#fashion

As a premier wedding destination, St. Augustine attracts over 3,000 brides each year. Many spend countless hours planning and meeting prospective vendors while in the Nation’s Oldest City, however one important piece of the wedding puzzle was missing – that is, until Tebault Bridal opened its doors in April of 2020.

On April 1st, Tebault will host a public celebration within its beautiful waterfront space to commemorate successfully operating in St. Augustine for one year. The celebration will take place from 5-8 p.m., and will feature vendors such as Mimosas Braid Bar, STA Events, Chic Booth, Perfect Pour, balloon installations from Old City Occasions, desserts by Sweet Weddings and a variety of giveaways and prizes from local businesses. The celebration is open to the public, and brides and wedding vendors are encouraged to attend.

Each attendee will receive a ticket to win a giveaway basket, and will have the opportunity to purchase additional raffle tickets for $1 or through bringing in items for donation, such as a pet toy, blanket, or pet food. All proceeds raised will be donated to a local animal charity.

Offering a local, luxury boutique wedding dress experience in the heart of St. Augustine, Tebault Bridal is the brainchild of local resident Kristen Tebault. When she was planning her own wedding, she noticed a need for a bridal boutique in her hometown that could serve both local, regional and destination brides alike.

“It was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to have a boutique of some sort, but it was through our wedding experience that I became obsessed with the bridal industry,” Tebault said.

After eight years as a small animal veterinarian – the most recent within an emergency animal hospital setting – Tebault needed a change. Though her prior work was rewarding, the high-stress and many times heart-breaking aspects of her job began taking its toll. After saying “I do”, a new opportunity presented itself. She began conducting market research and meeting bridal shop owners throughout the U.S., and developed a keen eye for exactly what she wanted to offer St. Augustine brides.

“I want walking into the boutique to be a first-class experience, whether you are buying a $1,000 dress or a $10,000 dress,” Tebault said. “It’s important to create that special experience. It’s not just shopping for a dress – it’s a moment in your life that you want to do over and over.”

Tebault Bridal envelops a classic, timeless elegance with a modern twist, welcoming patrons in hues of pink and gold. The sparkle of chandeliers compliment bubbly toasts poured once a bride has found “the one.” But the real diamond is the personal experience Tebault gives to every bride before they even walk into the door. Tebault says she envisions every visit to be special and unique, starting with communication over the phone before the appointment to get to know each bride on a personal level.

“I want to create an unforgettable experience,” Tebault said.

Within the first year of being open, Tebault Bridal has been awarded both “Best of the Knot” and a Couples’ Choice Award by Wedding Wire. Accessibility for brides of all budgets is a key factor of Tebault Bridal, as well as high-quality service and products offered. A variety of brands are available within the showroom, including Justin Alexander and their subsets, Maddie Lane, Modeca and more. Veils, jewelry, hair pieces, belts and sashes are also available. Located down 1590 Arapaho Ave off US1, Tebault Bridal additionally offers unparalleled views of the coastal St. Augustine marsh that can be viewed through large windows within the bridal suites.

For more information about the One-Year Celebration or Tebault Bridal, contact Kristen Tebault at [email protected]. The event is open to the public.