Top Deck at Woodman's of Essex

Welcome to Clamtown

The Day

Woodman's of Essex

The Ceremony

1640 Hart House

The Pahty

35 Beach

Julia & Steve's 50th Anniversary Brunch

Fall

Dexter and Jonathan met by Instagram introduction in 2019. Five years and a day after their first date, they got engaged. In December, they married in a small ceremony with immediate family in the Berkshires. Now they're ready to celebrate with the whole fam and all their friends. Let's party!

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Taylor Nunez Murray

Kristen Verrastro

Wedding Party

Q + A

Lodging

September is still peak season in our area. If you're considering a hotel or short-term rental, we suggest you book ASAP! Groovy.

*We have reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate at the Boston Marriott In Peabody.*Must book by August 26.If calling the hotel directly to book, please reference the ”Viator/Lee Wedding Room Block”

Boston Marriott Peabody

Airbnb + VRBO

If you wish to book private accommodations, there are beautiful options on Cape Ann and the surrounding North Shore of Boston. For proximity to festivities, we recommend searching in Ipswich, MA; Essex, MA; Gloucester, MA; and Newburyport, MA.

KAEDE combines a touch of Japanese culture with New England charm in this historic Federalist building, also known as the Colburn Home.&nbsp;Daily we provide cooked to order western breakfasts and a tasteful Japanese option.&nbsp;We are owner operated, so if a bit of communication, accountability and flexibility is something you might desire in this ever increasingly wired and disassociated world, we’re right here.

Kaede Bed & Breakfast

The Beverly Hotel offers modern apartment-style rooms designed for comfort and convenience. Located in Beverly, MA, our short and extended stay hotel is comprised of 20 premium suites equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including free high-speed internet access, fully furnished kitchens, keyless entry, and a contactless communication&nbsp;system. Skip the front desk, check-in, gain entry to your room, and complete every transaction on your smartphone!&nbsp;

The Beverly Hotel

Make yourself at home in one of the 134 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. 43-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.

Best Western Plus North Shore Hotel

Make yourself at home in one of the 37 individually decorated guestrooms. Cable television is provided for your entertainment. Bathrooms have bathtubs or showers and bathrobes. Conveniences include complimentary newspapers and irons/ironing boards, as well as phones with free local calls.

Essex Street Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection

Our downtown landmark hotel has been symbolic to Newburyport’s rich history and culture since its construction in 1809. Named in honor of the great American Abolitionist, William Lloyd Garrison, the GARRISON INN blends rich historic character and urban sophistication with personal, friendly, modern service. Set in the heart of Newburyport’s historic city center, our Luxury Boutique Hotel preserves the finest aspects of this iconic landmark building, reinventing the spaces within to create a dynamic fusion of past and present.GARRISON INN is listed on the national register of historic places.

Garrison Inn Boutique Hotel

Make yourself at home in one of the 363 guestrooms featuring MP3 docking stations and flat-screen televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Wireless internet access (surcharge) is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. When you stay at DoubleTree you're greeted with a warm chocolate chip cookie at check in!

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston North Shore

Gloucester Waterfront Hotel with Spectacular ViewsOur hotel features on the water rooms with balconies overlooking beautiful salt water marshes. Be sure to inquire on our newly renovated rooms and Jr. Suite! Walk from your room through our indoor skywalk to our indoor&nbsp;<a href="https://capeannmarina.com/hotel-marina/pool/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pool</a>&nbsp;and Jacuzzi. Then enter the lobby, hotel bar and restaurant all without going outside. Spend time relaxing and taking in the Annisquam River, marina and salt water wildlife.

The Hotel at Cape Ann Marina

Make yourself at home in one of the 164 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Smart televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Partially open bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.

SpringHill Suites Boston Peabody

Make yourself at home in one of the 85 guestrooms, featuring kitchens with refrigerators and stovetops. Wired and wireless internet access is complimentary, and flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment. Conveniences include desks and complimentary weekday newspapers, and housekeeping is provided daily.Located in Peabody, Homewood Suites by H

Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston-Peabody

Stay in one of 120 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing boards, and housekeeping is provided daily.

