehearsal
COURTESY OYSTER BAY YACHT CLUB
dinners, and corporate retreats. Nestled among canopied oak trees with expansive water views, the stunning clubhouse boasts 7,500 square feet of combined venue space. Whether it’s a casual coastal wedding marsh-side on the Oyster Deck or formal exchange of vows at sunset overlooking the marina, Oyster Bay Yacht Club can effortlessly accommodate your every need. The wedding party and guests can even arrive by water taxi from historic Fernandina Beach. From extravagant galas to intimate get-togethers, Terrie Sanders and the courteous staff will help you create an unforgettable event at this enchanting location. The Golf Club of Amelia Island is a luxurious private golf club that provides the perfect venue for a wedding of any style. The Club Terrace, with its moss-draped oaks, overlooks the beautifully maintained golf course. The Clubhouse itself offers a magnificent view of the 18th green and embraces its country club flair in its elegant Fireplace Room. In addition, the Beach Club offers a stunning poolside location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. For an ideal Amelia Island destination wedding, a couple might enjoy the Beach Club for a rehearsal dinner, a wedding ceremony on AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 9
COURTESY COURTYARD AND SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT
COURTESY SUGAR POINTE ESTATE
COURTESY OF GOLF CLUB OF AMELIA ISLAND
the Club Terrace or Lawn, followed by dinner and dancing at the Golf Clubhouse. This allows the opportunity to experience the variety of settings that The Golf Club of Amelia Island has to offer. The club is also available for bridal teas and luncheons, welcome receptions and golf outings. At the 48-acre Sugar Pointe Estate, you’ll feel the magic of this incredible secluded setting. With wildlife, 2,500 feet of waterfront, and century-old oak trees, you’ll feel like you’re in luxurious “Old Florida.” Sugar Pointe has a spring-fed lake, a 1,000-foot pier and boathouse on the Bells River, and a lighted horse pasture that’s perfect for outdoor parties. The River House has water views from the front porch and an outdoor fireplace on the back porch. The 2,500-square-foot party barn (the “Sugar Shack”) is the ultimate party spot, with a full kitchen, a stage, a hardwood dance floor, and a deck overlooking the lake. The pier has a 500-sq-ft boathouse with a rooftop deck with unparalleled views of manatees, dolphins, and dunes, with a sound system for entertaining. The estate also has a renovated and customized Airstream trailer as a fun and unique additional guest house. Sugar Pointe is a private setting of pristine natural beauty with spectacular modern amenities, perfect for your ultimate, one-of-akind wedding, party, or special event. 10 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
To fully enjoy Amelia Island’s natural beauty and Southern charm for your special wedding celebration, try the new Courtyard and SpringHill Suites by Marriott, located at Fernandina Beach’s Main Beach. With five different event rooms, over 6,000 square feet of event space, and capacity for up to 250 guests, the Courtyard and SpringHill Suites by Marriott has everything you need to create the perfect wedding celebration. Their team of event planners is ready to help you make it happen! The Bistro at the Courtyard will create an exceptional menu for your wedding, and it’s also a great location for a rehearsal dinner or bridal lunch. After a fun day, your guests can take the elevator home and enjoy spacious ocean view rooms, many with balconies. And Amelia Island’s pristine beaches and parks are only steps away. Wedding room blocks are available upon request. Take the stress out later with free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, whirlpool, and a fitness center with Peloton. The property is near Seaside Park and Fort Clinch State Park, with lots of activities available. Celebrate a wedding, or any family milestone like graduation or an anniversary, in style with Courtyard and SpringHill Suites by Marriott. OCEAN ATMOSPHERE Right across from the beach is Amelia Hotel at the Beach, a beautiful Mediterranean-style hotel with plenty of room for your wedding guests at a great value. This charming, centrally located hotel features spacious rooms, many with oceans views. Their Terrace Suite is the perfect place to spend your honeymoon night with its king bed, Jacuzzi tub, and private oceanview balcony. Ask about their meeting rooms if you plan a small, intimate ceremony or reception up to 60 guests. The hotel wedding coordinator will assist you in creating a memorable event tailored to fit your expectations, the comfort of your guests, and your budget. According to the hotel’s wedding coordinator, the Amelia Hotel at the Beach “loves” weddings. “We help plan the event and focus on the details so the bride and groom can enjoy their day whether it be indoors or on the beach.” Located in the heart of Main Beach, Salt Life Food Shack is the perfect destination for your next event. With panoramic ocean views, a rooftop deck, and a beautifully decorated interior, their space is the perfect backdrop for your memorable reception, shower, or anniversary party. Choose from an eclectic menu that caters to all tastes, with a wide array of specialty menu items including sushi and fresh seafood, or work with our seasoned staff to customize a menu to fit your specific needs. Salt Life Food
Shack can easily accommodate from 20 to 300 people, and they offer both parking and valet. Salt Life Food Shack is an extension of the Salt Life brand, a widely recognized sub-culture amidst avid divers, surfers, fishermen and everyone who loves the sound of surf, sand in their shoes, and beautiful seas. For more information, visit www.saltlifefoodshack.com. On the Atlantic Ocean at Main Beach is the Seaside Amelia Inn. The inn’s 47 comfortable guest rooms or one-bedroom suites are elegantly appointed and include flat screen televisions, microwaves, mini-refrigerators, and Internet access, with oceanfront, pool, or sunset views. A complimentary breakfast is also included. The Seaside Amelia Inn boasts a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the ocean for receptions or events, as well as reception rooms for smaller groups or events. Enjoy a wedding ceremony on the beach and entertain your guests on the rooftop terrace, the outdoor courtyard, or the pool deck. For honeymoon or guests’ lodging, the Amelia Surf & Racquet Club offers one-, two-, or three-bedroom condominium suites with private balconies overlooking the beach. With magnificent views of the Atlantic, direct access to a private beach, and two pools overlooking the sandy beachfront, a stay at the Amelia Surf & Racquet Club gives its guests an oceanfront vacation experience. Each suite is professionally decorated and offers amenities such as cable television, a full-sized kitchen, and washer and dryer. Free tennis on clay surface courts is included, and local golf courses, restaurants, and plenty of activities are all within minutes of the resort.
