Wedding Day

Ceremony

Saint Clements Castle & Marina

Reception

Our Wedding

Elizabeth first saw Pete (Juan Pedro) at the barn, calmly handling a massive white horse who was rearing like it belonged in a medieval painting. Her first thought: Who is THAT and where can I sign up?! Their actual introduction was far less cinematic. Elizabeth poked her head into the stall where Pete was working, said hello, and got a one-word reply without eye contact. (Romance, clearly, was in the air.) She soon learned that his name was Pete, he was new at the barn, and — naturally — he was already dating someone in the horse world. Elizabeth mentally filed him under “tall, dark, and handsome, but unfortunately off the market,” and went back to caring for her horse, Cassie. Still, fate had its own plans. Pete seemed to like Cassie immediately (Elizabeth maintains he loved the horse first, her second), and he started helping in small ways -- teaching Elizabeth how to braid manes, recommending training exercises and equipment, or just quietly working alongside one another. Over time, the friendship grew, and eventually Pete’s relationship ended. One evening after the Saratoga horse show, the two found themselves seated across from one another at dinner. It was then that Pete realized Elizabeth was indeed single and, a few months later, he worked up the nerve to ask Elizabeth out — from there, history pretty much wrote itself. Pete tells it a little differently. He remembers Elizabeth showing up with her arm in a sling after a fall, only to promptly take the sling off so she could climb back on her horse. He thought she was a little crazy (and is probably now convinced of it). Although he assumed she must be married when they first met, he couldn't help but notice her eyes, and once he realized they were both single, he made the first move. So yes, their beginning involved a rearing stallion, a busted shoulder, and a less-than-stellar first hello. But somewhere between all the sarcasm, stubbornness, and horsehair, Elizabeth and Pete found the kind of love that makes dreams seem possible and makes the world feel a little calmer — even when a horse is standing straight up on its hind legs.

A Stallion, a Sling, and a Muttered Hello

Our Story

Engagement Photos

Everyone needs a Jonathan: equal parts therapist, fact-checker, and reality check.

He's spent years reminding me not to step on people's toes with my stilettos, questioning statements I deliver with complete confidence, and calling me out whenever I'm getting a little ahead of myself.

The best part? He tells you exactly what he thinks, then reminds you it's your life to live.

I couldn't imagine this day without him at the helm. And while I won't make any promises about what happens once the dancing starts, I can assure you our venue does, in fact, have a staircase and a banister.

Jonathan Morales

Brenda and Juan Pedro are cousins, but act much more like brother and sister. From line dancing to running 5Ks, when they can actually get their schedules to cooperate, they’re always up for an adventure. Juan Pedro is also close with Brenda’s son, Christopher, who will be our Ring Bearer.

Brenda Damasco

Wedding Party

Mother-Daughter Line Dance

Man, I Feel Like A Woman | Electric Slide Line Dance<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz-zwV7xqvg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz-zwV7xqvg</a>

Mexican Country Line Dance

Payaso de Rodeo | Caballo Dorado<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA46-CGXkt0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA46-CGXkt0</a>

The Hora

A traditional Jewish celebratory dance.Video Example: <a href="https://youtu.be/gtP3jiXEAjw?si=mPMTlN-e0X0OYJP2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/gtP3jiXEAjw?si=mPMTlN-e0X0OYJP2</a>Explanation of the Dance: <a href="https://www.theknot.com/content/hora-dance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.theknot.com/content/hora-dance</a>

La Víbora de la Mar (The Sea Snake)

The fast pace and chaotic twisting of the 'snake' mimic the unpredictable nature and ups and downs of life and marriage. The couple working together to stay upright on the chairs symbolizes their joint commitment to face future obstacles as a team.Video Example: <a href="https://youtu.be/9o3FS_lPhUQ?si=dPVAr3EHtvb4SJC-" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/9o3FS_lPhUQ?si=dPVAr3EHtvb4SJC-</a>

Dances to Learn

This is a dress-up moment. The groom will wear a tuxedo, the bride will be in a full-length gown, so think classy, fabulous, and ready for a very special night.Cocktail dresses, midi dresses, and gowns are all welcome (full-length optional). Suits or dressy jackets and trousers for men; ties are suggested but not required.No jeans, please. This is your chance to have fun with fashion and show up feeling your most glamorous.----------------Esta es una ocasión para arreglarse y lucir elegante. El novio llevará esmoquin y la novia un vestido largo, así que piensen en un look elegante, especial y digno de una gran celebración.Para las mujeres, son bienvenidos los vestidos de cóctel, vestidos midi o vestidos largos de fiesta (el vestido largo es opcional). Para los hombres, traje o pantalón de vestir con saco. Se recomienda corbata, pero no es obligatoria.Por favor, no usar mezclilla. Aprovechen la ocasión para divertirse con su look, arreglarse un poco más de lo habitual y venir listos para celebrar con mucho estilo.

