Questions and Answers

Question

So, um, coronavirus?

Answer

Yep. After having to radically change our wedding ceremony plans in 2020, we're well aware that things are always subject to change. We hope to have this smaller marriage celebration as described here, but if other circumstances prevent such a gathering (e.g. new variant surge), then of course we won't. We know this makes planning travel a challenge, which is unfortunate. The bulk of our time will be spent outdoors (weather permitting), which should be safer and more allowable, so we're optimistic that we can proceed as planned.

Question

Is COVID-19 vaccination required?

Answer

We certainly encourage every person eligible for the vaccine to get it. We are not currently requiring it, although county guidelines may change before the event. We will have social distancing wristbands for everyone, to indicate your level of comfort with proximity to others.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

Your invitation will specify who we expect. Unfortunately, our guest count is limited. We hope you feel comfortable with all our guests, or at least celebrating with us and exploring all the things to see around the grounds!

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

We are excited to have children we know at our wedding reception, and those invited are included specifically in your invitation (please include ages during RSVP). However, the grounds are large, and there are many things to see and do, so kids under 13 years old should be supervised (per the venue's rules).

Question

Is the venue accessible?

Answer

There will be a golf cart available to help guests who may have trouble with stairs or hills. Please let us know if you need other accommodations when you RSVP.

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

Comfortable shoes; the venue has lovely gardens, forest pathways, stairs, and lawns to explore, but they can be uneven. Masks are currently required indoors (see next question). Dress code is festive garden attire, or anything cheerful. Although, Dawn requests you don't wear a long white dress. Costumes are welcome, as long as you steer clear of fairytale royalty. ;) It is mainly an outdoor venue, so layers are suggested, to more easily adjust for temperature, sun, and bugs. There is an indoor area to hide, if necessary.

Question

Will everyone be wearing masks?

Answer

Currently, county guidelines require everyone (over 2 years old) to wear a mask while indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Much of our event can be held outdoors, but some is currently planned to be inside. We will have social distancing wristbands for everyone, to indicate your level of comfort with proximity to others.

Question

I have unique dietary restrictions; will there be anything for me to eat?

Answer

A meal will not be served at our reception, however, we will have a variety of small bites, and cake. There will be food at the informal afterparty, so please include dietary restrictions during RSVP to that event. We will do our best to accommodate you, but also feel free to bring anything you need.

Question

What time should I arrive for the wedding reception?

Answer

It is recommended that guests arrive shortly after 10am. We will be showing the recording of our ceremony at 10:30. We hope to get a lot of celebrating in, however, our time is short, and everyone has to vacate the venue by 1pm.

Question

Is there parking at the venue?

Answer

There is parking available, although we always encourage carpooling. If you are driving, please account for potential Santa Cruz Highway 17 traffic, and remember it's a mountain road. Check the Travel page for a map and directions. Parking fee at the afterparty is $6.

Question

Are the reception and afterparty in the same place?

Answer

No, however, they are both in Los Gatos. It's about a 20 minute drive between them.

Question

Can I come to the afterparty if I can't make it to the reception (or vice versa)?

Answer

Yes, we would be happy to see you for whichever event(s) you can attend. When you RSVP, details for each event are provided, with a separate RSVP.

Question

Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Answer

We don't have any reserved rooms this time. Previously we had a block at the Los Gatos Lodge, which seemed convenient and nice. There are several fancier hotels in Los Gatos if you prefer.

Question

Do you have a registry?

Answer

We don't really need more things. All we request are your well wishes for our life together. Send us a nice letter, especially if you can't make it to our celebration. www.zola.com/registry/dawnmike Felix also has plenty of things, so please no gifts. If you feel a need to contribute to his ScholarShare 529 college fund, Felix's UGift Code is J63-B2Y at https://www.ugift529.com/

Question

Did you change your names?

Answer

Yes, but not our last names. We each added the other's last name to our middle name. So our new names are: Dawn Buchanan Strahler and Michael Ross Strahler Buchanan.

Question

How did you get to know each other and fall in love?

Answer

Scientifically. We started with a set of questions from a research study article, and then stared silently into each others eyes for four minutes. We continued discussing over the next many months using the topics in a Kickstarter card game called "Lay Your Cards on the Table," and found we were compatible in many ways. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0146167297234003

Question

Who are your vendors?

Answer

We appreciate these vendors were willing to accommodate our rescheduled wedding celebration. Venue: Nestldown, https://www.nestldown.com/ Caterer: Continental, https://continentalcaterer.com/ Photographer: Juniper Spring, http://juniperspringphotography.com/ DJ: Elite Entertainment, https://e3music.com/ Cake: Not Just Cheesecakes, http://www.notjustcheesecakes.com/