The News You've All Been Waiting For

Goin’ to the chapel RIVER and we’re gonna get married…

Yep, that’s right! We're finally gettin' hitched! As you probably already know, we aren't interested in the typical outrageously priced wedding ceremony and reception. We both wanted to just elope, but because it was important for several friends and family members to celebrate with us, we decided on a compromise of sorts. We’re planning a wedding that is just our style. There will be no paper invitations to mail or RSVP cards to return; no tuxedos or ties, no gorgeous wedding dresses or high heels. There won't be bridesmaids or groomsmen overdressed in overpriced formal wear. There won't be church bells or much of a "ceremony" at all. Don't come expecting fashionable, or trendy or traditional. Heck, there probably won't even be cake!

You're probably thinking it's not a wedding without a pretty dress and a cake, but we plan to prove you wrong.

So, what WILL there be?

There will be water and bathing suits and bare feet and sunscreen. There will be fruity cocktails and easy cheese and hopefully some really good rainier cherries. There might even be a water gun or five. But most importantly, there will be two lovebirds, floating down a river on inner tubes with their favorite summer cocktails, towing a raft for the coolers. There will be some very short & sweet vows and someone to tell us when to kiss (not that we need to be TOLD). And there will be the kind of relaxing fun that can only be found on a refreshingly cool, lazy river on a (hopefully) hot summer day. There will be s'mores at the end... And hopefully, there will be YOU, joining in on the fun.  Yes, THIS is your invitation!

How is this all going to work?

We don't really know, but we'll figure it out as we go along. That has been our motto through every stage of our relationship so why should the wedding be any different? We envision being surrounded by family and friends, having a good time and then just picking a time on the float that just feels right to "tie the knot". Then we'll continue our float on down to a campground where we'll get out and eat, drink and be merry. We've reserved the campground so anyone who wishes to celebrate with us late into the night can bring a tent and crash when they want.

What if it RAINS? 

*GASP!* God forbid us northwesterners get caught in the rain! While we will be fervently praying for sunshine and temps in the 80's, we DO live in the Inland Northwest so rain is a very real possibility. If it rains, we figure it out. We throw up some tarps for those of you who might melt and the rest of us will dance in the rain.  Seriously though, we have no idea, but the wheels in these old heads are turnin' so we'll figure something out. 

 

And now, the DETAILS:

When: Thursday, August 15, 2013 – we will be on the water by 10:30/11:00 am

Where: Kingston, Idaho - north fork of the Coeur d'Alene River (meet at Albert's Landing and we'll shuttle to the drop-in spot at Bumblebee Bridge)

What to bring:

• Your float (and life vests for your kids)
• Sunscreen
• Beverage and snacks of choice for the float (NO GLASS ALLOWED ON THE RIVER!)
• Camping gear - if you plan to camp (tents, sleeping bag, change of clothes, and anything you think you'll want/need)
• Food & drink – It’s a potluck, yo! (We’ll be grillin’ something)
• Water shoes or flip flops (they make great paddles for steering the floats and navigating around the occasional log in the water and they protect your little piggies from any glass or sharp rocks on the beach)

OTHER STUFFS:

No gifts! We'd rather you spend the $25 to buy a float (we can provide suggestions and stores), bring a dish to share and join us! We have just about everything we need already.

If you are local, we suggest carpooling, if possible. If anyone actually plans to travel from out of state for this little shindig, we can suggest some hotels in either Coeur d'Alene (35 minutes west) or Kellogg (10 minutes east) if you don't want to camp or if you plan to stay for longer than just one night. We can also provide a list of things to do and see in our lovely little neck of the woods.

There will not be childcare. Your kids are welcome to join in the fun, but you will be responsible for their safety and entertainment. As long as they have a life vest, it's as safe as any water activity can be. After all, Ken can't swim and he's still around. 

I'm sure there are things that I have not covered. If you have questions, feel free to ask them and I'll do my best to communicate the answers to everyone.

RSVP!  It is very important that we get a final headcount so that we know how much of the campground we'll really need and so we know who to expect. So send one of us a text, Facebook message, email, smoke signal or carrier pigeon, or go REALLY old-school and give us a call by July 19^th.

Thanks!
Ken & Sandra