Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you all for your love and support as we prepared to take the plunge into married life. We feel so lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives. We had a fabulous time in Mexico and were grateful that so many people were able to be with us at the joining of the two families.

We went down to Mexico on Thursday, the 17th of January. Wedding details took up some of our weekend, but we still managed to make it to Chichen Itza and go swimming in the Ik Kil cenote on Saturday. Family and friends (25 of you!) arrived on Saturday and Sunday. We had a welcome cocktail reception Sunday night, so that everyone could meet each other. We enjoyed the beach on Monday and had a brief rehersal, followed by dinner together.

On Tuesday, the weather was beautiful (contrary to a bit of storminess on Monday). Many people (including the groom) went to see the ruins at Tulum in the morning. We all gathered at 4PM for the wedding. The ceremony was fairly short, but beautiful, and just how we had imagined it. After a champagne toast, including a very special one from Ken, there were lots of pictures. The bridal party went down to the beach for more pictures while everyone else gathered in the lobby for drinks and celebration. We all headed down to the Steakhouse restaurant by the beach for the reception dinner. There were lovely toasts from Rob and Joe, a tasty dinner, and a delicious wedding cake. It was so much fun to have so many people there to celebrate!

On Wednesday, we enjoyed the resort and some of us did some snorkeling at the nearby coral reef. That night, eveyone who was still there enjoyed dinner at the Japanese restaurant. Most people headed home on Thursday, and we went to the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso for a brief honeymoon. The resort was amazing: luxurious, beautiful, and relaxing. It was over all too quickly!

We are now back in Maryland. The pictures from the professional photographer, Dave, and wedding guests are posted below. Please let us know if you'd like to share your pictures, too.

Love,
Lauren and Dave

Photos!

We're back! Thank you to everyone who was able to come down for the wedding. We had a great time, but missed those of you who couldn't be there. Below are links to sets of photos from the photographer we hired as well as from the wedding party and guests. If you would like to have your pictures included, just link to them in the comments (or email us).

Want prints of these for yourself? The high-resolution images can be downloaded at Dave's Flickr site for use with your favorite printer or online photo service. If you are not technologically inclined, please let us know which ones you'd like (and what sizes), and we'd be happy to get them.

Thanks again, and enjoy the photos!

Professional pictures (warning: lots of kissing)

Dave's pictures (from the wedding and honeymoon)
Rachel's pictures
Steve's pictures
Howard's pictures
Karen's pictures
Joan and Jim's pictures

We are getting married!

Join us, this January in the Mexican Mayan Riviera.

You may be wondering, "why don't they just get married in a hometown like normal people?" The reasons are manifold:

1. Lack of vacation time. We both have newish jobs, so our banked leave is minimal. This way, we can combine the wedding and honeymoon more efficiently. And more funly.
   
2. Jobs. We both have them. This really eats into the planning of a massive event.
3. Stress. We need less. Thus, a resort where everything is taken care of already.
4. Family time. We love our families, but don't get to spend enough time with them. This way, everyone is together for several days, doing fun stuff and getting to know each other.
5. Patience. We don't have it. This is the speediest thing we could come up with other than Nevada or City Hall (though believe me, we were tempted).
   

Travel Information

Now that we have a date and a location, we can all start making travel plans!

We have been working with a travel agent, Jeannie. She has sent us the following information about travel. We recommend giving her a call as soon as possible, if you would like to go (and we hope you do!). The special package deal we've arranged through her requires reservations by November 19th. She can help you with other arrangements, too, if you need different dates or a different airport.

Group package rate via Apple Vacations includes roundtrip nonstop air from Baltimore (BWI), transfers to/from airport/resort in Mexico, 4 nights hotel, all taxes, meals, drinks, tips, non-motorized watersports, and exchange privileges with the nearby Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar resort. The Iberostar Tucan is ideally located on the best white sand beach in the Riviera Maya and is immersed in 28 acres of jungle with stone paths that wind through tropical greenery and gardens. Resort also includes a tri-section pool with adult only area with swim-up bar. Newly renovated spa, scuba center, and golf nearby (additional fees). All rooms have bathroom with shower, hair dryer, ceiling fan, coffee maker, safe, and complimentary mini bar with soft drinks. Check out www.iberostar.com for more information and photos of the resort.

Air Schedule:

1/20/08 Depart BWI 6:45 a.m. Arrive Cancun 9:20 a.m.
1/24/08 Depart Cancun 10:20 a.m. Arrive BWI 2:35 p.m.

Standard Run of House Room w/ either 2 double or 1 king bed w/balcony or patio - $1235 per person based on double occupancy

Optional Travel Insurance - $69 per person

Call for single, triple, or resort only rates (no airfare). Rates are in U.S. Dollars based on double occupancy. Full payment by credit or debit card and all names as they appear on passports due at booking. Valid U.S. Passports that do not expire within 6 months of travel dates required for all passengers. Cancellation and change penalties will be assessed by Apple Vacations and travel insurance is highly recommended.

Space is limited so please book as soon as possible. Travel arrangements provided by:

Jeannie Lipphard, ECCS
Joystar Travel/Cruise Planner
Millersville, Maryland
410-987-SAIL (7245)
410-729-7069 (fax)
jeannie@cruiseplanneronline.com

Location: Iberostar Tucan Resort, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The wedding will be held at the Iberostar Tucan Resort, an all-inclusive resort in the Mexican Riviera Maya. It is located two miles outside Playa del Carmen, Mexico (just south of Cancun, but much calmer). The Iberostar chain of resorts has an excellent reputation for high quality and service (thanks for the tip, Kristin!). You can read what other travelers have to say about it on Trip Advisor or Yahoo Travel.

Nearby, the ruins at Chichen-Itza and Tulum are intruiging side trips, and we plan at least one day at an eco park (Xcaret or Xel-Ha) before the wedding.

View Larger Map

When: January 22, 2008

It's time to update that passport! The big day is January 22, 2008. Yes, it is very soon! We apologize for the short notice but hope that won't keep you from joining us as we celebrate our love and the beginning of a long journey together. To make it all legal, we have to be in Mexico four business days before the wedding, so our vacation will start on January 17. We anticipate that most people will come down on the 20th and stay through the 24th (see the travel section).

So, why January 22rd? While the date does not have any dramatic significance, it is a low-point in the high season (i.e., less expensive).

Registry

In all seriousness, your presence would be the best gift. Next best things are listed below.
Amazon
Crate and Barrel
Bed Bath & Beyond
Reed's of Tupelo