FAQs
Question
What is "Pacific Northwest Formal"?
Answer
Think relaxed cocktail, or functional semiformal. For women, medium or long dresses would work, but feel free to dress down with nice Birkenstocks if that's what you're comfortable with. Avoid high heels that will sink into the grass. For men, you can't go wrong with a suit or a sports coat.
Question
Should I rent a car?
Answer
If you're flying in from out of town, we would recommend it. The island doesn't have Uber, Lyft or much transit, so driving a personal vehicle is the primary way to get around, especially if you're staying offsite or wish to explore the island, we encourage renting a car. There will be a shuttle service provided by Laura's parents, but renting a car will provide much more independence and reliability. To get from the airport to our wedding venue by car, you can either drive to downtown Seattle's ferry terminal and take a ferry to the island (approx. 90 minutes to 2 hours door to door), or drive around southern Puget Sound and take the Agate Pass Bridge onto the island (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes door to door). If you prefer to avoid renting a car, the light rail leaves directly from the airport and is $3 for adults and free for children. You'll get off at the Pioneer Square stop and walk about 8 minutes to the Seattle ferry terminal. Then once you get to the island, there are taxi and shuttle services available at Bainbridge ferry terminal.
Question
Is there transportation from the ferry terminal to IslandWood?
Answer
Yes. Laura's parents so kindly are providing a shuttle service that will make stops at the ferry terminal, downtown Winslow, offsite hotels and IslandWood. The bus will run from 2 to 10 pm May 29, 7:30 am to 1 pm May 30, 4 pm to 10 pm May 30, and 7:30 am to noon May 31.
Question
What's the deal with the ferry?
Answer
The Washington State Ferry system has continuous sailings back and forth between Bainbridge Island and Downtown Seattle - 23 sailings in each direction per day. The boats can accommodate cars, bikes, and walk-on passengers, but our venue is too far from the terminal to walk. To drive onto the Ferry, drive west on S Jackson Street in downtown Seattle until you reach Alaskan Way. Turn right and get over to the left lane. From there, you'll be able to turn left into the ferry waiting zone. Driving on costs $18.65 for one vehicle and one driver, plus an extra $10.25 per adult passenger (kids sail for free). Seattle residents can pay using their ORCA cards without needing to visit the ticket counter. When arriving at the Seattle terminal, follow signs for Bainbridge and not Bremerton. Each sailing is 35 minutes. The ride provides views of Puget Sound and the city of Seattle. While on the ferry, explore the upper decks, where there are fore and aft decks for sightseeing. The Bainbridge ferry terminal puts you right in downtown Winslow, a big tourist area on the island. Within 10-15 minutes walking distance are restaurants, cafes, shops, and an art museum. Here is the ferry schedule: https://wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/scheduledetail.aspx?departingterm=7&arrivingterm=3&roundtrip=true
Question
Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?
Answer
There sure is!
Question
Are my kids welcome?
Answer
Yes! We love you and we love your kids. Thre will be more than enough beds in your room, and IslandWood is an awesome outdoor site for kids to explore. However, if you're looking for an excuse to have a parents' weekend away, this could be it. We will be dancing and hanging out late into the night, which may be easier to enjoy without a child.
Question
Are you registered? Where?
Answer
No gifts are necessary, but we are registered on this website - please see the "registry" link above.
Question
Are there any other events that I should know about around the wedding?
Answer
Please see the "schedule" link above for more information.
Question
How rustic are the rooms at IslandWood?
Answer
They are cozy and fully furnished, with nice linens. They have indoor plumbing and modern heating and cooling. However, there are no TVs, hairdriers, or mini-fridges. There is one ironing board per lodging building, too, and we will provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for all. Showers also come with hot water :)
Question
Is there wifi and cell service?
Answer
Yes, all buildings have wifi, and Sprint and Verizon cell phone coverage is good throughout the grounds. Other providers may be a bit spotty.
Question
Is the venue ADA accessible?
Answer
ADA rooms are available. Please let us know in the RSVP form if you need one. All of IslandWood's trails are accessible by wheelchair, while some additional rugged or narrow trails can be accessed by using an all-terrain wheelchair, which IslandWood can provide. Additionally, IslandWood abides by a fragrance-free policy and asks that guests refrain from using perfume, essential oils, and other scented/fragranced products.
Question
What is the alcohol situation?
Answer
IslandWood is licensed to serve beer, wine and limited cocktails, and we're excited to enjoy them with you! The venue prohibits drugs and outside alcohol, so we may face a fine if staff find evidence of outside contraband.
Question
How do I book my room?
Answer
Please fill out the RSVP form, and we'll take it from there. Accommodations at IslandWood are provided for the weekend.
Question
Must I stay at IslandWood if I want to attend?
Answer
No, you are certainly welcome to find other accommodations if that is what you prefer.