AND THAT’S NOT ALL Also in the heart of historic downtown Fernandina Beach is The Florida House Inn on South Third Street, the oldest continually operating hotel in Florida. The Florida House Inn has undergone a painstaking historic restoration and features beautiful heart pine floors, a 350-year old live oak tree, an immaculate courtyard and gardens, original fireplaces, string lighting throughout the courtyard, a beautiful mermaid fountain, and 17 luxurious guest rooms. The courtyard can accommodate weddings of up to 200 people, and the inside dining room is perfect for rehearsal dinners and dinner events, all featuring the Inn’s delicious Southern cuisine. The Mermaid Bar offers live entertainment and it is a great spot to enjoy after the ceremony or reception. Dana Schefke is ready to help you with all of your wedding planning needs. Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro, located in the heart of the historic downtown, can also graciously accommodate wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, and private parties. Joe’s has ample seating room upstairs and down, with a second-story porch that overlooks the Fernandina Beach harbor, as well as a lush, New Orleans-style courtyard. Their helpful staff will help you design the perfect menu of carefully prepared and delicious food for your wedding celebration, and Joe’s has an excellent wine cellar to compliment whatever menu you choose. Located inside a charming historic building on N. 3rd Street in historic Fernandina Beach, Cafe Karibo offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere, with several different areas from which to choose. Indoors, you’ll find colorful furnishings in a
COURTESY OF SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK
COURTESY OF SEASIDE AMELIA HOTEL
COURTESY OF JOE’S SECOND STREET BISTRO
FLORIDA HOUSE INN PHOTO BY PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPGY
COURTESY JOE’S 2ND STREET BISTRO
AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 11
COURTESY OF POGO’S RESTAURANT
COURTESY OF THE BARN AT COTTONWOOD RANCH
comfortable environment, as well as the laid-back bar at Karibrew, the restaurant’s own brew pub. Outdoors, a large garden patio is shaded by huge oak trees for wonderful al fresco experience. On the spacious second floor, Café Karibo can accommodate any event. Whether for business or just plain fun, Café Karibo can help with any occasion you are planning. Rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, corporate functions, family reunions, we do it all! Café Karibo has the amenities to ensure that every guest has a memorable experience. At POGO’s Kitchen, the outstanding staff welcomes the opportunity to host your special event in their private dining room. POGO’s Kitchen is a bright, open eatery seamlessly blending the casual and refined with a full medley of southern flavors, simple cocktails, and extensive wine selections. You’ll find the perfect mix of ambiance and attentive service to create a unique and memorable event, so visit POGO’s Kitchen to celebrate every occasion with style. They can accommodate rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, or a special dinner with outof-town guests. Try something different, at POGO’s Kitchen on Amelia Island. For more information, call (904) 432-8483, email events@pogoskitchen.com, or visit www.pogoskitchen.com. Set on 760 sprawling acres, The Barn at Cottonwood Ranch is a one-of-a-kind venue with large windows and a grand front porch set on a ranch amidst beautiful ponds, lush pasture, and ancient hardwoods. Owners Karen and Larry Brantley have created a stunning space for weddings, anniversaries, and other special events, and it’s the perfect environment for a secluded and exclusive celebration. The Barn was built using hand-hewn cypress, a repurposed syrup kettle fire pit, and reclaimed railings from a 19th-century bank, creating an elegant space with clean lines, natural tones, and an open feeling. The venue also includes a bridal lounge, groom’s lounge, downstairs bar, commercial 12 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
COURTESY OF THE GOLF CLUB AT NORTH HAMPTON
kitchen, an onsite smokehouse, and a large gas fire pit. With room for up to 299 guests on its secluded setting, your guests will enjoy a celebration they’ll never forget. The natural setting at The Golf Club at North Hampton provides a beautiful backdrop to start your happily-ever-after. Our Clubhouse is the perfect wedding and reception venue for celebrations of any size, from an intimate ceremony to a large party. With full-service catering and customized wedding packages available, our friendly and experienced staff will assist you every step of the way, from table settings to the cutting of the cake. In addition, The Golf Club at North Hampton, with its Arnold Palmer signature golf course, is the perfect place for the groom’s wedding weekend golf outing. For more information or to book a tour, please contact Events Manager AnnMarie Ellsworth. WHATEVER YOUR HEART DESIRES Whether shaded by a canopy of ancient oaks, overlooking scenic marshes, or on a pristine beach, Amelia Island provides the perfect natural backdrop to an unforgettable wedding celebration. With its Southern charm, vivid history, great natural beauty, and abundant activities, it’s a great place for a one-ofa-kind wedding. And the many gracious establishments here on the island are ready to help you create a wedding—on any scale—that is perfect for you.
BE A MODERN CLASSIC Cl hes for every happy occasion!
HARRIS TEETER SHOPPING CENTER FIRST COAST HWY & S. FLETCHER AVE
Mon - Sat 10am - 5:30pm
(904) 491-4878
Need some direction? AMELIA
LAND IS MAP & GUIDE gre
.8 4 m | 9 0 4 .43 2 o .c n e h c it k s o w.pog ccasion | w w o ry e v e r fo at taste
83
Amelia
ISLANDER M A G A Z I N E
Pick up the Amelia Island Map & Guide for information on great food, fun things to do, and fabulous places to rest. www.ameliaislandfloridamap.com
B R I DA L S H OW E R S | W E D D I N G R E C E P T I O N S | R E H E A R S A L D I N N E R S C AT E R I N G | P R I VAT E D I N I N G R O O M | I N - H O M E E V E N T S
AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 13
Averi & Davis T H E R I B A U LT C L U B
By Julie Simmons
Photography by Pam Bell Photography
Amelia Islanders hold many things close to their hearts, and the Bean family is one of them—and if you ask Averi Welborn, she couldn’t agree more. “Davis (Bean) and I were high school sweethearts,” laughs Averi, sharing how they met at Fernandina Beach High School in their sophomore year. “We were two youngsters who fell in love, broke up for a short spell at the start of college, but found each other again before spring break of our freshman year at the University of Florida.” In September 2019, Davis decided to make it official and surprised Averi with a weekend getaway to Charleston, South Carolina. “Charleston is special to me, with so many family memories there, and I will always treasure our engagement,” says Averi. Davis was very savvy with his proposal plans, arranging for a 14 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
mini engagement photo shoot followed by a sunset cruise, where their closest friends and family surprised Averi! “Growing up on the island, we always knew we’d have our wedding nearby,” the couple shares. “But we have a big family, and when we visited the Ribault Club, we knew this was the perfect venue to accommodate us all.” The enormous oak tree canopy, the historic building, and the old Florida greenery sold Averi and Davis, who enlisted the talents of Brett Carter to bring their wedding dream to life. “The basket lanterns from the tree branches, the rose petal aisle, every detail, including the flowers by Dottie B’s and Island Flower and Garden, were perfect.” In addition, Averi added her own personal touch to the wedding celebration by using her talents to create the beautiful art
on the wedding stationery and the unique design on the koozies, which featured the Beans’ Golden Retriever, Remington, wearing a bowtie! As fabulous as the venue was, the rest of the weekend on Amelia Island was equally memorable, offering family arriving for the wedding plenty of intimate time to enjoy with the couple. Highlights included dinner at Lagniappe and a bridal brunch at The Addison Inn. “We had quiche and mimosas, it was picture perfect,” Averi smiled. The families celebrated the rehearsal dinner and welcoming party at The Boat House, one of Fernandina Beach’s newer scenes. “We took over the whole place,” the couple laughs. “Our friends made speeches, we tried everything on the menu, it was so much fun!” The groomsmen made the most of their weekend, too, sharing a home on Amelia Island Plantation. Meanwhile, the ladies focused on their prepping at the bride’s family home, where photographer Pam Bell joined the party to capture the memories on film. “One of my favorite moments was the first look with my dad in the garden,” says Averi smiles. And Averi shared that Davis’s first look did not disappoint either! “He surprised me with a custom AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 15
tuxedo lined with imprinted photos of us through the years and embroidered with our wedding date.” A favorite moment of the ceremony was when their pastor sang “The Lord’s Prayer,” reminding all in attendance of the reason for the holy union and carrying on a family tradition. Averi and Davis also cherish memories of their friend’s angelic voice singing “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles as the wedding party made their way down the aisle. After saying, “I do,” Davis escorted his bride into forever with a gigantic smile and a good ole “Yes!” to the crowd. And with that, the celebration began! “The food for the reception prepared by Brett was just amazing—shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and an array of 16 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
