Monday, October 22, 2012

Halloween Happenings

I mentioned in my last blog that I *love* Halloween.

When I was a little girl, I loved the fact that Halloween gave me the opportunity to wear makeup--because my mom didn't allow makeup until I was much older. And what little girl doesn't love all the candy--my brother and I got candy I had never even heard of!!

Now that I'm older, I still am pretty happy about the candy--especially anything chocolate. But what I like most now is the craftiness--there are so many cool things to make this time of year!

Here are a couple of the projects I've done at the inn lately. And Mom, if you're reading this, you'll notice that none of them involve eye shadow!

 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Christmas is Coming

I know, I know...it's not even Halloween yet. (And I heart Halloween!)

But we've just announced our Nights of Lights special, so I've been humming Christmas tunes all day.

What's so special about our Nights of Lights special? Well, when you stay two weeknights (that's Sunday through Thursday) during the Nights of Lights event (it runs from November 17 through January 31), you get the following:

  • FREE tickets to the Green Trolley, which will take you through town so you can enjoy the two million twinkling lights while sitting down
  • FREE fudge from local candy-maker Fudge Buckets (seriously, they're served in a little bucket with a spoon. How smart is that???)
  • FREE hot chocolate at Fudge Buckets
And, of course, you get all the cool free stuff that you've come to expect--a hot southern breakfast every morning, our world-famous happy hour, parking, wifi, access to bikes...the whole shebang!! And you get the chance to enjoy our own awesome light display...here it is in 2011.

St. Augustine was named one of the Top Ten Places in the WORLD to see holiday lights by National Geographic last year. And the Bayfront Marin House is the best place in St. Augustine to enjoy the festival!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

It's Festival Time

We frequently ask our guests "What do you have planned for today?" Of course, if they ask us what we recommend, we usually have one or two suggestions for them to get the most out of St. Augustine.

But this weekend there is so much going on that I'm not sure what I'm going to tell people to do!! And if I told them everything, they literally would not have any time to take any of my suggestions.

Here are just a few of the festivals going on around town:

Oct. 12-14 Greek Festival. Held on Francis Field, this annual event is a fun weekend of food, music and dancing. It's only $2 a person, and kids under 12 are free. You can get more details at www.stauggreekfest.com.

Oct. 13 Treasures of the Fountain. Our county United Way sponsors this family event, taking place at the Fountain of Youth. Twenty-five bucks will get your whole family in (up to 6 people), and give you access to all the games and food dotted around this beautiful venue. For $50 a person, you can also enjoy a gourmet dinner that night, served by local chefs. Learn more at www.treasuresatthefountain.com.

Oct. 13 Fiesta de Aviles. Held on Aviles Street, the oldest street in the country, this is a free event that includes lots of music and pageantry--including a running of the bulls in the afternoon (okay, it's humans dressed up as bulls, but still, pretty fun!) It's only about 2 blocks from our bed and breakfast, and in the evening they have a Sangria contest to see which restaurant can serve the best. Of course, I think ours is the best, but I'm always on the look out for the competition, so I'll definitely be there!

October 13 Great American Scarecrow Festival. Held at Simple Gestures on White Street, just over the Bridge of Lions. You can make your own scarecrow, bob for apples, and just have some fall fun at this annual event.

October 13 Riverdale United Methodist Church Arts & Crafts Fair. Love craft fairs? This is a nice one, held right at the church. It's not too early to start your Christmas shopping, and there's a fish fry at the end of the day!

Of course, all these festivals are in ADDITION to the long list of cool things that you can always do here in St. Augustine--like climbing the lighthouse, going on the pirate ship, and just laying in the sun at the fort.

No matter what you plan to do--I hope you plan to do it in St. Augustine!! See you around town!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Ancient Olive, A St. Augustine Experience

Last night, I had a foodie "experience".

I'm not talking about a dining experience, either. I'm talking about an experience full of flavors, and scents, and great discussions about amazing food. It's just that there wasn't a lot of food there.

Besides some dipping bread, of course.

The Ancient Olive on King Street specializes in olive oils and balsamic vinegars. They have a ton of each--literally filling the store with stainless steel containers holding the mysterious liquids. There is cubed bread for the tasting, but they also provide small plastic cups so that you can dip your tongue in the goodness as well.

