Mary Margaret Hall
Shanon Baker
Mary Margaret Hall
Shanon Baker
October 6, 2024
The History of Us.
How We Met
We had a mutual friend. Instagram brought the algorithm. She sent a follow request and he slid into her DMs. ;)
Join us in Italy
Travel Note
⚠️ How to get a passport
Don't wait until the last minute. Passports can be slow to arrive, but the application process is very straight forward. Ask about it at your local post office.
Flight
I'm only coming for the wedding - Fly to Naples, Italy
You'll want to book a flight to Naples, Italy and take public transit or an airport transfer service from there to Sorrento. There is even a ferry (though ferry is prone to cancellation due to rough seas.) Whether you choose a transfer service or public transit, the ride is about 1 hour. The train is easy if you're an experienced traveler, however, an airport transfer is much easier but will cost about 100 Euros. Your hotel can easily arrange this for you. If you choose to take the train, get off the train in downtown Sorrento. The walk is easy and there are more transit options. We recommend the website provided for the best deals. If you prefer a car, please see the rental car section.
Flight
I want to explore more! Fly to Rome, Italy
The best way to go about this is to fly in and out of Rome. Rome is a very friendly city and you should give yourself an extra 3 days on the front end to explore and a day on the back for travel. Europe is full of amazing public transit! There is a clean, comfortable and efficient train that runs from Roma Termini to Sorrento and back. We recommend the website below for the best deals on flights and hotels.
Travel Note
Where will I stay while I’m there? [FULL] Hotel Florida, Sorrento! [FULL] Hostel still available!
UPDATE: Hostel at Hotel Florida still available. This is the only option at the Hotel Florida. Please see the link. Several of our guests are using this option. [FULL] We worked with a local hotel to reserve a block of rooms. You can reserve your room anytime! The discount code is SMWED and although it's a small discount, this 4-star hotel is not expensive. The hotel offers a bar, a pool and is a 2 minute walk to the wedding venue and a 15 minute walk to Sorrento city center! We think it's an optimal location. Hotel Florida is a full service hotel and can help you handle all your logistics including airport transfers via car. Additionally, it is our intention to match attendees who wish to share a room or rental car (for cost savings). This is coming. Sit tight for more.
Rental Car
Should I rent a car?
You don't need a car in Rome as it is very walkable, but a scooter rental for a day is fun (please be able to ride a scooter, it's not as easy as you may think!) Once you leave Rome, renting a car from any airport in Italy is very straight forward and navigating the road system is easy. Renting a car is a great option and gives you flexibility, however, you may be surprised that most rentals have a manual transmission and the hills can be quite steep! Skip the upgraded SUV, get a tiny car. The roads are narrow and have lots of scooters and motorcycles.
Travel Note
Must Read - Travel Pro Tips
Please watch the video links that we provided in the "Explore" section and read below. Bring cash. While most of Europe runs on digital transactions, the Italians still prefer cash. Restaurants are not fast and you'll have to ask for your check. Don't be a typical American and expect everything "right now" as the vibe is much more leisurely. Call your cell phone company and get a travel plan for the days that you'll be in Italy. Get WhatsApp. The world outside the US runs on WhatsApp. It’s fast, stable and much more reliable on a variety of internet connections. Get an app called GPSMyCity. This app will be your tour guide and it will help you find out what to see, where to go, and what to do while you're exploring! Download it and pay the $13 for the premium version. Download the packs ahead of time (on wifi) and use them off-line. Get the Google Translator app and download the Italian language pack for off-line use. This way you can ensure easy communications with the locals and you can read signs, menus and everything else. Google Maps and Apple Maps work all over the world and both apps can guide you through public transit as well as basic directions, you can download them off-line but the on-line versions are much more robust. If you're going to see historical sites, please understand that some require conservative dress. Sorrento is on the ocean, there are mosquitos. Bring bug spray or buy it at the Farmacia.
Events
Friday, October 4, 2024
Pompeii for the Day!
7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Vicolo del Panettiere, Pompei, Campania 80045, Italy
Walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
Travel by train to the ruins of Pompeii and spend the day exploring this amazing UNESCO site. Round trip train tickets voucher and entry provided.