desserts to complement our beautiful three-tiered wedding cake from Publix,” the couple reminisced. The couple also shared that Davis’s sister, Savannah, offered a sentimental Irish Blessing before the meal. All the fancy goings-on aside, the favorite part of the evening for the young guests was the University of Florida Gator cupcake-cake, which was a surprise to Davis, too. “The kids all had big, green smiles,” they laugh. Looking back, Averi and Davis would do it all again—exactly the same—including enjoying their married life on Amelia Island. “We have a cute home we are fixing up downtown, and live up our special time together roasting oysters, hanging by the bonfire, on the beach—or in the fall enjoying football at The Swamp!” AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 17
Jenna & John THE GOLF CLUB OF AMELIA ISLAND By Karen Miller
Photography by Brooke Images
From the moment Jenna Marino met John Buehrig, she knew he was special. Drawn together as part of a group of mutual college friends, Jenna and John got to know each other quite well, even before they went on their first date. “We had a lot in common—we both loved sports and music,” says Jenna. “We loved going to see live music, especially at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and the St. Augustine Amphitheater. Our favorite musician was Leon Bridges, which was the last show we saw before Covid-19.” The year 2020 was tough on couples wanting to get married. Jenna and John, who live in Jacksonville Beach, were planning a large Amelia Island wedding at Walkers Landing in April for at least 175 guests. “We had to completely change our plans,” says Jenna. “But we kept a positive attitude about all of it. The 18 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
best thing about 2020 for sure, was marrying my sweet and handsome husband!” The couple moved the wedding date to November and cut their guest list to include only immediate family and their wedding party, 35 people total. Jenna’s parents, Shay and Jim, say they were proud of the way Jenna and John handled their change of plans. “They had so many setbacks due to Covid-19, regarding their wedding, and they were both troopers through all the disappointing realizations,” says Shay. “I especially loved the second wedding invitation we sent out, which Jenna chose. It said, ‘Love is Patient.’ Their love for each other was indeed patient, and it grew even more during that tough time in everyone’s lives.” Jenna grew up in Fernandina Beach, and the couple knew that was where they wanted to hold their wedding. For their smaller
crowd, they decided on The Golf Club of Amelia Island, located next to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Their wedding planner, Lorna Meehan, made sure that every detail was taken care of, in spite of Covid-19 and rain in the forecast on their wedding day. “Jenna and John were so lovely to work with, especially in the face of changing venues, dates, and Covid!” says Lorna. “I’m very fond of that family. Jenna’s parents, Shay and Jim, and John’s parents, Jane and Chris, were wonderful throughout the whole process. I grew to be very close to them and really appreciated their commitment to their kids. We worked together through thick and thin, and that sweet bride kept on smiling!” The wedding was held on a Friday afternoon, and many of the guests arrived on Wednesday and Thursday for a true destination weekend. On Thursday, Jenna and her bridesmaids had a spa day, as John and his groomsmen played golf. A rehearsal dinner was held at Shay and Jim’s home on Thursday night, catered by Chef’s Garden of Jacksonville. The wedding ceremony was held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, officiated by Father Briggs, and including eight bridesmaids and nine groomsmen, all their very closest friends and family members. “We really wanted a very traditional wedding with a full Mass, and it was just perfect,” says Jenna. “My sister, who was my maid of honor, gave me a beautiful clutch with my grandmother’s picture inside from her own wedding day. I was
very close to my grandmother, who passed away when I was in high school. I also wore her wedding ring.” After the ceremony, photos were taken at the church, and the group moved to The Golf Club of Amelia Island for more photos and a cocktail hour. “We were hoping to hold the reception outside, but it was cold and windy, so we had to change our plans,” says Jenna. “But it was beautiful indoors, with lots of candles, and very romantic.” After dinner and speeches, the group was able to move outside for dancing, including Jenna and John’s first dance, I’m Coming Home, their favorite Leon Bridges song. Again, due to Covid-19, the couple had to postpone their planned honeymoon to Italy. “We were planning on exploring the Amalfi Coast for ten days,” says Jenna. “We’re looking forward to when we can finally get there! In the meantime, we are narrowing down a pre-honeymoon trip: possibly Hawaii, the West Coast, the Caribbean, or maybe a road trip. John and I both love the ocean and the mountains, so we are eager to start traveling again.” Until then, Jenna and John continue to stay positive and upbeat, living in Jacksonville Beach where Jenna works as a nurse practitioner and John as a civil engineer. Jenna’s parents are planning a second “wedding” party for them this spring. AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 19
Karsen & Joshua T H E B A R N AT COTTONWOOD RANCH By Mandy Haynes Photography by Bespoke Southern Photography
Karsen and Joshua believe in love at first sight. Although they knew of each other for years through mutual friends, it only took two months of dating for Josh to know that Karsen was the one. Josh asked Karsen’s grandmother, Joan Pierce, for her blessing and bought Karsen a ring. “Josh called his mother to tell her he was going to propose,” Karsen laughes. “She was excited and asked him to wait so she could plan something special, but as soon as I walked in the door, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was perfect.” Joshua wanted the wedding to take place in December, just three months after he proposed, but Karsen talked him into waiting until May. She wanted enough time to make sure everything was just right. “My great-grandmother, Mary Hansen, my grandmother, Josh’s mom, and his grandmother helped me pick out my wedding dress,” says Karsen. Mary and Axel Hansen, Karsen’s greatgrandparents, were married for 70 years. “I’ve looked up to them my entire life.” But with May approaching, it was clear they would have to change their plans due to Covid restrictions. “As the date got closer and more things were closing, we realized May wouldn’t work,” said Karsen. Three weeks before the scheduled date, the couple decided to postpone the wedding until late January this year. Josh and his groomsmen went on a hunting trip to Apalachicola the weekend before the wedding, and Karsen and her bridesmaids stayed in town. Before the wedding ceremony, Karsen gave Josh a pair of cuff lengths with “I will love you forever” engraved in her writing. Josh gave Karsen a diamond necklace, which she wore with her wedding dress. The wedding and reception were held at The Barn at Cottonwood Ranch, which is owned by the grooms’ parents, Karen and Larry Brantley. The ceremony was officiated by their pastor, James Conner, from New Life Baptist Church. 20 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
Everyone assumed Karsen’s grandmother would walk her down the aisle. “She raised me, so it seemed right, but the more I thought about it, I wanted to include Josh’s father. I asked Larry if he would walk me down the aisle, and he said yes. We kept it a secret from everyone except for the few people we had to tell. It was a fun and emotional surprise. Josh told me later that seeing his dad standing up as a father figure for me and taking me in to the family so quickly was the best wedding gift.” The reception dinner was catered by Jimbo’s Catering, the wedding cake came from Heavenly Chocolate, cupcakes from Sweets by Holly, and the bar had two signature cocktails in honor of Karsen and Josh’s French bulldogs, Hank and Belle. There was also a Smores bar by the outdoor firepit, and as a special treat for the groom, the wedding director hired someone to cut and hand roll cigars. Deejay Jake Harris kept the party going until one in the morning. Like their original wedding plans, Karsen and Josh’s honeymoon plans had to change due to Covid. Karsen handled those changes with the same humor and positive attitude as before. “We went to Louisiana instead of Las Vegas. We actually went bow fishing,” Karsen laughs, as she remembers opening the door to their cabin at Southern Style Bow Fishing the first night and finding bunk beds. Josh immediately called The Ritz Carlton in New Orleans, and the newlyweds spent the rest of their honeymoon enjoying amazing food, shopping, and exploring the city. “If I had the opportunity to go back and change anything, I wouldn’t,” Karsen says happily. “Everything was perfect.” The new couple just purchased a home on ten acres in Hilliard. Plenty of room for Karsen and Josh to build their new life together and lots of space for Hank and Belle, their two French bulldogs, to run and play. AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 21
Chloe & Jake T H E R I B A U LT C L U B By Julie Simmons
Photography by Mia DiMare Photography
“There is something special about celebrating your wedding at the Ribault Club,” says Angie Martino, the Ribault Club’s wedding planner. Chloe and Jake Gibel would tell you the same exact thing when they look back on their nuptials last fall in September. “We had a chance to work with Angie—not once, but twice—after our April 2020 scheduled wedding was pushed back because of Covid-19,” laughs Chloe. “But that didn’t stop us! The Ribault Club found us a new date, and all of our wonderful vendors collaborated for a spring wedding in the fall!” The couple resides in Atlanta, but they have an affinity for Amelia Island, where the bride’s parents live. “We didn’t want a city wedding, and the Ribault Club, with its natural beauty overlooking the water, its architecture, and the option to be 22 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
