FAQs
Question
Yikes, there are TWO entrances to the park??
Answer
Yes there are! Our area is at the second entrance along Branciforte Drive (going northbound from Santa Cruz proper.) See the little map above.
Question
I want to help out!!
Answer
YAY THANK YOU! We definitely need folks to help out. On the invitation there should be a box you can select, but here's the sign-up sheet anyway ^.^ https://shorturl.at/61TQM
Question
Do we have a registry?
Answer
Not in the traditional way. We're perennial renters needing to maintain a small footprint, so unless there is a particular material item you have been moved to gift to us on this occasion, we wish for you to consider the following three alternatives: -Bring something to the Potluck! While we'll be providing a giant cauldron of chili, the potluck will ideally feature appetizers, snacks, salads, sides, breads, or anything you absolutely love sharing with a group of people ^.^ -Contribute to our "Family Travel Fund" (listed in the registry) so that we might be more able to visit with people who could not make it to this event <3 -Help out at the wedding itself! We'll need volunteers for tasks both small and large, and we'll be so grateful for any time you might have to gift in this regard.
Question
What's a Potluck Wedding going to be like?
Answer
It's going to be AWESOME! Even though not everyone will want to or be able to bring something, there will be a communal space for homemade or store-bought yummies--and EVERYONE will be welcome to partake in the feast. We will ensure that there is enough to go around, so as long as folks let us know what they're planning on bringing, we will fill in any gaps. Please see the google doc for even more info! https://ggle.in/B8Q7y
Question
So I want to bring something to the potluck...?
Answer
First of all, THANK YOU!!! Secondly, great question! Please make sure you've checked the correct box on the invitation and fill out the Google Doc which should also have all the answers you need: https://ggle.in/B8Q7y
Question
What should I wear?
Answer
It's going to be *toasty* even on the coast in late August, so lightweight comfortable summer garb is advised. The redwoods and bay trees will provide shade, but the ambient temperature may be a tad bit unforgiving if we're unlucky. Style-wise, think "Rustic Faerie Picnic", or "Renaissance Faire" and do with that what you will. Honestly, if you wanted to dress in all black linen while wearing a leather vest and a flower crown, you'd be bringing awesome vibes. Have fun dressing up! For real though, consider your footwear. This is a woodsy venue, so comfy shoes that can manage the rustic terrain will help you enjoy your time at the party.
Question
When should I arrive?
Answer
Please bring your party vibes to the park sometime between 3:00pm and 3:20pm--parking is right next to where everything is happening. We'll get the show on the road at about 3:30pm.
Question
Are you guys changing your last names?
Answer
Nope! We love our names as they are ^.^ Please continue to address mail to us with our current names. Thanks!
Question
Where should I stay in town?
Answer
The Fall Quarter begins on 9/20 at UCSC, so it is potentially more expensive to find lodgings in town here than during an "off season" time of year. The farther from UCSC you look for lodgings, the more likely you are to find a deal. DeLaveaga Park is on the northern edge of Santa Cruz, but still very close to town. We recommend looking for lodgings no further East than Aptos, and unless you have a personal vehicle or particular accommodations that you have sorted for yourself, no further North than Los Gatos or somewhere close to the San Jose Diridon station (where you can pick up a bus.) If you stay on the North side of the mountains, please be prepared for a 30min-2hr drive over Hwy 17 depending on what time you enter the corridor. During a holiday weekend, traffic back-ups can range from about 20min-2hrs around 10am. Without traffic, it's a leisurely 30 min cruise through some redwoods ^.^
Question
How do I deal with traffic?
Answer
If you've already checked Google or Apple Maps apps for projected drive times based on average traffic conditions and you're still nervous, we've got you. From our Personal Experience HWY 1: Generally gets clogged going northbound from Aptos around noon. If you get stuck in a jam, take Soquel Ave starting around State Park Drive. If you stay in Monterey, anticipate a solid 45min-1.25hr drive North to Santa Cruz. HWY 17: Before 9:30am on a weekend or holiday, southbound traffic on Hwy 17 starting from Los Gatos will be minimal. You could anticipate the trip from any point in Los Gatos to midtown Santa Cruz to take about 30ish minutes. However, once the clock ticks past 9:30am, traffic predictably slows precipitously until around 10am, where traffic might get quite bad. So, we advise getting the hell out of the South Bay early and heading to Santa Cruz! It's nicer over here in the summer anyway. If you have nothing to do, you can always swing by the park to help set up ^.^
Question
So I'm in Santa Cruz....What to Eat?
Answer
Yelp is an OK guide, and Google Reviews can be rubbish. Santa Cruz locals often don't leave reviews, so take most reviews in the context that they're likely from someone from out of town or from a "foodie" environment. In the morning: Java Junction, The Bagelry, The Harbor Café, Avenue Café, The Walnut Street Café, Linda's Seabreeze Café. For lunch and dinner, we generally recommend avoiding The Buttery and Lillian's, but a few restaurants we love include Laili, Special Noodle, Tramonti, Engfer's Pizza, Seabright Deli, Shadowbrook (expensive, high quality surf & turf and *exquisite* ambience), Avanti, Taqueria La Katrina, Sala Thai, and almost everything at Abbot Square Market in Downtown. Pana' in particular has mind-blowing arepas.
Question
What Do I Do Once I'm Here?
Answer
Hopefully you get to spend a morning in the Santa Cruz area. We love it so much, and it has been our home for over ten years now. Our personal favorite non-food places to go on morning in Santa Cruz include Natural Bridges State Beach, the East Side Farmers' Market, Black's Beach, Seabright Beach, DeLaveaga Park, Pogonip Park (Spring Street entrance), The Forest of Nicene Marks State Park, The Land of the Medicine Buddha (free for hiking in the redwoods), and Lighthouse Field State Beach. We also love traveling along Highway 1 in either direction. Swanton Berry Farm and Año Nuevo State Park are North of Santa Cruz, while Monterey (and the MB Aquarium), 17 mi Drive, Carmel, and Los Lobos State Park are within a 1-2hr drive depending on traffic and how often one stops to take in the exquisite scenery. Go to the beach! Taste that salt air! Get lost in the redwoods and feel small, go tide-pooling and feel big, go on a hike! Sleep in! Have FUN!
Question
I'm driving in from out of town, but it's super far away...help?
Answer
Absolutely valid. We know that some of you will be staying in Brentwood, CA or will be coming in from Sacramento, and we cannot emphasize how important it is to leave early in order to get to the coast by 3pm-ish. The traffic on a holiday weekend is likely going to be brutal, so please take that into consideration. If you are concerned about being able to find lodgings in town and are driving in from more than an hour away, we want to make sure that there is a way for you to have a stress-free day. Please reach out to us and we will work with you to ensure that you can have the best time with us on this occasion.
Question
If I can't come, or help, or bring food, is that OK?
Answer
YAAAAASSSS!!!!!! Of course!!! Be here with us! Or get online and join us there! Go back to the "RSVP" page to find your virtual attendance option!
Question
I have lawn games, like bocce and bubbles and corn hole...should I bring them?
Answer
YEZ PLEASE! Let us know what you can offer!