We're getting married!

During a rainy fall day in West Virginia, Andrea and Kris met amongst the mountains and trees. Joining their Forest Service, TNC, and Americorps work colleagues, the couple met planting Red Spruce (Picea rubens) and other native plant species such as Wild Raisin (Viburnum cassinoides) during a high-elevation, Red spruce forest restoration project. Andrea's first impressions of Kris were his stunning good looks, his love of nature, and how easy it felt to communicate with him (written by Andrea). Kris was amazed at this beautiful, elegant woman who could just as easily find her fingers deep in the earthy soil as well as wax poetic about the importance of red spruce for the West Virginia flying squirrel (written by Kris). Their passion for the natural world, travel, people and the diversity of foods came out in their conversations that day. They both felt an instant kinship.

Nestled in the Chequamegon National Forest outside of Cable, Wisconsin, is the magical estate of Forest Lodge. This property was handed down through three generations, and in 1999, it was donated to The Trust for Public Land to ensure its permanent protection. At the Forest Lodge, you will find many trails that wind through old-growth Eastern Hemlock-hardwood forests, views of the pristine Lake Namakagon, and several buildings of turn-of-the-century rustic architecture. The nearly 900 acres of land contains immense ecological, historical, and cultural treasures - all waiting to be explored! There will be limited parking available onsite, however, there is parking about 1/4 mile east on Garmisch Rd. at the Forest Lodge Nature Trail. We will provide you with a detailed map of the site soon, so stay tuned. Carpooling is encouraged and guests can be dropped off near the ceremony location before the driver parks at the Nature Trail. Weather permitting, many of the festivities will be held outdoors so remember to check the weather and prepare appropriately. Here's hoping we'll need sunscreen and not sweaters, but this is September in the Northwoods. :) Generally, you should be prepared to walk on gravel roads and grass (stilettos aren't recommended). Even if we have a warm day, it may get chilly in the evening so consider bringing a sweater or a light jacket along with you. We can't wait to celebrate the start of this new chapter in our lives with our dearest friends and family. See you in Cable, Wisconsin!