Friends Camp

Rehearsal

Rehearsal Dinner

Nearlyweds Board Game Night

Brunch

Wedding Day

﻿We're having a weekend long celebration at Friends Camp, a Quaker youth camp that Sierra's family has gone to for years. We hope you can join us! 729 Lakeview Dr, South China, ME 04358https://friendscamp.org

Our Wedding

We met years ago at a friend's wedding. So we thought it would be apropos if we also got married at a wedding!

How it started

We live in a house full of children, cats, books, board games, candy and hot sauce. Neither the books nor the board games are in alphabetical order. Probably sometimes the cats are!

How it's going

Our Story

Photos

Molly Tomlinson

Erin Price

Arwen Gleason

Rio Hunter Black

Serena Hunter Black

Wedding Party

We're excited to welcome friends and family to experience some of the art we've and our friends have created over the years, especially in settings like Burning Man and other regional art festivals where art tends to be interactive and playful. If you have a piece of art or an interactive activity you'd like to share - anything from sculpture to sack racing - please let us know, the camp is a beautiful space to play and create! We can assist with transportation and setup for art &amp; activities, if you've got a great idea bring it.

Art & Activities

Q + A

Venue - Friends Camp

We're getting married at Friends Camp, a Quaker youth camp that Sierra's family has gone to for years, and we've rented it for the whole weekend. We hope you can join us! 729 Lakeview Dr, South China, ME 04358<a href="https://friendscamp.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://friendscamp.org/</a>

Flying in

We're so happy you're traveling to celebrate with us! If you are flying in, the nearest airport is Bangor International Airport, about 1 hour drive from the wedding venue. If you're driving up from the Boston area, it's about a 3.5 hour journey. There are camp cabins on site and a hotel in Augusta; see the "Accomodations" section for more info.

This is the nearest airport, about an hour drive north of the camp.

Bangor International Airport

Travel

Comfort Inn Civic Center

We have a block rate for rooms at the Comfort Inn in Augusta, about half an hour away. You can now book online with the link below! (You can also, as before, book by calling the hotel.) Rooms in this block must be booked before Tuesday, August 16.

<a href="https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/UZ18Z7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/UZ18Z7</a> 281 Civic Center Dr, Augusta, ME 04330, USA (207) 623-1000 Block code: UZ18Z7Block rate: $129/nightBlock dates: September 16 (Friday) - September 18 (Sunday)

FRIENDS CAMP CABINS

The camp offers rustic cabins with bunks and camp mattresses. All cabins have electric lights and at least one outlet. There are shared bathrooms and shower facilities. Most cabins have 6-12 bunks. There is one accessible cabin, the bathrooms and showers are accessible. These are available at no cost, but space is limited! Talk to us to reserve space. We will attempt group you with people you know. (We'll have a picture of the inside of a cabin after June 27th, stay tuned.) https://friendscamp.org/map-of-camp/

Accommodation

Things to Do

Registry

We are so looking forward to celebrating with you! We are committed to a safe as well as joyful celebration, and to preventing spread of Covid-19 in our communities.&nbsp; We will use a combination of all these strategies: testing, masking, grouping, and doing activities outside. Our current plan is outlined below. We know the pandemic landscape can change quickly, so please be prepared to be flexible and responsive if what we ask of you changes at the event.&nbsp; Before you arrive:&nbsp;David Covin is our COVID coordinator. Before the event, please send him proof of vaccination for everyone in your party over 6 months old, by email to dwcovin@gmail.com or text to 617-669-5492.&nbsp; We encourage minimizing exposure risk and tracking any symptoms for 7 days leading up to the event. Testing before you travel will help avoid the disappointment of a positive test on arrival!&nbsp; Arriving:&nbsp;Our greeters will help you rapid test at the entrance on arrival. We will have tables set up with tests and craft supplies near the entrance; you’ll be asked to sit and craft while your test develops and then be welcomed into the event. A greeter will be on duty at the entrance from 6-8 pm Friday evening and 11am-1pm Saturday. If you arrive outside those times, contact David (dwcovin@gmail.com or 617-669-5492) and someone will come to the entrance to greet you for your rapid test.&nbsp; You’ll receive a welcome bag with (among other things) hand sanitizer and a fresh KF94 mask. NEW! When you mask, we encourage you to use a higher-filtration (N95/KN95/KF94/Vogmask) mask.&nbsp; If you’ve arrived before Saturday, we will ask you to rapid-test again during the Saturday arrival window (11am-1pm) so everybody has a negative test right before the large gatherings begin. During the event:&nbsp;The ceremony and meals will be outdoors, weather permitting. If we need to move indoors due to inclement weather, we will be able to provide a small amount of covered outdoor seating for meals. Masks are welcome and supported in outdoor spaces but not required. NEW! We will require masks in Big Bird at all times. Food will be served buffet-style in Big Bird for guests to take outside and eat. NEW! Saturday evening’s reception will be outdoors as well, in and around the open-sided event tent and at an adjacent fire circle. NEW! There are two rec halls, Cardinal and Aviary, with no formal events in them. They will be well-ventilated with open windows and air filters, and masking in the rec halls is encouraged but not required.. People are welcome to socialize in the rec halls and children’s activities will be set up in Cardinal. Additional masks and hand sanitizer will be available near the entrances to all of these spaces.&nbsp; Cabin assignments will cohort folks into groups with people who already spend time together. Cabins will be seated together at dinner but most have other guests joining them. NEW! If you would like your cabin to be at a table with no other guests, please reach out to David (<a href="mailto:dwcovin@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dwcovin@gmail.com</a> or 617-669-5492).&nbsp;

