Heyo guests! We can’t wait to see you SO soon. Here are some important announcements from the future newlyweds: WEATHER: The forecast is all over the place but as of now, Saturday will be 75 and sunny and there is a chance of showers Friday. Bring a rain jacket/layers, as weather can change fast in Montana. SHUTTLES: We have an updated shuttle schedule! On the wedding day, the shuttles will stop at the following locations and times (+/- 10 mins): 3:30pm: Swan Lake Trading Post (campers!) 3:45pm: Laughing Horse Lodge -> drop off at Six Mile 4:20pm: Downtown Bigfork at 355 Grand Dr (there’s a free parking lot) If you plan to take the shuttle, please sign up on the spreadsheet: https://bit.ly/Candy-SignUp (also sent via text) Return shuttle will start at 10:30pm and the drivers will take groups both directions! Anyone driving, please carpool, as there is limited parking. And of course, the drinks will be flowing, so please plan drivers accordingly. Rideshares in the area are limited. ATTIRE: Dress cute and casual Friday! The dress code for Saturday is funky cocktail (see FAQs below for more on that) ACTIVITIES: We are planning an advanced/expert mountain bike ride at Crane Mountain Thursday afternoon. If you are interested, please text Andrew at (763) 486-7399. There will be a group hike on the Flathead Lake/Beardance Trail on Friday morning, we will meet at 9am at the venue or meet us at the Beardance picnic area at 9:40am. There are beginner and hard options. We will no longer be planning a trek up Jewel Basin, but those looking for an adventure - go for it! Those interested in hiking with us, please sign up on the spreadsheet: https://bit.ly/Candy-SignUp BEARS: You will be in grizzly bear country and it has been a VERY active bear season this year. Always bring bear spray with you, travel in groups, and make lots of noise. If someone warns you about a bear, please listen and avoid that area! Your safety is the most important thing to us <3
Our wedding dress code is funky cocktail! Think cocktail attire that's fun, colorful, or patterned. We want you to feel fabulous and whimsical–this is an excuse to wear your fave bold dress or those flashy boots or cool bolo tie you love–whatever makes you feel gorgeous! We just ask that you leave your jeans at home. If you need inspo, see the top of this page for the vision board. You will be walking around on grass, so we recommend footwear that is grass-friendly and maybe some dancing shoes (crocs) for the reception. BRING A JACKET! Montana weather in June can be full of surprises - it could rain or hail or be hot and sunny. Prepare for it all. There will be plenty of spots to store your extra layers. We will also update guests on expected weather as the day gets closer. For the welcome party, just come cute and casual for a lakeside pizza party and yard games.
The venue is at Six Mile Estate on Swan Lake near Bigfork, MT. Google Maps will take you right to the venue; it's a quick turn off MT-83 so look for bright colored indicators that you've arrived!! Sorry in advance for the construction on the road. There is an airport in Missoula (MSO), as well as one in Kalispell (FCA) about 30 mins from Bigfork. For those traveling, a rental car may be helpful – not only to get to the venue but to explore the beautiful Flathead and Swan Valleys! There are also shuttle services in the areas. For getting from your accommodations to the venue on Saturday, there will be a shuttle to and from Bigfork and Swan Lake to the venue on the day/night of the wedding.
The ceremony will begin right at 5pm on Saturday, so we invite guests to arrive by 4:45pm so we can get the party rollin'! Check out the Schedule tab for more deets about the wedding and welcome party on Friday! That said, you are welcome to hang out all weekend long starting Friday morning through Sunday morning (checkout is at 11am). There are lots of activities at the venue, from pickleball and basketball, to canoeing and silly little backyard games. Everything from the welcome party to the reception will be part of Camp Candy at Six Mile Estate – so we will be hanging at one place all weekend!
Parking is available at the venue if you prefer to drive, but carpooling is highly encouraged because parking spots are limited. We will also be coordinating a shuttle to downtown Bigfork and Swan Lake. We want folks to be able to let loose and have some drinks without worrying about transportation.
Kids who are part of Cailene and Andrew’s families will be included and specified on their invitations. Nursing mothers/parents are also welcome to bring their babies. Starting around 8:30pm, we will be coordinating babysitters in one of the cabins at the venue for kiddos under 12 so the adults can dance the night away! Those with kiddos should know the plan.
April 30th!
Some invited guests will be staying at Six Mile Estate – we will reach out if this is you. For everyone else, there are a lot of accommodations nearby – ranging from small one bed cabins to large cabins that sleep 15+ folks! There is no camping at the venue, but there is a campground right down the street! See the Travel tab for all the info on places to stay. We will also be coordinating a shuttle to and from Bigfork.
Gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options will be available. If you have any additional restrictions that we are not already aware of, please let us know!
Whenever the party ends! We will have the dance floor going until around midnight thirty and then will transition the evening to a lakeside bonfire. For those who want to boogie earlier, we will have shuttles running starting at 10:30pm until 12:30pm-ish. The late night folks are encouraged to have a DD :)
You betchya! There will also be plenty of options for the non-drinkers.
Yes! See the things to do and schedule tabs for more info.