indoors if the outdoor weather didn’t cooperate, sealed the deal on our choice,” says Chloe. The couple took full advantage of the Ribault Club’s elegant setting with some beautiful décor designed for the wedding. “We worked with The Flower Studio Amelia Island to design floral lanterns to hang from Ribault’s signature oak tree, under which we said, ‘I do!’” In addition, Chloe chose emerald-green, gold, and blush as her palate, which echoed the colors of the historic Ribault Club to create a stunning atmosphere. “Every time I plan an event, I get great compliments from our clients about the sense of privacy, natural southern beauty, history, and elegance,” notes Angie. And privacy and natural elegance were just what the couple ordered for their Covid-safe gathering. In fact, the entire event was held outdoors, and the
adjustments they made turned out better than what Chole had originally planned. “The silver lining of shifting our plans was that we ended up with an intimate setting where we had a chance to spend a lot of time with our small crowd of guests,” Chole reflects. The guests who traveled to Amelia Island stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriot Amelia Island and the Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island, and they were able to take part in all of the festivities, including the rehearsal dinner and day-after beach party. “Because there were 40 of us, we hosted the rehearsal dinner at an Airbnb, where my mother-in-law prepared all the food, made frozen wine pops, and even hired a bartender! This was such a great idea, one which we would never have imagined before 2020!” On the wedding day, the bride and her bridesmaids dressed at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island before the ceremony, which was officiated by Chole’s Aunt Jane. Guests enjoyed loads of appetizers, including an Asian dumpling and sushi station, followed by a
plated dinner and a variety of desserts prepared by Chef’s Garden. The couple’s loved ones were having a marvelous time, and it showed on the dance floor, where everyone boogied to the tunes of Generation Y Entertainment. “I will never forget Chloe and Jake,” says Angie. “Their love, sense of humor, priorities, and support of their families.” Chole and Jake look back with tremendous gratitude on their beautiful wedding, and of course, they adored their mini-honeymoon at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. “We didn’t make it to Bali,” Chloe laughs, “but we did lounge by the pool and enjoy dinner at David’s in Fernandina Beach!” The couple is planning to attend a wedding this summer in Bangalore, India and make that their honeymoon. In the meantime, Chloe and Jake are having fun as newlyweds learning each other’s hobbies and they are looking forward to getting back to some of their favorite old pre-Covid traditions, like bowling on casual Wednesday nights. AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 23
Logan & Matthew S U G A R P O I N T E E S TAT E By Julie Simmons Photography by Lunic Visuals Salt is one of those things which we don’t notice when it’s right, but we sure know when it’s missing. The same could be said about Logan and Matthew Moses, who found what was missing from their lives right here on Amelia Island. “We met and fell in love while working at Salty Pelican, and Amelia was the only place on earth where we’d think of having our wedding!” shares Logan. And that’s where they did, in December at Sugar Pointe Estate. Sugar Pointe is an Old Florida 50-acre estate originally established in the 1860’s, which boasts manicured pastures, one hundred-year-old oaks, maples, magnolias, and palms, and almost a half-mile of waterfront footage on the Bells River. The property hosts a couple of venue options for weddings, including The Sugar Shack, with its full kitchen and 1,500-foot hardwood dancefloor, and The Boathouse, built on the estate’s 1,000-foot pier and featuring a rooftop deck. “I met the owner of Sugar Pointe, Kelly Manus, when I was working at Salty Pelican and followed her development of this venue, and I knew it would be my choice when the time came,” Logan explains. And that time came last year in March, when Matthew proposed on their five-year anniversary. “We had an amazing trip to Jamaica planned—Matt had photographers lined up, all of it—but our Covid backyard proposal just was perfect, intimate, and in a year like 2020, I couldn’t imagine it any other way!” shares Logan. An interesting detail of the Moses’ wedding is that they actually said, “I do” in private the day prior. “I am Catholic and Matthew is Baptist, and it was important for us to each have our faith as part of our special day. On Friday, we had a small, family ceremony at St. Michael’s Church before heading over to Sugar
24 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
Pointe to kick off the larger celebration, which included our rehearsal dinner at The Boat House,” says Logan. One of the best features about Sugar Pointe is its onsite accommodations. “We stayed in the cottage, and it was perfect! It’s big, with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths, and it was just right for me and my bridesmaids.” While the ladies were laughing, enjoying the firepit, and perfecting their makeup and hair, the groom didn’t have it too rough either. “Sugar Pointe also offers an Air Stream that sleeps two, which was perfect for Matt,” says Logan, “so we could all be there together.” On the wedding day, the ladies slept in, enjoyed a good ole’ Chick-Fil-A breakfast, and started work on the flowers, which Logan designed herself, a special memory for her and her bridesmaids. Black and white were the colors of the day, and Logan has loads of adorable photo memories with her bridesmaids captured by Lunic Visuals. A highlight of the afternoon was the “big reveal,” and it wasn’t just for Matthew! “Because of Covid, I had to order my dress online, show it to my girls on Zoom, and nobody had seen it live! So we did a reveal that day.” At 4:00, the couple said, “I do” for the second time, with Matthew’s best friend and pastor officiating and the Who Rescued Who band performing acoustic music for the ceremony. “I was so excited for the reception, for the band and our favorite food truck,” says Logan as she and reflected on how great everything turned out. When it came to the cocktails, Matthew partnered with Bold City Brewery to create a custom beer with juniper and orange peel. As the celebration came to a close, the couple drove off in a loved one’s Chevelle to begin a life of adventure, full of flavor! AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 25
wedding scrapbook
COURTNEY JO & RYAN
STEPHANIE & JORDAN
AMBER & DALTON
NOVEMBER 15, 2020
JULY 18, 2020
APRIL 9TH, 2021
ADAMS
SMITH
LEE
FIRST OF APRYL PHOTOGRAPHY
KATHRYN BYNUM, SALTY KAT CREATIVE
KATHRYN BYNUM, SALTY KAT CREATIVE
MICHELLE & PATRICK
RACHEL MACK & RON CONTE
KIM
APRIL 17, 2021
PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPHY
KNORRING
PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPHY
26 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
APRIL 26, 2021
& JERRY
SACHS
MAY 6, 2021
JENSEN BELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Say “I Do” on Beautifully Historic Amelia Island (904) 261-1919 2700 Atlantic Ave, Amelia Island, FL www.marriott.com/jaxcy www.marriott.com/jaxil
OLIVIA MORGAN PHOTOS
STEPHANIE KEELER
AIS PORTRAITS.
HISTORIC ELEGANCE and SOUTHERN CHARM
THE SETTING IS A PAGE FROM HISTORY WITH A GRACIOUS CLUBHOUSE ESTABLISHED IN 1928. OUR VENUE IS TUCKED AWAY ON A PRISTINE WATERFRONT PARKLAND, AMONG MAJESTIC OAKS.
General Manager, Marie Thompson
info@theribaultclub.com (904) 251.1050 Fort George Island Cultural State Park, Jacksonville, Fl
AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 27
VENUE SPOTLGHT
Sugar Pointe Estate By Karen Miller
Photography courtesy of Sugar Pointe Estate
As soon as you pass through the iron gates of this 50acre property in Northeast Florida, you’ll feel the magical pull of this secluded setting. The wildlife, the almost half-mile of water frontage, century-old trees, and exotic flowers create a setting unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. You’ve arrived at Sugar Pointe Estate. Originally settled in the 1860s, this natural getaway has been transformed into one of the most remarkable private properties on the East Coast, with one extraordinary view after another. It’s the perfect place to hold your wedding. The property has a 3-acre fully-stocked and spring-fed lake, a 1,000-foot pier and boathouse, an irrigated and lighted horse pasture, and an amazing collection of old-growth trees and wildflowers. A luxurious 3-bedroom, 3.5 bath cottage called The River House was constructed in 2006. Much of the interior pine and red 28 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
bricks are reclaimed from the property’s original 1860s farmhouse. Sit on the front porch rocking chairs and enjoy the water views, or cozy up to the outdoor fireplace on the back porch. Professionally decorated, no expense was spared on this property. The property’s 2,500-square-foot party barn, known as The Sugar Shack, is the ultimate wedding reception spot, with a full kitchen, bar, two bathrooms with London pub doors, a stage to accommodate almost any band, a 1,500-foot hardwood dance floor, and a 500-foot outdoor, partially-shaded deck overlooking the crystal-clear pond. The 1,000-foot pier that extends out into the Bells River also has a 500-square foot boathouse with a rooftop deck. It provides unparalleled views of the manatees, dolphins, and high sand dunes just up the river. A built-in sound system also makes it an ideal spot for entertaining, with room for a 4-piece band.
