Barefoot couples -- decked out in white gowns and tuxedos as well as less formal wear -- participated in the Saturday-night ceremony led by a non-denominational officiant on St. Pete Beach.
An opportunity to rekindle passion and celebrate a life together, a vow renewal is intended to strengthen the bond of marriage. And what could be more romantic than repeating one's vows of love during sunset by the sea?
The Magic of "The Don"
Known as "the Pink Palace" for its distinctive flamingo-pink presence on St. Pete Beach, The Don CeSar Beach Resort & Spa is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and has been named a Four Diamond resort by AAA for more than twenty years.
The rosy-hued sandcastle opened in 1928 as a playground for America's pampered set. Among the Jazz Age guests who frolicked in Gulf waters here were F. Scott Fitzgerald, Lou Gehrig, and Clarence Darrow.
More recently, the Don CeSar has become a romantic's retreat. Every year some 350 individual weddings are performed -- and with the annual vow renewal event, couples have another excuse to return to celebrate an anniversary.
Accented by Moorish bell towers, turrets, French doors, and a clock tower, this sexy seaside septugenarian welcomes guests in a refined, European-style lobby. Italian crystal chandeliers, French candelabras, and art depicting scenic Florida add to the grandeur.
From the terrace of your Mediterranean-style room, you can enjoy views of the Gulf of Mexico or Boca Ciega Bay.
- Since The Don CeSar stands on the western side of Florida, sunsets over the water are always memorable.
The Don During the Day
Recreational pleasures at the Don CeSar include use of the resort's water toys (catamarans, aquabikes, kayaks, Paddle Cats), snorkeling and scuba diving trips, sailing and waverunning clinics, parasailing, a pool by the water's edge and a heated plunge pool with a Jacuzzi and underwater sound system, fishing, and beach hockey and volleyball.
Easy-on-the-bones pursuits include aqua aerobics, golf at Isla Del Sol Golf Course, and afternoon tea parties. The Don also has a spa that features ocean-themed thalassotherapies as well as sea scrubs, body masques, a sauna, whirlpool, and exercise room.
Nearby St. Petersburg attractions include Honeymoon Island, Busch Gardens, Sea World, and the Salvador Dali Museum. Walt Disney World (where vow renewal ceremonies are also held), Universal Studios, and other Orlando attractions are an hour and a half drive from the resort.
Dining at the Don
Three restaurants and room service ensure no Don CeSar guests go hungry or get peckish. The array of delicacies at the King Charles Sunday Brunch is worth waiting a week for, and the selection at Uncle Andy's Ice-Cream Parlor will enhance loving guests' already-sweet dispositions.