COVID

Program

Officiants: Molly "Flash" Tomlinson and Sarah Whedon Operations and coordination: Vanessa Peregrine Kitchen witch: Vika Zafrin Music: Johanna Bobrow, Eric Mumpower and Chuck LeChien Costumer: Johanna Bobrow Lighting: Mark Kriegsman and Lauren Audette Cake: Mary Miratrix, Meg Grady-Troia and Kaylee Bonawitz Bar: Rosa Carson and Ben Cordes DJ: Ert Dredge Chocolates: Cher Diamond and Saul Mandel Art: Jenn Koerber, Riv Hawkes, Rachel Kadel, Mohini Salvi and Vanessa Peregrine COVID coordination and greeting: David Covin, Bonnie Denis and Rio Hunter Black Kitchen prep: Rachel Kadel, Susan Blake, Kaylee Bonawitz, Debby Wallach, Megan Stokes, Chris Johnson, Natalie Kassabian, Nick Wilton, Jenn Koerber, Rowan McVey, Grace Lichaa, Ben Sherman, Kate Charles, Barry Charles, Colleen Goodsell , Alan Wexelblat, Natalie Covin, Ana Gruesz and Area Teens Extra special kitchen thanks to Ben Sherman. Recreational moving crew: Luke Miratrix, Matt Gleason, Jim Knizer, Kaylee Bonawitz, Jesse Morris, Carolyn Salvi, John Wedoff and Jeffrey Frank Truckin': Jesse Morris Kitchen cleanup organizer: Debby Wallach Strike: Johanna Bobrow, Eric Mumpower, Ben Cordes, Jesse Morris, Kaylee Bonawitz, Susannah Mandel, Debby Wallach and Riv Hawkes Extra above-and-beyond strike bonus thanks to Johanna, Eric and Ben This was a tremendous undertaking and we appreciate everyone who made it happen. That includes any number of people who stepped in when we didn't see it, or in ways we didn't note above. It means the world that you were there with and for us. ---

Artisans and vendors

Some of our wedding visuals came from independent artists we found on Etsy. We were very happy with all of them! Invitations and logo: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BirdHouse197" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/BirdHouse197</a>Pronoun pins: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrideandPronounsUK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrideandPronounsUK</a>Crowns: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarbickovaCrowns" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarbickovaCrowns</a>Ketubah: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HAPPYprojectSHOP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/HAPPYprojectSHOP</a>Guestbook box: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LPMoonStudio" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/LPMoonStudio</a>Rainbow bow-ties: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyLittleItch" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyLittleItch</a> Our photographer was Amanda Summerlin (<a href="https://amandasummerlin.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://amandasummerlin.com/</a>) Our flowers were by Eastern River Farm (<a href="https://www.easternriverfarm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.easternriverfarm.com/</a>) Hair and makeup for us and the wedding party were by Elite Body Essentials in Farmingdale (<a href="https://elitebodyessentials.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://elitebodyessentials.net/</a>) The cream cheese and bagels on Sunday were from Bagel Central (<a href="https://www.bagelcentralbangor.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bagelcentralbangor.com/</a>)