Kelly Manus, one of the owners of Sugar Pointe Estate, encourages couples to take a tour of the property. “When you visit Sugar Pointe, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a different time and place,” says Manus. “It’s a place of pristine natural beauty, yet with spectacular modern amenities to make sure your wedding is perfect in every way. Guests who’ve attended weddings or other events at Sugar Pointe tell us this place is paradise, far away from the hectic pace of modern life. This is luxurious ‘Old Florida.’” The party barn can accommodate up to 150 guests when utilizing the inside and outside. There is space for an additional 100 guests or more if you want to employ a tent. The River House sleeps eight, and an additional Air Stream RV sleeps two. The Sugar Pointe staff can offer suggestions for vendors they enjoy working with, along with advice on transportation and local hotels. “Sugar Pointe Estate is only a short drive from both the Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville International Airport,” says Manus. “And if your guests are coming to spend several days in the area, there are lots of great beaches, shops, and restaurants to keep them entertained.” For more information or a tour of the property, call Sugar Pointe at (904) 310-3687 or visit their website at www.sugarpointe. com. Sugar Pointe Estate is located at 88000 Sugar Pointe Lane in Yulee, Florida. AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 29
honoring family By Karen Miller Photo courtesy Amelia’s Fine Jewelry For a year now, brides, grooms, and their families have been waiting to celebrate! While weddings remain small and intimate these days, event planners and jewelers expect a return to large, glamourous ceremonies, and brides will want jewelry to match. The top trends for 2021 include vintage styles for engagement rings and wedding jewelry, statement earrings, choker necklaces, sleek bracelets, strands of pearls, and sapphire jewelry for something blue. Gigi Gruber, owner of Amelia’s Fine Jewelry, believes the pandemic allowed many families to reconnect. “Grandparents shared stories of their weddings, and brides and grooms realized the importance of honoring their families’ traditions by wearing and re-purposing heirloom pieces for their special day,” says Gigi. “We feel it’s important to carry a varied selection of modern and traditional styles for today’s brides and their entire wedding parties.” In 2021 and 2022, Gigi and her staff Amelia’s Fine Jewelry expect to see brides continuing to 30 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
gravitate to delicate engagement ring styles in classic cuts with round, oval, pear, princess, and cushion cut settings that allow the diamonds to pop. “Brides are enhancing their rings with eye-popping accent jewelry around their necks, wrists, and in their ears,” says Gigi. “Grooms are enhancing their wedding day attire with cuff links, tie tacks, and bracelets.” One of the most refreshing trends this season is brides allowing themselves to wear a variety of metals. Jewelers are seeing a return to yellow gold in engagement rings, which look lovely with silver or white gold accent jewelry. Their grooms are choosing wedding bands in alternative metals, such as titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, and cobalt, which often give the groom the option to choose personalized inlays in opal, wood, and colored carbon fiber. Of course, white and yellow gold bands, with or without diamonds, are classic and will forever be in style. While diamonds in engagement rings continue to be popular, brides are also exploring exciting center stones in morganite, a beautiful blush pink color, which look fabulous when set in rose gold, as well as white and yellow gold. Brides are also gushing over white sapphires and precious gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. Mothers of the bride and groom also deserve something sparkly and special. Many husbands surprise their wives with new jewelry pieces to celebrate the special day and to enhance their bridal outfits. Amelia’s Fine Jewelry has a complete selection of gemstone and diamond jewelry. The most wonderful trend is that brides and grooms are not afraid to be different. No one feels locked into a traditional round solitaire diamond, unless that’s what they really want. A traditional engagement ring can be personalized with a nontraditional band or set in a non-traditional metal. “We love to see engaged couples personalize their wedding jewelry, and we enjoy helping them make their wedding ceremony unique, and that begins with the ring on her left hand,” says Gigi. Amelia’s Fine Jewelry is located at 317 Centre Street, Suite B, in downtown Fernandina Beach. For more information, call (904) 277-0665 or visit their website at www.ameliasfinejewelry.com.
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Find complete sophistication in Calla Blanche’s vintage-inspired lace wedding dress. This gown features classic ivory lace which envelopes throughout the bodice, a sexy sheath silhouette, and chic embroidered tulle sleeves. This dress is the perfect choice for a bride who wants a timeless and elegant bridal look.
Turn heads in Justin Alexander’s crepe fit and flare gown featuring a jewel neckline with a lace collar. Beaded lace side cutouts lined in shapewear mesh are paired with a low, open back to make you feel confident and glamourous on your wedding day.
ready for anything After Covid put the brakes on the wedding season in 2020, bridal gown designers are back this spring with an array of versatile options, as well as bold colors and shorter designs. By Julie Simmons Amelia Island is thrilled this season to hear church bells ringing again and to see brides riding down our cobblestone streets. We dearly missed the spring and summer wedding season last year, but we’re ready to make up for it in 2021. And so are wedding designers, who are lining the runways with a bounty of new gown ideas! Arguably the most common theme in bridal fashion 2021 is versatility. Last year taught us that things change fast, and brides are preparing for that possibility with their gowns. With the pandemic bringing adaptations like multiple-event weddings —small weddings now with big parties planned for a later day— brides are choosing options that can be made to feel “new” and translate from event-to-event. Options include dresses that can be transformed by layering a lace applique cape, knitwear, a large accessory, or maybe by removing a skirt. 32 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
Another new-normal in bridal fashion are bold looks. For spring and summer, think florals. From colorful, patterned gowns with all-over graphics to appliques or embroidery, you can’t go wrong this season if you include blooms. If flowers are not for you, how about puff sleeves? Many designers are calling this trend poetic, romantic, and dreamy, with a daring touch! Bare backs are also here to stay, with some calling this trend modern and modest, but with an unexpected flash of skin. On the bold front, last but certainly not least, is color, which is contending with white for the top spot. This season, pastels in green, blue, purple, and pink are prevalent in all styles of gowns, with lots of shimmer also sparkling on the runways. When it comes to the length of the gown, designers are offering lots of choices. Short dresses with lots of sass are all the rage, and my personal favorite includes ruffles and color—
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AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 33
Above: Justin Alexander’s Brandy gown offers a stunning V-neck on the shimmery A-line gown. The beaded trim and natural waist paired with glitter tulle make for a sexy, unforgettable presentation. Left: Calla Blanche’s Camellia gown is classic, chic, and nothing short of charming. This gown is perfect for the understated and modern bride. Featuring an ultra-glam sheath silhouette, chic boat neckline, long sleeves, glam low back, and cascading train. Below left: Oscar de la Renta’s strapless ball gown is exploding all expectations this season. The elegant lace and pressed embroidery detail are nothing short of extraordinary—from the top to the train!
especially pastel pink! High-low gowns are at the top of the trends, and speaking of high, so are high slits, which are bringing a bit of sexiness to this year’s portfolio. Some brides aren’t interested in dresses at all, and designers have been delivering great pant and jumpsuits over the past few years. This year, it’s fun to see the trending crop tops and high waists making their way into these contemporary collections. For texture, it’s still about ruffles, feathers, and lace. If you want to go grand, ruffles are bouncing with promises. From ruffled skirts and cascading ruffles to ruffled necklines and ruffled embellishments, the looks are gorgeous. And don’t get your feathers too ruffled, but exaggerated, feathered shoulders are flying high in fashion this year! Meanwhile, lace is still the backbone of wedding design, and this season designers have again managed to make it feel fresh with an abundance of floral and graphic options. And it seems like few long-ago traditions are making a comeback. Designers are using polishes of late, such as the square neckline. This geometric neckline flatters the collarbones and shoulders of brides, and it’s a true throwback. It works for almost any wedding style, whether classic with heavy satin, romantic with floral lace, or bohemian with crepe. And speaking of boho, this year brides can choose from bishop and bell sleeves and empire waists to incorporate this style. The headline for this spring’s bridal fashion is that the designers are back with an array of new options, and at Amelia Island Weddings, we can’t wait to see which styles you choose. We wish you all the best on your adventure ahead! 34 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
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PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Although the destinations are closer to home, a lot of couples are nonetheless inviting their families and friends to join them for a fun wedding weekend. Many couple are looking to travel a few hours away from their home base for their celebration, and that seems to make sense. We haven’t been able to travel or gather all year. A mini destination wedding is the best way to do both with our favorite people.
