Q & A
Question
When do I need to RSVP by?
Answer
PLEASE RSVP BY APRIL 5th, 2025. We cannot give final information on accommodations and pricing until everyone has RSVP. Anyone who has not RSVP by April 3rd will not be able to attend the wedding.
Question
How do I book my stay?
Answer
One of the things we love most about Guemes Island Resort is that it allows us to turn our wedding into a weekend getaway for our friends and family. Everyone can stay on-site with us and fully enjoy the celebration together. We’ve covered the initial costs for all accommodations and we're working on securing the best possible rates for everyone. We’ll be coordinating sleeping arrangements to maximize our guest list and ensure an amazing weekend for all. Detailed information about your specific accommodations and costs will be provided as soon as you RSVP so you can plan and budget accordingly. In general, expect a cozy, summer camp atmosphere!
Question
When do festivities start?
Answer
We will kick off the festivities on Friday evening. Check in time is 4pm, and we plan to kick off happy hour around 6! The actual ceremony will be held on Saturday afternoon. We would love to have you join us on Friday evening as we want to capitalize on every moment we can with our favorite people!
Question
What can we expect at Guemes Island Resort?
Answer
Guemes Island Resort has 10 private acres of beachfront property with breath-taking views of the Salish Sea, Mt. Baker, and the surrounding islands. Amenities include: - One night of wood-fired hot tub - Wood- burning sauna (started up at 3:00pm, full cookin by 4:00pm daily) - Exclusive use of single and double kayaks/rowboats/paddle boards (staff can help get you on the water!) - Nightly use of fire pits (firewood provided) - Private buoys - Recreation room with: ping-pong table, foosball table, lending library, TV with DVD player (plays movies only), miscellaneous indoor games and puzzles. - Outdoor games (croquet, checkers, Bocce ball, horseshoes, etc...) - Two large propane grills, crab cooker, and covered picnic table - Gift shop/ mercantile Want to know more? Check out their website: https://www.guemesislandresort.com
Question
What will the weather be like?
Answer
Early October in the San Juan Islands can be unpredictable. You might experience everything from beautiful sunny days to heavy rain and chilly nights. For context, Guemes Island on October 4, 2023, had a high of 60°F and a low of 53°F. Generally, October temperatures are from 48°F to 57°F. Local guests, please bring a blanket and umbrella. We'll have a tent and heaters, but we would like you to be as cozy as possible. For our out-of-town guests, we will provide blankets and umbrellas.
Question
What do I need to pack?
Answer
Given that this is an October wedding in the PNW, you can expect the weather to be unpredictable. Here’s a handy packing list to help you prepare: Friday Evening: Cozy layers for comfort and warmth A prepared speech or some thoughts if you’d like to speak during our open mic at the BBQ Pajamas and personal toiletries Saturday: Swimsuit Cocktail attire for the ceremony (check the "What Should I Wear" FAQ for ideas) Overcoat for warmth Essentials for getting glammed up Dancing outfit (optional) Sunday: Athleisure for a hike if you’re joining us Travel attire Water bottle For Warmth & Rain: Rain jacket Warm/water proof shoes you are comfortable in Warm outerwear: puffy jacket, fleece jacket, gloves, hat, etc
Question
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Answer
Guemes Island Resort is an assortment of little cabins and yurts. While there are several bigger cabins, there is no indoor venue space. All of our events will take place outside or under a rented tent with space heaters. This includes our ceremony, catered meal, dance floor, etc.. Come prepared for a weekend of outdoor fun with lots of layers!
Question
Are children allowed?
Answer
As much as we love your children this is an adults only event unless noted on your invite.
Question
What can we expect for provided food?
Answer
Friday Evening: Join us for a classic backyard picnic with hot dogs, burgers, salad, and chips. Saturday & Sunday Mornings: We’ll stock the two largest houses as communal kitchens with yogurt, granola, fruit, bagels, cream cheese, lox, eggs, coffee, and tea. Saturday Evening: Enjoy a cocktail hour with chips and salsa, followed by a catered Taco Bar by Island Girls Catering. Please plan ahead for lunch on Saturday! You can either make a brunch out of the provided breakfast, visit the general store, or bring your own lunch. Guemes Island has one small general store/restaurant about 10 minutes from the resort, with no other shops or dining options on the island. Be sure to plan for any special dietary needs in advance!
Question
Will there be an open bar?
Answer
We will have beer & wine available on Friday night and beer, wine, & two signature cocktails on Saturday! Feel free to bring your own if you have strong opinions!
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
We are intentionally having a small, intimate wedding with only our closest family and friends. We are also limited by the number of cabins and beds. While we have lot of love for many people we are physically limited! Please respect the tough decisions we have made about our guest list.
Question
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
Answer
During the ceremony we kindly ask that you keep your phones off unless you've been specifically asked to capture photos. We hired a lovely photographer and will have lots of beautiful photos! Outside of that please snap away! We'd love to see our wedding weekend through your lens. Please take photos and videos of you and your loved ones. Add your photos to this Google Photos album:
Question
How can I help the couple have the best time during their wedding day?
Answer
Be present and soak in the whole weekend with us! Capitalize on this forced quality time with your loved ones. If you really wanna be my favorite guest, join us for all adventures, actives, and get that bootie moving on the dance floor! <3
Question
Will last names be changing after the wedding?
Answer
Yes! While Ivy has been ranting about feminism and not conforming to the patriarchy for years, Ivy Bailey is just too cute of a name to pass up ;) Let us introduce you to Mrs. Ivy Hemingway Mitman Bailey!
Question
Will there be WIFI and cell service at the venue?
Answer
While there will be both we do strongly encourage taking this time to unplug and live in the moment with us! The internet will still be there after the weekend!
Question
Whom should I call with questions?
Answer
Before wedding: Drew or Ivy During wedding: Drew or day of coordinator (TBD)
Question
Who took your engagement photos?
Answer
Lisa O'Day or LOphotography and she far exceeded all expectations. Sunset, moonrise, pizza, and swim. She created MAGIC!