The Engaged Life

We’re ready…are you?

If you’re reading this, then you have been chosen, probably because you threatened us to invite you to the wedding “or else.”

Welcome. This is the invite page of the Engagement blog. Here you will find information about the great plunge on Sept. 5, 2009 with both informative (hotel) and asinine (could be anything). This will updated continually as information becomes available.

**Update 4.14.09**
Southwest is now flying into Logan! Southwest people, you best recognize!

Where to Pass Out/Sleep/Dance in private

We have booked a block of rooms at the Four Points by Sheraton – Boston Logan Airport (because the Two Points by the Red Roof Inn was depressing and sad). For people coming in by plane, there is a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel. If you hate sharing rides with strangers (understandable) I believe a taxi there is about $20. To book a room at this hotel, you must call to get the discounted rate. Room blocks are available on both Friday 9/4 and Saturday 9/5. To reserve your room call 781-284-7200.  Reservations must be made by August 1,2009.

More importantly: There is a shuttle from THIS hotel to the reception.

However, there are other places to stay in town that are the same distance away from the reception (though no free shuttle). Salem is another great place to stay. It is located between the ceremony and reception sites. There are only 2 hotels in Salem (The Hawthorne and the Salem Waterfront Hotel), however there are also a number of bed and breakfasts. While it’s easy to find the bigger hotels, like the Hawthorne, on the internet, here’s a list of unique ones you may want to try.

If you would rather be close to Boston, but the Sheraton isn’t for you, Here are some other options:

These hotels are all located in Revere (Close to the airport, the Sheraton, and a short ride into Downtown Boston):

Comfort Inn & Suites

Hampton Inn

Courtyard by Marriott

The Ceremony

It’s going to be Catholic. Like FULL ON Catholic, so as fair warning, prepare yourself to sit and stand up for about an hour and sing songs about God and how much He loves you.

The church is St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Peabody (which is pronounced like Peebiddy). We’re working on transportation options for people who may not have a car/bike/horse to get around town. There will be a couple of hours in between the wedding and the drunkfest to follow which takes us to…

The Reception

The place is called the Nahant Country Club, which is peninsula just northeast of Boston. I’m told by Wikipedia that Native Americans called it “Nahant” because it was “the point” or “almost an island.” Other fun facts from Wikipedia: sometimes, animals explode.

The bar will be open at 6:00 p.m. which should carry you on till the doors open for the reception at 7:00 p.m. (open bar)

The Registry

Of all the things wedding, I NEVER thought this would be the most aggrevating. Or maybe it’s because my indecisiveness got the better of me. Nonetheless, we have registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond and Crate & Barrel…so far.

You want a car

So do I. You don’t see me looking for one on a wedding blog, so what’s your problem? Oh, you want to rent a car. Now I get it. The airport has a ton of awesome options and when I saw “awesome” I mean “go for the sports car.”

You want to explore

Salem is a great city if you want to combine our wedding fun with historical education. As I am sure you know about Salem from the witch trials and Hawthorne’s “House of Seven Gables”, but did you know that it is also home to America’s first millionaire? Check out his home as well as some other fascinating places at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Here are some other great things to see in Salem:

Peabody Essex Museum – This museum features modern art, history, and cultural exhibits, including the Yin Yu Tang Chinese house that was brought over piece by piece from China and reconstructed in the middle of this museum.

Salem Witch Museum – Learn about our history of over-reacting, which is alive and well.

Salem Willows Park – Get the cheap Chop Suey sandwich, fried clams or the worlds best popcorn (according to the Feener family). Also has arcades and ample “Townie Watching.”

Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie -This is America’s oldest candy company, featuring candy you want and candy you’ve never seen before

You can’t come to Boston, without actually exploring Boston. Here are some must sees before you leave:

The Boston Public Garden

Quincy Market / Faneuil Hall - Where the Boston accent meets tourists.

The Freedom Trail – There is a 2.5 mile long red stripe that is painted on the sidewalks of Boston called the Freedom Trail. It takes you past 16 historically significant sites in town as well as through various houses. That last bit is a lie.

New Jumbo Seafood Restaurant – Maybe not the most well know spot in the city, but it is our favorite spot for amazing Chinese Seafood.

Our Apartment.

You are not coming

We understand. No really. Totally get it. We’re in a recession, weddings can be expensive to attend and you just don’t like us “enough.” No worries at all. We accept apologies in the form of cash, items off the registry and videos of you dancing the way you would have danced at the reception.