1. Where do I fly in?
A: Seatac Airport, Seattle WA. It is about a 2hr drive from the airport to Mount Rainier. You can also fly into Portland, OR. Its only about thirty minutes farther. I recommend either going to mapquest or taking a look at a map before you decide.
2. What should I wear?
A: WEDDING -- The girls in the wedding party will be wearing sundresses and the boys will be wearing khakis and a long sleeve shirt and tie. Please wear whatever you are comfortable wearing. I believe there will be a wide spectrum from more formal to more casual, but everything goes. We will be outside for most of the day and so sundresses and sandals are very appropriate. You can see from the picture that the ground of the amphitheater where the wedding ceremony will be held is gravel. So heels are fine, they won't sink into grass, but walking on gravel may be tricky. It's up to you. I will either wear sandals, barefoot, or cowboy boots, I haven't decided. Shorts or jeans are fine too!
A: REHEARSAL DINNER -- We are having a barbeque outside in Ashford, WA at Rainier Basecamp. Jeans, shorts, dresses, anything goes! It's a BBQ. I will probably wear a casual and comfortable dress with sandals. But there is a climbing wall and a bouldering rock, and a big field for frisbees, kids and dogs, so if you want to play, bring something to play in. I will probably have shorts just in case I need them.
A: THE WEATHER -- August is the nicest time of year in Washington, but it can still be cold. Especially at the highest point in the park, Paradise. There may still be snow in Paradise, if not, it will be an easy hike to play in the snow. So bring enough clothes in case it gets cold. If everything goes as planned it will be in the 80's.
3. Is Billy really a male model?
A: Yes, e has graced pages 77/78 of the winter 2006 LL Bean catalog and was very close to doing some other, alternative modeling gigs. TAG
4. Can we bring kids?
A: Yes of course!
5. Do we pay an entrance fee to get into the park?
A: If you are just coming into the park the day of the wedding, you do not need to pay an entrance fee. Tell the rangers at the entrance that you are with the Uberuaga wedding. If you are staying in the park, and will be there for more than just the wedding and reception, you will have to pay an entrance fee.
6. Is there transportation for us in the park from the Inn to wedding and reception?
A: We are still working out the details. We will have something to transport people around in the park the day of the wedding.
7. Which groomsman would win in a wrestling match?
A: TBD
8. Is there a wedding registry?
A: Yes. We registered at a bunch of different places. We hope this makes it easier for everyone.
Ashford Creek Pottery - 360-569-1000
We did something a bit different and registered for our plates, bowls, etc. with a local potter in Ashford, Rick and Jana. They are family friends and wonderful artists. We have set up a wish list with them and so you can give them a call. You can call them at the studio at 360-569-2933 or at the gallery at 360-569-1000. They are going to make all of the pottery for us after the wedding, so you probably won't be able to buy a piece, unless they happen to have it in stock in the gallery. So the simplest thing is to call and order a gift certificate.
REI www.rei.com
We also registered for knives and other houseware items at: Macys, Williams and Sonoma, & Crate and Barrel. I think if you go to any of those stores or go on-line they will have our registries available.
9. Are we going to have cake or smores?
A: Both
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Sunday, December 9, 2007
The Wedding Party
Here are the people that have made us the who we are today and will stand by us on our wedding and for the rest of our lives together.
Dave Uberuaga, Father of the bride
Eatonville, WA
He's the best dad in the whole world. I still look forward to going home and playing with my dad, and he is always down for anything. He has supported me in everything I have done and I am eternally grateful for his love, friendship and support. He has taught me how to live a life full of love and happiness.
Barbara Uberuaga, Mother of the bride
Eatonville, WA
Mom designed and made all of the invitations by hand. She is amazing, in so many ways. She has the best calming presence so that I always want to be hanging out with her. She will probably always beat me at crossword puzzles, and I am ok with that. It's been so fun planning a wedding together, I have an excuse to call my mom everyday. (and really it is her and dad that have done all the planning)
Andy Raia, Groomsman and cousin
Chicago, IL
No, this is not MIke Ditka and his twin brother Ike Ditka. It's Billy and Andy as Ditka... who's mustache is real? Andy and I have been extremely close for our whole lives. He's is one of the most fun people I know
Amy Uberuaga, Maid of Honor
Boulder, CO
Amy and I are bestfriends, sisters and soulmates. She brings out the best in me and always teaches me new things about life. Amy is a very passionate woman and she works hard everyday to bring about positive social change in this country. I can't wait until we are living in the same place again!
