Fifteen and Forever expo coming next month

The romance and unforgettable local 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 according to an announcement received by Historic City News this week.

The weekend-long expo will be held November 4-6, and provides 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. 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.

Sunday, the Casa Monica Hotel will play host to Expo attendees with displays and exhibits including advice, products and packages that are sure to delight quinces and brides-to-be; including some great prize giveaways.

At 3:00 p.m., the Expo will conclude and at 6:00 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.