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Welcome to our wedding weekend!
FoliageFoliage

Michael Lam

&

Marina Kalinin

Michael Lam

&

Marina Kalinin

September 30, 2023

Gualala, CA

Our Story

We found each other in the midst of a global pandemic. And, as we adapted to a world that was changing, we feel lucky to have bonded over languages, board games, reality TV, love of good food, adventures in the redwoods, and a deep appreciation for things with, well, character. A few years down the road, and we've moved house, acquired a couple of kitties, filled an amazing camera roll of our memories, and gained the joy of a true partner in life. This is just the start of our bright future together and we want you to help us celebrate.

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Schedule

The Wedding Website of Michael Lam and Marina Kalinin
We're so happy to have you with us for our Wedding Weekend! The main ceremony and reception will be on September 30th from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM but we invite you to make a weekend out of it to enjoy the California coast and some social time with us. Please let us know which events you plan to attend in your RSVP. Looking forward to celebrating with you!

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Ceremony

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Forest Ocean Retreat (Private Residence)
33601 CA-1, Gualala, CA 95445

Channel your inner semi-formal Garden Party style

The ceremony is outdoors, so we recommend leaving your heels at home. First and foremost we want you to be comfortable! And although we will have heaters and we anticipate the weather being nice, it can get chilly on the coast. Gates open at 10:00 AM and the ceremony will start promptly at 11:30 AM. There is parking available on site. There will not be a shuttle service, so we encourage you to carpool with others if driving will be a challenge. Please go to "Things to Do" for a link to our Wedding Slack Channel to help you coordinate!

Afternoon Tea & Cocktail Hour

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Forest Ocean Retreat
33601 CA-1, Gualala, CA 95445

Enjoy some refreshments and tasty treats before we sit down together for a meal!

Reception

1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Forest Ocean Retreat
33601 CA-1, Gualala, CA 95445

Our family-style meal will start off the reception and will include some toasts from friends and loved ones. Lawn games, redwood strolls, and plenty of time to mingle and socialize will follow.

After Party Bonfire

6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Forest Ocean Retreat
33601 CA-1, Gualala, CA 95445

Wear something warm and casual!

Take a break from the festivities and change into something a little warmer. We invite anyone who is staying in the area back for a casual bonfire with some campfire treats, a good whiskey, a sunset, and some stars. This is a casual social event and not part of the formal festivities and if you can't make it we understand. We don't recommend going to the bonfire if you plan to drive back down the coast Saturday night as the coastal road gets very dark and foggy at night; we'd rather you got home safely.

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Sunday Fun Day!

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

We're not sure what we're doing yet but if you're staying in the area Saturday night and want to keep hanging out with us on Sunday we'd be delighted! This is a great option if the bonfire on Saturday night isn't your jam.

Travel

The Wedding Website of Michael Lam and Marina Kalinin
If you're traveling to the San Francisco Bay Area, we recommend flying into either San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK), and then renting a car to drive up the coast to Gualala along scenic Highway 1. Please note that we highly recommend driving in and out of Gualala before dark, as the windy road gets harder to navigate with the fog. There are excellent options to stay in the area. Book lodging in advance, as Gualala and areas nearby are on the smaller side. We have suggestions below and there are Airbnbs, but it can be a popular travel spot so try to book early.

Flight

(Recommended) San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO is one of two major Bay Area airports (the other being OAK). SFO offers BART trains into the main city downtown, as well as numerous ride share options into the city. To get to Gualala, we recommend renting a car and making the drive up Highway 1.

Flight

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Oakland International Airport (OAK) is one of two major airports servicing the Bay Area. OAK is a nice airport, but the downside is it may be more out of the way (being located in the East Bay).

Hotel

Hotel Breakers

39300 California 1, Gualala, CA 95445
 (707) 884-3200

We have partnered with this hotel for a group offer: a flat $215/night rate per room for all rooms. All our guests get an automatic upgrade to a deluxe or luxury room until they're all booked. You may still end up in a "standard" room but rest assured, all the rooms are nice. To get the special offer you must book your room before August 1st, 2023. If this sounds good to you, try to book as early as you can since they only have 24 rooms available that weekend. CALL them to book, and mention our names to redeem the offer! SHUTTLE UPDATE: After much consideration and input, we will not be able to provide a shuttle to the venue. Don't worry, it's not far! Just a quick 15 minute drive which is made even shorter when carpooling with others! Please arrive to the venue early to alleviate traffic congestion and in time plenty of time for the ceremony.

