Many brides dream of a destination wedding but orchestrating these long-distance fantasy nuptials can be an expensive and logistical nightmare. If your wedding vision includes a venue with history and charm set against a beautiful ocean backdrop, Casa Marina in Jacksonville Beach, Florida merits your serious consideration.
One of Florida's premier wedding venues, Casa Marina offers top notch dining and a staff committed to making your wedding a day to remember. A member of the Historic Hotels of America, Casa Marina first opened its doors in 1925. Not just for weddings, Casa Marina is great for anyone who wants to pamper themselves with a vacation at Jacksonville Beach's endless expanse of pristine sand.
I am not one of those girls with elaborate wedding fantasies but you can't visit the Casa Marina without getting a little swept away. Certainly, Casa Marina's courtyard that faces the ocean would be the perfect setting for me to say "Indeed, I Do" to (insert groom here). After our pledges of eternal love, photographer Damon would capture our joy with some candid snapshots on the beach. Sand in our toes, we would head back to the Casa Marina's dining room for a grand meal prepared by Chef Aaron. A decadent buttercream confection by Classic Cakes would be a sweet ending to this perfect day. At the end of the night, I would reluctantly toss my Liz Stewart Floral Design bouquet to the single ladies. Our feet tired from dancing to the sounds of dj's from McGee Entertainment and live music by local lovebirds The Johnston Duo (Debrann & Kurt), me and Mr. Wonderful head back to our ocean view suite and.....
(Oops, I am just getting a bit carried away.)
Back to reality.
Seriously, if easy elegance is your style then Casa Marina is a wonderful option for a wedding, a romantic interlude, or a solo excursion. Start your day with yoga on the beach and end it with a martini at Casa Marina's Penthouse Bar with an outdoor terrace that overlooks the beach. Simple perfection.
Here are a few photos from my recent escape to Casa Marina. (www.casamarinahotel.com)
A floral centerpiece by Liz Stewart Floral Design.
Chef Aaron works his magic with a red snapper.
Beautiful cakes by Classic Cakes. (904-246-6408) And, they taste delicious too!
A martini outside at Casa Marina's Penthouse.
Sunrise on Jacksonville Beach. This is the "backyard" at Casa Marina!
