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April 11, 2026
Berkeley, CA
#itsaboutfntime

Jim & John-Mario

FAQs

Question

Where is the wedding? Some kind of garden?!

Answer

Okay, if you're confused, no worriez. The main ceremony on Saturday, April 11, 3pm is at the Redwood Grove Amphitheatre, which is part of and directly across the street from The UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley. The Garden is worth visiting and you'll have access to the whole collection before and after the ceremony. The Reception will be at the Albany Veterans Memorial Building, which is a 15-minute drive down the hill. The Friday welcome party is at Donkey & Goat Winery in Berkeley. Everything is within a 15-minute radius of each other. Addresses and maps can be found on the "Schedule" tab of this website.

Question

How do I get to this garden? And what about getting to the reception?

Answer

Because parking is unavailable at The Redwood Grove Amphitheatre, where the wedding ceremony will take place, United Coach Tours shuttle service has been arranged for transportation from The Graduate Hotel in Berkeley to the Redwood Grove and back and then to the Albany Veterans Memorial Hall for the reception. There is parking at the AVMH, but the shuttle service there is for anyone who would prefer NOT to drive. Everyone'll be responsible for their own transportation after the reception. Note: The shuttle seats only 56 passengers. All guests have free admission to The Berkeley Botanical Garden (across the street from The Redwood Grove), so you may enjoy the flora if you have time while waiting for the ceremony or shuttle. Here's the shuttle schedule: 2pm: departs The Graduate for The Redwood Grove 2:30pm: departs The Graduate for The Redwood Grove 4pm: departs The Redwood Grove for The Graduate 4:30pm: departs The Redwood Grove for The Graduate 5pm: departs The Graduate for Albany Veterans Memorial Hall 5:30pm: departs The Graduate for Albany Veterans Memorial Hall You may also Uber or Lyft, however, we can't guarantee their availability and response time.

Question

What's this Friday welcome party? Is it a dinner or just drinks?

Answer

On Friday, the eve of the wedding, we're hosting a welcome party at Donkey & Goat Winery, Berkeley's first winery. All guests are invited. It's a casual place to hang out. There will be good food and drink. You will be sated.

Question

What do we wear to this wedding?

Answer

The Friday night welcome party is come as you are. For Saturday, wear something that makes you feel special. The ceremony itself is in a redwood grove, but close to a road and there are pathways, so heels won't be a problem. You're probably gonna want to bring some dancing shoes for the reception.

Question

Hey, what's the exact temperature going to be on the day of the wedding? I'll need that in Fahrenheit.

Answer

Weather in the Bay Area can change on a dime -- sunny one minute, cloudy the next. April is usually a very pleasant time of year. Nights can get cool and demand a sweater. We expect it will be 67 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny at the exact moment the grooms are wed.

Question

I have a dietary restriction. How do I let you know?

Answer

No problem. If you're vegetarian, pescatarian or have a food allergy, just email Jim or John-Mario and we'll let the caterer know, so we can accommodate you.

Question

What about gifts? A registry?

Answer

We seeketh not gifts. The only gift we want is for you to come and celebrate.

Question

What can I do in my spare time in the Bay Area? I'll have excess energy.

Answer

So much! We don't even know where to begin. See nature, explore San Francisco, eat out, visit a winery in Sonoma, go to Land's End. For specific recommendations, see our "Things to Do" list.

Question

Where and when did Jim & John-Mario meet?

Answer

31 years ago at JFK airport -- the taxi line on the day after Thanksgiving 1994. A day that will live in transportation history!