covid wedding adaptations
ELOPEMENTS AND MICRO-WEDDINGS By necessity, the trend of the 250-plus person wedding is getting a bit of a makeover, since large gatherings are currently not recommended in many locations due to the pandemic. Unlike restrictions are loosened, couples are planning charming elopements and micro-weddings that are smaller in size, but equally stunning. They are opting for the most beautiful natural backdrops they can find close to home, which allows for more ease in planning. WEEKDAY WEDDINGS Most weddings take place on a Saturday, but the trend of the weekday wedding is here. Not only can this be a more cost-effective option, but it can also mean more availability since elopements and micro-weddings are becoming more prevalent. Couples are delighted by how many more options they have when they choose to have a weekday wedding.
The year 2020 was one that most of us do not want to repeat. It was a tough year for everyone, and the wedding industry was certainly not excluded from Covid’s wrath. Thankfully, this year has been a year of hope and recovery for most. As a result of all we have experienced and learned last year, and as the wedding industry gets back on track, we are seeing some new trends make an appearance.
HYBRID CELEBRATIONS The year 2020 was a year filled with Zoom meetings and FaceTime, with everything from meetings and happy hours to parties and weddings made possible safely through video conferencing. Who would have thought that this would become a thing? As weddings move forward in 2021, hybrid celebrations allow couples to open up their celebrations to more guests. While 2020 saw the birth of the DIY Zoom wedding, this year we will see more of what might be called elevated hybrid weddings. Part in-person wedding, part virtual wedding, these celebrations will be professionally done with top-notch audio and video, including special touches for both sets of guests and designed with a well thought out flow and plan so that they are fun for everyone.
UNDERSTATED DESTINATION WEDDINGS Destination weddings continue to be a trend, but with travel an issue in some parts, we are seeing these destination weddings a little closer to home. While minimizing travel distances, brides can still enjoy the experience of the destination wedding, but with a little more ease and a lot less stress.
Lisa Presnell of Lisa Presnell Productions is one of the top wedding & event planning companies on Amelia Island in the WeddingWire network. For the past seven consecutive years, Lisa Presnell Productions has been named WeddingWire’s Couple’s Choice Awards and recognizes us as amongst the top 5% of wedding professionals nationwide for Excellence in Quality, Service, Responsiveness and Professionalism.
By Lisa Presnell, PWC
36 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
North Hampton is the ideal venue for your intimate wedding ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, vow renewal or anniversary dinner. Our sales team and on-site banquet planner will create a memorable grand outdoor event or intimate reception for close family and friends. Enjoy our Arnold Palmer golf course for your Bachelor or Bachelorette golf outing.
COMPLIMENTARY DINNER For the Bride-to-be and one guest during our Friday Night Dinner events. Alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity not included. Offer subject to change.
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AT THE RECEPTION Style of service: American (guests served from plates brought from kitchen), French (guests served individually from platters), Buffet (selfserve at buffet table), family-style ■ Soup? ■ Appetizer? ■ Salad and/or vegetable platter? ■ Will there be a choice of entrees? ■ Any menu substitutions, specially priced children’s meals? ■ Side dishes? ■ Assorted relishes? ■ Bread, rolls, condiments, dressings? ■ Beverages (at the table, open bar, by consumption at the bar, rolling, juice bar) ■ Dessert/Viennese table? ■ After dinner drinks? ■ Wedding cake (included in price? Additional cake cutting fee?) ■ Ideas on how to decorate the table?
MIA DIMARE PHOTOGRAPHY
■
catering
FOR THE OCCASION
FIRST THINGS ■ Date of the wedding, approximate number of guests, wedding venue ■ Discuss options: sit down, buffet, food stations, or cocktail reception ■ Price per person: make sure caterer’s price range fits your budget ■ Start and end times for each phase of event ■ Does caterer share your vision of the event? FOOD AND PREPARATION Opportunity for food tasting (Cost for tasting? Can cost be deducted from eventual catering bill?) ■ Any food previously frozen or all fresh? ■ Wedding cake included? ■ Special menus such as vegetarian, vegan, special recipes or restrictions? ■
BEFORE RECEPTION Hors d’oeuvres (Hot, cold, stationary, or served? How many and what kind?) ■ Timing of cocktail hour to coincide with formal photos? ■ Beverages (Punch, cocktails, soft drinks?) ■ Children’s table? ■
38 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
WAIT STAFF Number of servers and bartenders Ratio of servers to guests (1 server to 16 at a sit-down meal, 1 to 25 or so at a buffet is one guideline) ■ Cost of servers ■ Dress code ■ Gratuities included? ■ ■
MISCELLANEOUS What rooms will be used? Is the caterer familiar with the kitchen facilities and the reception room? ■ What items, if any, will caterer provide (chairs, tables, flatware, dishes, glasses, linens)? ■ Discuss price of above, and request samples ■ Does the caterer have photos of previous events to show? ■ Tables, chairs, utensils, dishes, paper goods ■ Other party items (e.g religious items, place cards, table numbers, candles, matches, guest towels in restrooms?) ■ Can the caterer recommend other weddingservice professionals? (Is the caterer acquainted with wedding planner, florist, or other professionals to be used?) ■ Don’t forget to clarify details (e.g. cheese plate: what kind of cheeses included? portion size?) ■ References are always a good idea ■ Check for insurance coverage ■ ■
AFTER THE PARTY What happens to leftovers? Ask the caterer to prepare a “take-away basket” for the couple
■ ■
WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND AMELIA ISLAND ! Read current news and stories about all that is happening on Amelia Island and the surrounding areas. Local events, food, history, and more.
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JONATHAN BORBA
outdoors & intimate As weddings return this season, still under the shadow of Covid, brides are choosing outdoor settings, more intimacy, and utilizing local connections. By Julie Simmons On Amelia Island, we are delighted to talk about weddings again! Over the past 12 months, so many couples have planned, replanned, and are now planning their weddings again, and we have been busy tracking all the latest trends for you. One trend that definitely never goes out of style is an Amelia Island wedding! This is the year of the outdoor wedding, and in addition, it seems to be the season for a more intimate event, which is adding a whole new twist to flowers and décor. If you are inviting 50 guests instead of 250, your backyard, a boat, or a cozy bistro may be just the ticket. And that’s exactly what couples are doing this year: getting creative and using some favorite places that they never would have imagined for saying, “I do!” 40 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
Outdoor nuptials demand a plan for afternoon showers, and many couples are finding the best solution is a tent. Tents come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, and they have endless possibilities for adding your individual touch. Inside the tent, couples this season are getting creative with illumination, whether string lights, marquee letters, lanterns, twinkles, or anything you can imagine! Some of my favorite ideas are lowering the lighting to create intimacy or weaving illumination through trees and landscaping for some added romance. Seating is overflowing with loads of relaxing options. From clustered, pod seating and mismatched styles and patterns to bringing the indoors out, all options are on the table. Some planners suggest adding living room-style seating, maybe even with throw pillows and blankets throughout the venue, to give guests a place to find company and comfort – even in the great outdoors! When it comes to the altar, couples are making a statement here, too. With huge floral or greenery backdrops, unique furniture, and whimsical and vibrant arches, you can create a look and feel that is exclusively yours. Another idea is to go big down the aisle, like covering it with flower petals or a burlap runway, and then lining either side with large floral pieces or field-style greenery. The effect is spectacular! Of course, when it comes to food, you will find a lot of innovation, with the buffet scooting to the backseat. In its place, you can expect a return to plated, restaurant-style service, or conversely, a very casual option of individual minis: think about nachos for one or mini-cakes. For caterers, couples are choosing to shop local. We know last year wasn’t kind to small businesses, and this year’s weddings can help local entrepreneurs like never before. A small restauranter who isn’t equipped to handle a party of 250 can certainly accommodate a downsized guest list of 50. In line with more intimacy and local connections, your mother’s china could supply more of both this season. Brides this year are breaking out the family crystal and using it on their special day, and if there isn’t any available, they are renting some. And blue crystal is even better for that burst of color. Speaking of color, it’s all the rage in 2021, so don’t be afraid to use it in your flowers, décor, and cakes! As you pick the trends that work for you, we can promise you one thing: you can’t go wrong with choosing to have your wedding here! From our beautiful beaches to our gorgeous oak trees to our abundance of local restauranters and venues of every size to serve you, we can’t wait to welcome you, see what new ideas you bring to your special day, and most of all, wish you all the best in the years ahead!
