Jeff and Lynette's home

Welcome Reception

The Don Cesar

Wedding

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner and Reception

Beach Day 

Our Wedding

The Don CeSar (often called the “Pink Palace”) is a historic beachfront hotel in St. Pete Beach, Florida. It opened in 1928 as a glamorous Jazz Age resort and remains an iconic Gulf Coast landmark and member of Historic Hotels of America.Origins and ConstructionReal estate developer Thomas J. Rowe purchased about 80 acres on the barrier island (then known as Long Key) in 1924 for $100,000. He hired architect Henry H. Dupont and contractor Carlton Beard. Construction began around 1925–1926 in a Mediterranean/Moorish style featuring arches, red clay tile roofs, balconies, and towers.The original plan was a six-story hotel with roughly 110 rooms at a cost of about $450,000. It was expanded to around 220 rooms, and costs rose to roughly $1.25 million (about 300% over budget). Rowe named it Don Ce-Sar after Don César de Bazan, the hero of the opera Maritana by William Vincent Wallace. Local lore (promoted by the hotel itself) holds that it was built partly as a tribute to a lost love—an opera singer named Lucinda whom Rowe met in London—though the name is firmly tied to the opera character.Opening and Early Years (1928–1940)The hotel formally opened on January 16, 1928, with a lavish party for local elite. It quickly became a playground for the wealthy and famous during the late Jazz Age and into the Depression, hosting figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Clarence Darrow, Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Al Capone, and others. A key deal with New York Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert to house the team for spring training (roughly 1931–1933) helped it survive the economic downturn.Thomas Rowe died of a heart attack in 1940 (in or near the hotel). His estranged wife inherited the property, which then began to decline.World War II and Government Use (1942–1969)In 1942 the U.S. Army purchased the hotel (for around $450,000) and converted it into a military hospital/sub-base hospital, later a convalescent center for airmen. After the war it became a Veterans Administration regional office/headquarters. The interiors were stripped and painted institutional green; the building gradually fell into disrepair. The government vacated it around 1969, leaving it abandoned and facing potential demolition.Restoration and Modern EraIn 1971 a citizens’ group led by June Hurley-Young formed the “Save the Don” Committee. In 1972 William Bowman (with partners) acquired it for about $460,000 and undertook a major restoration (reported costs around $3.5 million). It reopened as a full-service resort in November 1973 (the hyphen in the name was dropped). It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974/1975 and later became a founding member of Historic Hotels of America (1989).Subsequent decades brought further renovations, expansions (spa, pools, restaurants), celebrity visits, and film/TV appearances (including scenes for Once Upon a Time in America in 1982 and work by Tom Petty &amp; the Heartbreakers). Ownership has changed over time (including periods under Loews and others); it continues as a luxury resort with ongoing updates while preserving its historic character.

Venue

The ceremony attire is seaside cocktail with an emphasis on beach comfort and shades of pink.Think breezy, relaxed elegance—flowy maxi or midi dresses, lightweight fabrics, vibrant prints, and chic jumpsuits for women. For men, linen button-down shirts paired with light-colored pants or shorts are perfect choices.To help guide your outfit selection, Jeff will be wearing white shorts with a pink linen button-down shirt, and Lynette will be wearing a floor-length bohemian-style dress.The ceremony will take place on a covered terrace, allowing guests to enjoy the ocean view and outdoor setting while staying cool and comfortable.

Dress Code

Join us for a relaxed backyard BBQ dinner at our home the night before the wedding catered by Treehouse BBQ featuring all of your favorite BBQ dishes as well as your beverages of choice. Shuttle service will be provided from The Don Cesar to our house at 6:30 and 7:00 Thursday evening returning at 9:00 and 9:30. We can't wait to welcome you!

The wedding ceremony and following cocktail hour, dinner and reception will be held at The Don Cesar's South Terrace Ballroom and Veranda located on the 5th floor. On the day of the wedding access to the terrace ballroom floor will be provided via a dedicated elevator from the lobby; access codes will be provided at check-in, posted here and messaged to the attending guests. The ceremony and following cocktail hour will be held outside on the covered veranda which is accessible through the indoor terrace ballroom. Dinner will be served in the indoor terrace ballroom and be buffet style including dedicated food stations. Festivities will continue throughout the evening in the indoor terrace as well as the outside veranda. We look forward to celebrating our marriage with all of you!

Following the wedding day we plan a relaxing day on The Don Cesar's beach with all that can join us. Each guest room includes provisions for beach chairs and an umbrella which we will coordinate into one section of the beach. Food and drink are available from the beach attendants or at the The Don Cesar's pool bar.

Beach Day

The ceremony will be live streamed for those not able to join us in person. A link to the live stream feed is posted below and will be active starting 5 minutes before the ceremony starts (Friday, August 28 5:55p.m.) and be available after the ceremony as a recording.

<a href="https://evt.live/8-28-26-lynette-webb-jeff-allen" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://evt.live/8-28-26-lynette-webb-jeff-allen</a>

Live Stream

Photos

Wedding Party

Registry

Allegiant flight #1066 departs Roanoke at 10:51 a.m. August 27th direct to St. Petersburg with return flight #984 at 8:05 a.m. August 30th. Shuttle from the airport to The Don Cesar will be provided upon arrival.

TRAVEL

A dedicated elevator to the ballroom level where the ceremony and reception are held will be available the day of the wedding. Access code will be provided to guests at check-in and will be updated here once received.

Jeff & Lynette

Jeff & Lynette

Wedding