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Melding words with art as travel writer Norm Goldman
and his
artist wife, Lily Goldman, seek out unique romantic destinations
click here
for more "A Brush with Romance" articles
Weddings
on Amelia Island
continued
from page 1
Florida House
Inn
Interested in exchanging vows in Florida's oldest tourist hotel serving
travelers since 1857, then check out the historic Florida
House Inn, located in the center of the Fernandina Beach District.
This historic inn has hosted such notables as Ulysses S. Grant, Carnegies,
Rockefellers, Henry Ford, actress Mary Pickford and many more, as well
as Cuban poet and freedom fighter Jose Marti.
Present owners, Diane and Joe Warwick celebrated their wedding here, and
perhaps was one of the reasons why they subsequently returned to purchase
the inn a few years ago.
With the combination of its superb cuisine and outdoor courtyard, you
have the perfect recipe for a memorable event. In addition to weddings,
the inn also hosts rehearsal dinners, anniversaries and other private
gatherings. Its 18 rooms are an added plus if you want to have all of
your guests stay in one spot.
Summer Beach Resort
Another great option is the Summer
Beach Resort where you not only have the advantage of being surrounded
with lush greenery including a spectacular golf course, but also ample
accommodations for your guests to stay and enjoy the many activities the
resort provides as tennis, golf, swimming and easy access to the gorgeous
beach.
The choice of
venues are several from the Club Terrace overlooking the golf course,
to the Beach Club overlooking the ocean, or the Fireplace room in the
Clubhouse.
Fort Clinch State Park
 Sitting
at the very northernmost tip of Amelia Island is the large well preserved
brick Fort
Clinch. Surrounded by beaches and nature trails, this park makes an
awesome wedding venue choice. Couples generally exchange vows in the park
and move on somewhere else for their reception such as one of the many
restaurants in the area. One dining establishment to consider is the well-loved
Beech Street Grill. This dining establishment upholds its tradition for
fine dining, as evidenced by the Wine Spectators Award of Excellence.
It is also one of Jacksonville's top 25 restaurants.
Its location
in the center of Fernandina only enhances its charms, surrounded by the
exciting history of this quaint city. The restaurant boasts an extensive
wine list and their sommelier can pair each succulent course with the
perfect wine.
Ritz Carlton-Amelia Island
The
Ritz Carlton-Amelia Island is probably la crème de la crème
when it comes to Florida resorts, and yes, in every aspect, you will be
receiving the finest of everything in this 5th Best Resort in America
according to readers of Conde Nast Traveler.
It is a model of tried-and-true excellence providing a world-class facility
focused on your personal needs. Although portraying a high fashion look,
the resort`s motto is no matter how small or large the wedding may be,
everyone is treated with the same tender loving care. We can vouch for
that when we had the opportunity of staying at the Ritz.
The options available at the Ritz are abundant, from the ceremony on the
beach with a small lawn reception, or the full enchilada fit for a princess.
Outdoor venues include the seaside wedding ceremony, the courtyard, and
the magnificent oceanfront Lawn. There is also the ballrooms, where even
one can accommodate as many as 800 guests.
What is most special about the Ritz is the caliber of everything from
the stunning and sprawling outdoor facilities overlooking the Atlantic
to the service, amenities, dining facilities, and general ambience. It
is the ultimate in one-stop wedding shopping.
Florida's oldest tavern,
the Palace Saloon built in 1878 is located in the center of historic
downtown Fernandina Beach.
More than 50 blocks of homes and buildings in Fernandina Beach have
been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. |
B&B Weddings
Over the past several years there has been a strong movement towards small
intimate weddings celebrated at romantic B&Bs. According to Leana
Gallagher of Amelia Occasions, "generally the family will take over
the whole inn for a weekend, and guests can be treated to lavish parties
with a very private feeling."
One such sought after B&B is the historic Victorian Williams
House that reminds me of my deceased grandmother's house with its
antique furnishings and classic décor-a quiescent bit of Southern
charm. Centrally located within minutes of restaurants, shops and attractions,
this B&B with its beautifully landscaped courtyard is an ideal wedding
venue.
Another choice would be the Ash
Street Inn, its décor is simple yet refined and relaxed.
It is ideal for small cozy affairs celebrated around its outdoor swimming
pool.
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Did You Know?
Amelia`s waters harvest
nearly 80 percent of Florida`s intake of sweet Atlantic white shrimp,
and that Fernandina Beach is known internationally as the birthplace
of the modern shrimp industry.
The Amelia Island Museum of History is Florida's Only Spoken History
Museum.
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Additional
Information
Directions
Directions
To Amelia Island
Amelia Island Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 472, Fernandina Beach, Fl 32034
Tel: 1-800-2Amelia
Weddings
Florida
Marriage License Information
Wedding Planners: If you are looking for the best in wedding
planners, the folks at Amelia Occasions are extremely efficient
and knowledgeable.
Website:
www.ameliaoccasions.com/
Tel: 904-556-6235
Email: leana@ameliaoccasions.com
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