FAQs

Question

When should we arrive at the venue?

Answer

The wedding party should arrive at 2:15pm. Family and friends should arrive at 2:45pm. The train leaves promptly at 3:15pm. If you are not seated on the train at 3:15pm, you will be left behind and will miss the ceremony.

Question

What is the clothing etiquette for wedding attendees?

Answer

Semi-formal attire is encouraged. The ceremony will be in a redwood grove. The reception will be in a beautiful redwood barn. We trust that you will wear a style and color of clothing that will be appropriate and complementary to these wedding-day settings. Please wear what makes you feel socially and culturally comfortable and affirmed. Call/text Alex or Johnny if you have specific questions.

Question

What food will be served for the reception dinner?

Answer

To minimize moving parts and human error from additional vendors, we chose to utilize the Roaring Camp Catering Services. Rest assured, the venue catering service has a good reputation. Due to a severe nut allergy in the family, all food served will be nut-free. Appetizers (i.e., charcuterie boards, hummus platter, herb-stuffed mushrooms, and chips and salsa) will be served during cocktail hour. Dinner (i.e., fajita taco bar with all the fixing and sides) will be served shortly thereafter. Vegetarian options will be provided. There will be a dessert table with baked goods from local bakeries—namely, Pacific Cookie Company and Buttery Bakery. For those with gluten, dairy, and/or peanut allergies, we will order some items from a local bakery that are free of contamination.

Question

What will the weather be like in Santa Cruz?

Answer

According to NWS data from the past five years, September in Santa Cruz is a dream. Historically, during the month of September, Santa Cruz has had a high of 79° and a low of 52°, with zero recorded days of rain. For folks who are sensitive to cold temperature, we do recommend bringing a jacket or sweatshirt. At night it can get a tad chilly.

Question

When should we fly in?

Answer

We’d love to see you all before and after the wedding! However, we also know that folks lead busy lives. We will be driving from Colorado and plan to be in Santa Cruz from Wednesday, September 25th through Monday, September 30th! We will leave Monday morning for our mini-moon on our way back to Colorado. If you are flying, we suggest arriving Friday to account for potential travel delays.

Question

What will be served at the rehearsal dinner?

Answer

The reception dinner will be at Laili, a fantastic restaurant that is renowned for its rich Mediterranean / Middle Eastern dishes. Dinner is at 7:30pm.

Question

Will there be an open bar?

Answer

Yes, there will be an open bar. Only champagne, beer, and wine are allowed on the venue premises. Therefore, only those three types of alcohol will be served. We will try to provide a selection of alcohol that best fits the preferences of those attending.

Question

Is the wedding accessible to those who have physical disabilities?

Answer

The wedding venue, Roaring Camp, is ADA accessible. So is the steam train. The redwood grove where the ceremony is taking place, however, is not ADA accessible. Folks in wheelchairs can either stay on the train and watch from afar or be wheeled as close to the ceremony as possible without risk of safety and transgressing the venue policies. There will be seating (via a redwood bench) at the ceremony grove for those with specific mobility needs (i.e., folks who can't stand for long periods of time, folks who use canes or walkers). Due to limited seating on the redwood bench, all able-bodied folks will be required to stand for the 10 minute ceremony.

Question

What is the clothing etiquette for the wedding party?

Answer

We will reach out to all members of the wedding party regarding color scheme and attire.

Question

Are children and teens welcome to attend the wedding?

Answer

Yes! We love and adore all the children and teens in our lives. Though, if you'd rather come without them (parents need a vacation too), we respect that! If your children are as badly behaved as Alex and Matt were, please find a babysitter (haha)! We will plan a scavenger hunt for children (designed for ages 6 to 16) to complete during the wedding day to help them feel engaged. Prizes for completion of the scavenger hunt will be awarded.

Question

Can I take pictures or videos during the ceremony?

Answer

Please do not take pictures or videos during the ceremony. It is very important to us that you are fully present during the ceremony. We have a wonderful photographer who will be sure to capture all of the special moments during the ceremony. We will also be video recording the ceremony.

Question

I have allergies and/or food sensitivities. What should I do?

Answer

Please text or call Alex (831-233-9334) to figure out a path forward so that your health and well-being are ensured during the reception dinner. If you do not mention food allergies or sensitives when you RSVP or reach out to Alex, we will not be able to accommodate your needs.