Red Gottie

Review of Bayfront Marin House

We were married at the Bayfront in December. Marin...

We were married at the Bayfront in December. Marina was pleasant. Anna, was not very involved. Things were bad at the end. We chose to get married at the Bayfront because we were looking for an affordable option in St. Augustine. We got what we paid for. They were fairly hands off during the planning phase.

The cake, thats part of the package. At first they described they could whatever we wanted given size. It took a while for them to get a cake list for us to review. They had some sample cakes that contained decorations, including fondant, gum paste etc. Then we were told that fondant is disgusting and we shouldn't have it on our cake, we agreed. We were told there would be an up charge for fondant or gun paste if it wasn't one of the ready made cakes on the list. Then we were told they could not make ornaments, which was fine. Then they could not do snowflakes, which was less fine, but still manageable if I paid a baker to make them and brought them with me to be applied to the cake. When they said they couldn't do ribbons on the cake, we were left with just white frosting and realized there was some false promise on capabilities. A friend made our cake and that solved the issue. Around three hours before the wedding a groomsmen arrived with our toasting flutes, new Saks Fifth Avenue. I took them out of the box, inspected them both. I showed them to my Bridesmaids and the owner of The Beauty Bardot (they are amazing btw). I re-wrapped them, placed them back into the box and handed them to one of my bridesmaids. She took them down the stairs to the gazebo where Marina was hanging the drapes. She told Marina "Be very careful with this box, it's the toasting flutes, they are very delicate". Marina walked over and said "Ok, I will put them somewhere safe". Then she picked them up under one arm with the drapes in the other and headed to the office. An hour later Anna came to my room and said "I have to tell you that when we took your flutes out of the box, they were broken" I asked what happened and she replied "We don't know, all we know is that when we got them they were already broken" I was upset. They told my husband and offered to let us "borrow" some flutes. They did not apologize. They did not offer to make the situation better or help in any way.

Anna seemed agitated and snippy. We were told our guests were snapped at and asked to leave the office/dining area because they had snacks out "just for the guests of the B&B" this could have been managed better.

The photographer Amy Ayers (who is great also btw) and Anna/Marina did not communicate well or at all. We were rushed and didn't get to some of the toasts. I was unable to dance with my father. I never spoke to any of my guests. Anna did call and ask the carriage to delay a bit. Things should have been planned and communicated better.

Nothing was said that evening about the flutes. Marina simply said "I will be here when you check out tomorrow". So that left me to wonder, worry and fear the inevitable confrontation the next day. Which ruined my wedding night completely. We ended up just going to sleep early.

The next morning we received breakfast in bed, but they did not bring 70% of what we asked for. No coffee, no water, no bread or oatmeal. They just brought Mamosas and eggs benidict. Which was very good, but I could have used coffe and water. It was a small breakfast.

After we were packed we went down and met Marina. We asked about the flutes. She said she was going to get the owner. He came out and repeated they were broken already. He was so dismissive and smug it was absolutely disgusting. Terrible business sense. He insulted us directly saying we were lying. Finally after I told him all the witnesses and how my children accept responsibility even if there is an accident he said "We are in no way responsible, but we will refund part of your bill for the cost." Then haggled over the price. I am a patient person. I took the time to write this. This man does not deserve your business. Do not let them ruin your wedding with this behavior.