Basic Information (Including Weather, Schedule of Activities, and Directions)
Weather:
Monte Rio tends to get a lot of rain through the winter. At this point, the forecast for mid-April is sunny, but it could go either way, and the average temperature for April 16th is high of 71, low of 41. If it rains, we have a back up plan for the ceremony, and our reception site is indoors with a deck so there's both access to and refuge from the outside depending on how it is. Our recommendation is to pack layers and to check weather reports as we get closer.
Schedule of Activities:
Tuesday-Thursday: Kate, Ariel, Kagan, and Patsy will be arriving early in the week, and would love to connect with anyone who's planning to come early.
Thursday Evening: For our parents and any other family members in town, we will be gathering for an early dinner together at The Village Inn. (6:30 pm)
*After dinner (probably by around 8), we'll be heading back to the Highland Dell for cookies, tea, games, and maybe drinks (if there are enough of you interested to warrant having them open the bar). There may also be a sleeping baby contingent up in our room hanging out, playing with flowers or working on any other last minute crafting.
Friday the 15th: The future Morrison-Wrye's will be prepping flowers, picking up pies, doing the rehearsal, and hopefully will have free time at some point ;) For most of you, Friday will be a great day to get there, explore, go hiking, rent a kayak, or just hang out. If you're planning to be there and are someone who enjoys having a job, volunteer opportunities are available. If you'd prefer to relax or explore, please enjoy.
Friday night, 7:00-10pm
Welcome to Town Roundup at the Rio Nido Roadhouse *This will be the official kick off party! We're hoping that most of you will be able to drop by for some wedding warm up hang time. Expect a warm welcome, plenty of conversation and an unapologetically corny soundtrack! Location is outside and very casual (bring layers). They serve food and have a bar, but this is a no-host event, so please come as you are and choose what you want.
The Rio Nido Roadhouse is in Rio Nido, a town so small you'd miss it if it weren't for the sign on the side of the road :P The roadhouse is right off of River Road (the main drag that takes you from the 101, and follows the river into Monte Rio). If you're coming from the 101, it's on a bend in the road on the right side just before you get to Guerneville. If coming from Monte Rio, it's on your left just after you pass Guerneville.
Address is 14540 Canyon Two, Rio Nido, Ca, 95471
Saturday, April 16th-The big day!
Morning of: The Village Inn, Highland Dell, and Rio Villa all offer complimentary continental breakfasts. We anticipate you will be among friends pretty much anywhere you turn. For anyone interested in joining the ceremony set-up crew, we're hoping to get everything set up between 9:30 and 11:00. Let us know directly or via the message board if you're interested ;)
In addition to wedding preparation, I imagine many might be doing some hiking and other exploring that morning. (See bottom of "Monte Rio" page for links to ideas). Anyone planning an excursion who is willing to welcome others to join you, please keep us posted, and we can announce these on Friday night.
The Big Event
Ceremony: The wedding ceremony itself will be held at Koret Park in Monte Rio, next to the Monte Rio Community Center. The plan is to begin gathering at 3:00, and to start promptly at 3:30 pm. Since most of you will be staying within easy walking distance, our hope is that you will be able to walk over. When you hear the drum calling (around 2:45), you can start to make your way over to the ceremony site. If you don't hear the drum, please head over anyway ;)
*Koret Park is directly adjacent to the Monte Rio Community Center, the address of which is 20488 Ca Hwy 116, Monte Rio, Ca, 95462.
The Reception: The reception will be held across the bridge from the ceremony at the Highland Dell Lodge, immediately following the ceremony. After the hugs, kisses, and joyful embracing, the fire department will close one of the lanes on the Monte Rio Bridge so that we can joyfully cross it together to the reception site.
We will have maps, a more detailed explanation about how to get there in your room when you arrive and at the welcome party on Friday. We'll also post these in the lobbies of the Rio Villa, Highland Dell, and Village Inn, so you should have easy access to information. It's a very small town, so our hope is that once you get there it should all be very clear.
Anyone who won't be able to make it to the Rio Nido Roadhouse on Friday or has other plans for lodging, please let us know so that we can make a plan to get you the information that you'll need.
Also, we're expecting that at least a few of our beloveds will need car transport. We will plan for them to cross the bridge either before or after the procession. Both sites are easily accessible by car.
Sunday, April 17th Breakfast, play time, and good-byes :) On Sunday, we will be at the Highland Dell Lodge, and would welcome drop in visitors. If you'd like to join us for breakfast, but are staying somewhere else, please let us know. The folks at the Highland Dell welcome outside guests for breakfast for $15, but will need advanced notice.
We're excited about having a slower paced morning with time for connection, good-byes, and getting ourselves ready to go. Our plan is to spend the morning with a mix of packing and enjoying your company until we get on the road headed North, probably sometime between noon and 1:00.
If you're interested in checking out some local attractions, check the Monte Rio page for links to websites and activities you might enjoy.
*Stay tuned for map and updates as we get closer to the big event!