DAD, Best Man
Glenview, IL
What can I say... My Dad is the man... as illustrated in this photo
Kate Nordmark, Matron of Honor
Sundom, Sweden
Katie is also a soulmate and bestfriend. She and I have grown from silly high school girls into the stong women we are today together. We've traveled through Europe and had plenty of adventures, but our best memories are just talking and sipping tea together. Katie taught me "The Presence is the best Present."
Ryan Schirmang, Co- Best man
Detroit, MI
Ryan is my soul brother. We have similar insights into life. He is a true friend. We've had lots of fun together over the years... and there's lots more to come. As you can see... Ryan loves baseball and the Cubs.
Josh Holleb
Boulder, Co.
Josh is a great friend from college and runs two sustainable companies, Totem Industries and Holleb and co. We're trying to recruit Josh to live up in Montana with us.
Jen McBride, Bridesmaid
Whitefish, Montana
Jen and I were sisters in our past life. We met in Utah and have relied upon eachother in soo many ways since. We have shared cars, pets, houses, jobs, etc. seriously. Jen wins the "best of" one-piece party every year. Jen is at home in the woods in Montana or a hip-hop queen from Oakland, Cali. We can always rely on eachother to equally freak out about the state of the world and to calm eachother down and be a voice of reason in the midst of it all. She always amazes me.
Amy Zanoni, Sister
Montreal, Canada
Amy wins the prize for most visits to Montana and Utah. Also wins the prize for hiking way too long distances in keds, best air guitar and best DJ. I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will be roomies in Missoula next year, and since she is also brilliant, she can help me with my homework. Or we can just sit and talk politics for hours. Amy is wonderful, and she is so much like Billy, but also not.
JD Goering
Chicago, IL
JD is one of my oldest buds. I'd say we're more like brothers than anything. We've spent a ton of time together and I look forward to getting having him out to WA. I wish he'd move to MT so we could float the Yellowstone every day.
Julie Zanoni, Sister
Chicago, Illinois
Julie is like my older, younger sister. If that makes sense. I can call her anytime and she is always there for support or advice. She is always the one organizing our family vacations, making dinner reservations, etc. We would love to recruit her out to Montana forever, but she loves Chicago too much. But that's not going to stop us from trying! (ps Julie has the best hand me downs!)
Joey Rodriguez, Bridesmaid
Eatonville, Washington
Joey and I have been bestfriends since we were four. Joey's family moved into Tahoma woods, National Park Service housing, one wonderful day. We were inseparable little buddies, building forts, swimming in the creek, climbing trees, and having bake sales. The Rodriguez family is my other family. Now that we are grown up we still get together and laugh like we are 6 year olds with no care in the world. Joey is the only friend whoever made me laugh so hard I peed my pants. (and I might have been in the 6th grade) She was there for my first boyfriend, all my stitches, my first kiss, she taught me how to ride a bike, and on and on. Some day we are going to go back to Tahoma woods and search for our time capsule. We either buried it at one of our forts (but we had quite a few forts) or in her backyard under the maple tree. Either way it could mean a whole lot of digging, but totally worth it.
Sarah Louisignau, bridesmaid
Seattle, Washington
Sarah is the most recent addition to my women I can't live without list. Sarah and I met in Utah. Jen, Sarah, Amy and I all worked for the same organization campaigning for progressive issues, so we have all supported eachother in many ways. Sarah taught me to telemark, crouchet (although I can't do it without her), do yoga and many other important life skills. I look up to Sarah for her strength and wisdom.
John Jacquat, Male Model
Denver, Colorado
John is a wise friend from college. We always have a great time together. He likes whiskey.
Mark Uberuaga, Brother
Tuscon, Arizona
He'll carry your pack for you. Best brother ever.
Christian Rodriguez, Ring bearer
Eatonville, Washington
Christian is my best friend Joey's little boy. As long as I mention nothing about any other girls being involved in the wedding other than his mom, he's cool with being a ring bearer. Maybe he will wear his batman cape and suit, or maybe a little tux. We haven't quite decided. This picture is from Christian's 5th birthday party, this March.
Lily McNaughtan, Flower girl
Chicago, Illinois
Saga Nordmark, honorary flower girl
Sundom, Sweden
Saga is Katie and Axel's daughter. She is not quite big enough to have an official role in the wedding, she'll be 18 months in August. But she sure is cute enough!
Dave Uberuaga, Father of the bride
Eatonville, WA
He's the best dad in the whole world. I still look forward to going home and playing with my dad, and he is always down for anything. He has supported me in everything I have done and I am eternally grateful for his love, friendship and support. He has taught me how to live a life full of love and happiness.
