Ty & Mark's Wedding

Hey...was it sunny that day????

Thank you Sofie for our sunshiny, pre-wedding day pictures and to all that contributed to committing our crazy day to film. We are thrilled to finally share with you the photographic highlights.

click on any picture to enlarge..

The day...rain, mud and a marching band!

ARE WE REGISTERED???

Ok, I've heard the question enough times that its definitely time to address it...

Are we registering?  The simple answer is NO.  Tyler and I have been together for 6 and a half years.  We need NOTHING.  We have 5 sets of dinnerware, 4 different patterns of silver, 3 cutting boards, 2 dogs, and a partridge in a pear tree.

In fact, I'm thinking of utilizing this space to place items that my honey has "collected" over the years  and selling them as part of a virtual yard sale so that we may get rid of some of the crap we have in our house!

One thing we don't have, however, is a child.  We would very much like to be "Daddies" someday -- and I'm talking about the kind that actually raise children :)

Sadly, we were not given all the appropriate inner workings and its a bit more costly to make this dream happen.  We were thinking about adopting, but private adoptions can run into tens of thousands of dollars.  Meanwhile, children here and in other countries are growing older with no parents or families to love them.

So if you'd like to assist in getting us something we truly can cherish and enjoy for years to come, DONATE to our "Adopt a Baby Fund" and maybe we will be one step closer to bringing a child home.

Whatever will I wear???

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We like to describe the wedding as 1920’s Great Gatsby Garden Party meets Maine Hippie Lobster Boil. Confused? Please dress as elegantly eccentric as you’d wish while remembering you’re still at a Down Maine Clam Bake.

The ceremony and reception take place outside…in late September…in the grass. Stilettos, though possibly stylish depending upon whom you might ask, make frustrating garden party shoes. Take note.  Additionally, although I have done my best to control the weather, there are some things even I cannot control.  (I can hear you all snickering...)  I need good karma from EVERYONE for some good weather vibes!!!  Additionally, we need to be realistic.  At night there will probably be a chill in the air...a light jacket, sweater or sweatshirt might be a good thing to keep with you.  That being said, the main tent will be heated.

The wedding locale:

After several treks up and down the New England countryside, after stops in Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, Ipswich and so on we finally found a place that is perfectly us:

Hamilton House

On a chilly wintery morning we trekked through the snow to see the beautiful location, situated on a bluff overlooking the Piscataqua river at Salmon Falls, in the middle of Vaughn woods the love affair was immediate.  Beautiful in the winter, a beautiful fall day can only prove to be equally magnificent...

Unfortunately due to size limits we aren't able to invite everyone to the ceremony location, we are still working those details out, but fear not...a wonderful celebration will follow where everyone is welcome.

Check out the garden of Hamilton House below, and if you'd like to know more about its history and how it came to be, please click the link here...

Room Share!

Tyler and I feel so honored that so many of you are coming to share in this day...we also realize what an expense it can be, on your time, and on your pocketbook.  If I win the lottery tomorrow I will rent out a hotel for everyone to stay in...promise!

Until then, I'm suggesting a ROOM SHARE!, for those of you who are coming alone and want to share the expense of a hotel room, please email me here and I will start trying to match people up.  Luckily I know everyone coming so I think I can accurately try and place people.  Let me know if you would be interested in this and I will get right on it! 

CAMPING!!!

UPDATED INFO IN BOLD:

PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU PLAN ON CAMPING: markt@gcspi.com

Ok, so here's the deal, a few of you have asked for camping options.  I'm all for it.  If it wasn't my wedding night I would probably be camping too!

Here's what I suggest, the cheapest, closest and most affordable option is at Casa del Rasmussen...

the one and only Judy Doran has graciously opened up her home and yard to any who would like to camp out there, its a big yard with plenty of space.  There is a pool if its warm enough and I will be installing an outdoor shower and porta-can, so bathing suits are encouraged!   The location is 18 Beech Road, Eliot, ME.  And is SUPER close to the reception location.  Additionally, I have arranged for the buses and trolleys to stop here as well so that no one camping here needs to worry about driving!!!  Unfortunately, this is the only camping option that I can arrange for transportation to go to.

If you are looking for real deal campgrounds, here are some other options listed in no particular order.  They are all approximately equidistant from Portsmouth, you can map it to see...

Newfields,NH (can have dogs)
Great bay camping llc (greatbay@ttic.net) (603) 778-0226

Hampton,NH
Tide water campground ltd
(603) 926-5474 pet restrictions

North hampton,NH
Shel-al campground
(603) 964-5730 pet restrictions

Hampton falls, NH
Wakeda campground llc (dogs ok)
www.wakedacampground.com (603) 772-5274

Dover/ Madberry,NH
Old stage campground (603) 742-4050

Spring time at Hamilton House!

