FAQs
Question
Where are the ceremony and reception taking place?
Answer
Both the ceremony and the reception are being held at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort located at 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado, CA 92118. The resort’s phone number is (866) 238-4218. The ceremony will start at The Pointe at 5:30 p.m. Guests will be able to enter the ceremony space as early as 5:00 p.m. The Cocktail Hour will be hosted immediately following the ceremony in the Nectar Garden and the reception will be held in the Avalon Ballroom. All locations are within the Loews property and are a short walk from each other.
Question
How do I RSVP for the wedding?
Answer
It is important to have an accurate count so PLEASE RSVP on the RSVP tab of this website by April 12, 2024.
Question
What should I do if I cannot make it to the wedding? What if my plans change?
Answer
You will be missed! If you cannot come to the wedding, please let us know as soon as possible and RSVP accordingly on the RSVP tab on this website. For last minute cancellations, please call Jaqi directly.
Question
Do we need to wear a mask? Is the gathering dangerous for Jaqi?
Answer
As cases of COVID-19 rise and fall, it is suggested that you do what you feel is appropriate for your health. However, please recall that the bride has had a kidney transplant, and she is on immune suppressant drugs. It will be very dangerous for her to come in contact with anyone who is feeling ill or has exhibited symptoms of even a cold. Jaqi and Josh are excited about their big day and want to see you, but if you are ill or there is a chance that you might be contagious, please stay home and send well wishes from afar.
Question
How do I get to the wedding venue?
Answer
Loews Coronado Bay Resort is located on the Coronado peninsula in the San Diego area. It is off of Silver Strand Blvd and accessible from the San Diego Coronado Bridge in the north or the Imperial Beach area in the south. It is probably best to “Google” directions from your specific starting point.
Question
Will the ceremony and reception be indoors or outdoors? What should I wear?
Answer
Please take into consideration that this is an evening wedding and semi-formal attire is appropriate. The ceremony and cocktail reception areas are outside in grassy areas of the venue, and it is recommended to take this into consideration when selecting footwear and outerwear. The reception will be held indoors overlooking the beautiful San Diego Bay.
Question
What is the reception menu. Will there be any vegetarian/gluten free diet options? How do I tell you my dinner selection?
Answer
There are three entree menu options to choose from for dinner: braised beef short rib, roasted chicken, and cheese ravioli in a white cream sauce. We are told that all options are gluten free. The ravioli option is a vegetarian option. When you RSVP that you will be in attendance at the wedding, you will be asked to select your menu preference. Children who are included in the invitation may select the kids meal option.
Question
What if I have trouble walking from the lobby to the ceremony or reception location?
Answer
The ceremony location is an easy five-minute walk, along a sidewalk, from the resort lobby to the water’s edge. For guests who need assistance, a shuttle can be requested from the valet in front of the lobby area.
Question
What time should I arrive?
Answer
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Guests should plan to arrive at the resort in time to park and walk to the ceremony location, which is located at The Pointe, about a five-minute walk from the resort lobby. Guests will be admitted to the ceremony area at 5:00 p.m.
Question
Where should guests park? Is there a fee?
Answer
Guests are to drive into the Coronado Bay Resort property through the resort entrance and drive to the lobby area where staff will direct you. Guests staying at the Loews Resort will pay for parking with their room. Guests not staying on the property will be required to valet park for a fee of $20.
Question
What happens after the ceremony? What time is the reception scheduled to end?
Answer
Following the ceremony, the bridal party will take pictures. Guests are asked to proceed up the driveway to the Nectar Garden for the cocktail hour (a short, 1-2 minute walk from the ceremony area). Hors d’oeuvers and an open bar await in the Nectar Garden as well as lawn games and a beautiful view of the San Diego Bay. Guests are welcome to explore and enjoy the venue views. At approximately 7:00 pm guests will be invited to proceed to the Avalon Ballroom for dinner (approximately a 5 minute walk back to the resort lobby atop the lobby grand stairway). Dinner seating assignments can be found in the foyer of the Avalon Ballroom. Once the bride and groom enter the ballroom dinner will be served. The Bride and Groom plan to exit the venue at approximately 10:00 p.m. Guests are asked to assemble along lobby grand stairway for a special exit of the bride and groom.
