LIVING HISTORY
14
LOVE AND ROMANCE
The ceremony was held on the beach overlooking beautiful
teal-colored water, just as the bride had hoped. Irish
music played, a nod to Brendan’s family heritage. A cocktail
reception followed with a delicious buffet that included fish
and steak tacos with all the trimmings. Rum punch was the
signature drink, and there was a lot of dancing to a DJ under
the stars.
“We wanted our wedding to be fun,” Abigail says. “Everybody
danced their butts off.”
The Rogans felt that they were providing their guests with
a special experience that they couldn’t have anywhere else.
“Anybody can take a building, rent it, and decorate it,” she
points out. “But the House of Refuge is different. You have
that historical element, and it’s already built into the venue.
You don’t have to re-create that with all of these other rentals.
And just letting your guests enjoy an evening, dancing on the
beach. We wanted to share it with the people that we love.”
The House of Refuge has made more than just a lasting
memory on the couple. Recently, they opened up a waterfront
coffee shop at the Sunset Bay Marina in downtown Stuart. It
didn’t take long for them to decide on a name.
“We both felt this was an opportunity to create this space
and create community, especially with it being on the water,”
Abigail says. “So my husband came up with the name Gilbert’s
Coffee Bar. It clicked. It really set the tone for our brand.”
The same vintage-coastal-yacht club ambience that was
used in their wedding inspired the design of the coffee bar. It
overlooks the St. Lucie River, offering amazing sunsets. They
serve coffee, of course, including a full espresso bar. But they
also provide smoothies, craft beers, wine and a select, organic
food menu. And Brendan enjoys educating the public about
BEHIND THE FACE PHOTOGRAPHY
Abigail and Brendan Rogan were married at the House of Refuge because
>> they love its breathtaking coastline and historical significance.
/www.historicdowntownstuart.com