Hi!
We're excited (and nervous?) to have everyone show up to the wedding! There have been a lot of goings on lately in regards to moving, getting ready, and settling in. We have understandably recently fielded a barrage of questions regarding what to wear and expect, and while this may be coming late, we hope this helps a little.
Mari and her new car
The wedding ceremony is scheduled to happen 5PM on August 4th, 2015 at a nearby beach on some private property down the access road to Tonsina Trail Head. The approach to the beach is an easily mitigated, private to motor vehicles gravel road/trail bordered by salmon berries and coastal rain forest. There will not be adequate parking available on site for rental cars and the like, however we may have a shuttle van available to bring people back and forth, specifically if weather doesn't cooperate. The trail head is located within short walking distance of the area lodgings many of you are staying in already on Lowell Point. For those traveling from town you're welcome to park in our own large back yard nearby or if space is available the upper and lower parking areas by the trail head.
Please look for signage!
In regards to the schedule - stay posted for something more firm and official - roughly it will go like this:
August 4th
5PM - Ceremony
5:30PM - Cocktail Hour, Drinks, H'orderves, Photos - reception is on site so no travel is necessary
6:30 - 7:00PM - Bride and groom return - dinner begins
8:00PM on - Music, drinks, et al.
August 5th
12PM - All Day - Bonfire, BBQ, Drinks, Music @ Mari & Chance's House on Lowell Point
In regards to dress - We are having the ceremony in the outdoors - however there will be party tents, heaters, umbrellas, etc set up to properly house and accommodate everyone regardless of the weather (hopefully). In general, for both genders - black tie and formal wear isn't necessary - there will not be a wedding party for either bride or groom, please come dressed to have fun and be comfortable; however that may be.
Wedding Beach location prior to set up
Ladies: Please wear shoes appropriate for the bare ground - heels may not work well on the gravel beach, though if you think you can balance yourself and don't mind the challenge knock yourselves out! (not literally). Clothing choices are yours - we are obviously going to be dressed up, though you are welcome to come as you choose. Mari intends to wear her wedding dress all night, I don't think it's necessary for anyone to change after the ceremony for the reception or anything like that.
Men: While it's possible to fish from the beach and wrestle wild animals in the area, and you would be welcome dressed to do both, don't feel as though you need to wear a tuxedo either.
Thanks for taking the time for the brief update, and let us know if you need any help with arrangements still! We're hoping everyone is settled in to their travel plans, but if not please just let us know. There will be opportunities hopefully for some fishing and kayaking before or after the event, please let us know if this is of particular interest to you!
That's Seward down there! The view from Mari's recent hike to Lost Lake