Day: August 2, 2011

Mary LoJacono writes-

Joey –

As Gloucester’s #1 spokesperson, I thought I’d share this with you…

Whoever gave Southerners all the credit for their hospitality has never been to Gloucester!  We’ve just spent a week up here for my daughter’s wedding at the Elks at Bass Rocks and have experienced nothing but warm, welcoming, wonderful people.

We invited 150 to join in the celebration and most of them came from the DC, North Carolina, Delaware areas.  So we’ve definitely tapped most of the resources Gloucester has to offer:

· 1 Beach Road – the best house for hosting a main event and our landlords could not be more accommodating and generous (during last week’s heat wave, they offered rooms in their own air-conditioned house so the bride-to-be could be more comfortable!)

· The Best Western has several of our more rowdy friends, but they have all thoroughly enjoyed their stay and can’t stop talking about the amazing views.

· LaRosa’s restaurant – Chef Terry not only fed droves of us throughout the week, but also managed to cater the wedding reception – more than a few people commented that it was the best food they’ve ever had! I agree. And his servers were quick, efficient and patient throughout the whole evening.

· The Elks at Bass Rocks – although Kelly Barusso was fantastic and I was nervous when I learned of her departure, Samantha Dennis was a total delight.  She had everything in order and kept things moving.  She took every worry away. IT was a perfect venue for the ceremony and reception.

· Rick Perry – Rick presided over the ceremony and his son, Jonathon, provided the sound and music.  Fantastic.  Such a genuine and warm feeling was felt by all.

· Redline – the Murray Hill Talent Band out of the Boston area had everyone on the dance floor from the first dance at 7:30 until almost midnight.  Their range included everything from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga – unbelievably fun and really great sound!

· The Gloucester House – our rehearsal dinner was picturesque and perfect.  From Leo’s stories about Gloucester and Cape Ann, to the wonderful soft-shelled lobster, to his wife’s nursing of my elderly father after suffering through Friday’s heat – could not have been more accommodating.

· The West End Salon – the hairdressers and make-up artists worked their magic on several bridal party members, grandmothers and cousins.  While I may be a little biased – we looked AMAZING when they were through with us.  They were so nice, they listened to what styles we were going for, they applied makeup so we looked great without looking made-up – they are artists and lovely ones at that.

· Jenny’s Cakes – Again – one of the best wedding cakes we’ve ever seen and tasted.  The beach theme was expertly executed and the flavor of the cake – out of this world!

· The Madfish Grille and Cap’t Carlos where dozens of us went for dinner Thursday and Friday evenings and thoroughly enjoyed their food and live music.

· The Vista – where the bride and groom spent their wedding night before heading off to Punta Cana, DR was a perfect site for a special night.

· Audrey’s Flowers – beautiful bouquets made the bride and bridesmaids outfits pop.  And the starfish on the groom and groomsmen’s boutonnieres provided a perfect touch!

I’m quite sure I’m missing someone or something, but these are just a few examples of the wonderful Gloucester-area establishments that went all out for our special event and we certainly appreciate all the effort.  It was a fantastic wedding – from rehearsal to ceremony to reception – and it would not have been possible without the Gloucester hospitality we’ve been shown.  I’ve attached a couple of my favorite photos that really show the Gloucester setting that is so unique and made everything so special. Thanks to all of you.

Most sincerely,

Mary LoJacono