What do they have? Let's start with the olive oils. There are olive oils from around the world, and the very helpful staff (ask for James, who actually ran down the street to get me some ice cream so that I could taste a blood orange olive oil on top of Claude's vanilla bean ice cream) will walk you through where each is from (the processing standards vary dramatically from region to region, and James is happy to explain the intricacies to you in a way that's entertaining and enlightening all at once).

There are infused olive oils, with the light taste of basil, lemon, herbs, butter, or any number of other interesting flavors.

Then there are the vinegars--a delicious array of deep balsamic vinegars with hints of espresso (I bought a bottle), strawberry, blueberrry, lavender, apple, vanilla, and many many more. (You can see all of their offerings at www.theancientolive.com).

You can taste as many as you like, and the staff will make suggestions for usage at home. For instance, on First Friday Artwalks, the Ancient Olive staff makes a delicious salad with pears, strawberries, and a strawberry infused balsamic vinegar and a basil olive oil. Delish!

You can buy their products in 375 ml bottles, or in small tasting-sized bottles (hint, hint--stocking stuffers, anyone??) They also sell homemade pastas, as well as a small selection of beautiful serving pieces (I am lusting after a tray I saw there...and I may have to go back this weekend to pick it up!)

I could go on and on all day about the wonderful staff (James got married in St. Augustine 2 years ago, and a lot of his guests stayed at the inn, so of course we were fast friends!), the amazing flavors, and the expert suggestions, but really--you have to "experience" it yourself.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Crabby Saturdays

Why do you want to stay at a bed and breakfast owned by a couple from Maryland?

Because on some Friday nights we like to get a couple dozen steamed crabs--just like at home (well, not just like at home...at home a dozen crabs are a Ulysses S. Grant, plus a couple of Alexander Hamiltons; whereas in Florida they're closer to an Andrew Jackson. Just Jackson--with a couple of George Washingtons left over).

Now, we can only eat about a dozen crabs between us. What are the extras for? Why, we pick them and make a delicious fresh crab dip for our guests, of course!

We have a couple of recipes that we like, but here's the one that we're using today:

Sandy's Old Line State Crab Dip

1 tbsp butter
2 packages cream cheese (8 oz. each)
1 tsp horseradish sauce
5 dashes tabasco sauce
1/2 lb. crab meat
1/2 cup finely minced onion
1 tsp Worchestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
1-14 oz. can artichoke hearts
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Saute the onions in the butter until they are softened but not brown.

Add the cream cheese, and stir it over low heat until it is soft. Add the Worchestershire, horseradish,

Old Bay, and Tabasco. Stir until well blended.

Fold in the artichokes and crab meat.

Put the mixture in a shallow baking dish (about 1-1/2 inches deep).

Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the top

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes. The cheese should be brown on top and the sides should be bubbling.

Enjoy!!!

Monday, October 1, 2012

The Bayfront Marin House:Non-Opposable Thumbs Up!!

 
They call it Puppy Love.

You know the feeling: you're dying to go on vacation. You NEED to take a vacation because you can no longer take what it is that you've been taking (with apologies to Earl Wilson).

But you *really* *really* want to take your puppy with you on vacation, not because they've been taking a lot (if anything, they've been giving), but because they're one of the few things that you don't want to get away from.

Don't worry, if man's best friend wants to come with his best friend, he totally can. All the rooms on our first floor are pet friendly. That includes
 
  • The King George (small dogs only)
  • The Hopkins Cottage
  • Robinson Lewis
  • Burgess Cottage
  • Coquina Suite
  • Napoleon Suite
  • Francisco Marin
 
Our pet fee is $30 a day--just mention that you're bringing your little baby when you make your reservation, and we'll have the room ready for you and your four legged friend. Because we have some puppy love ourselves--we hate to think of your little buddy alone in a kennel!
 
 



Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Ice Cream Wednesday

Your opportunity to taste Mike's homemade ice cream is disappearing faster than a cone of vanilla bean on a hot summer day.

Yup...today is the LAST ice cream Wednesday of the summer!!! We have a couple of rooms open tonight...and they all come with complimentary ice cream.


And what did the hub make for the occasion? Chocolate cheesecake with a strawberry swirl. Mmmmm.


Spoons away, friends!!!

Monday, September 24, 2012

Supper with the Spirits: Call for Tickets!