Hampton Inn Boston/Peabody

Travel

If you're in town for a few days before or after the festivities, we recommend checking out some of our favorite places listed here!

Food

Visit Dexter's family's clam shack!IT BEGAN BACK IN 1914&nbsp;when “Chubby” and Bessie Woodman opened their roadside clam shack on the causeway in Essex, MA. At that time, the TV hadn’t been invented, the average yearly salary was $750, and a gallon of milk cost 32 cents. WWI was just beginning, Babe Ruth was a rookie for the Red Sox, the fried clam hadn’t been created, and it took all day on a beach to cook a New England clambake.IN 1916 CHUBBY INVENTED THE FRIED CLAM&nbsp;and presented his new creation—clams coated with corn flour and deep fried in a kettle of lard—during the 4th of July parade in Essex, MA.Dexter is proud to be a part of the 5th Generation of this legendary establishment!

Amazing local cafe serving coffee, sandwiches, and delicious pastries.

Googans Galley

Blue Marlin Grille Essex is a local favorite featuring some of the best seafood on Boston’s North Shore!

Blue Marlin Grille

Boat House Grille Essex features delicious seafood, prime cut steaks, raw bar, pasta, salads &amp; more!

Boat House Grille Essex

Life is short and sweet.&nbsp;Take time to indulge. At Sandpiper, we are passionate about what we do and believe that the highest quality food and service does not need to feel formal or unattainable, rather approachable and welcoming. We are seasonally influenced and believe in supporting local farmers, practicing sustainability, eating with our eyes and nourishing our community. We take a collaborative approach and believe in working hard. Sandpiper is a gathering place for neighbors, families, friends and all. Sandpiper is a female owned business.

Sandpiper Bakery

Located in historic downtown Ipswich, MA, the&nbsp;Choate Bridge Pub&nbsp;offers delicious food in a comfortable, friendly environment.Built in 1764, the Choate Bridge is the oldest stone-arched bridge in America. Although during its construction many were skeptical that the arched structure would collapse after its supporting timbers were removed, the Choate Bridge is still standing strong over 250 years later.Note: The Choate Bridge Pub is CASH ONLY.

Choate Bridge Pub

Lively veteran pizzeria &amp; bar turning out thin-crust pies in a '70s-era booth setting.

The Riverview

Situated in a vintage 1954 dining car, The Agawam Diner has been serving locals hearty American comfort favorites from morning till night since 1940.

Agawam Diner

Casual restaurant featuring comfort food and live music, plus outdoor seating with water views. Tables are a first come, first served. No reservations!No dogs allowed on property.

Sunset Club Plum Island

A cozy neighborhood spot spinning vinyl and serving up good food, cold beer, and craft cocktails.

The Paddle Inn

Classic American diner fare served in huge portions at this early-to-open daytime eatery with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Full bar. 7 Days a week.

George's Restaurant & Bar

Seasonal mainstay showcasing local seafood with inventive dishes such as lobster bouillabaisse.

Lobsta Land Restaurant

A family favorite! Upscale yet comfy restaurant serving creative Greek-Mediterranean fare, plus a full bar.

Ithaki Mediterranean Restaurant

Located in historic Essex, Massachusetts, Essex River Cruises &amp; Charters has been operating narrated sightseeing cruises, private charters, tidal beach clambakes, and more for over 20 years.&nbsp;Share the opportunity to escape to the unspoiled natural beauty of the Essex River onboard the&nbsp;Essex River Queen I&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Essex River Queen II. Surrounded by fine restaurants, antique shops, working museums, and cultural attractions, you'll cruise through spectacular views of scenic salt marshes with rich unique wildlife. Cruise with us to learn about the history and lore of the area.

Essex River Cruises & Charters

Soak up the seaside fun at one of the Northeast's most spectacular beaches, and follow trails and boardwalks through a spellbinding landscape of sand dunes and salt marsh.

