FAQs

Question

Am I invited?

Answer

As of T-100 days, we are able to invite everyone back to our ceremonies, which we will celebrate outdoors! However, we will only be able to have 50% of the original seats at our reception, to leave spaces in between for COVID. We're so grateful just to be able to have our wedding this year, and with a reception. We are reaching out personally to extend re-invitations to the reception. So yes, you are invited to the ceremonies. And if you've heard from us, you're invited to the reception as well. Know that you are always invited for a visit - so if you're hankering to celebrate with us and don't need white cake for a good time, drop us a line!

Question

COVID...?

Answer

1. We are planning to get married 7/17/2021, rain or shine, COVID or no COVID. 2. Washington has very specific, enforced state law. Should cases flare unexpectedly suddenly, yes, we may have to make some serious changes to our wedding plans. Seems less and less likely that will be the case as time goes on, thankfully! 3. We will abide by county/state law, Diocesan guidelines, and health recommendations for each part of our celebration. These are all still changing with regard to spacing out guests. 4. We are thankful so, so many of our friends and family are vaccinated and know this will ensure an additional level of health safety at our wedding. Kindly please join us via video or self-test for COVID if you are unvaccinated. 5. Masks will likely be needed to be worn indoors for our celebration of 75-100. 6. Ceremonies are planned outdoors. Inclement weather plan will be for indoors. The hall has a mid-sized patio; we plan to have several table settings there for those who prefer.

Question

How long does it take to get there?

Answer

4-5 hours. - The trip from Seattle to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal is 1:45 without traffic. - If you are taking a car on the ferry, you will need to arrive 30-45 minutes in advance of the sailing time. - If you are arriving and renting a vehicle, you will take a shuttle to the rental structure, then fill out your paperwork, etc. You will need to budget a minimum of 3 hours from the time of plane landing to the time of ferry sailing. - The Bellair shuttle ride is 2:30 from pickup at SEATAC airport to arrival at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. - The ferry ride is 50-70 minutes. - The drive from the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal to Eastsound is 20 minutes.

Question

Can I make it to the wedding if I fly in Saturday, and fly out Sunday?

Answer

Probably, yes! (But you'll be exhausted.) - If you arrive Saturday morning, you can catch the 7:00am or 10:20am ferry to make the Indian Ceremonies. To be in Eastsound for them, you’d probably need to hop on a Kenmore Air flight from Seattle. But all hope is not lost! - To make the church ceremony, you’ll need to be on the 12:30 am ferry. You’d need to land in Seattle at about 7am if you are traveling via Seattle. From there, you could rent a car or catch a Bellair shuttle in plenty of time to ride the ferry. - If arriving Saturday is your only option and the timing for the ceremonies is too early, we’d love you to join the festivities at our reception! This means hopping the 3:45pm ferry - which leaves a bit more time for arrival travel. - If arriving late Friday night is an option, your trip will likely be less stressful. Consider spending the night near the airport. - One option to consider if you're on a time budget is flying wKenmore air directly to and from Seattle/Eastsound.

Question

Which airport should I fly into?

Answer

- Seattle is the best option for those looking to to fly domestic most cheaply, or explore Olympic National Park. - Vancouver, Canada is closed to non-essential travel. - Seattle is 1:45 drive time from the Anacortes ferry terminal without traffic is bound to be a bit longer in reality! Plan accordingly. - Closer regional options are Everett and Bellingham, each is just under an hour to Anacortes.

Question

How do I get there?

Answer

There are four basic options for travel to our wedding. See the TRAVEL tab for all links and details. For those without time to spare, consider the most direct option: Seaplane travel from Seattle to Eastsound with Kenmore Air. For those looking to align our big day with a family vacation: - Rent a car at your arrival airport of choice - Drive to Anacortes - Travel by car ferry to Orcas Island - Complete the 20 minute drive to Eastsound - If able, consider offering to carpool any empty seats! For those looking to leave transit to the experts, we suggest: - Bellair shuttle service from Seattle to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, $85 round trip - Ride the ferry as a walk-on passenger - Ride our van rental from the ferry to Eastsound and back with a trusted friend/family member For those looking for an empty backseat, seek out a carpool! For all, shuttle service will be provided and available in and around Eastsound for transit to and from the wedding ceremonies and reception.

Question

Ferry...?

Answer

- See the Ferry Information and Ferry Reservation sections in the TRAVEL tab for helpful links. - The ferry ride is a little over an hour. Bathrooms, a café, and occasional marine life sightings are provided - Cars + driver cost $48 round trip, passengers generally cost $15 round trip, with discounts for kids and 65+. - We recommend making your reservation before the big day. Reservation openings are tiered, so more will become available online again 2 weeks and 2 days prior to sailings. Standby is nerve-racking when flights and a wedding hang in the mix. - You will be asked to arrive 30-45 minutes prior to sailing time. - Options for arrival include Friday sailings and Saturday morning sailings. - Options for departure include late Saturday night, Sunday and beyond.

Question

Are you changing your name?

Answer

Yes. I will always carry the family name Kearin, and will be exchanging Thiel for Bhatia after the big day! Spelling hack: the second letter is still H.

Question

Are you taking a honeymoon?

Answer

Yes. Initially, we planned to honeymoon aboard the sailboat, heading up the coast of British Columbia (the Inside Passage), and sailing wherever the winds took us! Now, Canada's border is closed and we're anticipating moving within 1-2 months after the wedding. So our honeymoon may well be a 1,000 mile sail all they way down to our future home near Pt. Mugu, California!

Question

Why are you getting married on the island?

Answer

We love the island for its peace, its beauty, and its closeness to home. We are excited to be able to share our little slice of home with our closest friends and family, and to celebrate our wedding in the place that we have begun our lives together. Aman used to live just down the road from the Ferry Terminal in Anacortes and now lives aboard at the marina, and Laura lives a bit closer to Canada in Bellingham. Some of our favorite memories are on the coast or in the water on the Sound, and want to share one of the most special and romantic parts of it with those who are making the journey to Washington. We trust that if you love it half as much as we do, it'll be worth decoding the ferry schedule.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

Hopefully, sunny and 70. In July, averages are lows of 53, highs of 69, and there are two days of rain. For anyone hoping to explore more of the Pacific Northwest during their time here, keep in mind that the state is full of outdoor enthusiasts and summer is the high season both for locals and tourists - so campsites may book early and trailhead parking can fill up. Many lodgings will require multi-night bookings due to high demand. Stay flexible and you'll find there's a beautiful place and space for everyone to enjoy.

Question

What is baraat?

Answer

Baraat is a groom's wedding procession. He is accompanied by friends and family, and often musicians and dancers. He arrives at the home of the bride or their place of marriage, first to meet her family, and then to meet her!

Question

What is milni?

Answer

Milni is a ceremonial union of the families of the bride and groom.

Question

What is jaimala?

Answer

Jai mala is an exchange of flower garlands of the bride and groom. The flowers represent excitement, happiness, and beauty – all tied together on a string signifying the marital union. It signifies the start of the wedding rituals.