So, Angela and I Decided to Get Married

The simplest, and perhaps, most understated way to put such a milestone. Understatement aside, we couldn't be more excited for the big day and to share it with each of you. Unless, of course, if you have happened upon our blog accidentally, then you are not invited.

If this is your first time visiting the blog, you’ve probably been directed by the save-the-date. Welcome! Please curb unwanted expectations of nuanced prose, grammar, and complete sentences. If it’s not your first time visiting, you're either family or one of the few friends that actually read our Thailand Blog. Welcome back! Your expectations are right where they need to be – tempered. Furthermore, I hope you can excuse a tinge of sarcasm. I could have written it differently, but then this wouldn’t be fun for either of us.

In this day and age, it seems incomprehensible (read: inconvenient) to conduct a wedding without the accompaniment of a webpage. This, friends, is that webpage. Your one-stop-shop for all that you need to know about our big day. However, we’re taking a slightly different approach from the standard webpage – we’re writing a blog. Does that make us more interesting or edgy than your average couple? Probably not. Our edginess is primarily derived from our rebellious, live by the seat of our pants lifestyle, like Friday nights “in” and TV marathons. Back to the blog, who needs handy links, a well organized sight map, or the other accoutrements of a standard webpage, when you can write things on a running list of diary like entries? Not us.

However, friends, I promise that our lack of webpage organization is not foreshadowing a disorganized event. How can I make this proclamation? I am in charge of the blog. Angela is in charge of the wedding. What I may lack in organization, Angela does not. This is one of the many reasons that I’m getting the better deal in this union. Or, to err on the side of unity and partnership, this is one of the many reasons it’ll be a good marriage.

Other complementary qualities include:

Big vs. Small
Procrastinator vs. Diligently Prepared
Athletic vs. Theatrical
Stubborn vs., well, Stubborn (that one doesn’t work)

At any rate, the following entries should help you prepare logistics for our big day. Alternatively, you can stop reading and show up unprepared. Like my favorite childhood books, Chose Your Own Adventure, and we’ll take care of the important stuff. Keep in mind this blog will be updated as the date nears, so please check back in a couple of months.

Thanks for reading this far. I knew there was a reason we invited you; aside from your literacy, the many years of love, laughter, and friendship that we’ve shared.

See you in June,
Angela and Jon

The Wedding Site

The wedding will take place at Angela's parent's home and almond Ranch in Denair, California. For those not familiar with the area, it’s about ½ hour south of Modesto on the 99. Also, for those not familiar with the area, the ‘L’ in almond is silent. Pronouncing the “L” is a dead giveaway that you ain’t from these parts. Just give it a try, it makes you feel authentic.

The ceremony and the reception will be taking place at the ranch, so no need to worry about mid-wedding transportation. I can feel the many silent fist pumps that just occurred…you’re welcome.

The following is the address:

4519 East Barnhart Drive
Denair, California 95316

As far as directions, start by opening Google, then type in the address. That usually does the trick. Ok, that may sound a little harsh, but you made it to the blog, didn’t you.

Attire

Ladies, I know this is a concern of yours, so let’s iron out some details. Gentlemen, bear with me.

Shoes: Since we will be getting married in an orchard, don’t expect paved walkways or hardwood. Rather than heels, you may consider a more grass/turf/gravel/dirt friendly option. As instructed by Angela, “flats” or “wedges” are probably the right call.

Other Attire: "Black tie" is a little too formal. Alternatively, jeans and a tank are undershooting it. If we were to define it, I guess we’d call it semi-formal, if not 3/8 formal.

Weather: The entire event will be held outside. It may be very hot during the day. It may get cold at night. I’d recommend checking the weather and being somewhat prepared. Worst case, if you forget your jacket, the bar or dance floor should be able to warm you up.

Accommodations

We blocked off rooms at the below hotels in Turlock. They are next door to one another, and only about 10 minutes from the wedding site. On the day of the wedding, for those that don’t wish to drive, transportation will be provided to/from the hotels to/from the almond ranch (exact location and timing of pick-ups will be provided in updates to this blog prior to the wedding). One note: in order to book rooms at the discounted rates below, you must make reservations over the phone by May 5th.

Holiday Inn Express
3001 Hotel Drive
Turlock, CA 95380
(209) 664-9999
Call for Kollerer/Martin Wedding rates: $89 a night

Fairfield Inn & Suites
3301 Countryside Drive
Turlock, CA 95380
(209) 668-3800
Call for Kollerer/Martin Wedding rates: $89-$99 a night