We're doing our best! With the new variant surging, we are continuing to monitor the situation and will post updates on the home page of this site if anything changes. We may ask guests to have a negative test before attending, depending on how things progress. You are all very important to us! We have several guests who are part of a more vulnerable population and we would like to do everything in our power to protect them. At this point, about 97% of our guests are vaccinated. We do not know the vaccination status of all of our vendors, but many of them are as well. We cannot vouch for the status of any of our servers etc., but at this time we believe they will be wearing masks while serving us. We booked an outdoor venue set on many acres, with the reception taking place under a tent. We plan to have hand sanitizer available as well.
Yes! We worked with ARRIVE Austin to get a discounted rate for our group. It's a really nice hotel in an area we love, nearby a lot of great restaurants, bars, etc. The rooms are first come, first serve. Please contact us if you have questions about it!
Great! Our first trip to Austin, we stayed in an awesome AirBnB in the Holly neighborhood, which we definitely suggest. While you may choose wherever you'd like to stay, we suggest the following neighborhoods for the most convenient, close-to-the-action stay (in order of most convenient): Central East Austin East Caesar Chavez Holly Market/Warehouse District Travis Heights/South River City Fairview Park Arboles Bouldin Zilker
Of course! We want you to have fun and be stress-free. If you're looking to book from a specific hotel family, you're in luck, as Austin has a lot of options. That said, we do suggest staying close to the city center or in one of the neighborhoods suggested in the "AirBnB" FAQ answer.
Whenever you want! Our secret hope is that you make this event a fun mini-vacation with you, your loved ones, and maybe even some new friends you meet through our blending of families and friends. If you're looking for a more direct answer, you should plan to fly in Thursday or Friday, and leave Sunday or Monday. At this time, we are not planning any *formal* events for Thursday or Sunday to accommodate schedules and flight times. Though we will be around both of those days if you want to party with us!
Yes! PLEASE NOTE: If you will be using a ride share company as your transportation to/from the venue: There are 2 entrance/exits from the venue, but we strongly recommend using the front entrance located on Chappell Lane which is accessed from MENCHACA RD. The back entrance is located on Chappel Lane and can be difficult to find. Please pass this information on to your driver, as GPS tends to take them to the back entrance.
For the wedding, please plan on cocktail attire. Also beware that part of the festivities will take place on grass, so ladies, consider a wedge, block heel, or even flats! There will be a temperature-controlled tent for the reception, so we will be partying rain, shine, chilly, or warm. For the welcome reception, we're suggesting informal, but not casual. Basically, be ready for photos! Melissa, Drew, and their families are coming from the rehearsal dinner, so they are planning to be a little dressed up for the occasion.
*quick tip* - If you know you'll be renting a car already, you may look into flights into Dallas. There seems to be less expensive airfare into DFW. We recommend Google Flights to keep tabs on fluctuating airfare. Since COVID, many industries have been greatly impacted by this "new normal" and this makes travel a little uncertain. Typically we have found the best prices on Tuesdays. Don't forget to use an incognito window when "shopping" around!
We have booked INCREDIBLE photographers (A Nomadic Love - check them out on Instagram!) so we would really like our photos to be absent of any cell phones taking photos and videos during our ceremony. We are thinking about doing a "social media moment" where anyone who'd like to snap a photo can do that, but then please put them away right after! Don't worry, you'll be able to use your phone throughout the rest of the party, but hopefully you'll forget it even exists while we dance the night away!
Yes! You can absolutely bring your little ones if you'd like to have them there. We are a family! Please let Melissa and Drew know if you would like them to have a special "kids meal".
Yes! And if you think of more ... do tell! Here's what we plan to use: #MelissaSaysIDrew #MelissaFoundDrewLove #MelissaHailedAKaczay