The Town Hall finally folded and issued the permit for the live music at the wedding. They tried to stand in the way of a simple celebration but 377 of us forced them to back down. We won this round so now let the music play.
July 29, 2022
Final supporters
“Since joining the community of Essex we have been met with nothing but support and have been embraced by all we meet. When we became engaged, it only made sense to hold our wedding here in town. This is the town we have set down roots in and this is the town we intend to grow our life and future family. What drew us to Essex? Believe it or not, it wasn't the fried clams. It was the rich history and the families that have been here for generations. It is this legacy that makes Essex great.
Who knew that when we selected our first song years ago, it would have the lyrics "Like a river flows, surely to the sea", that we would end up here? The desire to hold our wedding at Riversbend in Essex and to have live music is not a whim. It is a celebration of our love, our life together, and the town we intend to grow our lives in! “
-Drew Godfrey & Justin Kane
Drew and Justin took a huge risk moving to Essex. They made it their home and continued the legacy of a successful business here. Their bed and breakfast is an essential part of this community. Their business provides the lodging needed for the visitors of a town dependent on tourism and hospitality. Even in providing this service, they didn’t stop there. This couple has continuously made an effort to give back to our community. This couple is tireless in their efforts to promote the town of Essex, local businesses, and the greater Cape Ann community. They are also appointed officials, as members of the Essex Historical Commission. This couple supports their neighbors whenever possible. In short, they are exactly the kind of friends everyone hopes to have, that every town seeks to attract.
After months of anticipation and planning, Drew and Justin are at the final stages of their wedding preparation. It is because of the community of Essex and its support for them that they have chosen to get married here. It is their hope to show their friends and relatives the new life they have created. It is important to note that their vision for this celebration of life and love includes an outdoor event with music by the river.
On May 23rd the Essex Board of Selectmen denied the request to issue a one-day entertainment license for this event. While there is historical evidence to support that couples before Drew and Justin were married on the premise with similar celebrations, the request was denied. The Essex Board of Selectmen cite a concern for “precedent’ in their ruling, ignoring the well-documented precedents of which many long standing residents are aware.
On June 1, 2022, there will be a public hearing to appeal this arbitrary decision. Drew and Justin have made incalculable contributions to this town. This couple is the embodiment of a good friend and neighbor. Their request is that the Board of Selectmen work with them and Riversbend to come to a reasonable agreement. Drew and Justin simply want to celebrate their marriage by the side of the river with live music, as so many couples have done before them.
Let your voice be heard for Drew and Justin and for the other business owners who want to support love and joy. Please join us in supporting live music at Drew and Justin’s wedding!"
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
May 27, 2022
May 27, 2022
The local board continues to hide behind red tape while they ignore the reality that this wedding brings life to our town. We are tired of the constant obstruction from people who claim to care about Essex but clearly do not care about the people building its future. We are still pushing forward because this petty gatekeeping has to end.
Reached 100 supporters
May 26, 2022
110 Comments
This decision seems unnecessarily restrictive, especially in light of the strains on our community and country during the pandemic. Surely a solution could be found. The notion of “precedent” seems hollow, since, as a musician, I’ve played outdoors for events for over 50 years. How intrusive could this small request for musical celebration really be?
Justin & Drew deserve a ticker tape parade in downtown Essex for their wedding day! These guys are so incredibly kind and have brought tremendous amount of positive business and economic impact to town and surrounding areas. It would be a crime to not have music at their wedding!
I live very close to Riversbend and would love to know that as a community, we support celebrations like this for neighbors like Justin and Drew. Essex town laws need to grow with the community.
Drew and Justin live across the street from me so I completely support this. At first I figured their wedding would be on their property which I would also support live music for the day. With all the bad in the world let's support something beautiful
Beautifully put, Cam....weddings benefit literally every business in town from lodging to other restaurants, to the cruise businesses and gift shops. This is a no brainer.
Variance should be allowed to support our folks!
So disappointed by this decision. And frankly befuddled. Also understand that Art in the Barn was also denied a permit? C'mon.
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The Town Hall finally folded and issued the permit for the live music at the wedding. They tried to stand in the way of a simple celebration but 377 of us forced them to back down. We won this round so now let the music play.