We just couldn't stay away for long!  Last week, while in Maine on business we took a couple hours in the afternoon to check out the Hamilton House after the spring thaw.  It still looks lovely, any time of year, but the garden has yet to "spring" into action...

Here are some pictures of how it looks....

We also had to have a rehearsal with our "ring bearers", usually the day before is sufficient, but our ring bearers are a bit "challenged".

Tom Tom will be the "Master of the Ring-Bearers", he might need some more practice too!

On a side note, we came across a crazy snapper turtle on our journey through Vaughn Woods.

Doesn't it remind you of the turle from "Never Ending Story", or am I totally dating myself?

Vaughn Woods Turtle

Neverending Story Turtle

Tyler Willott Doran

"I hate chenille anything. even blankets but especially sweaters. I live for rare roast beef, unripend peaches and frozen candy (gummi bears being the best). I play tennis, swim and bike to try and look like 1920's Olympian and so that I can eat frozen gummi bears and not feel guilty about it. Last Three Halloween costumes; Demonic 18th Century Aristocrat, Demonic 1920's Olympic Badmiton Player, Bulgarian circus performer from the 30's (see kissing moustache image). I have one tattoo on my lower back of a chinese character that I got in my first year of college that meant "simplicity" at the time it was done, but has since come to actually mean "crispy" or..."a high grade piece of meat"...telling. I'm currently in love with the "idea" of riding my bike everywhere, though it's proving not to be quite as "awesome" as I'd imagined. Turn of the Century team photographs of guys in cricket blazers and striped football sweaters never cease to inpire me to dress like an English gentleman feed on transatlantic steamship travel and picnics by the lake. "

Mark David Trenteseaux

 

What to say? Most of you know me pretty well I suppose...I'll try to think of something to put here...

 

Our Story...

Once upon a time...in Boston.  It was January of 2002.  I had just graduated a master's program at BU in computers...now if you recall, January after September 11th in Boston was not the best time to find a job, especially in computers, especially in Boston.  Tyler was completing his undergraduate courses at Emerson (I'm a cougar!)  and our paths converged when I got a job working at Maggiano's Little Italy in the Theatre District of Boston.  Tyler actually trained me for the waitstaff position.

We were both dating other people at the time, but by May we were officially dating, and by August and 3 months later we moved in together.  My lease was up and I had nowhere to go, and he didn't even tell his roomates that I was moving in.  Unbeknownst to me!  I showed up with a moving truck and moved in despite the fact that his housemates had no idea.  I think they learned to like me....although I'm quite sure none of them did at first.  We cohabitated first at 20 Churchill Street in Cambridge with some of the best peeps in the world.  Catherine Rushworth, Michael Von Braithwaite, and Page McBee.  Some good times in that lovely home!

That winter was the worst I have ever remembered in my entire life....we came very close to moving to NY, actually had a signed lease for a loft, but as we descended the steps of the loft building in the middle of dreary February, in Brooklyn, we spotted a four year old boy pissing on our soon-to-be front stoop.  We ripped up the lease on the spot.  I had lived in Los Angeles before and knew way more people out there.  People with jobs.  At the time, all of our friends in NY were broke and living in basements (no offense guys!)  It worked out in our favor.  Within three months I was working at Disney in an international marketing gig and Tyler had come into his own at an antique art gallery in Venice, CA.  I moved up quickly and switched teams to the Frog (Warner Bros.).  Tyler continued to excel in his career and realized what a knack and affinity he had for antiques and design.

On September 25th, 2005 Tyler lost his sister Em in a tragic car accident in Portland, OR.  We were devastated to say the least.  It threw everything into a different light.  All of a sudden the promotion on the table and the opportunity for a brighter career for Ty all seemed not so important.  Our entire familial units were 3000 miles away and we were spending most of our lives working and not able to afford anything in Southern California.  My father had asked me twice already to help him with a new business he had founded with my brother Michael and suddenly the timing was right.  We packed up and moved back.  I switched from marketing television shows to marketing safety products and Tyler, under the tutelage of one Ms. Mindy Matouk at her store Butterfield, located at 232 Westminster Street in Providence,  has taken what he learned from her and successfully opened his very own antique and art gallery at 65 Eddy Street, Providence, RI entitled HEIR.  (www.heirantiques.com)

I'm so proud of him!  Sure we miss California sometimes, but the quality of life here (minus winters of course)  are better and its great to be closer to family, because you never know how much time you will have left with them!  I think ideally we would love to live bi-coastally and skip the winters all together, but all in due time I suppose.