Dress Code

Transportation Schedule

Saturday, September 5th | A shuttle will run from both hotels listed below to the Welcome Event (for out-of-town guests) located at Bar Max in The Goodwin Hotel.Pickup Time: Depart Hotels at 4:30 PMReturn Time: Depart Bar Max at 8:00 PM *Please note, the printout in your welcome bags indicates an incorrect time. We apologize for any confusion!------------------Sábado 5 de septiembre | Habrá servicio de transporte desde los dos hoteles que se indican a continuación hacia el Evento de Bienvenida (para los invitados que vienen de fuera), que se llevará a cabo en Bar Max, dentro de The Goodwin Hotel.Hora de recogida: Salida de los hoteles a las 4:30 p. m.Hora de regreso: Salida de Bar Max a las 8:00 p. m.*Por favor, tenga en cuenta que la información impresa en sus bolsas de bienvenida indica una hora incorrecta. ¡Lamentamos cualquier confusión!

Sunday, September 6th | A shuttle will run from both hotels to the venue, beginning at 3:15 PM. The shuttle will make one return trip at 10:00 PM.--------------------Domingo, 6 de septiembre | Habrá un servicio de transporte desde ambos hoteles hasta el lugar del evento, a partir de las 3:15 p. m. El transporte realizará un viaje de regreso a las 10:00 p. m.

Hotel Room Blocks

Last Day to Book:&nbsp;Aug 06, 2026Note: Transportation will be provided to and from the venue on the day of the wedding. Fecha límite para reservar: 6 de agosto de 2026Nota: Habrá transporte disponible desde y hacia el lugar de la boda el día del evento.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hartford Cromwell

Last Day to Book:&nbsp;Aug 06, 2026Note: Transportation will be provided to and from the venue on the day of the wedding. Fecha límite para reservar: 6 de agosto de 2026Nota: Habrá transporte disponible desde y hacia el lugar de la boda el día del evento.

Residence Inn by Marriott Hartford Rocky Hill

Travel

Connecticut’s oldest art museum features a distinguished collection spanning medieval to contemporary works, plus a tranquil courtyard garden.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Enjoy a scenic hike through Talcott Mountain State Park leading to Heublein Tower—offering panoramic views of four states.

Talcott Mountain & Heublein Tower

A family-friendly farm offering pick-your-own fruit, corn and sunflower mazes, farm-to-table treats, and golf courses. In addition to golf, early September activities include apple picking, a corn maze, and the most incredible apple cider donuts (and pie if you're in the mood!).

Lyman Orchards

Looking for something uniquely Connecticut? Just a short drive from the hotel, Dinosaur State Park is home to one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Yes, actual dinosaur footprints. No, we don't know why Connecticut's biggest tourist attraction is prehistoric feet, but here we are. It's a surprisingly fun stop for kids, adults, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys being reminded that wedding planning is not the most stressful thing to happen on this planet.

