Lauren + Joe were already planning a trip to Dublin in the summer of 2020 with the Ponce family. Never ones to be predictable, they decided this was the perfect time and place to say their vows.
It's up to you whether you want to come for a long weekend or a leisurely month, or anything in between. The only designated plans are on August 10th, and any additional time you spend in Ireland will be free for you to spend as you choose! Lauren + Joe will be in Dublin from August 5 to August 12 before departing to Malta.
Lauren + Joe have a better idea: They're hunting down large Airbnb options, which will save everyone a ton of money! If you would prefer to have more privacy and stay somewhere separately, the couple promises to not take it personally. They recommend finding a hotel or Airbnb in the center of the city, near Ha'Penny Bridge or the Temple Bar area.
In lieu of a traditional wedding reception, Lauren + Joe will be gallivanting around Temple Bar, which is not a single bar but an entire area that is the center of nightlife in Dublin, particularly for tourists. It is located just across the street from the wedding ceremony at the Woollen Mills. Many bars will be playing live music, including traditional Irish folk music. This is an informal event, and guests are welcome to stay with the couple for as long as they'd like ... or head back to their lodging if they're getting worn out.
As Lauren's people might say, "Yeah, sure, you betcha." Since everyone is traveling to another country anyway, Lauren + Joe saved themselves a headache of trying to reserve an event space during a busy Friday or Saturday. Plus, 8/10/2020 has a nice ring to it, no?
Lauren + Joe are incredibly appreciative that anyone would book a flight to Ireland to spend this special day with them. This is more than what they could ever expect, and you should feel no pressure to gift them anything beyond your presence in Ireland. However, if you'd like to contribute anything additional, you can visit their travel registry at https://www.travelersjoy.com/poncesmithwedding.
Because people might be staying in multiple different places, there's no realistic way to hire a shuttle bus or other car service for everyone. If you're not within walking distance, the couple recommends using Uber, taxis, or the Dublin bus service (which Lauren has taken many a time and can confirm its excellence and safety).
Yes! The couple encourages it.