Portsmouth good eats...

While in town you might have some time to check out some of the delicious eateries that Portsmouth has to offer.   Here are a few of our favorites...

Best "Brunch" food...

The Friendly Toast, 121 Congress Street. Portsmouth, NH

Clearly the best breakfast, lunch or even dinner food in Portsmouth, possibly even New England...

Not to mention the quirkly atmosphere leaves plenty for conversation, but you be the judge.  Don't miss out on the breakfast sandwiches on Anadama bread, Ty's favorite is the #163.  Its not on the menu anymore, but if you ask nicely they might just make it for you.  Be sure to bring your Altoids though, you'll need them by the time your done.  A choice of fries or homefries?  Homefries obvi.

Best Place to grab a coffee....

Breaking New Grounds

14 Market Square, Portsmouth, NH

Located right in the heart of Market Square and downtown. Sit outside and watch the hustle and bustle of the city as you enjoy one of their 20 different types of coffee brewed daily. They also offer a number of espressos, cappuccinos, and teas for those not into the whole coffee scene. The friendly wait staff will keep you full with a wide variety of pastries including croissants, muffins, and biscotti that is to die for.

Grab a burger...

At Gilley's...

A Portsmouth institution, grab a burger and some cheese fries.

Some options for dinner...?

The Stockpot

THE STOCKPOT

53 Bow Street
Portsmouth, NH
         (603) 431-1851      

A landmark in Portsmouth since 1982, come see why the locals have voted The Stockpot the "Seacoast's Best Casual Restaurant". Join us on our newly expanded river decks or in our waterfront dining room and tavern for traditional New England fare and fresh local seafood. Whether you're warming up with a bowl of our award winning clam chowder or enjoying cocktails in the sun, The Stockpot offers something for everyone. From the best tossed salad in town to pan-seared Cajun haddock, you're sure to find plenty to tempt your tastebuds while you relax and watch the tugboats go by. We even have a special menu for the kid's, so gather up the clan and come in for some local flavor! (Proud FIRA member)

Nestled by the west bank of the Piscataqua, a river integral to the maritime history of New England, The Dunaway is serving Contemporary American Cuisine in the heart of a national historic treasure. With the abundance of commercial fishing boats riding the tides, local seafood is prime here, as is excellent regionally sourced land-based fare.  In the spirit of traditional cooking, the cuisine draws heavily from fresh, local produce, including historic and rare herbs, fruits and vegetables grown at Strawbery Banke's own working kitchen gardens.

For a glimpse of the menu, click here.

Other Restaurant options?

I just need to get my drink on...best place for a beer?

The Portsmouth Brewery

56 Market Street, Portsmouth, NH

The Portsmouth Brewery, New Hampshire's original brewpub, has been serving great food and outstanding handcrafted beers in a friendly, lively atmosphere since 1991.

But how will I get there? We're will I stay???

Funny you should ask...

We are blessed enough to have wonderful friends and family in many many locations.  This certainly made it difficult to choose a location for everyone to meet, but alas we will never be close to everyone. Hopefully in the eyes of our increasingly globally centric friends, no place is too far to go!

For all intensive purposes we are to be wed in Portsmouth, NH. 

In reality, the ceremony will take place at the Hamilton House in Vaughn Woods, South Berwick, ME.

The reception will be graciously hosted by our dear friends Micum & Moira, and their loving family, at their home in Eliot, ME.

175 Governor Hill Road, Eliot, ME

from left to right: BACK (Micum & Moira McIntire, FRONT: Mason, Lydia, Silas & Tyler)

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS....

Par Avion...

There are 2 airports nearby, both are equidistant, approx 45 minutes away...

UPDATES ARE IN BOLD!!!!!

 

Boston Logan International  & Manchester,NH

For those coming in from the WEST you might be able to find deals on Southwest which flies into Manchester, NH, or JetBlue which flies into Boston.  Unfortunately, both will require a short drive to Portsmouth,NH.   The absolute best way to get to Portsmouth from Boston Logan Airport is to travel using C&J COACH BUSES! 