Barbara Uberuaga, Mother of the bride
Eatonville, WA
Mom designed and made all of the invitations by hand. She is amazing, in so many ways. She has the best calming presence so that I always want to be hanging out with her. She will probably always beat me at crossword puzzles, and I am ok with that. It's been so fun planning a wedding together, I have an excuse to call my mom everyday. (and really it is her and dad that have done all the planning)
Andy Raia, Groomsman and cousin
Chicago, IL
No, this is not MIke Ditka and his twin brother Ike Ditka. It's Billy and Andy as Ditka... who's mustache is real? Andy and I have been extremely close for our whole lives. He's is one of the most fun people I know
Amy Uberuaga, Maid of Honor
Boulder, CO
Amy and I are bestfriends, sisters and soulmates. She brings out the best in me and always teaches me new things about life. Amy is a very passionate woman and she works hard everyday to bring about positive social change in this country. I can't wait until we are living in the same place again!
DAD, Best Man
Glenview, IL
What can I say... My Dad is the man... as illustrated in this photo
Kate Nordmark, Matron of Honor
Sundom, Sweden
Katie is also a soulmate and bestfriend. She and I have grown from silly high school girls into the stong women we are today together. We've traveled through Europe and had plenty of adventures, but our best memories are just talking and sipping tea together. Katie taught me "The Presence is the best Present."
Ryan Schirmang, Co- Best man
Detroit, MI
Ryan is my soul brother. We have similar insights into life. He is a true friend. We've had lots of fun together over the years... and there's lots more to come. As you can see... Ryan loves baseball and the Cubs.
Josh Holleb
Boulder, Co.
Josh is a great friend from college and runs two sustainable companies, Totem Industries and Holleb and co. We're trying to recruit Josh to live up in Montana with us.
Jen McBride, Bridesmaid
Whitefish, Montana
Jen and I were sisters in our past life. We met in Utah and have relied upon eachother in soo many ways since. We have shared cars, pets, houses, jobs, etc. seriously. Jen wins the "best of" one-piece party every year. Jen is at home in the woods in Montana or a hip-hop queen from Oakland, Cali. We can always rely on eachother to equally freak out about the state of the world and to calm eachother down and be a voice of reason in the midst of it all. She always amazes me.
Amy Zanoni, Sister
Montreal, Canada
Amy wins the prize for most visits to Montana and Utah. Also wins the prize for hiking way too long distances in keds, best air guitar and best DJ. I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will be roomies in Missoula next year, and since she is also brilliant, she can help me with my homework. Or we can just sit and talk politics for hours. Amy is wonderful, and she is so much like Billy, but also not.
JD Goering
Chicago, IL
JD is one of my oldest buds. I'd say we're more like brothers than anything. We've spent a ton of time together and I look forward to getting having him out to WA. I wish he'd move to MT so we could float the Yellowstone every day.
Julie Zanoni, Sister
Chicago, Illinois
Julie is like my older, younger sister. If that makes sense. I can call her anytime and she is always there for support or advice. She is always the one organizing our family vacations, making dinner reservations, etc. We would love to recruit her out to Montana forever, but she loves Chicago too much. But that's not going to stop us from trying! (ps Julie has the best hand me downs!)
Joey Rodriguez, Bridesmaid
Eatonville, Washington
Joey and I have been bestfriends since we were four. Joey's family moved into Tahoma woods, National Park Service housing, one wonderful day. We were inseparable little buddies, building forts, swimming in the creek, climbing trees, and having bake sales. The Rodriguez family is my other family. Now that we are grown up we still get together and laugh like we are 6 year olds with no care in the world. Joey is the only friend whoever made me laugh so hard I peed my pants. (and I might have been in the 6th grade) She was there for my first boyfriend, all my stitches, my first kiss, she taught me how to ride a bike, and on and on. Some day we are going to go back to Tahoma woods and search for our time capsule. We either buried it at one of our forts (but we had quite a few forts) or in her backyard under the maple tree. Either way it could mean a whole lot of digging, but totally worth it.
Sarah Louisignau, bridesmaid
Seattle, Washington
Sarah is the most recent addition to my women I can't live without list. Sarah and I met in Utah. Jen, Sarah, Amy and I all worked for the same organization campaigning for progressive issues, so we have all supported eachother in many ways. Sarah taught me to telemark, crouchet (although I can't do it without her), do yoga and many other important life skills. I look up to Sarah for her strength and wisdom.
