Why Family-Owned Matters
In today's wedding industry, many venues are owned by corporations, managed by distant property management companies, or operated by rotating staff who may never see the fruits of their labor. At 9 Aviles, we take a different approach—one rooted in family, passion, and personal investment in every single celebration.
When you book 9 Aviles, you're not just renting a space. You're partnering with Dave and Christy, a husband-and-wife team who pour their hearts into this historic venue and into making your wedding day absolutely perfect. Let us share our story and explain why choosing a family-owned venue makes all the difference.
Our Journey to 9 Aviles
Dave and Christy didn't stumble into the wedding industry by accident. Their path to owning 9 Aviles was driven by a deep love for St. Augustine's history, a passion for creating meaningful celebrations, and a desire to build something lasting as a family.
When they first discovered the historic building at 9 Aviles Street, it needed significant work. But they saw beyond the repairs needed—they envisioned what this space could become: an intimate sanctuary where couples could celebrate their love surrounded by centuries of history and timeless architecture.
From 2018 to 2023, Dave and Christy undertook a meticulous reconstruction project, preserving the building's historic elements—original coquina stone walls, exposed brick, timber beams, and the vintage fireplace—while adding modern amenities like climate control, professional sound and lighting systems, and a beautiful bride's suite.
This wasn't a corporate renovation project with hired contractors making all the decisions. Dave and Christy were hands-on every step of the way, ensuring that every detail honored the building's history while creating a functional, beautiful space for modern celebrations. That level of personal investment shows in every corner of 9 Aviles.
What Makes Working with Dave & Christy Different
When you work with a family-owned venue like 9 Aviles, you experience benefits that corporate venues simply can't provide:
Direct Communication with Decision-Makers
You're not navigating through layers of coordinators, managers, and corporate policies. When you have a question or special request, you talk directly to Dave and Christy—the people who own the venue and have the authority to make decisions. This means faster responses, more flexibility, and personalized solutions.
Genuine Personal Investment
For Dave and Christy, 9 Aviles isn't just a business—it's their legacy. They're not managing dozens of properties or answering to shareholders. This is their passion project, and your wedding's success matters to them personally. They genuinely care about making your day perfect because your celebration reflects on their life's work.
Hands-On Involvement
Dave and Christy are often present during events, not because they have to be, but because they want to ensure everything runs smoothly. If something unexpected happens, they're there to address it immediately. If a special moment needs extra attention, they notice and act. This level of hands-on care simply doesn't exist at corporate-owned venues.
Long-Term Relationships
Many couples stay in touch with Dave and Christy long after their wedding day. They've built friendships born from shared celebration and mutual respect. Some couples return for anniversary celebrations or recommend 9 Aviles to friends and family. This kind of lasting connection is unique to family-owned businesses.
Flexibility and Creativity
Corporate venues often have rigid policies: "This is how we do things." Dave and Christy approach each wedding individually, asking "How can we make your vision come to life?" If you have a unique idea or special request, they're open to creative solutions rather than defaulting to standardized procedures.
Dave & Christy's Approach to Weddings
Over the years of hosting weddings at 9 Aviles, Dave and Christy have developed a philosophy that guides everything they do:
Every Wedding is Unique
They don't believe in cookie-cutter celebrations. Whether you're having an intimate 10-person elopement or a 50-guest reception, Dave and Christy treat your event as special and deserving of their full attention.
Small Details Matter
From the placement of candles to the timing of lighting changes to ensuring your favorite song plays at the perfect moment—Dave and Christy understand that small touches create the magic that guests remember.
Historic Preservation Meets Modern Comfort
They're passionate about honoring the building's history while ensuring guests enjoy modern amenities. This balance—maintaining authenticity without sacrificing comfort—guides every decision they make about the venue.
Transparent Communication
Dave and Christy believe in clear, honest communication. They'll tell you what's possible, what's not, and why. No hidden fees, no surprise restrictions, no vague policies—just straightforward partnership.
Quality Vendor Relationships
They've carefully curated a network of approved vendors—DJs, photographers, caterers, florists—who share their commitment to excellence and personalized service. These aren't just random referrals; they're trusted partners Dave and Christy have personally vetted.
What Couples Say About Working with Dave & Christy
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what couples consistently say about their experience with Dave and Christy:
"Dave & Christy were an absolute DREAM to work with and made the planning process SO easy. They truly care about making your day special and went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect."
— Carly, Recent Bride
"The personal attention to detail from Dave and Christy made all the difference. They were there every step of the way, and we felt like we were working with friends, not just a venue."
— Pablo, Groom
"As a destination wedding couple planning from out of state, having Dave and Christy as our local partners was invaluable. They handled everything with care and made us feel confident from miles away."
— Madison, Recent Bride
Their Vision for 9 Aviles
Dave and Christy didn't create 9 Aviles to be just another wedding venue in St. Augustine. They envisioned something more:
A space where couples could celebrate intimately without sacrificing quality or production value. A venue that honored St. Augustine's rich history while providing modern comfort. A family-owned business where every couple receives personalized attention and genuine care.
They wanted to create a place where intimate weddings aren't treated as "smaller" or "less important" than 200-person celebrations, but as equally deserving of beautiful spaces, professional services, and memorable experiences.
That vision guides every decision they make—from investing in professional sound and lighting systems to curating the Aviles Decor Package to carefully vetting every approved vendor. It's why 9 Aviles has become known as the premier intimate wedding venue in historic St. Augustine.
Why This Matters for Your Wedding
Choosing 9 Aviles means choosing more than a beautiful historic venue. It means choosing partners who genuinely care about your celebration, who are invested in your happiness, and who bring decades of combined experience and passion to your wedding day.
It means working with people who remember your names, your story, and the details that matter to you. It means having advocates who coordinate with vendors on your behalf, troubleshoot challenges before you even know about them, and celebrate alongside you when everything comes together perfectly.
In an industry increasingly dominated by corporate ownership and transactional relationships, Dave and Christy offer something rare: authentic connection, personal investment, and family values applied to your wedding celebration.
Meet Dave & Christy in Person
We'd love to show you 9 Aviles and share our passion for creating unforgettable celebrations. Schedule a venue tour to meet Dave and Christy and experience the family-owned difference.