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Cristina Borek

and

John Popylisen

Cristina Borek

and

John Popylisen

September 6, 2025

Hollister, CA

We Swiped Right!

Every love story has its beginning, and ours started with a swipe—a simple moment that changed everything. We were just two strangers on a dating app, not knowing our lives were about to intertwine. For our first date, John chose a stylish oyster bar, setting the scene with just the right touch of charm. Over oysters, laughter, and a few nervous smiles, something real began to take shape. Looking back, that night was more than just a first date—it was the beginning of something we’d both been searching for. Shortly after, Cristina invited John over for Sunday breakfast — a morning filled with easy conversation and an early sense of connection. Then came a tequila-filled Friday night, which was even more fun and marked the moment things really started to spark. Not long after, we took our first road trip to Southern California, where a six-hour enduro race — and an unexpected meeting with John’s dad and brother-in-law — turned the adventure into something unforgettable. What started off simple was quickly becoming something special. Our early days weren’t without challenges—Cristina’s demanding nursing schedule and a whirlwind of travel plans often pulled her away, while John balanced his time with his daughter, Dakota. But even in the midst of busy lives, we kept finding our way back to each other. Something told us it was worth it. Six months in, Cristina stepped into a new chapter in her career—one that offered more space, more time, and more moments together. That’s when everything started to shift. We filled our days with adventure — camping under the stars (and occasionally forgetting the bug spray), spontaneous road trips with questionable playlists, mountain biking that left us covered in dirt and laughter, and winter ski trips that always ended with cocoa and sore legs. With John’s daughter in the mix, the fun only got better — our little crew growing closer with every shared laugh, snack break, and inside joke. Somewhere between the chaos and the calm, the miles and the moments, we realized we were building something real. Something lasting. Something we never wanted to end. When John asked Cristina to marry him during a morning coffee date on the shores of Lake Tahoe, there was no doubt or hesitation—only joy and a future that felt perfectly right. We can’t wait to celebrate this journey with all of you—our family, friends, and loved ones who have been part of our story from the very start. Here’s to new adventures, shared laughter, and a lifetime of love—together as a family.

Schedule

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Ceremony

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Bride’s Family Home
Carmel, CA

We’ll be saying “I do” in an intimate ceremony surrounded by our immediate family. Following the ceremony, we’ll enjoy some light refreshments as we take a few family photos. Once the pictures wrap up, everyone is invited to join us at the reception location to continue the celebration together — enjoying good food, drinks, and great company.

Reception

3:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Casual cocktail — think sundresses, jumpsuits, button-downs, or slacks. Comfortable shoes encouraged, especially for outdoor games and dancing!

The afternoon will kick off with a cocktail hour from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, featuring beer, wine, nonalcoholic drinks, and a few light bites to get things started. Dinner will follow with a catered taco spread, served with rice and beans. Seating is open, so feel free to find a spot and settle in. Enjoy casual outdoor games like cornhole and giant Jenga. As the sun sets, we’ll turn up the music and open up the dance floor—so bring your best moves and get ready to celebrate! The celebration will be held outdoors and carry into the evening, so we recommend bringing a few layers to stay warm as the night cools down. Parking is available at the reception site, though we encourage carpooling when possible.

FAQs

Question

Where should I stay?

Answer

We didn’t reserve a hotel block since most guests are local, but there are plenty of nearby options. For out-of-town guests, nearby lodging options about 5 miles from the venue include Fairfield Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and SureStay by Best Western. We recommend booking early! Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Question

What’s the dress code?

Answer

We’re going for casual cocktail attire. Think sundresses, jumpsuits, button-downs, or slacks. Since the celebration is outdoors and includes games and dancing, we recommend comfortable shoes and a few layers for when the sun goes down.

Question

What time should I arrive?

Answer

Family attending the ceremony: please plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early to find your seat and enjoy a welcome drink. The ceremony will begin promptly at 11:00 AM. Following the ceremony, we will be traveling from Big Sur and taking family photos. The reception will begin with a cocktail hour at 3:00 PM, and dinner service will start between 4:00 and 5:00 PM.

Question

What’s the parking situation?

Answer

Parking is available at the reception site. If you can, we encourage carpooling—especially for anyone planning to enjoy a drink or two!

Question

Can I bring a guest / my kids?

Answer

We’re keeping our guest list intimate, so please refer to your invitation to see if a plus-one or children were included. That said—yes, kids are welcome! We’ll have outdoor games to help keep them entertained during the celebration.

Question

Do I need to RSVP online or by mail?

Answer

Please RSVP by August 9th via our wedding website. No paper RSVP needed!

Question

Is there an open bar?

Answer

Yes—beer, wine, and signature cocktails will be available. Please drink responsibly!

Question

Still have questions?

Answer

Feel free to reach out to us directly—we’re happy to help!

Registry

RSVP

Please let us know your plans by August 9th. We hope to get to celebrate with you!

Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.

Ex. Sarah Fortune (not The Fortune Family or Dr. & Mr. Fortune)