John Jacquat, Male Model
Denver, Colorado
John is a wise friend from college. We always have a great time together. He likes whiskey.
Mark Uberuaga, Brother
Tuscon, Arizona
He'll carry your pack for you. Best brother ever.
Christian Rodriguez, Ring bearer
Eatonville, Washington
Christian is my best friend Joey's little boy. As long as I mention nothing about any other girls being involved in the wedding other than his mom, he's cool with being a ring bearer. Maybe he will wear his batman cape and suit, or maybe a little tux. We haven't quite decided. This picture is from Christian's 5th birthday party, this March.
Lily McNaughtan, Flower girl
Chicago, Illinois
Saga Nordmark, honorary flower girl
Sundom, Sweden
Saga is Katie and Axel's daughter. She is not quite big enough to have an official role in the wedding, she'll be 18 months in August. But she sure is cute enough!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Lodging at Mount Rainier
The wedding is in Mount Rainier National Park. To get to Mount Rainier guest should fly into Seatac airport and rent a car. It is about a 2-3hr drive to the park from Seatac.
The Paradise Inn
Here is a link to a great article about the Inn.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/adventure/story/355786.html
There are a variety of places to stay in and around Mount Rainier. We have blocked plenty of rooms at the Paradise Inn. The Paradise Inn is a historic site that is currently being renovated and set to reopen in May 2008. It is a short drive, about 15 minutes, from the Inn to the ceremony and reception sites. The Inn is rustic and beautiful set in the heart of the park with amazing views. The rooms are quaint and comfortable; some have bathrooms that are shared. Really the beauty of the Inn is the location and the prices are a bit higher because of that, not because of the luxurious rooms. If you would like your own bathroom, or a suite, we have blocked a variety of room types so please specify what you would like when you call. To book your room or for more information: http://rainier.guestservices.com or call the Inn 360-569-2275. The Inn should be able to accomodate almost all of our out of town guests and will be a great place for everyone to gather.
Cougar Rock Campground
We have two group campsites reserved for anyone interested in staying at the Cougar Rock Campground. Camping is free!! Cougar Rock is a wooded campground on the Nisqually River and Wonderland Trail about 5 minutes from Paradise. The wedding ceremony will be held in the amphitheater at the campground, so it would be a simple walk from the campground to the ceremony. It is also possible to walk a few miles on the Wonderland trail from the campground to the reception site in Longmire. The campground does not have showers, so if you would like a shower, although showers not required, it may be a good idea to hook up with someone staying at the Inn. The Nisqually river is not a good shower site; it is glacial, muddy and dangerous.
The National Park Inn
The National Park Inn is a lodge in Longmire. It is also very conveniently located just minutes from the ceremony and reception site. The number and website are the same as for the Paradise Inn: 360-569-2275; http://rainier.guestservices.com, click on accomodations.
Other Options: Ashford
The last little town before you enter Mount Rainier National Park is Ashford, WA, pop. ~200. Ashford is three miles from the entrance to Mount Rainer and is the town where Michelle grew up. The rehearsal dinner will be in Ashford and it is about 15 miles from Ashford to the wedding and reception sites. If you are looking for a private cabin for a family, bed and breakfast, or spa, Ashford has a variety of options. It is however a very small town and lodging books up fairly quickly so make your reservations as soon as possible.
The Nisqually Lodge
Located in Ashford, the Nisqually Lodge is one of the few other hotels in the area and a bit less expensive because it is outside of the park. 360-569-8804; www.escapetothemountains.com
Whittaker's Bunkhouse
Is another hotel right in the heart of Ashford and is right next to the rehearsal dinner site. www.whittakersbunkhouse.com; 360-569-2349
Cabins, Inns and B&B's:
Jasmer's at Mount Rainier
The Jasmer's offer a variety of rooms and cabins for couples or families. Everyone who stays at the Jasmer's absolutely love the service and accomodations. www.jasmers.com; 360-569-2682
Deep Forest Cabins at Mount Rainier
Visitors to Mount Rainier love the Deep Forest Cabins. They are also owned and operated by good family friends and offer beautiful isolated cabins. www.deepforestcabins.com; 360-569-2054; 866-553-9373
Stormking Spa
These are private cabins best suited for couples. www.stormkingspa.com; 360-569-2694
Mountain Meadows Inn and Bed and Breakfast
www.mountainmeadows.com; 360-569-2788
Alexander's Country Inn & Restaurant
www.alexanderscountryinn.com; 360-569-2300
The Paradise Inn
Here is a link to a great article about the Inn.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/adventure/story/355786.html
There are a variety of places to stay in and around Mount Rainier. We have blocked plenty of rooms at the Paradise Inn. The Paradise Inn is a historic site that is currently being renovated and set to reopen in May 2008. It is a short drive, about 15 minutes, from the Inn to the ceremony and reception sites. The Inn is rustic and beautiful set in the heart of the park with amazing views. The rooms are quaint and comfortable; some have bathrooms that are shared. Really the beauty of the Inn is the location and the prices are a bit higher because of that, not because of the luxurious rooms. If you would like your own bathroom, or a suite, we have blocked a variety of room types so please specify what you would like when you call. To book your room or for more information: http://rainier.guestservices.com or call the Inn 360-569-2275. The Inn should be able to accomodate almost all of our out of town guests and will be a great place for everyone to gather.
