Shrimply Artistic

June 24th, 2010
An artistic shrimp in front of local bookstore

 

Cities throughout the US adopt a particularly animal to signify heritage or local wildlife and Amelia Island is no exception.  In our case shrimp were chosen as this island was the beginning of the commercial shrimp industry in the US.  We already have the annual eight flags shrimp festival the first weekend of May each year, and this is another  step in honoring the local heritage of shrimping.   Businesses on the island purchased the shrimp figures and then local artists did the decorating and art work.  They are scattered around downtown and in front of businesses around the island.

Some are humorous, some nostalgic and some just plain fun!  We appreciate the efforts of many local businesses and the artists involved in adding to the character, charm and local culture of this beautiful island!

Williams House Weddings Abound

June 20th, 2010

A beautiful wedding cake

Paula and David cut their wedding cake

May of 2010 has set a record for wedding frequency at the Williams House with one just about every weekend and extends even into early June.  Paula and David were married on the front porch by Byron with guests on the front lawn. The reception was held in the court yard on a warm sunny day.  So far virtually no rain on Williams House weddings this year. 

Guests enjoy the reception

 

Bride and groom cut their cake

 

Feeding each other "nicely"

 

Our next couple, David and Kimberlee were also married on the front porch on another beautiful warm early June day.  Kimberlee utilized the horse drawn services of Boomer, the large white draft horse with the personality of a human.  Of course treats are required before performing for the wedding, but then it’s a great ride.  Guests enjoyed Deborah’s excellent food with cool drinks for a warm day.

Kimberlee steps into her carriage

 

Ready to go!

 

Reciting vows on the Williams House porch

 

Bride and groom in front of the Williams House

 

Family and friends join the proud couple

 

A beautiful wedding cake

 

Guests enjoy the reception

Amelia Island Williams House May Weddings

May 19th, 2010

Peter, Gretchen and friends in rose garden

 

May’s first wedding was for Peter and Gretchen who were joined by friends for a casual wedding at the Williams House.They chose do have the ceremony in the rose garden with Byron presiding and friends gathered around.  It was a beautiful day with decent temperatures and a bright sunny sky. The reception was held in the courtyard beneath the large live oak where cake was served.  It was a small and intimate event which seems to be a trend for weddings these days.  Our best wishes to the bride and groom! 

Gretchen in the Williams House parlor

 

A beautiful spring wedding cake

 

Bride and groom cutting the cake

 

Gretchen on the William's House porch

 

                                                                                      Our second wedding in May was last wekend for Bill and Marion.  Family and friends joined from around the country to see them wed at the Williams House. It was again a great weather day, a little warm but sunny with a bit of breeze.  Their wedding included a Harpist for the ceremony and a DJ at the reception with around 60 guests. Many of their guests enjoyed a few days with us before the wedding so we got to know many of the family members and wedding participants.  Deborah provided the food which I can personally attest was very tasty.  Pork tenderloin, crab cakes, fruit, rolls, deviled eggs…some of my favorites!  A champagne toast and cutting of the cake were followed by garter tossing and some pretty wild dancing for all ages.  It was a great time for family and friends to share in this special moment for Bill and Marion.

Bride and bridesmaids just before getting on carriage

 

Bride and bridemaids on the cariage

 

Guests await the Bride's arrival

 

Bride and bridesmaids arrive

 

Harpist brings in the bride to Pacabell

 

Bride walked down the aisle

 

Bride and groom exhange vows

 

Wedding participants on front porch

 

Guests begin arriving in the courtyard for the reception

 

Beautiful three tier wedding cake with flowers

 

Guests enjoy the fixins

History Lessons on Williams House Carriage Rides

May 19th, 2010

Guests always enjoy meeting Boomer

 

Its been a very busy May at the Williams House with Shrimp fest starting out the month, several weddings, and lots of wonderful guests enjoying the weather before it gets too hot.  I got a little behind on putting carriage rides on the blog, so here’s a catch up for all those guests that enjoyed meeting Boomer and hearing tales of the Island’s history, seeing historic homes and ejoying a nice ride on our beautiful streets.  Enjoy!

"All That Jazz" gives rides on Boomer's day off

 

Williams House Guests Enjoy Amelia Island Shrimp Festival

May 4th, 2010

Crowds line center street for Shrimpfest

Locals and guests alike enjoy the Isle of Eight Flags annual Shrimp Festival held the first weekend of May.  This year the weather was fantastic with highs in the mid to upper eighties, but with a nice breeze both days to keep the heat and humidity in check.  Exhibitors looked about equal to last year and crowds seemed a little larger than last year.  There were plenty of food booths with great variety from hot dogs to shrimp pie, lemonade, fries, corn dogs, shaved ice and my personal favorite, funnel cakes.  Art came in all varieties from sculptor to painting, glassware, jelwery, pottery, apparel, toys, garden items, antiques, wood carving,  whirlygigs, and much more.  Read the rest of this entry »