 

 

These are the same buses that will be transporting guests to and from the festivities on the 27th.  The coaches leave the airport every hour at ten minutes of the hour, starting at 4:50am until 12:50am.  The buses begin their journey at Terminal A at ten of the hour and then work their way around to the other terminals.  If you are traveling one way, the cost is $24.00, if you are traveling round trip the cost is $43.00.  Traveling back to the airport from Portsmouth, NH, the buses leave at the top of the hour, beginning at 3:00am until 11:00pm.  If you have trouble with any of this please email me or call me (markt@gcspi.com) and I will arrange travel for you from the airport.  I'm trying to arrange some sort of shuttle service to eliminate the need for people traveling via air to rent cars.  Its an unnecessary expense as transportation to and from the event will be provided and quite frankly, who wants to deal with it??  Alternatively you can also take Boston commuter rail directly to Newburyport, MA which is only about 10 min from downtown Portsmouth, NH and you can go directly from the aiport!  I would recommend,  if you aren't planning on renting a car, to stay in one of the hotels located in downtown Portsmouth (below),  as it will be easier to see and do things without the need for transportation.

As a last resort you can also fly into Providence, TF Green Airport, there will be plenty of people coming from that area so we can probably arrange a ride if necessary.  Although Providence, RI is about an hour and a half away from Portsmouth, NH.

By Train??

You can travel by train from any major city via Amtrak to Dover, NH about 20 minutes from downtown Portsmouth, NH, or you can take the commuter rail from Providence, RI or Boston, MA into Newburyport, MA only about 10 minutes from downtown Portsmouth, NH.

Coming by Car?

Fine, continue to pollute the environment....you had better carpool.  There had better be 9 of you jumping out of a prius.  No Escalades or Hummers allowed.  Keep in mind that parking for the ceremony / reception will be limited.  Please let us know if you plan to drive so that we may accomodate for your vehicles.

email me at : markt@gcspi.com 

In all seriousness, Portsmouth is fairly easy to get to, its about 4.5 hours from NY, 45 minutes North of Boston and 1.5 hours North of Providence.  Its right off 95.  Fairly simple right?

I'm not going to bore you with detailed directions from every city.  Addresses to the hotels are below, if you've been hiding under a rock for the last decade here is a link to www.mapquest.com where you can customize directions from your starting location.  Or better yet, borrow your neighbor's GPS for the weekend.  They won't miss it.  If they don't let you, just throw a brick through their back windshield and take it, apparently that's very "in" right now.  Can you tell I"m bitter?

I just have to be different...I'm coming by boat...you know who you are...

Well if you insist on coming via boat, you should probably get a fancier navigation then you can out of your neighbor's hyundai.  And I'm not sure you can mapquest it, so you're on your own there.  Pretty much keep the land on your left and head North.  Once you hit Boston, you're close.  (This is only from the East Coast)  If you're coming from elsewhere via boat, then you should leave now.

Marina at Harbour Place

This place is seemingly the closest to dock to downtown Portsmouth,NH.  There are probably others that are cheaper and further away, but if you're coming by boat then you probably know of these locations better than I do.

***HOTEL ROOM BLOCKS EXPIRE ON 9/7 BOOK SOON!!***

Portsmouth,  NH is very centrally located to both the ceremony and reception locations and will prove to be a charming and unique city in which to stay for the event.  Four hotels have been "blocked off" for the occasion.  There are some specials via these reservations, I also encourage you to search the internet for better deals!  Transportation will be provided to the ceremony and the reception as well as back to the hotels following the event, so it is in your best interest to stay in one of the four -- As transportation will only be going to those 4 hotels.

Tyler & I will be staying at the :

Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown

Room block is under the name: Trenteseaux-Doran, which should be easy to remember.

Also located downtown and close to shops and restaurants is the Sheraton Portsmouth, same room block name and a stone's throw away from our hotel. This hotel has been kind enough to set up a web link for our room block --->  Click here to book

Next, we wanted to offer some additional, cost-effective hotels nearby.  Unfortunately they are not right down town, but only a few miles away from all the sights of Portsmouth and the ceremonial events.  Both are under the names Trenteseaux-Doran, sensing a trend here?

The Port Inn

Best Western Hotel & Suites

Also, although we have reserved room blocks with discounts at all of these hotels, many of them require a 2 night minimum stay.  I have found equal or even better deals at some of the discount hotel websites such as: www.hotels.com or www.priceline.com.   You may be able to beat the discount we've garnered and not be required to stay 2 nights if you so desire!

As stated, transportation will be provided from the hotels to the ceremony/reception.  Transportation from the reception back to the hotels will begin at 9pm and leave every hour on the hour until 1 am.  At which point, you don't have to go home, but you can't stay there!  Return transportation provided by....

York Trolley Service!

Also, there is NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED ON THE TROLLEY! please be respectful!  Thanks!

Hamilton House...

September 27, 2008 

And so it begins......

The wedding BLOG!!!

Mark has requested a cool place to keep everyone "in the know" about all the fantastic wedding details and so I have obliged.

Hopefully this will be a fun place for everyone to check out the latest details of the big day. Until then, the countdown begins....

xoxo
nancy