The Adventures of Scott & Caroline: Kyle and Kristen Tie the Knot!

September 25 - 28, 2014
Danvers, MA, Ipswich, MA & Around

The happy couple

At the end of September, we had the pleasure of attending Scott's youngest cousin, Kyle's nuptials to his beautiful bride Kristen. After flying into Boston late Thursday afternoon, we arrived at the Courtyard Marriott in the northern suburban town of Danvers, eagerly anticipating the 3-day weekend of scheduled wedding events. First up was the rehearsal dinner on Friday, followed by the ceremony and reception on Saturday and finally winding down with a farewell brunch at the Danversport Yacht Club on Sunday. Let the fun begin!

Upon our arrival in Danvers, we enjoyed a mini family reunion over dinner with Scott's parents and various aunts and uncles, all of whom had driven in from Michigan earlier that day. At the rehearsal dinner, co-hosted by Kyle's parents on Friday evening in Ipswich, MA, additional familial catching up was accommodated over cocktails and a sumptuous dinner in a private room at the gorgeously cozy and seasonally decorated 1640 Hart House.

Post-rehearsal dinner, toasting the bride and groom with the beer from our hotel check-in welcome bags

Finally, the big day was here! Saturday, September 27th, dawned sunny and (very) warm; the bride and groom simply could not have asked for a more beautiful autumn day on which to exchange their vows. We spent the morning breakfasting and wandering in nearby Marblehead, MA, which is, incidentally, where Kristen works as a school psychologist.

Taking in the scenery in Marblehead before the wedding

Later that afternoon, back at the hotel, we boarded a rather large shuttle bus, along with all the other wedding guests staying at the Courtyard Marriott, for the pleasant 30-minute ride to the wedding venue.

Preceded by casual mingling and champagne on the inn's gracious covered porch and overlooking the water, the late afternoon ceremony took place on the wide lawn at the Inn at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, located in charming Ipswich, MA.

Enjoying a little bubbly before the ceremony

Officiated with humor and style by Kyle's older brother Ben, the ceremony was brief, yet lovely, personal and touching.

After the handwritten vows were recited and the bride was kissed, the festive celebration began with cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres on the lawn, followed by the reception in a stylishly converted barn also located on the property.

The Crane Estate offered a beautiful setting, inside and out, and the entire affair was a masterpiece of understated elegance. The bridal couple - Kyle, dressed in a well-cut, stylish pale grey suit and Kristen, veil-less and simply breathtaking in a perfectly formfitting, sleeveless, low-cut ivory lace gown with satin ribbon detailing at the waist - was the epitome of elegant, modern wedding style. From the signature seasonal cocktails (a tasty bourbon and cider concoction) and complimentary hand-rolled cigars offered during the cocktail hour to the creative (and creatively displayed) table cards, gorgeous flowers, talented multi-piece band and copious quantities of exceptionally delicious food, truly no detail was left untouched.

It was really wonderful to reconnect with family as well as to get acquainted with members of Kyle's new family. We joyously and energetically danced the night away, taking only a short break in the photo booth with cousin Ben and his wife Melanie. At 10 pm, we tore ourselves away from the waning merriment before the shuttle bus left without us for the ride back to the hotel. Well done, Kyle and Kristen, well done! Many congratulations to you both and Kristen, we couldn't be more pleased to welcome you to the family!

On Sunday, it was time to say goodbye to the happy couple and all other assembled family members as well. Following a lovely indoor/outdoor farewell brunch on yet another beautiful fall day, it was time for us to hit the road. We were off to New Hampshire for the first leg of our post-wedding New England road trip! Left with fond, lingering memories of an incredible family wedding we won't soon forget, we had an adventure to attend to!

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