SUNDAY SUPPER WITH THE SPIRITS

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH

AT THE DOW MUSEUM OF HISTORIC HOUSES

1790 – 1910

THIS EVENINGS TOUR, “SUPPER”, AND ENTERTAINMENT SPONSORED IN PART BY SAVOIR FAIRE

Tonight you will be having your supper in the 173 year old Dow House, one of the 9 historic houses on the beautiful Dow Museum grounds.  These last 200 years, many folks have lingered here for a night or a fortnight; however tonight, we will sup with spirits of two famous ladies who brought the Gilded Age to St. Augustine.  

At 6:30 PM guests will arrive at the gate and be greeted by their guide in period clothing, then shown to the 1906 Worchester House where wine and cheese refreshment will open the evenings’ festivities. 

As the guests enjoy the refreshment and mingle, the atmosphere changes, suddenly it is 1906; the flamboyant Dr. Luella Day Mc Connell sashays onto the scene in her Barnum and Bailey fashion, introduces herself as Diamond Lil, and her fascinating St. Augustine story unfolds.  When the Diamond Lil energy fades, the real life guide steps in to bring everyone back to the present, it is time for the lantern light tour of historic homes and gardens.   

At 7:30 PM, after the tour of homes, the guests will be seated for a lovely plated supper.  The candlelit, linen covered tables will be set with chilled salad and carafes of wine.  Candles are flickering; soft music is filtering through the cottage as the main course is efficiently served.  Tables cleared, desserts and coffees served. 

Suddenly another woman appears from the dark, she looks to be a contemporary of Diamond Lil.  Could it be that infamous Ida Alice Flagler, the second wife of millionaire developer Henry Flagler? The wife who hosted the most elaborate balls St. Augustine has ever seen!  Disheveled but determined, clutching her Ouija Board, it is evident she has been here before, in the dark and quiet, looking, looking.  Tonight however, you are here!

Tonight all guests will receive a copy of author Karen Harveys “Daring Daughters”!

·         When: September 30th 2012

·         Time: “Activities” begin promptly at 6:30; you don’t want to miss anything!

·         Place: Dow Museum, 149 Cordova St. St. Augustine, Fl. 904-823-9722

·         Menu: Sliced beef tenderloin with steamed prawns, with horseradish sauce. Potatoes Maison: herbed, whipped, piped and baked. Steamed fresh carrots with butter and dill. Nantucket salad. Key Lime cake with fresh berries,

·         coffee, red and white wine.

·         Price: $ 59.00 per person, cash or charge, includes a copy of “Daring Daughters”.

·         Reservations: Required reservations paid 3 days prior to event.

Contact: Dow Museum 904-823-9722 or Melissa Stuart 904-501-1253

 

 

Saturday, September 15, 2012

More Views of the Princess Margaret

You've heard that we're holding a contest to name our "newest" room--the room formerly known as Prince, er, I mean, The Princess Margaret.

But have you seen pictures of the entire suite? Have you seen...the BODY JETS??? (Our entire staff is clamoring to stay in this room, but it's been full ever since it's been reopened!!)

In case you haven't seen all of the angles in this room, here are a few of them:

Check out the body jets in the glassed in shower.
 
More body jets, horizontal style!!

 

From your seating area, you can see the Matanzas Bay.

Friday, September 14, 2012

It's Friday, and I'm Going to the Beach

I don't plan on sweating today, and I certainly don't plan on crying.

But a walk by the water sounds like just what the doctor ordered.

Happy weekend, everyone!!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Breakfast in Bed

You know my favorite part of vacation?
 
Room service.
 
I'm serious; my husband may want to hike a beautiful trail, or swim with dolphins, or tour some spectacular house, and I like all of that just fine. But my all time favorite thing is to just open the door--while I'm still in pajamas--and have someone bring a nice tray of yummy yumm-yumms into the room (I like room service for dinner, too--but my very favorite is breakfast).
 
I don't even care what's on that tray--because I haven't met the breakfast food that I don't like. Last time I was on vacation, I was determined to eat healthy meals the whole time (I must have been on drugs). So I ordered oatmeal and blueberries for breakfast, along with green tea.
 
I will tell you, even oatmeal tastes extra special when you eat it in bed.
 
Anyway, this is all just my way of reminding you that we do serve breakfast in bed. It's an extra $20, and it's $30 if you want homemade mimosas. Of course, you also can eat it in our gazebo, or on our gorgeous patio, or in our dining room--and there's no charge at all for that.
 