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Lunch with S&M
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
35 Via Luigi de Maio, Sorrento, Campania 80067, Italy
Feel cute and comfortable! Think nice linens, daytime, walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
A pizza and salad buffet will be available. The restaurant has a beautiful view of the Mediterranean and is right near Sorrento's town square. We HIGHLY encourage you to use the rest of your afternoon exploring this beautiful little town we fell in love with.
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Wedding and Reception
Sun, Oct 6, 2024, 4:00 pm - Mon, Oct 7, 2024, 12:00 am
22 Via Bernardino Rota, Sorrento, Campania 80067, Italy
Please read the FAQ for additional guidance.
Celebrating our union: The ceremony will be held at 4:30pm SHARP and is followed by aperitif and wine then a full dinner. The reception will take place after dinner and will run until midnight. The attire is in the FAQ and you can learn more about the venue in the "Explore" section.
RSVP
Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.
Wedding Party
FAQs
Question
How should I dress for the wedding?
Answer
The image above is a beautiful sunset over Sorrento, Italy. We'd like to ask that you draw inspiration from this photo for the color of your attire. Since you're all in our wedding party, we think it would be brilliant to embody the feel of the landscape that surrounds Sorrento. You have lots of choices of colors, but as far as style? Please be yourself! We encourage you to be extra, fabulous, or extra and fabulous! Look amazing, express yourself in your truest form. As a general guideline, fancy cocktail attire is preferred.
Question
Is there anything I shouldn’t wear?
Answer
We are kindly asking you to not wear pink. We love color so please try to avoid black as well. Also, please, no jeans, no running shoes, no t-shirts, no PJs, and no flip-flops. Thank you!
Question
Do I have to attend all the events?
Answer
You must attend the wedding if you come to Italy, but the other events are our gift to you.
Question
May I bring my children or guests?
Answer
All events at our wedding are child-free and the events are exclusively provided for the person or persons on the invitation.
Question
Celebrate with us! Please be respectful…
Answer
As this year is an election year and the US is politically heated, we ask kindly that you refrain from political discussion and celebrate our special event with us and without political debate.
Giving Registry
Trevor Project
Freedom from Religion Foundation
NAACP
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
ASPCA
Human Rights Campaign Foundation
American Civil Liberties Union
Southern Poverty Law Center
Explore
Villa of Ancient Walls - Take a closer look at our wedding venue!
We chose this venue because it offers a stunning backdrop, Italian flair, and is simply beautiful.
Know before you go - How to travel in Italy (Video)
Know before you go - Sorrento (Video)
This is the city where the wedding is held. Its gorgeous. Find an authentic restaurant over-looking the Mediterranean, get a Limoncello spritzer and enjoy the most glorious sunset you've ever seen.
Sorrento Attraction - Explore the Bagni di Regina Giovanna
Stroll through the olive groves, down the long hill that takes you to the scenic and archaeological ruins of a 2000+ year old ancient Roman villa. The site is truly unique and offers coastal views, a grotto and a secluded beach for sun bathing, cliff jumping and swimming. The water is cold, the rocks can be sharp, but you won't regret it! We promise.
Know before you go - Pompeii (Video)
Bring your walking shoes and a sense of curiousity because Pompeii speaks for itself. Please see the events sections for additional details and how to RSVP.
Learn about Rome (Video)
Grab a take away prosecco and find the cat sanctuary among ancient ruins where Julius Caesar was killed! (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/torre-argentina-roman-cat-sanctuary) If you decide to explore Rome, you should, watch this video. Rome has a VERY rich history and you could spend a few weeks there if you wanted to see everything but you can hit the highlights in 3 days.
Learn About Naples (Video)
Learn about Positano (Video)
Although we aren't hosting events in Positano, you should visit this amazing gem of a town. Be ready to climb a lot of stairs!
Learn about Capri - Capri (Video)
Capri is considered a travelers gem, however, be aware that to see this island you'll need a ferry ticket and a means to get around. There are many island tours available, renting a scooter is also an option, but you'll need transport to see this island. Renting a scooter is a great idea, but it's harder than you think. Please be a somewhat experienced rider.