Cancun + Riviera Maya

Behold some images from a dreamy, tropical, party filled Mexican getaway to the Yucatan Peninsula's Cancun and Riviera Maya for the wedding of dear friends! From Mexico City we flew to Cancun and spent two restful nights and a relaxing day at the Casa Magna Marriot (first five photos, above) before continuing south to the all-inclusive Generations Riviera Maya resort for four nights. (All the other photos, below).

This was my first time at an all inclusive resort. We lived it up; especially in that sparkling teal blue pool and along the beach on their plush cabanas. Tim and Erin's wedding celebrations were romantic, beautiful, breezy, stunning and unforgettable. Yes, they had a donkey at their welcome party and yes, they had tequila shots as place cards!! 

St Thomas / St John

My cousin Kate who I grew up with on Cape Cod was recently married on St. John! The tear-jerker of a ceremony was held overlooking stunning Caneel Bay and the reception at the neighboring resort. Kate and her husband KJ live on St. Thomas so that was our home base for three days of wedding festivities before taking off to explore the BVI. 

1 | Our quaint Airbnb rental on the east side of St. Thomas was walking distance to Secret Harbor and a three minute ride into Red Hook. 

2, 8, 9, 10 | KJ hooked Kate!

3 | Painkillers at the reception

4, 5, 6 | For one night we re-located to Charlotte Amalie on the other side of the island to facilitate catching an 8 am ferry to Virgin Gorda. The Malfolie Hotel proved to be the perfect host, where cliffside accommodations offered dramatic views of the island. An afternoon lounging poolside and an evening at their restaurant was a delight. 
7 | Caneel Bay via kbinthecity

11 | Drinks on the Red Hook Ferry (STT --> STJ)

12 | Dress from LIT Boutique / shoes from DSW. 

Wedding at Moraine Farm

Our sixth and final wedding of 2012, Megan and Jeff's, was marked by a picturesque fall setting at Moraine Farm complete with rustic touches at every turn, Chinese lanterns enveloping the tent space in a warm orange glow, and seasonal food from Moraine's CSA and other local farms. Located in the town of Beverly just 30 minutes north of Boston, it felt light years away from the city. 

The overcast day made for good lighting and everything was just begging to be photographed, from the wooden crate water station to the cranberries floating in mini mason jars, to the dried hydrangea arrangements lining the aisle. Festive fall colors, notably pops of bright orange blended with the natural setting, highlighted by green fields, pretty foliage and a weathered serpentine rock wall overlooking Wenham lake.

Passed appetizers included impeccably fresh, briny oysters with a green apple mignonette, brie puff pastries with raspberry jam, and a remarkable pumpkin bisque dotted with crème fraiche and toasted pumpkin seeds. There was herb crusted lamb lollipops and delicate bites of quail. We drank St Germain cocktails and sipped on local beer including Pretty Things Jack D'or and Allagash White. 

Our meals were wonderful and truly in tune with the fall season. The salad featured slices of pear and sprinkles of goat cheese. My entrée was a Kurobuta Bone-In Pork Chop topped with a fall hash consisting of roasted apples, rutabaga, chestnuts and pork lardons. On the side - parsnip puree and caramelized brussels sprouts. The dessert bar provided guests mini bites of sweet treats: candy corn cupcakes, eclairs, s'mores tarts and apple cider doughnuts!

Every detail was original and inspired. Local food, St Germain and mini desserts are some of Megan's favorite things. Their happiness was contagious at every moment, it was a beautiful and fun celebration. Congratulations to the wonderful couple!

Wedding at Turner Hill Estate

A couple Saturdays ago our friends Michelle and Bret got married at the captivating Turner Hill Estate in Ipswich. 



It was a beautiful wedding at a stunning venue. The regal brick manor overlooks an expansive golf course lined with thick evergreen trees and winding rock walls. Inside the mansion boasts oak hardwood floors with immense oriental rugs, large crackling fireplaces, librarys full of old books and ornate tapestries draping from the windows and walls. Intricate hand carved wood paneling greets you at every turn and looking up, hand molded plaster ceilings. It was gorgeous and maybe even a little spooky (in a good way). Needless to say, Meghan and I had a some fun photos shoots. 

Simple touches decorated the space, like flickering tea lights in mason jars and tasteful wildflower arrangements. Greeting us at our place setting were favors from Doves & Figs (a local company with fantastic jams). Dinner was delicious, we started with a rustic bread basket before moving onto a gorgeous caprese salad with ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. My entree was a flaky seared sea bass and Adam got the filet, both were served with crisp asparagus and creamy mashed potatoes.

I completely missed a picture of the cake, guess I was having too much fun on the dance floor and in the photo booth. 

Congratulations Michelle and Brett, you make a beautiful couple and it was a joy to celebrate with you!