Of course, in my mind, twenty bucks is a small amount to pay for a total indulgence to start the day. What do they say on the commercial? It's *priceless*!
 
 
 

Flower of the Day: Orange!!

Okay, so orange isn't a flower, it's a color (or a fruit, especially yummy here in sunny Florida!)

Earlier this month, we hosted a wedding for a lovely couple, both originally from Venezuela. They held a very impromptu wedding--deciding to get married just a little over a week before their stay.

In keeping with the spontaneity of this fun couple, the bride asked Mike if she could have a small bouquet the morning of the wedding. It was a Sunday, so our regular florist was not available, but we certainly didn't want to disappoint this lovely woman. So Mike asked what colors she liked (Ivory, orange, or yellow, she said), and Sandy headed out to the store to see what she could find.

What she found were these gorgeous Gerber daisies, pumpkin colored roses, orange alstromeria, and then a nice bouquet of ivory roses. She twisted them into a bouquet, then dropped it in warm water (to help the flowers open up--the roses were practically buds), and the final product was this beautiful handful of autumnal blooms.

And--spontaneity rules--orange Gerbers were the bride's favorite flowers!! As the couple kept saying throughout their stay, Clearly, it was Meant To Be!!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Our Latest Release: A Chance to Win Up to $500 in Gift Certificates!

St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast Announces Chance to Win Up to $500 in Gift Certificates


The Bayfront Marin House, a 15-room bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, FL, is holding a contest on Facebook to rename one of their most popular guest rooms. Two winners--a fan favorite and a staff favorite--will be eligible to win $250 each in gift certificates to the award-winning bed and breakfast.


 
 
 St. Augustine, FL (PRWEB) September 10, 2012
 
Want a chance to win a $500 stay at the Bayfront Marin House, a beautiful waterfront bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, Florida?

Mike and Sandy Wieber, owners of the romantic inn, are holding a contest to rename one of their most popular guest rooms, currently called the Princess Margaret.

"We completely gutted the room and renovated it to the nines," says Sandy Wieber. "We used very soothing colors, and created a restful retreat for our guests. Since we were changing everything in the room--including its layout--it made sense to change the name as well."

"The bathroom is over the top," adds Mike Wieber. "Sandy picked out a beautiful slate colored tile, and accented it with glass tiles. The tub is jetted, and the shower has a row of body jets for the ultimate relaxation vacation."

The room is on the inn's second floor, and boasts water views from its two bedroom windows. It is furnished with a queen sized bed, a romantic electric fireplace, and an English armoire for storage. All the rooms at the Bayfront Marin House have flat-screen televisions, many with integrated DVD players, as well as private entrances, plush robes, and free wifi.

"We're looking for a name that will complement the other names of the inn, and one that suits the mood of the room," says Sandy Wieber. "The winning name will let future guests know that they can expect a relaxing, romantic weekend when they stay in this room. We can't wait to see what our fans come up with!"

For complete contest rules, or to enter a name in the contest, please visit http://www.facebook.com/bayfrontmarinhouse. The contest ends on October 31; winners will be chosen and announced within 30 days of that date.

More Information about the Bayfront Marin House
The Bayfront Marin House in Saint Augustine, Florida is a 15-room, luxury bed and breakfast inn. Located on the Matanzas Bay, the bed and breakfast offers stunning views of the water, along with a hot southern breakfast each morning, daily happy hours, delicious desserts, and the highest levels of personalized customer service. The lodging has recently been awarded TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence for 2012.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Our Latest Press Release: See Our Newly Renovated Guest Rooms



The Bayfront Marin House, a romantic bed and breakfast located on the water in St. Augustine, Florida, has recently renovated five of their 15 rooms. Updates include luxurious showers with body jets or rainshower faucets, artisan-installed tilework, and exotic hardwood floors.
 
 
St. Augustine, FL (PRWEB) August 31, 2012
 
St. Augustine's premiere waterfront bed and breakfast, the Bayfront Marin House, has recently completed renovations on several of their most popular rooms.

"Our guests are looking for a luxurious getaway," says owner Mike Wieber. "We have added amenities to some of our guests' favorite rooms that will enhance their stay and help to make their vacation one to remember."

