We’re back with another feature in our Real Weddings series! This St. Augustine love story began with a surprise proposal in our gazebo and came full circle with a romantic nighttime wedding at Bayfront Marin House.
Karl first reached out to us with one important mission, he wanted the perfect way to ask Marcia to marry him. With the help of our event coordinator, Susie Hammontree, that vision became a reality. A few months later, the couple returned to say “I do” in the historic Sanchez House, creating a wedding day just as intimate and unforgettable as their engagement.
The Proposal That Started It All
Karl chose our historic bed and breakfast as the spot where he would ask Marcia to marry him. Susie decorated the space with marquee letters, flower petals, a glowing red candle heart, bridal garland, and lanterns. To take things over the top, Karl hired Chef Walter Busconi Lage to prepare a private dinner for two.
It was everything Karl hoped for; romantic, heartfelt, and deeply personal. Just a few weeks later, he called again with the best news. He and Marcia wanted to return for their wedding day. From start to finish, their day was filled with personal touches that reflected their relationship.
From the Coordinator’s Diary: Real Wedding Q&A
How did Marcia and Karl choose Bayfront Marin House for their wedding?
Karl already had a connection with us after his proposal, but when he and Marcia toured the property, they fell in love all over again. The Sanchez House, with its Spanish Colonial history and authentic character, stood out immediately. They were drawn to the Jose Simeon Suite with its antique furniture and hand-hewn ceiling beams. It was the perfect backdrop for their wedding and matched their vision for something timeless and unique.
Can you describe the theme and style of their wedding?
- Wedding Theme: The wedding was simple, powerful, and intimate. Every detail highlighted private moments between the couple.
- Setting: The Sanchez House, booked in full for exclusivity. Karl prepared in the Jose Simeon Suite downstairs, while Marcia got ready in the Josephina Suite upstairs.
- Ceremony: A nighttime exchange of vows under soft candlelight and lanterns, with the quiet of the historic city surrounding them.
What were some memorable moments from the ceremony?
The entire event was unforgettable, but the joy on Karl and Marcia’s faces is what we’ll always remember. Their decision to begin at dusk, with the setting sun transitioning into night, created a ceremony filled with warmth and drama.
How did the couple personalize their reception?
Karl and Marcia returned to the same private chef who helped with the proposal, making the evening feel beautifully connected to their St. Augustine love story. They worked together to design a custom menu, paired it with their favorite wine, and toasted with etched glasses they could keep forever. Every detail reflected them as a couple.
Who were the key partners that made this wedding possible?
- Photographer: Josh Haltham
- Florist: Tula Rose
- Officiant: Rae Hughes (booked through Bayfront Marin House)
- Cake: Sweet Weddings
- Private Chef: Chef Walter
What advice do you have for future couples planning their wedding?
You don’t need a large wedding for it to be stylish. Microweddings and elopements can be just as beautiful and memorable. Marcia and Karl’s wedding is the perfect example. Their wedding began with a warm sunset glow and shifted into a candlelit dinner under the stars.
- Their timeline allowed for romantic photos that beautifully captured the intimacy of the moment.
- The romantically lit pergola area, which served as the space for their private dinner, felt tasteful.
- They used candles, lanterns, and lush décor to create a magical setting.
A Love Note from Our Happy Couple
“Amazing! Thank you so much! It honestly could not have been more perfect!” – Marcia and Karl
Plan Your Own St. Augustine Love Story
For Marcia and Karl, Bayfront Marin House was both the beginning and continuation of their love story. We were honored to be part of both their proposal and their wedding, creating memories they’ll cherish forever. Are you ready to begin your own St. Augustine love story? Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement or a candlelit ceremony, our inn offers the perfect setting to start your next chapter.
