FAQ

Question

the gist

Answer

If you feel yourself trying to conceptualize what's happening with this wedding, think of it as a double bachelorette where they also get married in the middle. We had no engagement party, no shower, and no bachelorettes; instead, we're putting all our energy into this one weekend that our families and chosen families can experience with us. Our wedding weekend is intended to gather 30-something of our very favorite people in one place to celebrate love, enjoy nature, and take a break from the noise. To do that, we head to Ashford, WA, where we will discover the hidden charms of a place called Wellspring. We have rented out the entire property, including all 15 cabins, two hot tubs, two saunas, private walking trails, and so much more. We recognize that this is not the easiest wedding destination to plan for, and we are so grateful for the time and energy (and PTO requests) you all have put into this weekend already. We are so excited to share this special place with you.

Question

packing list

Answer

Wellspring will provide bedding, towels, a drip coffee maker, and a flashlight. - Reusable water bottle. We are trying to be as eco-friendly as possible at Wellspring--please help us minimize plastic bottle usage by bringing your own reusable bottle. - Activewear. Even if simply enjoying a leisurely forest bath, you might as well dress the part. Sneakers/hiking boots Layers for the evenings! Temperatures in Ashford in late July range from a daytime high of 75 to a nighttime low of 35, so come prepared. Rain gear. Though late July is usually sunny in Ashford, you never know! There are also many unpaved areas of Wellspring, but only you can decide whether the luggage space rain boots take up is worth it. Bathing suit Toiletries Sunscreen/bugspray Sunglasses National Parks Pass if you have one

Question

checking in

Answer

First, take a deep breath and appreciate all the oxygen in the air! Yum. There is one main road, Highway 706, that runs through Ashford all the way to the Mt. Rainier National Park entrance. Once you turn off the main road for Wellspring, follow the driveway through the trees and keep to the left. You will pass the parking lot on your left--pull up to the small covered welcome table to pick up your key, then make your way to your cabin to unload. Park back in the parking lot when finished. Once you settle in to your cabin, we invite you to join us for a welcome BBQ under the tent. Dinner will be served from 4-6 pm; if you miss this window, don't panic! Leftovers will be available in the Tatoosh lodge refrigerator. CHECK-IN is any time after 3pm on Thursday, 7/24. CHECK-OUT time is by 11:30am on Sunday, 7/27. Housekeeping will take place anytime between 10-3pm each day.

Question

attire

Answer

As people who receive the compliment "you look comfortable!" far more often than "you look awesome!", we humbly invite you to lean into the "comfy cozy" vibe of this weekend. Hiking clothes, loungewear, and the ever-elegant "groutfit" are encouraged, with the (suggested) exception of the ceremony and wedding dinner. For the more detail-oriented among us, let's break it down: THURSDAY : Travel day and welcome BBQ. The brides will be in a cool white outfit and will expect to be complimented; however, you are invited to join our backyard BBQ in whatever makes you feel comfortable and ready to settle in for the weekend. FRIDAY: Wedding day! Our ceremony will take place in the Forest Sanctuary, which is a 10-15 minute walk to and from the cabins on uneven terrain. Please wear comfortable and supportive shoes. Attire is "festive casual," which is a term we made up but includes sundresses, jumpsuits, shorts and polos, or light pants and a nice top. Out of respect for the brides' penchant for comfy cozies, please refrain from staying in your dressy clothes all day. SATURDAY: Wear what you are comfortable hiking, hot tubbing, reading quietly, crafting, or bonding with the newlyweds in! Dinner is casual--shorts and tees, sneakers, etc. are all great.

Question

meals

Answer

We have planned for the following catered dinners: a barbecue on Thursday from 4-6 pm, an early (~3 pm) sit-down dinner on Friday as well as some late-night options on Friday night, and dinner on Saturday at around 6 pm. All catered meals include gluten-free and vegetarian options. All leftovers will be packed up, and leftovers will be available in the Tatoosh Lodge refrigerator throughout the weekend. For all other meals, please plan to bring groceries with you. We recommend stopping at a grocery store in either Seattle or Tacoma BEFORE heading to Ashford--Ashford has only a simple corner market for essentials. All cabins are equipped with a simple drip coffee maker, as well as basic ground coffee and tea options. Many cabins also have full kitchen; for guests staying in cabins without kitchens, you are welcome to utilize either the kitchen in the Tatoosh Lodge, or the outdoor grilling area in the Gazebo. For more information about the cooking amenities in your particular cabin, please visit: https://wellspringspa.com/lodging/

Question

internet

Answer

While we are pretty jazzed about the prospect of unplugging for the weekend, we of course understand that you may have to check in with the world from time to time. There is limited cell service in the area, and some networks are better than others (there is [allegedly] a Verizon cell tower nearby, for example). Wellspring offers a very low-key Wi-Fi network that is accessible in the Gazebo. This network likely not reach the cabins. Network name: “Wellspring Guest” Password: restandrelax

Question

gifting

Answer

Celebrating with you at our wedding is the best gift we could ask for! If you would still like to send us a gift, please consider visiting our registry. Gifts and donations can be purchased online, but we kindly ask that you refrain from bringing physical gifts with you to Ashford. Thank you!

Question

smoking & other hot things

Answer

SMOKING: Smoking is allowed on Wellspring's property only in the covered Gazebo and in the parking lot. Ashtrays will be provided...please don't burn down the forest! INDOOR FIRES: Some cabins are equipped with wood burning stoves or fireplaces. Firewood and starter materials will be provided for these cabins and replenished daily. OUTDOOR FIRES There are two fire pits at Wellspring: a raised fire pit in the Gazebo, and a fire sphere at the entrance to the Yurt. BURN BANS From Wellspring's website: "Weather safety in wildfire season can take unexpected turns. When critical fire weather alerts come to our area, Wellspring must bar fires in any cabin fireplace or wood stove, in the wood-fired Greenhouse sauna, in the fire sphere at the Yurt, and in the Gazebo’s raised fire pit. (The propane grill remains available.)"

Question

Spa Amenities

Answer

Wellspring is able to provide massages to guests. Their two licensed massage therapists offer Swedish massage services either in the Greenhouse or Woodland Spa, the Lodge, and/or the Deluxe cabins. Appointments are available between 11:15am and 7pm (being the last appointment). Please email info@wellspringspa.com to book a massage. The hot tubs and saunas are located outside of The Grace West and Turiya cabins and are available for anyone to use. Keep in mind when using the saunas that you should warm it up at least an hour prior to use.