The Forrester Suite, a large room on the bed and breakfast's second floor, boasts water views from each of its three large windows. It recently underwent a complete bathroom renovation, and now offers a large tiled shower with dual showerheads, including a rainshower feature that comes out directly from the ceiling for a soothing, relaxing shower.

The Forrester Suite also has a large corner Jacuzzi tub, surrounded by beautiful tilework.

"The tilework is exceptional," says Wieber. "We were very lucky to work with some of the best craftsmen in the St. Augustine area to complete our renovations." The bath area is separated from the bedroom by a paned French door.

"In addition to the bathroom upgrades, we've added a regal color scheme to the Forrester Suite," says Wieber. "We chose a soothing cream color for the walls, a cheerful blue tint for the ceiling, and royal-looking silk draperies and bedding in burgundy. The result is a romantic, inviting room for all the guests of the Bayfront Marin House." The room also has new Brazilian Koa flooring, which adds to the warmth of the suite.

Other rooms renovated at the bed and breakfast include the Princess Margaret, the King George, and the Marie Antoinette. Photos of each of the rooms can be found at http://www.bayfrontmarinhouse.com.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Flowers of the Day: Petunias

There was a time that I didn't love petunias.

 It was partly because of their spicy smell, and partly because they get so leggy in the heat. Well, they smell the same (just smell my car after I pick up a few flats), but the newest versions stay compact and bushy.

Needless to say, I have adjusted my earlier thinking.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Our Latest Press Release: St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast Launces New Website for Travelers



St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast Launches New Website for Travelers

Visitors to St. Augustine, FL can find all the information they need for their trip at the Bayfront Marin House's new website. Links include Things to Do in St. Augustine, as well as ideas for romantic getaways like anniversaries and honeymoons.

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The Bayfront Marin House, a 15-room bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, Florida, has launched a new website at http://www.bayfrontmarinhouse.com.

The Bayfront Marin House, a 15-room bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, Florida, has launched a new website at http://www.bayfrontmarinhouse.com.


Visitors to the website will be able to plan their entire trip to St. Augustine, with links detailing the history of the town and the area's best attractions. Guests will also be able to compare amenities from room to room, seeing at a glance if the room has romantic features such as a Jacuzzi tub, a fireplace, or a water view.


"All of our rooms are beautiful," says Mike Wieber, owner of the historic bed and breakfast. "The new site allows our visitors to more easily compare rooms and make selections that will make their St. Augustine getaway perfect."


The inn's website also allows guests to see add-on services at a glance--from carriage rides through the old city to private sails on the Matanzas Bay. "Our guests are often celebrating a special event," says Wieber. "We have services and amenities that make any honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday celebration a day to remember. Our new website makes it much easier to see the various options, and to book them online."

The website was designed by Old City Web Services, a St. Augustine based company offering a variety of design and marketing services including web development, search engine optimization, logo creation and more.

Whether or not you like The Weather Channel, You Have to Like St. Augustine (And they definitely like us!!)

St. Augustine was featured yesterday morning on The Weather Channel, as their meteorologists broadcast from our lighthouse from 6am til 10am.
You can check out the whole story in the Record here.
Speaking of weather, it's absolutely beautiful this morning. I need to get to the store to buy some things for our new bathrooms (they should be ready next weekend!), and then I'm headed to the garden.
Enjoy the weekend!

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Flowers of the Day: Yellow Roses

What's happier, sunnier, more summery than yellow? NOTHING!!!

This photo is from Brianna and Adrian's wedding, held in the gazebo yesterday. Brianna carried a gorgeous round bouquet of yellow roses, and her groom sported a yellow tie and yellow boutenniere. The girls wore yellow ribbons in their hair, yellow sandals, and--of course--yellow pedis.

Now, this blogger is all about the yellow--yellow pumps, yellow flats, yellow sweater sets, and an awesome yellow blazer that I wear when I'm doing presentations. So maybe I'm biased...but I have to say, I thought this color absolutely rocked!!

I also loved that the bride included small crystals in the bouquets, and in her hair. It added a great sparkle in the yellow sunshine!

See more photos below.









Nothing mellow about this yellow--and I loved it!!

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Local Secrets: Where to Eat


If I had a dollar for every time someone says to me, "Wow--Saint Augustine has the most amazing restaurants. It must be great to live here and eat at them all the time!!"