Crane Beach

The spectacular Crane Estate encompasses more than 2,100 acres in Ipswich, Massachusetts and is a property of&nbsp;<a href="https://theinnatcastlehill.com/the-crane-estate#trustees" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Trustees</a>, a nonprofit conservation organization. The Estate is made up of three properties:&nbsp;<a href="https://thetrustees.org/place/castle-hill-on-the-crane-estate/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Castle Hill</a>, a National Historic Landmark that is the home of The Great House, a 59-room Stuart-style mansion designed by architect David Adler.&nbsp;Crane Beach, a pristine 4 mile long beach; and&nbsp;the Crane Wildlife Refuge, a natural treasure boasting many rare plant and animal species.

The Crane Estate

Canoeing and kayaking has fast become one of Americas favorite pastimes. Inexpensive and easy to learn, it’s the sport of choice for people of all ages! Once you try it, you’ll agree that there is not a better way to exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and have fun with family and friends.Our stretch of the river runs through a&nbsp;National Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary,&nbsp;scenic wetlands, and&nbsp;Bradley Palmer State Park and Willowdale State Forest! Much of the river is accessible only by canoe, and our some of our regulars include&nbsp;birders, botanists and fisherman.

Foote Brothers Canoe & Kayak Rentals

Explore forests, meadows, wetlands, drumlin, and esker and travel down the namesake river, which meanders through the sanctuary, by canoe.

Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Picture yourself relaxing on the deck of this beautiful 65- foot schooner as she sails out of Gloucester harbor on a light southwesterly breeze.Join for a sail and get a taste for what it was like to sail on a fishing schooner a hundred years ago. Help the crew raise the sails, or just sit back and take in the sights and sounds of Gloucester’s coastline.

Schooner Thomas E. Lannon

Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.7seaswhalewatch.com/about-whale-watchng/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">whale watching tours</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.7seaswhalewatch.com/about-whale-watchng/stellwagen-national-marine-sanctuary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary</a>&nbsp;run daily from mid-April to mid-October and are designed to educate, inspire and provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the fragile marine environment.7 Seas Whale Watch is a local family business –&nbsp;Three generations of career captains have worked from this very dock for more than 7 decades. We have a love and respect for the marine environment and a passion for providing the best possible customer experience for you and your family.

7 Seas Whale Watch

This beautiful promenade overlooking Gloucester Harbor is the home of the famous Fisherman’s Monument and Cenotaph, listing all&nbsp;of the Gloucester fishermen who have lost their lives to the sea throughout the City’s history as the oldest seaport in the United States. On the westerly side of New England’s busiest drawbridge is the&nbsp;<a href="http://gfwa.org/?page_id=51" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fishermens’ Wives Memorial Statue</a>&nbsp;dedicated to all women and children who wait on the shore for Gloucester’s boats to come home from sea. Several benches located all along Stacy Boulevard welcome people who want to sit and enjoy the view. In the spring, several thousand tulips bring color and delight to all who visit.

Stacy Boulevard

This Park is the historic site of Gloucester’s first settlers in 1623. They set up fishing stages on this land. The Park is home to Half Moon and Cressy’s beaches, with access to a sand volleyball court, a beautiful new playground, a baseball field, a basketball court, and tennis courts. There are plenty of picnic tables and cooking areas (bring your own grill), a privately owned restaurant that is open to the public, an information center and bathrooms.

Stage Fort Park

Bearskin Neck is a small neck of land that juts out of the town center into Rockport Harbor, and which according to legend was home to bears during colonial times. Rockport’s fishing and granite industries made it a busy commercial dock area. Today, the jetty at its tip offers a fine view of the bay and the town of Rockport. What really makes Bearskin Neck so popular, however, are the quaint little studios, shops, and restaurants that line the narrow streets of this bustling artist colony. On one side of the Neck is a famous old red fish house known as Motif #1, said to be America’s most-painted building.

Dexter & Jonathan

Dexter & Jonathan

Timeline

Our Timeline

September 01, 2019

July 01, 2020

February 27, 2021

September 01, 2022

August 21, 2024

September 02, 2024

October 11, 2024

December 27, 2024

September 27, 2025