ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Oct. 6) The romance and unforgettable beauty of St. Augustine will form the backdrop for Fifteen and Forever – a comprehensive expo devoted to everything needed for the perfect wedding or quinceańera in the Nation’s oldest city. To be held November 4-6, the weekend-long expo will provide brides-to-be, wedding planners and quinces with an in-depth look at the incredible venues and wide array of services guaranteed to make their special day truly remarkable.

The first recorded wedding in St. Augustine occurred on January 24, 1594. Needless to say, the city has a long history of providing an outstanding setting for couples to begin their lives together. Today, the city’s impressive Spanish Renaissance and Moorish Revival architecture offers a unique and authentically European look and feel. Of course, the city’s famous horse-drawn carriages, historic cathedral, Castillo de San Marcos, beautiful bay front and pristine Atlantic beaches add to the happy ambiance of weddings and quinceańeras.

The Fifteen and Forever Expo gets underway on Friday, November 4, with a spectacular Welcome Reception at the new St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. Recently named one of the top family attractions in the Nation by Travel+Leisure magazine, the colorful and entertaining museum provides a perfect introduction to St. Augustine.

The events for Saturday, November 5, begin at 9 a.m. with a two-hour tour of venues with wedding and quince photo vignettes that will give participants a detailed look at how their special day might appear at each venue. From 7-9 p.m. that evening, a beautiful and inspiring fashion show featuring the best in wedding and quinceańera attire will take place at the city’s elegant Lightner Museum.

Sunday will be a huge day for participants. Registration for the Expo begins at 10:30 a.m. and the doors swing open at 11 a.m. at the beautiful and historic Casa Monica Hotel. Throughout the day, vendors will be available with advice, products and packages that are sure to delight quinces and brides-to-be. Plus, great prize giveaways will be conducted.

At 3 p.m., the Expo will conclude and at 6 p.m. the 2011 Miss Florida Quince Pageant will begin. This second annual bilingual event serves to unite youth from all cultures and maintain a rich Hispanic tradition that has important cultural value in many Latin communities. Young ladies age 13 to 16 from all cultural backgrounds are invited to participate. The reigning Miss Florida Quince, Desiree Leilani Gil, will be there to hand her crown to the lucky winner. Among the principal sponsors will be Telemundo 43 WDDT-TV Naple-Fort Myers. For more information on the pageant go to www.FloridaWeddingsandSpecialEvents.com .

For the latest information on the Fifteen and Forever Expo, including special Expo hotel rate and online ticket purchases, go to www.FifteenandForever.com . Plus, check out the official Facebook page of the pageant at http://on.fb.me/oPrrva or simply search “Fifteen and Forever Expo Weekend” on Facebook. Additional information is also available from the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau at 904.829.1711.

Located between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast offers authentic Old World charm, 42 miles of beaches, luxurious seaside resorts, world-renowned golf, historic hotels, charming bed and breakfast inns, fine dining, history on every street corner and the location of Ponce de Leon’s 1513 discovery of La Florida. For details on lodging, dining, attractions and more go to www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1.800.653.2489

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