Discount Code - Call to book. Mention our names.

Hotel

The Surf Motel at Gualala

39170 California 1, Gualala, CA 95445
 

We hear the manager at this hotel is excellent to work with. Definitely recommended to check out for the weekend!

Hotel

Gualala Country Inn

47975 Center Street, Gualala, CA 95445
 

While it has fewer amenities than some other hotels in the area, the views are amazing and is reviewed online as a good value for the location.

Hotel

Seacliff Motel

39140 California 1, Gualala, CA 95445
 

Beautiful, stunning views of the ocean and comfortable digs. What's not to like? This hotel is within a 5 minute walk of Hotel Breakers, where we may be scheduling a shuttle service from.

Hotel

St. Orres

36601 California 1, Gualala, CA 95445
 

This place is a really unique spot with its onion top domes and warm wood walls. For those who are open to more "hostel-like" accommodations in the main hotel or a cabin nestled into the woods (perhaps you can find others to split with!), this is the place to look.

Hotel

Wildflower Boutique Motel

160 Main Street, Point Arena, CA 95468
 

Beautiful rooms, delicious breakfast included and even has electric vehicle charges in the parking lot! It is located in Point Arena, so if you are planning on driving without a need for shuttle service this would be a good option.

Hotel

Whale Watch Inn

35100 California 1, Gualala, CA 95445
 800-942-5342

You'll have to pick up the phone and call these guys for a reservation!

Hotel

Point Arena Lighthouse

45500 Lighthouse Road, Point Arena, CA 95468
 

If you want a truly unique experience this would be quite a special place to stay: right near the foot of the lighthouse on the cliffs at the most western point on the west coast. There are only a few cabins so if this sounds like a dream, book soon.

Hotel

Mar Vista Farm + Cottages - WARNING DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BOOK HERE

35101 California 1, Gualala, CA 95445
 

NOTE: This hotel does not accommodate for wedding parties of any type with venues outside of their own. Previous wedding parties have had some negative experiences trying to book at this location. Please avoid this hotel when booking lodging.

Registry

The joy of your presence is gift enough, but if you wish to congratulate us further we appreciate you contributing to our future. For those of you who would prefer a more traditional gift we have included a small registry with items we would cherish.
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Things To Do

The California coast is gorgeous and you will surely enjoy taking in the sights no matter where you go but here are a few recommendations to get you going.

Join our Wedding Slack!

Click on the link button below to automatically be taken to our Wedding Slack Channel! Coordinate with others on flights, carpools, lodging, and exploring the area!

Bowling Ball Beach

CA 95468

Apparently we are the only people ever to try to go to Bowling Ball Beach and not be able to find it. We hope you can do better than us!

Point Arena Lighthouse

45500 Lighthouse Road, Point Arena, CA 95468

Amazing whale watching and kite flying! The most western point on the California coast!

Point Arena

Point Arena, CA 95468

Adorable downtown with cute shops and spots to grab a bite.

Gualala

Gualala, CA 95445

The first 4 hotels on our recommended list are in the main drag of Gualala on Highway 1. Good views, restaurants, a few shops, and convenient grocery stores.

Glass Beach

Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Everyone told us it wasn't that exciting but we had a lot of fun digging around the sand and admiring the tide pools here. A wonder of human industry and nature.

FAQs

The Wedding Website of Michael Lam and Marina Kalinin
Cedar: You have questions? Here are some answers.
Question

How should I get there?

Answer

We recommend flying into SFO and renting a car, then driving up Highway 1 to where you’ll be staying.

Question

How far is it?

Answer

The venue is a roughly 3 hour drive from SFO or OAK airports. Most of the time is spent on the winding (and beautiful) road along the coast.

Question

What time of day should I get in and leave Gualala?

Answer

The short answer: try to drive in/out during the day time while it’s still light outside. The stretch of highway entering Gualala can get quite dark and foggy at night.

Question

What temperature should we expect for the ceremony?

Answer

The wedding itself will be outdoors in the daytime when it’s warmest, and we will also have heaters available. However, the coastal weather and breeze may become chilly on a moment’s notice. Please take along a jacket or extra layer with you especially if you get cold easily.

Question

Do I have to attend all the events?

