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