Dinosaur State Park

The&nbsp;bride&nbsp;and&nbsp;groom&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;staying&nbsp;at&nbsp;The&nbsp;Goodwin,&nbsp;a&nbsp;boutique&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;heart&nbsp;of&nbsp;downtown&nbsp;Hartford,&nbsp;and&nbsp;our&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;spot&nbsp;for&nbsp;turning&nbsp;a&nbsp;wedding&nbsp;weekend&nbsp;into&nbsp;a&nbsp;proper&nbsp;getaway.Originally&nbsp;built&nbsp;in&nbsp;1881&nbsp;as&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;Hartford&#39;s&nbsp;most&nbsp;prestigious&nbsp;residential&nbsp;buildings,&nbsp;The&nbsp;Goodwin&nbsp;has&nbsp;spent&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;a&nbsp;century&nbsp;collecting&nbsp;stories,&nbsp;stylish&nbsp;guests,&nbsp;and&nbsp;just&nbsp;enough&nbsp;history&nbsp;to&nbsp;make&nbsp;you&nbsp;feel&nbsp;interesting&nbsp;while&nbsp;sipping&nbsp;a&nbsp;cocktail&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;lobby.&nbsp;Even&nbsp;J.P.&nbsp;Morgan&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;stayed&nbsp;here&nbsp;during&nbsp;visits&nbsp;to&nbsp;Hartford.If&nbsp;you&nbsp;arrive&nbsp;early&nbsp;on&nbsp;Saturday,&nbsp;we&nbsp;highly&nbsp;recommend&nbsp;starting&nbsp;the&nbsp;evening&nbsp;at&nbsp;Bar&nbsp;Max,&nbsp;the&nbsp;hotel&#39;s&nbsp;cocktail&nbsp;lounge.&nbsp;Order&nbsp;something&nbsp;martini-adjacent&nbsp;and&nbsp;then&nbsp;wander&nbsp;next&nbsp;door&nbsp;to&nbsp;Max&nbsp;Downtown&nbsp;for&nbsp;dinner&nbsp;(but&nbsp;be&nbsp;sure&nbsp;to&nbsp;make&nbsp;a&nbsp;reservation).&nbsp;It&#39;s&nbsp;upscale&nbsp;without&nbsp;being&nbsp;stuffy,&nbsp;sophisticated&nbsp;without&nbsp;requiring&nbsp;a&nbsp;blazer,&nbsp;and&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;our&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;places&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;great&nbsp;meal.&nbsp;Jeans&nbsp;are&nbsp;perfectly&nbsp;acceptable.&nbsp;Leaving&nbsp;without&nbsp;trying&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;their&nbsp;desserts&nbsp;is&nbsp;not.We&#39;ll&nbsp;be&nbsp;there&nbsp;all&nbsp;weekend&nbsp;and&nbsp;would&nbsp;love&nbsp;to&nbsp;see&nbsp;familiar&nbsp;faces&nbsp;around&nbsp;the&nbsp;hotel,&nbsp;whether&nbsp;that&#39;s&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;pre-wedding&nbsp;cocktail,&nbsp;a&nbsp;late-night&nbsp;recap,&nbsp;or&nbsp;simply&nbsp;a&nbsp;chance&nbsp;encounter&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;elevator.

The Goodwin Hotel

Located in the heart of Hartford, Max Downtown has been a local institution for years, known for exceptional steaks, fresh seafood, an extensive wine list, and the kind of service that makes you want to linger over one more cocktail. It's sophisticated without taking itself too seriously—the rare place where a great pair of jeans feels just as appropriate as a jacket.If you're arriving in town early, our recommendation is simple: start with cocktails at Bar Max, then stroll next door for dinner. It's one of our favorite date-night spots and the perfect way to ease into wedding weekend.Order whatever sounds good, save room for dessert, and consider it your first celebration of the weekend.

Max Downtown

If Carrie Bradshaw found herself in Hartford, we'd like to think this is where she'd order her first drink.Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour is equal parts cocktail bar, hidden gem, and excuse to stay out longer than you planned. The drinks are creative without being pretentious, the atmosphere is intimate and lively, and every cocktail arrives looking like it deserves its own Instagram account.Whether you're catching up with friends, kicking off the weekend, or debating whether one more round is a good idea (it probably isn't), Hartford Flavor is the kind of place that makes a night feel memorable. Our advice? Let the bartender guide you, order something you've never heard of, and embrace the possibility that your favorite cocktail of the weekend might come from a city you weren't expecting to fall for.

Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour

As much as we love a perfectly crafted cocktail and white tablecloth, sometimes what you really want is a great margarita and a table full of tacos. Sayulita in Glastonbury brings the energy of a beach town in Mexico to Connecticut, complete with colorful décor, fresh Mexican cuisine, and margaritas that have been known to turn a quick lunch into an all-afternoon affair. Come for the tacos, stay for another margarita, and enjoy a meal that feels a little like a vacation before the wedding weekend officially begins. Just don't blame us if you find yourself pricing flights to Puerto Vallarta by the end of the evening.

Sayulita Restaurant

Some restaurants are trendy. Some are memorable. The Foundry manages to be both. Set inside a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Hartford, The Foundry combines industrial charm, great food, and a lively atmosphere that feels equally suited for a date night, a celebration, or an impromptu gathering of wedding guests who aren't quite ready to call it a night. The menu offers something for everyone, from elevated comfort food to fresh seafood and creative cocktails, all served in a space that somehow feels both sophisticated and welcoming. If you're looking for a spot that captures Hartford's modern energy while still honoring its history, this is it. Come hungry, order a cocktail, and enjoy a night out that feels a little more special than your average dinner reservation.

The Foundry

Things to Do

Registry

We kindly ask that all guests use the link below to confirm attendance, select meal preferences, and provide any additional information requested. Les pedimos amablemente a todos los invitados que utilicen el enlace a continuación para confirmar su asistencia, seleccionar sus preferencias de comida y proporcionar cualquier información adicional solicitada. <a href="https://www.aisleplanner.com/app/v2/our-wedding/elizabethjuan/rsvp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Access Your Invitation &amp; RSVP Here</a>

Elizabeth & Juan Pedro

Elizabeth & Juan Pedro

Registry