If I *did* have a dollar for every time someone said that to me, I might have enough money to eat at Saint Augustine restaurants all the time.

Which is why I was so excited when Mojo's finally opened (their contractors may have moved even slower than our own--and that's sayin' something). Mojo's is a barbecue place...the kind of casual, laid back joint that offers pulled pork sandwiches and a row of 5 different sauces to enjoy with it (Chipotle, Sweet, Vinegar, Mustard, and Mojo BBQ). I like to douse the pork in vinegar, then dot with a little of the sweet sauce.

They have awesome sides, too--like pit baked beans (smoky and just a little sweet), collard greens (so good with chunks of bacon), the best french fries in town (I put a little vinegar on them too), mac n' cheese (haven't tried it yet, but people moan when they taste it), black eyed peas, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, and a bunch of other ones that I also haven't tried. They've only been open about a month; give a girl a little time.

But you know what's really awesome about it? It's huge, for one, which means that you can actually go there on a Saturday night (we locals NEVER go out to eat on a Saturday night--it only makes us cranky to wait in lines), and you can get a sandwich and side for just nine bucks.

That's right--nine bucks. In addition to the pork, the hub loves the blackened catfish, even though you can't load it up with sauces. I plan to try the maple salmon entree next time I go--sure, it's a whopping $15, but sometimes even us locals have to live it up.

Getting Crafty: My Latest Wreath


This wreath doesn't suc-ulent.
 Every now and again, I get inspired to do something a little crafty.

Last week, inspiration struck and I created this wreath for our back patio area. It's where we keep the bicycles and beach chairs, and it's not a very trafficked area--but I think every space has the right to be beautiful.

What do you think? Is it beautiful or what?

(Want to make your own? I got a grapevine wreath, then glued green "grass" to it, as well as some natural moss. I then wired--and hot glued--2 sizes of terracotta pots to the wreath, and filled them with succulents. Because I know I'm not great at watering! Then I tucked in/glued some little birds, a couple of butterflies, and finished it with a raffia bow made out of two colors of raffia, a pinecone, and another bird for good luck. I bought everything at Michael's, except the plants which I got at Home Depot. It was about $25, plants and all).





Thursday, August 2, 2012

Need Help Creating the Perfect Proposal?

St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast Offers the Service of Personal Engagement Specialists

Would-be grooms can get advice and help creating a perfectly planned, romantic proposal at this Florida bed and breakfast.

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Many couples choose the Marie Antoinette suite, a waterfront room on the second floor of the Bayfront Marin House.
 
St. Augustine, FL (PRWEB) July 31, 2012

The Bayfront Marin House, a waterfront bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, FL, now offers its guests help in popping the question.
"We were getting more and more requests from would-be grooms, asking us for advice on how to make their proposal perfect," says bed and breakfast owner Mike Wieber. "This service allows grooms to customize a proposal for their special someone, and it ensures that all of the elements of the event--whether it includes dinner reservations, breakfast in bed, special music, whatever--will be taken care of before they arrive."
Engagement specialists can help inn guests create banners, decorate their rooms, or serve a wedding ring on top of a stack of pancakes for breakfast.
"Our job is to make suggestions and facilitate the process," says Wieber. "We've set up surprise horse and carriage rides, with the carriage picking the couple up right at our sidewalk and the driver holding a poster that asked 'Will You Marry Me?' We've planned private sunset sails for two, and we've even arranged to have an engagement videotaped on the guests' smart phone so that they could share it with their families. It's awesome to be part of such a special occasion, and to ensure our guests that their proposal will go according to plan."
Other services include creating a special romance package for the couple, complete with items such as a couples' massage, customized flower arrangements, rose petals, chocolate covered strawberries--everything a couple could want to make their proposal memorable.
Engagement specialists' services are offered free of charge to inn guests; packages are priced based on guest requests.
"Just as couples work with a wedding coordinator to make sure their ceremony is perfect, we wanted our guests to have the support of an event planner to make sure that their proposal is perfect as well," says Wieber.
More Information about the Bayfront Marin House
The Bayfront Marin House in Saint Augustine, Florida is a 15-room, luxury bed and breakfast inn. Located on the Matanzas Bay, the bed and breakfast offers stunning views of the water, along with a hot southern breakfast each morning, daily happy hours, delicious desserts, and the highest levels of personalized customer service. The lodging has recently been awarded TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence for 2012.