&
904-206-3115 LisaPresnellProductions.com
Want more inspiration? Follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for more ideas to create your
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AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 41
ASAD PHOTO
honeymoon
ON AMELIA ISLAND
By Karen Miller Amelia Island’s beautiful ocean beaches and quaint appeal beckon honeymooning couples to reconnect with the things that matter most in life. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Amelia Island’s beauty is sure to inspire romance. Book a honeymoon on Amelia Island and your heart will be touched with a real sense of hospitality and warmth, coupled with a wide range of amenities that will create a perfect honeymoon experience. There’s a lot of work that goes into wedding planning, and by the time the vows are recited, the bridal cake cut, and the last guest strolls back to their room, the newly married couple is eager to spend time alone. Amelia Island abounds in upscale bed and breakfasts, world-class resorts and hotels, exclusive restaurants, and championship golf courses. There is much to do and see around the island, and lots of quiet time for newly married couples to spend together before setting out on their new lives as husband and wife. For couples who love the outdoors, Amelia Island has golfing, tennis, kayaking, surfing, fishing, 42 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
beachcombing, biking trails, and horseback riding. If relaxation is your preference, there are numerous places to enjoy spa treatments, fine dining, music, theatre, and art galleries. Whether lounging on the beach, luxuriating in a beautiful resort, or enjoying a gourmet meal together, sunny Amelia Island will help you celebrate your romantic union in style. All of these myriad choices can be found in this exotic destination just 20 minutes from the Jacksonville International Airport. An array of fullservice resorts, lavish hotels, and charming bed and breakfast inns is available just for the choosing. Each offers a different style and menu of amenities to please, from sun-up to sundown. And each has been flavored with a dash of traditional Southern hospitality. In the center of Fernandina Beach, The Fairbanks House has been recognized as one of the most beautiful bed and breakfast inns in the country. Recently named the “Best Place to Elope” by WhereToElope.com, the inn boasts striking Italianate architecture, along with rooms that are charming and comfortable, many with Jacuzzis and private porches. Innkeeper and owner Theresa Hamilton provides wine and chocolate-covered strawberries upon your arrival, as well as spa robes, upscale amenities, and free WiFi in the rooms. “We cater to romance,” says Hamilton. “We are all about quiet, romantic getaways, and we can accommodate every need.” Several of the oversized rooms even have small kitchens and all rooms have coffee makers. A two-course breakfast, complimentary use of bikes, a pool and beach equipment, along with evening beverages and hors d’oeuvres, round out the carefree pampering that couples will remember for a lifetime. Located just steps from the Atlantic Ocean is the Amelia Hotel at the Beach. This locally owned and operated hotel is convenient to area attractions, dining and shopping. “Our hotel offers spacious guest rooms with a location designed to leave guests with great memories at affordable prices,” says Holly Germano, General Manager. “Guests love the comfortable rooms with abundant amenities, Hot & Healthy Breakfast, as well as our evening refreshments—and our Lobby Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a night cap.” Elizabeth Pointe offers newleyweds oceanfront relaxation with refined Southern hospitality. Wraparound porches, beautifully decorated rooms,
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PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPHY
seaside dining at The Pointe Restaurant, 24/7 room service and staff to exceed your expectations will all be a part of your stay at Elizabeth Pointe. Relax in a rocking chair with a glass of sweet tea and ocean views from the broad porch and you will see why this Inn received the 2017 Conde Nast Best Service Award and is featured as one of Southern Living Magazine’s Great Inns of the South. Suites located on the Elizabeth Pointe property just next to the main Inn offer more secluded options for honeymoon couples, with private sundecks and balcony options, all with the amenities the Inn offers. Add the honeymoon package to any stay to make your oceanfront romantic getaway on Amelia Island complete. If luxury is your style, The RitzCarlton, Amelia Island is a lavish resort, renowned for its gorgeous grounds, luxurious appointments, and true Southern hospitality. Guests can relax in style and be pampered from sunup to sundown. Exquisite culinary creations, a fabulous spa, attentive staff, and an opulent atmosphere are what make The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island famous the world over. Amelia Island is also a great jumping off place for other destinations. Wallace Pierson Travel, a local, full-service travel source, offers a network of contacts and experienced and well-traveled agents who can provide honeymoon packages with VIP status worldwide. Honeymooning couples are known to return again and again to Amelia Island, to recreate their special day. It’s an extraordinary place where new lives begin, and memories are made to last a lifetime.