July 29, 2022
Final supporters
“Since joining the community of Essex we have been met with nothing but support and have been embraced by all we meet. When we became engaged, it only made sense to hold our wedding here in town. This is the town we have set down roots in and this is the town we intend to grow our life and future family. What drew us to Essex? Believe it or not, it wasn't the fried clams. It was the rich history and the families that have been here for generations. It is this legacy that makes Essex great.
Who knew that when we selected our first song years ago, it would have the lyrics "Like a river flows, surely to the sea", that we would end up here? The desire to hold our wedding at Riversbend in Essex and to have live music is not a whim. It is a celebration of our love, our life together, and the town we intend to grow our lives in! “
-Drew Godfrey & Justin Kane
Drew and Justin took a huge risk moving to Essex. They made it their home and continued the legacy of a successful business here. Their bed and breakfast is an essential part of this community. Their business provides the lodging needed for the visitors of a town dependent on tourism and hospitality. Even in providing this service, they didn’t stop there. This couple has continuously made an effort to give back to our community. This couple is tireless in their efforts to promote the town of Essex, local businesses, and the greater Cape Ann community. They are also appointed officials, as members of the Essex Historical Commission. This couple supports their neighbors whenever possible. In short, they are exactly the kind of friends everyone hopes to have, that every town seeks to attract.
After months of anticipation and planning, Drew and Justin are at the final stages of their wedding preparation. It is because of the community of Essex and its support for them that they have chosen to get married here. It is their hope to show their friends and relatives the new life they have created. It is important to note that their vision for this celebration of life and love includes an outdoor event with music by the river.
On May 23rd the Essex Board of Selectmen denied the request to issue a one-day entertainment license for this event. While there is historical evidence to support that couples before Drew and Justin were married on the premise with similar celebrations, the request was denied. The Essex Board of Selectmen cite a concern for “precedent’ in their ruling, ignoring the well-documented precedents of which many long standing residents are aware.
On June 1, 2022, there will be a public hearing to appeal this arbitrary decision. Drew and Justin have made incalculable contributions to this town. This couple is the embodiment of a good friend and neighbor. Their request is that the Board of Selectmen work with them and Riversbend to come to a reasonable agreement. Drew and Justin simply want to celebrate their marriage by the side of the river with live music, as so many couples have done before them.
Let your voice be heard for Drew and Justin and for the other business owners who want to support love and joy. Please join us in supporting live music at Drew and Justin’s wedding!"
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
May 27, 2022
May 27, 2022
The local board continues to hide behind red tape while they ignore the reality that this wedding brings life to our town. We are tired of the constant obstruction from people who claim to care about Essex but clearly do not care about the people building its future. We are still pushing forward because this petty gatekeeping has to end.
Reached 100 supporters
May 26, 2022
110 Comments
Shame on the BOS. Essex used to be fun. Reggae outside on the deck every summer Friday night at Callahan's, Sunday bands on the deck of Conomo Cafe, music at Essex Marina for weddings under the Lufkin ownership. Issue the permit.
This decision seems unnecessarily restrictive, especially in light of the strains on our community and country during the pandemic. Surely a solution could be found. The notion of “precedent” seems hollow, since, as a musician, I’ve played outdoors for events for over 50 years. How intrusive could this small request for musical celebration really be?
Justin & Drew deserve a ticker tape parade in downtown Essex for their wedding day! These guys are so incredibly kind and have brought tremendous amount of positive business and economic impact to town and surrounding areas. It would be a crime to not have music at their wedding!
I live very close to Riversbend and would love to know that as a community, we support celebrations like this for neighbors like Justin and Drew. Essex town laws need to grow with the community.
Drew and Justin live across the street from me so I completely support this. At first I figured their wedding would be on their property which I would also support live music for the day. With all the bad in the world let's support something beautiful
Beautifully put, Cam....weddings benefit literally every business in town from lodging to other restaurants, to the cruise businesses and gift shops. This is a no brainer.
Variance should be allowed to support our folks!
So disappointed by this decision. And frankly befuddled. Also understand that Art in the Barn was also denied a permit? C'mon.
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Shame on the BOS. Essex used to be fun. Reggae outside on the deck every summer Friday night at Callahan's, Sunday bands on the deck of Conomo Cafe, music at Essex Marina for weddings under the Lufkin ownership. Issue the permit.