Cougar Rock Campground
We have two group campsites reserved for anyone interested in staying at the Cougar Rock Campground. Camping is free!! Cougar Rock is a wooded campground on the Nisqually River and Wonderland Trail about 5 minutes from Paradise. The wedding ceremony will be held in the amphitheater at the campground, so it would be a simple walk from the campground to the ceremony. It is also possible to walk a few miles on the Wonderland trail from the campground to the reception site in Longmire. The campground does not have showers, so if you would like a shower, although showers not required, it may be a good idea to hook up with someone staying at the Inn. The Nisqually river is not a good shower site; it is glacial, muddy and dangerous.
The National Park Inn
The National Park Inn is a lodge in Longmire. It is also very conveniently located just minutes from the ceremony and reception site. The number and website are the same as for the Paradise Inn: 360-569-2275; http://rainier.guestservices.com, click on accomodations.
Other Options: Ashford
The last little town before you enter Mount Rainier National Park is Ashford, WA, pop. ~200. Ashford is three miles from the entrance to Mount Rainer and is the town where Michelle grew up. The rehearsal dinner will be in Ashford and it is about 15 miles from Ashford to the wedding and reception sites. If you are looking for a private cabin for a family, bed and breakfast, or spa, Ashford has a variety of options. It is however a very small town and lodging books up fairly quickly so make your reservations as soon as possible.
The Nisqually Lodge
Located in Ashford, the Nisqually Lodge is one of the few other hotels in the area and a bit less expensive because it is outside of the park. 360-569-8804; www.escapetothemountains.com
Whittaker's Bunkhouse
Is another hotel right in the heart of Ashford and is right next to the rehearsal dinner site. www.whittakersbunkhouse.com; 360-569-2349
Cabins, Inns and B&B's:
Jasmer's at Mount Rainier
The Jasmer's offer a variety of rooms and cabins for couples or families. Everyone who stays at the Jasmer's absolutely love the service and accomodations. www.jasmers.com; 360-569-2682
Deep Forest Cabins at Mount Rainier
Visitors to Mount Rainier love the Deep Forest Cabins. They are also owned and operated by good family friends and offer beautiful isolated cabins. www.deepforestcabins.com; 360-569-2054; 866-553-9373
Stormking Spa
These are private cabins best suited for couples. www.stormkingspa.com; 360-569-2694
Mountain Meadows Inn and Bed and Breakfast
www.mountainmeadows.com; 360-569-2788
Alexander's Country Inn & Restaurant
www.alexanderscountryinn.com; 360-569-2300
Our Engagement
Billy and I got engaged on March 7th, 2007 on backcountry yurt trip in Idaho. Instead of exchanging gifts last Christmas, Billy and I planned this trip together. He did most of the planning and a little bit extra! Our first night we camped at the trailhead and woke up early the next day to skin in 4 miles to the yurt. It was a perfect beautiful day and we were carrying a lot of food and wine for a long fun weekend. After arriving to the yurt and getting set up, we went out for a ski. The snow was unexpectedly perfect for March. Billy and I skinned up to the saddle above our yurt and I headed towards the peak along the ridge. Billy didn't want to continue on to the peak, which is unlike him, and when I realized he was acting sort of funny. He started telling me how much he loved me, went down on a knee and asked me to marry him. I was overwhelmed with excitement, said yes, and tackled him in the snow (he still had his skiis on). Moments after our engagement it started snowing, really it did, and it was magical. We skiied down to the yurt, stocked the fire and made dinner. We had a long weekend and an amazing ski trip. It was perfect.
We shared a romantic bottle of wine that we carried all the way, but we forgot cups. (I should say, I forgot the cups.)
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