Question
What is the expected weather this time of year?
Answer
Weather in Coronado in May is generally mildly cool with daytime temperatures in the high 60’s and nighttime lows in the high 50’s. The sun will set at 7:44 pm well after the ceremony and cocktail hour have concluded.
Question
What if it rains?
Answer
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be relocated on the Loews property and guests will be notified by the Loews staff at the resort check-in area.
Question
When is the RSVP deadline?
Answer
We are excited for this special day and hope that you will be able to join us! We request that you respond online by April 12, 2024 to let us know we can look forward to seeing you.
Question
Will there be an open bar?
Answer
An open bar will be available during the cocktail hour. During dinner wine will also be served.. Additionally, a cash bar will be available throughout the reception. Apple cider will be available for the Champagne toast and sodas can be purchased during dinner at the cash bar.
Question
Can I take and post pictures of the wedding on social media?
Answer
The bride and groom request that only the professional photographers take photos during the ceremony. We will share photos soon after the wedding on the photo share website However, guests are welcome to take pictures during the cocktail hour and reception and post them to social media. The Bride and Groom would like copies of your candid photos. Upload them to the photo share site. The link to the site will be available on the hightop tables at cocktail hour and in the ballroom. When posting any photos to social media please use the hashtag #idoduarte
Question
Can we bring pets?
Answer
The resort does not permit pets in the ballroom. Please leave pets at home.
Question
Does the wedding have a theme?
Answer
The wedding does not have a theme. Coincidently, the date of the wedding is special to Star Wars fans, however, the bride and groom request that guests not introduce these elements into their special day.
Question
Do you have a hotel block for guests?
Answer
The Coronado Bay Resort is a lovely resort. There are a limited number of rooms in a block for guests to reserve for the weekend of the wedding. To reserve a room in the block please call the hotel at (619) 424-4000 (and request the Gibson/Duarte wedding block). Check–in at the hotel is at 4:00 p.m. You can request an early check-in but this cannot be guaranteed. We suggest you arrive at the front desk a little early to get into your room as soon as possible. The wedding ceremony will be held on The Pointe which is on the water at the far end of the Loews property. (Guests may enter this area at 5:00 p.m.) Check-out is at noon. Rooms with the resort view are $249 a night with a discounted resort fee of $10. With tax, the room final cost is $291.25. There will also be a discounted parking rate. Rooms with a partial bay view are $279 a night with a discounted resort fee of $10. With tax, the room final cost is $325.01.
Question
Do you have any recommendations for local restaurants, points of interest, or things to do?
Answer
San Diego is a vast and beautiful area. To find activities and eateries to suit your tastes and timeline it is best to refer to Google. Traffic to San Diego is often heavy midday on Saturdays and we have noticed that the time required to get from the LA area to San Diego often increases while on the road. We want to see you so please allow plenty of time to arrive. Coronado is a peninsula and may require additional time to get to. If you arrive early and have time to explore, the Coronado Bay Resort has lovely grounds and views as well as a restaurant and bar.
Question
Where are you registered?
Answer
Jaqi and Josh are registered in Zola, Target and Amazon. For ease in finding the couple’s registration, refer to the Registry tab on this website.
Question
Can wedding gifts be mailed to you?
Answer
First, thank you for your generosity. Gift can be mailed to “The Duartes” at 190 Calle Isabel, San Marcos, CA 92069
Question
May I take a centerpiece/candle/flowers home as a souvenir?
Answer
At the end of the evening the DJ will announce how the centerpiece flowers will be distributed.