Songs

Processional: "The Queer Gospel" by Erin McKeown (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRh10y22zJ8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRh10y22zJ8</a>) Recessional: "When Can I See You Again?" by Owl City (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=225qTJRs9gE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=225qTJRs9gE</a>) First dance: "This Is How We Walk On The Moon" by Arthur Russell, performed by José González (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rByhODV9M2w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rByhODV9M2w</a>)

Liner Notes

Bright Inner Beauty

8 ounces scotch bonnet peppers (weigh after removing stems and seeds)6 floz stoneground mustard1 ounce brown sugar3 floz champagne vinegar1 floz fresh orange juice1 floz honey1 floz molasses3 floz papaya nectar1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks, there’s empty space in the cup, it’s okay3 floz canola oil1/6 ounces each of cumin, chili powder, curry, turmeric, and allspiceSalt and pepper to taste ProcedureThrow everything in a blender and liquefy. Makes a little under one quart; sauce seems to keep fine for months as long as it's tightly sealed. Refrigerating probably helps! This recipe is based on the Inner Beauty sauce that chef Chris Schlesinger made for Cambridge's East Coast Grill once upon a time. We made it with kitchen witch Vika Zafrin over the course of several weekend days this summer.

Hot sauce recipe

Shared vows

We promise to continue creating a joyful, healthy, abundant life together. We will shoot for the moon and steer by the stars. We will be honest and kind and brave. We will turn toward each other. We will express our gratitude and delight. We will play fast and make mistakes. We will stand guard over each other’s solitude and be exuberant beside each other. We will call it anything we want. We will make good trouble together. We’ll trust each other and be trustworthy. We will tell each other when we are in training and when we can be kissed. We will complement each other’s strength and flexibility. We will surprise each other. [space for personal vows] We will choose and choose and choose. We will nurture right relationship with one another, with our family, friends and loved ones, with the land, the water, the air, and the community of all living things. We will be guided by our commitment to liberation in our selves, our marriage, and our communities.

Sierra's vows

I promise that if I have a tiny object hidden in my mouth to sneak into yours when we kiss in a moment, it is intended purely to delight you. I promise to help you with the groceries. I promise never to throw a game.&nbsp; I promise to treasure your body with my body, to meet your brilliant mind with mine, to hold you and our marriage sacred and at the center of my life.

Alison's vows

I will keep learning who I am so I can be better and better with you. I will take the spot you wanted on the board when it’s my turn, and compliment you on taking the spot I wanted when it’s your turn. I will throw parties with you. I won’t save all my good cats. I will hang out in the middle of the crosswalk with you because there are no cars coming so why not? I will go to sleep on time with you and I will stay up late with you.

Sierra's rehearsal vows

I swear to you that deer ticks are diurnal. Swedish is a tonal language, and I will to speak it on our honeymoon, but only a little bit. I love you with the strength of a thousand volcanoes, none of which I will bring home even if I find a really cute one on the sidewalk. I will love you with the tender ferocity of a two Bengal cats joining forces. I love you when the moon is full and when it wanes, and I will choose and choose and choose you

Alison's rehearsal vows

I will not reveal my personal section of the vows before it’s time. I will not eat green eggs and ham. I will keep standing 6 feet 1. I will sit in the waiting room. I will make it rain, girl. I will hop into your car as away it starts rollin’; I will say, how much'd you pay for this. You’ll say nothing man, it’s stolen. I will leave the nightlight on inside the birdhouse in my soul. Also, I will leave space for changes of emotional tone. I will choose and choose and choose you.

Shared vows endnotes

Our shared vows contain quotes and glosses of The Courtship of Inanna and Dumuzi, Oscar Wilde, Aurora Levins Morales, Virginia Woolf, Bernard Meltzer, John Gottman, the Gratitude Project, Jessica Fern, the Merrimack Valley Gamers Association, Rainer Maria Rilke, The Spinanes, Marilyn Hacker, John Lewis, adrienne maree brown, Claude Cahun, Ann Powers, Black Leotard Front, Lilla Watson and Martin Luther King, Jr. The Knot, sadly, can't handle footnotes. But our ketubah can! Come by and see the version with full footnotes and commentary hanging on our wall someday soon. :)

Alison & Sierra

Alison & Sierra

Photos