Marriage… A new life… A new financial plan
AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 43
island directory BRIDAL REGISTRY ISOLA HOME 303 SOUTH 8TH STREET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 310-3520 ISOLAHOME.NET
FAIRBANKS HOUSE 227 SO. SEVENTH STREET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 277-0500 WWW.FAIRBANKSHOUSE.COM HONEYMOONS
WEDDING REGISTRY, FULL SERVICE DESIGN CENTER, LIGHTING, LINENS
CATERERS PEPPER’S MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA 530 CENTRE STREET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 277-2011 WWW.PEPPERSMEXICAN.COM.COM REHEARSAL DINNERS
POGO’S KITCHEN 1408 LEWIS STREET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 432-8483 WWW.POGOSKITCHEN.COM WEDDING RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS; HONEYMOONS; LODGING; FUNCTION ROOMS
JEWELRY AMELIA’S FINE JEWELRY 317 CENTRE STREET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 277-0665 WWW.AMELIASFINEJEWELRY.COM
AN INTERDENOMINATIONAL COMMUNITY CHURCH
SCOTT & SONS FINE JEWELRY 9900 AMELIA ISLAND PARKWAY, STE 200 AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 491-1550 WWW.SCOTTANDSONS.COM
BONDING FOR CHIPPED AND STAINED TEETH
FINANCIAL SERVICES IRIS FINANCIAL SERVICES 961687 GATEWAY BOULEVARD, STE 201F FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 FINANCIAL SERVICES
JEWELRY; RINGS; GIFTS
JEWELRY; RINGS; GIFTS
LODGING – WEDDING PARTIES AMELIA HOTEL AT THE BEACH 1997 SOUTH FLETCHER AVENUE FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 206-5600 (800) 263-5428 WWW.AMELIAHOTEL.US WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; HONEYMOONS; LODGING
AMELIA SURF & RACQUET CLUB 4800 AMELIA ISLAND PARKWAY AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 261-0511 (800) 323-2001 WWW.SURFANDRACQUET.COM LODGING; HONEYMOONS
HONEYMOONS AMELIA HOTEL AT THE BEACH 1997 SOUTH FLETCHER AVENUE FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 206-5600 (800) 263-5428 WWW.AMELIAHOTEL.US
COURTYARD & SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT 2700 ATLANTIC AVENUE AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 261-1919 WWW.MARRIOTT.COM/JAXCY WWW.MARRIOTT.COM/JAXIL
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; HONEYMOONS; LODGING
RECEPTIONS, LODGING, HONEYMOONS
ELIZABETH POINTE LODGE 98 S. FLETCHER AVENUE AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 277-4851 WWW.ELIZABETHPOINTELODGE.COM
HOME2 SUITES BY HILTON 2246 SADLER ROAD FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 679-6777 WWW.HOME2FB.COM
HONEYMOONS; LODGING
LODGING, HONEYMOONS, FUNCTION ROOMS
44 AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS
HONEYMOONS; LODGING; FUNCTION ROOMS
HONEYMOONS; LODGING; FUNCTION ROOMS
LINDY’S JEWELRY 110 CENTRE STREET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 277-4880
TOOTH WHITENING; SMILE MAKEOVERS; PORCELAIN VENEERS;
OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORT 39 BEACH LAGOON ROAD AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 261-6161 (888) 444-OMNI WWW.OMNIHOTELS.COM
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
CHAPELS/CHURCHES AMELIA PLANTATION CHAPEL 36 BOWMAN ROAD AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 277-4414 WWW.AMELIACHAPEL.COM
DENTAL CARE AMELIA DENTAL GROUP 1947 CITRONA DRIVE FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 261-7181 WWW.AMELIADENTAL.COM
YOUR WEDDING ON AMELIA ISLAND
SEASIDE AMELIA INN 2900 ATLANTIC AVENUE AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 206-5300 WWW.SEASIDEAMELIAINN.COM
JEWELRY; RINGS; GIFTS
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAN
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORT 39 BEACH LAGOON ROAD AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 261-6161 (888) 444-OMNI WWW.OMNIHOTELS.COM
BRIDAL LUNCHES; SPECIAL EVENTS
CONFECTIONS & WEDDING FAVORS AMELIA TOFFEE COMPANY 822 SADLER ROAD FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 WWW.AMELIATOFFEE.COM
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO
MUSIC EDEN & FRANKIE AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA (904) 556-7151 EDENANDFRANKIE.COM WEDDINGS, RECEPTIONS, PRIVATE PARTIES
MY EVENT MUSIC AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA (904) 321-2239 WWW.MYEVENTMUSIC.COM GUITARIST/VOCALIST
PHOTOGRAPHERS PAM BELL PHOTOGRAPHY AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA (904) 277-9681 WWW.PAMBELLPHOTOGRAPHY.COM FULL-SERVICE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY; PORTRAITS; ENGAGEMENT, FAMILY, AND CHILD PHOTOGRAPHY
PLANTATION PHOTOGRAPHY AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA (904) 277-5153 - AMELIA ISLAND (912) 996-4310 - ST. SIMONS ISLAND WWW.PHOTOSONTHEBEACH.COM FULL-SERVICE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY; PORTRAITS
PHOTO BOOTHS ISLAND PHOTO BOOTH FERNANDINA BEACH, FL (904) 556-3048 DALLASBRASIER@GMAIL.COM WEDDINGS; SPECIAL EVENTS
REAL ESTATE SERVICES SUMMER HOUSE REALTY 316 ASH STREET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 557-3020 WWW.SUMMERHOUSEREALTY.COM FULL-SERVICE REAL ESTATE COMPANY
RECREATION AMELIA RIVER CRUISES FERNANDINA BEACH MARINA AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 261-9972 WWW.AMELIARIVERCRUISES.COM WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS; AFTER PARTIES
island directory KAYAK AMELIA 13013 HECKSCHER DRIVE JACKSONVILLE, FL 32226 (904) 30-KAYAK WWW.KAYAKAMELIA.COM KAYAK AND BIKE TOURS; CANOE AND KAYAK RENTALS
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING ON AMELIA ISLAND
OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORT 39 BEACH LAGOON ROAD AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 261-6161 (888) 444-OMNI WWW.OMNIHOTELS.COM WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
VENUES AMELIA HOTEL AT THE BEACH 1997 SOUTH FLETCHER AVENUE FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 206-5600 (800) 263-5428 WWW.AMELIAHOTEL.COM
HONEYMOONS; LODGING; FUNCTION ROOMS
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; HONEYMOONS; LODGING
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
OYSTER BAY YACHT CLUB 96732 BAY VIEW DRIVE FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 261-4773 WWW.OYSTERBAYYACHTCLUB.COM FUNCTION ROOMS
THE BARN AT COTTONWOOD RANCH 452039 OLD DIXIE HIGHWAY CALLAHAN, FL 32011 WWW.BARNATCOTTONWOODRANCH.COM WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; ANNIVERSARY PARTIES; SPECIAL EVENTS
PEPPER’S MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA 530 CENTRE STREET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 277-2011 WWW.PEPPERSMEXICAN.COM.COM REHEARSAL DINNERS
CAFÉ KARIBO 27 NORTH 3RD STREET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 277-5269 CAFEKARIBO.COM WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
POGO’S KITCHEN 1408 LEWIS STREET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 432-8483 WWW.POGOSKITCHEN.COM
BRIDAL LUNCHES; SPECIAL EVENTS
WEDDING RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS; BRIDAL LUNCHES; SPECIAL EVENTS
COURTYARD & SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT 2700 ATLANTIC AVENUE AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 261-1919 WWW.MARRIOTT.COM/JAXCY WWW.MARRIOTT.COM/JAXIL
THE RIBAULT CLUB FORT GEORGE ISLAND, FLORIDA (904) 251-1050 WWW.THERIBAULTCLUB.COM
RECEPTIONS, LODGING, HONEYMOONS
FUNCTION ROOMS
FLORIDA HOUSE INN 22 SOUTH THURD STREET FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 491-3322 WWW.FLORIDAHOUSEINN.COM
SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK 17 N. FLETCHER AVENUE FERNANDINA BEACH, FL 32034 (904) 432-7385 WWW.SALTLIFEFOODSHACK.COM
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
WEDDING RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
HONEYMOONS; LODGING
BRIDAL LUNCHES; SPECIAL EVENTS
THE GOLF CLUB OF AMELIA ISLAND 4700 AMELIA ISLAND PARKWAY AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 277-8015 GOLFCLUBOFAMELIA.COM
SEASIDE AMELIA INN 2900 ATLANTIC AVENUE AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 206-5300 WWW.SEASIDEAMELIAINN.COM
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
BRIDAL LUNCHES; SPECIAL EVENTS
HONEYMOONS; LODGING; FUNCTION ROOMS
JOE’S 2ND STREET BISTRO 14 SOUTH SECOND STREET AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 321-2558 WWW.JOESBISTRO.COM
SUGAR POINTE ESTATE 88000 SUGAR POINTE LANE YULEE, FL 32034 (904) 310-3687 WWW.SUGARPOINTE.COM
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
PRIVATE DINING ROOMS
BRIDAL LUNCHES; SPECIAL EVENTS
THE GOLF CLUB OF NORTH HAMPTON 4700 AMELIA ISLAND PARKWAY AMELIA ISLAND, FL 32034 (904) 277-8015 WWW.GOLFCLUBOFAMELIA.COM
WEDDING CONSULTANTS LISA PRESNELL PRODUCTIONS (904) 206-3155 WWW.LISAPRESNELLPRODUCTIONS.COM
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
ALL-INCLUSIVE TRAVEL COORDINATION
WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS; REHEARSAL DINNERS;
WEDDING AND EVENT PLANNING; CRUISE AND
BRIDAL LUNCHES; SPECIAL EVENTS
AMELIA ISLAND WEDDINGS 45
the Life Salt Life Food Shack is the perfect location and catering option for receptions, showers, anniversaries and more. We have stunning beach views and a beautiful rooftop bar and lounge for your most memorable occasion. Contact us today to plan your special Salty event that can accommodate between 20-300 guests.
17 N. Fletcher Ave | Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 | 904-432-7385
SaltLifeFoodShack.com
