Wow, you guys are super hilarious. We figured that the longer it took us to get married, the more of you would show up just to see it finally happen. Clearly we are very smart.
Actually, no. To further answer the previous question, we had/and still and no clue what we wanted to do for our wedding, other than capitalize on an excuse to see everyone we love. So ultimately everything you will see and experience are the collaborations of our super talented friends and family. If you were not involved, we swear it's not because we don't think that you are super talented! All that we know is that we just want to have as many fun experiences with everyone that's helped us to get to where we are now as possible. You helped us to become the people we are as individuals, and the couple we've become, and we just want to celebrate and thank you!
Syracuse and Ithaca are the best airports. Delta and United seem to be the cheapest flights, with some Jet Blue sprinkled in. JFK and Detroit are the most common connectors, but there are direct flights added all the time. Closest airport for Southwest is Rochester. If you fly into Rochester, we will likely make you pick up some stuff, so keep that in mind. There are rental car companies at both hotels, but please let us know if you're flying and dont care about having a car for your trip - we can help! Uber is active in the Finger Lakes now, so that's always an option throughout your stay. Keep in mind that we're rural, so pick up times may be more than you're used to.
You don't have to bring your kids, but we don't get to see them near as much as you do, so we'd love to share this with your whole family. For some reason we really like all of your kids. At this point at least, we think we can say that even without any exceptions! We get it if you want some time away, so just bring them to see us some other time. OR bring them & we will have babysitters available for the reception evening. Keep us posted if you'd be interested in any kid-watching so we can plan appropriately. At the BBQ there will be plenty of kids around of all ages, so you should be able to take a breather without a literal babysitter. Depending on the RSVP's, we are guessing there will be some NSFW moments. These are expected & encouraged. We'll do our best to shield the future generation, but let's be clear. We know your kids have all seen it before. Guests sans kids - dont hold back. It will be fine. Adults needing a sitter - Beware. We will take pictures & post publicly.
We would strongly encourage staying in Aurora for at least the 3rd, and hopefully the 2nd and 4th too. It's central to alot of things, and will be fun to have as many people in one place as possible. We have several whole houses, and rooms at the Inns of Aurora on hold. Let us know if you have a group looking for a house, or if you'd prefer to have a hotel room. You've gotta let us know what you want before you book, since Heather is a complete control freak. Yes, we know it looks like everything is already booked. It's because we are holding them for Heather to micro manage. For now, at least. Tom can give you coping tips to deal with it If you want to stay in a branded hotel, our recommendations in Auburn are the Hilton Garden Inn or Holiday Inn. In Ithaca, staying downtown will be more fun, but also more expensive - so it's up to you! Heather is not micromanaging those bookings, so feel free to move forth. Just keep us posted with where you are so we can help with transportation!
If you're making a longer trek through the area, we can help with some ideas. If we are talking about just the "main events," just make sure you have dancin' shoes (at least to change into), a bathing suit and towel, and an open mind. If you have them, shoes to wear in the lake are encouraged. We will have some, but bug spray and sunscreen are never a bad thing to have. If you have any local beverages or delicacies that you would like to share, we are not going to hate that. We also wouldn't hate it if you brought any fun games. Or embarrassing photos of Tom, Heather, or anyone in attendance.
If you're staying in Aurora, please park at the property that you're staying in. Otherwise, there is a lot just south of the Aurora Inn, and unrestricted street parking throughout the village. For the BBQ there will be parking before turning onto Lower Lake Rd. Check back closer to the date, but look out for signs. RV parking is available in Aurora and Cayuga.
Everything is outside. In July. Without air conditioning. There is a lot of grass to walk through. Everywhere. For the ceremony & reception, we would prefer you avoid jorts and concert tees, but you won't be turned away. Heather will be wearing a dress and Tom will be wearing a suit. It would be great if you felt good enough about your wardrobe to be photographed with us. Taking that, and the above facts, in mind - wear what makes you feel great and ready to have fun! For the BBQ, jorts and concert T's are encouraged. Americana apparel would also be welcome. Maybe there will even be a contest, who knows. Tom likely wont wear anything cut off, but Heather might, so anything goes. And bathing suits are encouraged as well.