Riversbend at Essex Marina

Welcome Party

Cape Ann Golf Course

Golf with the Groom

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Wedding Mass

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Reception

Julia, Matt, Norm 4 Ever

Julia and Matt met on Bumble in 2021. Their first date was at a Dive Bar and they've been drinking Miller High Lifes together ever since. They quickly bonded over their love of the outdoors, museums, travel, family... and Nicolas Cage movies. Together they live on Castle Hill in Ipswich, MA with their corgi, Norman. They are so excited to gather all of their family and friends at a location that means so much to them!

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Rooms have been reserved in a block at The Hotel at Cape Ann Marina in nearby Gloucester for our guests. There are rooms available for the weekend (Friday night and Saturday night) as well as single Saturday night rooms. Between the leaf peepers who visit New England for the fall colors, the Topsfield Fair, and the popularity of close by Salem in October... accommodations in our remote area are quite limited this time of year. Call the Hotel's Front Desk at (978) 283-2116 and use group code "10425" to book. Please consider booking your room in this block as soon as you know you will be joining us so we can make sure everyone has what they need! Transportation to and from the reception will be provided from this Hotel.

The Hotel at Cape Ann Marina

Guests flying from out of town should fly into Boston's Logan Airport. Gloucester/Manchester/Ipswich is about an hour north. We recommend renting a car. We are here for you if you have any questions on this!

Boston Logan International Airport

Guests taking trains should find their way to South Station. The Amtrak is a great way to travel to Boston from New York Area. Once in Boston, Commuter Rail Trains go north to us (research the Newburyport/Rockport Line!). We recommend getting a rental car if you are not driving to the area!

South Station (Train Terminal)

Hotel & Travel

Matt &amp; Julia enjoy calling Castle Hill home... and we are thrilled to be hosting our wedding reception here! The Crane Estate is a 2,100 acre National Historic Landmark preserved and protected by The Trustees. It is comprised of Castle Hill, Crane Beach, and the Crane Wildlife Refuge. Julia manages <a href="https://theinnatcastlehill.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Inn at Castle Hill</a>, a 10 room bed &amp; breakfast on the property. If you would like to explore the Estate further (outside of our wedding reception!) you can book admission to the Grounds <a href="https://thetrustees.org/place/castle-hill-on-the-crane-estate/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> or schedule a formal tour of the Great House <a href="https://thetrustees.org/program/castle-hill-tours/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

We believe this to be the most beautiful beach in New England and Norman agrees!

Crane Beach 

Things to See:-<a href="https://www.visitessexma.com/shop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Antiques, Shops &amp; Galleries in Essex</a>-<a href="https://historicipswich.net/1st-and-2nd-period-houses/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">First Period Houses in Ipswich</a> Restaurants:-<a href="https://www.choatebridgepub.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Choate Bridge Pub</a> *A Favorite spot for Julia and Matt-<a href="https://riverviewpizza.square.site/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Riverview Pizza</a> *A Favorite spot for Julia and Matt-<a href="https://www.sandpiperbakery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sandpiper Bakery</a> *A Favorite spot for Julia and Matt-<a href="https://www.thejamespub.com/essex-menus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The James</a>-<a href="https://www.ckpearl.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CK Pearl</a>

Essex, Massachusetts & Ipswich, Massachusetts

Things to See:-<a href="https://www.capeannmuseum.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cape Ann Museum</a>-<a href="https://addisonchoate.com/blog/gloucester-fishermens-memorial-history-details/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stacy Boulevard</a> (Home to the iconic Fisherman's Memorial Harbor Views, and Beautiful garden beds this time of year!)-<a href="https://discovergloucester.com/directory/good-harbor-beach/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Good Harbor Beach</a> (Surfing, Walking)-<a href="https://rockyneckartcolony.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rocky Neck Art Colony</a> Restaurants: -<a href="https://tonnorestaurant.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tonno</a>-<a href="https://www.minglewoodharborside.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Minglewood Harborside</a>-<a href="https://themachaca.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Machaca</a>-<a href="https://www.virgiliosbakery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Virgillio's</a>

Gloucester, Massachusetts

Things to See:-<a href="https://rockportusa.com/2023/10/25/how-motif-no-1-got-its-name-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Motif #1</a> ("the most often-painted building in America.")-<a href="https://addisonchoate.com/blog/bearskin-neck-rockport-ma/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bearskin Neck</a> (narrow road of local shops with quintessential New England charm) Restaurants:-<a href="https://www.roymoorelobster.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roy Moore Lobster Co.</a>-<a href="https://myplacebythesea.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">My Place By the Sea</a>

Rockport, Massachusetts

Things to Do

Registry

Attire Mood Board

"Funky Formal - Estate Chic" Dress Code

In honor of our celebration taking place at the stunning Crane Estate: we're thinking timeless elegance with a modern, playful twist. Think dapper suits a la James Bond (shout out Matt), but don’t shy away from color, pattern, and whimsy (a la Julia)— We can't wait to see you bring the LOOKS but also make sure you'll be able to break it down with us on the dance floor... Some playful suggestions to get the wheels turning below. Please lean into the dress code / theme to the level that is most comfortable for you. Come as you are... have fun!

Julia & Matt

Julia & Matt

J&M

Wedding Mass

Reception