Answer

No, we do not insist that you attend every event over the weekend. We hope that you come for at least the Ceremony and Reception to celebrate our union with us. Everything else is completely up to you. We understand if you cannot or decide not to attend any of the other optional events and we don't love you any less for it.

Question

Is there a discount at any of the hotels?

Answer

We partnered with Hotel Breakers in Gualala for a special fixed rate of $215/night. They'll be automatically upgrading all the rooms booked by our guests until supplies run out. If our wedding guests end up booking all 24 rooms of the hotel, then you might end up with a "standard" room rather than an upgraded one, but all the rooms are nice. Otherwise, there are 3 other hotels within a 5 minute walk of Hotel Breakers that are under $200 a night: Gualala Country Inn, Seacliff Motel, and Surf Motel. Please see our hotel notes and recommendations under the "Travel" section. Also if you team up with others we believe there are many nice options on AirBnB for groups at very reasonable prices (starting at ~$42/person per night based on 4 people staying together).

Question

Is there parking at the venue?

Answer

Yes, the venue can accommodate about 50 vehicles. Based on RSVPs we do not foresee any complications with parking. We understand if you prefer or need to have your own vehicle at the venue, and it shouldn't be a problem. Please plan to arrive a little earlier as there is only one driveway in and out of the venue and parking area. We encourage you to consider carpooling with other guests staying in the same lodging as you to help reduce potential congestion in the morning.

Question

Is there a shuttle service to the venue?

Answer

There is no shuttle service from the Bay Area. From Gualala, based on the answers from the RSVP we will book a roundtrip shuttle from Hotel Breakers to the Wedding Venue. SHUTTLE UPDATE: After much consideration and input, we will not be able to provide a shuttle to the venue. Don't worry, it's not far! Just a quick 15 minute drive which is made even shorter when carpooling with others! Please arrive to the venue early to alleviate traffic congestion and in plenty of time for the ceremony.

Question

How can I communicate with other wedding guests?

Answer

We have a Slack group! Talk to other guests and coordinate with others who will be traveling to Gualala for the weekend. Carpool together, split a room, or plan the weekend. Don't be shy, nobody bites much. Please go to "Things to Do" and click on the "view" button to automatically join the slack channel.

Question

I really can't wear my stilettos?

Answer

We fully believe in everyone being able to do exactly what they want but the entire venue is hard-packed soil at best. At worst you'll find yourself on grassy meadows or exploring a redwood grove with woody debris ground cover. You don't have to go full hiking boot by any means but we really recommend sticking to comfortable sandals, platforms, oxfords, espadrilles, or wide-heeled heels.

Question

Is there cellphone reception?

Answer

NOT MUCH. It is spotty at best but it's more likely that you won't have reception. There is some closer to the main house on the property and on the road. If you need network access while celebrating with us we, you can connect to the WiFi near the main house. We will have the credentials posted for your convenience and this area is easily accessible at any time.

Question

Can I stay at the venue between the reception and the bonfire?

Answer

Sure! But we recommend you bring a change of clothes and shoes with you as no matter how nice the day is it will get chillier. You are welcome to continue playing lawn games, enjoying the property, and taking in the views. The family is staying in the main residences on the property and unless they invite you to hang with them during the break, there will not be any indoor space available to guests. We're creating an outdoor lounge area to kick back in but there will be no food and drink service after the formal festivities end. Guests will still have access to refreshments and treats. The bride and groom won't be available to socialize during this time.

Question

Will there be a need to drive around during the day?

Answer

All events on Saturday (ceremony day) will be held at the same venue, so there will be no need to drive from location to location between the ceremony to reception etc. You will need to drive to the venue from where you're staying in town unless you carpool with another guest. Please be aware that Uber (and cell reception) are sparse in Gualala! One caveat is: if you are planning to join us for the bonfire at the venue in the evening and plan to leave and come back between the main events, you will also need to drive or arrange transportation to/from the venue then as well.

Gallery

Hey, it's us!
She made quick work of the escape game I made for her and... said yes!
Soulvang!
On the way back from Gualala
We clean up pretty well!
Tokyo, Japan
Shubcon 2022
Michael's first time skiing. Feb 2022

RSVP

Please RSVP by July 15, 2023

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.

Ex. Sarah Fortune (not The Fortune Family or Dr. & Mr. Fortune)
For all the days along the way
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