FAQs

Question

Can we bring a gift?

Answer

We will not be accepting any physical gifts as we live overseas and cannot travel back with bulky presents! Please check the 'Registry' link on this webpage for suggestions on gifts. We will have a card box available at the wedding!

Question

What is OVY Camp?

Answer

OVY, or Optimist Volunteers for Youths is a non-profit summer camp program for youth entering 5th-9th grade. We chose this venue because 100% of the proceeds from our wedding rental go towards sending young children to camp at an affordable rate for them. Steve and I both value and believe in the importance of young children having a camp experience, such as hiking, arts and crafts, swimming, cooking, games, beach day, and archery, as well as the opportunity to make new friends. Allowing youth to connect with community and nature, as well as access this type of experience regardless of their economic background, is so important to us! If you'd like, you can also make a tax-deductable donation or sponsor a camper here: https://www.ovycamp.org/take-action

Question

If I'm planning to stay at the camp, when can I check in?

Answer

You can check in any time from 4pm on Friday, 1st September, 2023. If you are arriving on Saturday, please check in prior to 2:00pm for camping or cabin guests. Please see the welcome table in Schied Hall if you will be staying with us on-site.

Question

What are the cabins like?

Answer

They are very rustic! Remember, this is designed as a kids summer camp ;) There are 12 cabins on site, with 8 single beds in each. The beds have mattresses but guests will need to bring their own bedding. The cabins do not come with bedding, electricity, or bathrooms. There are 8 communal bathrooms just outside the cabins, which will be supplied with power strips and mirrors.  There are showers located in the pool area, and restrooms are located in the cabin areas as well as at the pool. Please note that similar to the rest of the summer camp, these are not glamorous. Be sure to pack a towel; a pair of flip-flops might not be a bad idea either. You can view cabin details here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hHcyYJMZjSUKKX56Uon2DW4R67k4HXJh/view?usp=sharing

Question

Are kids invited?

Answer

We love your kids - we really do! So many of our friends and family have had children over the years we've been away who we would love to meet. However, we want our wedding weekend to be your time off to relax and celebrate! If you cannot make accommodations, please note we will not have an onsite babysitter, so plan accordingly for their special snacks, supervision, and overall needs. This is an outdoor venue with rivers, hills, and forest, and does not have lit paths in the evening. Please make sure to specify how many children you will be bringing, their ages, and how many events/days they will be attending in your RSVP or personally to Caitlin and Steve.

Question

Will there be power for charging/getting ready?

Answer

Yes! There are power outlets in the main hall (Shied Hall), and we will provide mirrors and power strips near the bathrooms in the Cabin area.

Question

What is the best airport to fly into?

Answer

For guests who will be flying, SFO and SJC are almost equally distanced from the location (~45-minutes - 1-hour drive). There will be plenty of parking on-site if you are planning to rent a car.

Question

Will there be parking at OVY Camp?

Answer

Yes! There will be parking on site for anyone staying for the weekend or just coming to the Saturday events! Parking is available near the cabins for anyone who need to unload their gear for the weekend.

Question

What about hotel guests? Is there a recommended hotel? Will there be a shuttle service?

Answer

The recommended hotels, along with discount links, are listed on the 'Travel' page of this website. A shuttle service will be provided on Saturday for pick-up and drop-off at the two recommended hotels (Half Moon Bay Lodge and Quality Inn Half Moon Bay).

Question

Can I use Uber/Lyft to and from the venue?

Answer

There is Uber/Lyft service in the area, but it’s pretty limited so we wouldn’t bank on this.

Question

Is there Wifi and cell reception at OVY?

Answer

There is Wifi at OVY camp located at the lodge (Schied Hall). We will provide information about that at the welcome table upon arrival.  Overall cellphone reception can be spotty on the property. Verizon and AT&T seem to have the best cell reception so please plan accordingly if you plan to uber after the party!

Question

Can I bring my pet?

Answer

As much as we love your furry friends, OVY camp is not a pet friendly venue. Please keep your pups at home!

Question

What is there to do in the area?

Answer

The property itself contains 100 acres to explore with hiking trails! Check out the incredible Redwoods! You can see these on site, as well as the nearby Heritage Grove trail.  San Gregorio State beach is located only a 15 minute drive at the base of La Honda Blvd at Hwy 1.  There is an epic General Store located a 6 minute drive down La Honda Blvd towards the ocean that has a bar, coffee, tons of amazing trinkets, and occasionally live music!  Apple Jack’s Saloon in La Honda is a local favorite spot! Built in the 1870s, this biker bar was recently named among the top 32 dive bars in the country (#12).  You can get anything you want at Alice’s Restaurant! Located in nearby Woodside, CA and a great place for a bite to eat or a beer.  Visit Half Moon Bay or Santa Cruz - both are beautiful coastal towns with lots to see, eat, and drink!

Question

What meals will be served during the weekend?

Answer

In addition to having cocktail appetizers and dinner at the wedding, we will have a casual welcome bbq on Friday evening around 6 pm. There will also be coffee, tea and breakfast bites at the lodge on Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning for those staying on-site or who would like to come back Monday to say goodbye to the bride and groom.  For any meals outside of these, there are wonderful restaurants and markets in downtown Half Moon Bay (located about 20 minutes from OVY Camp) and the surrounding areas. For those staying on-site you are welcome to bring a cooler for snacks or beverages, and camp stoves to make your own meals. Please note only beer & wine can be self served at OVY Camp.