Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

We met in Rio where Mariana was living and Christian was visiting for the first time with his brother Rian. Mariana and I had instant chemistry, matching each other’s infectious chaotic energy. We became friends painting street art, and Mariana introduced me to many people, places and adventures in Rio. Christian returned to Rio one or twice and Mariana also visited the States, where I got to show her some people and places of my own. On January 13th, 2022 Mariana and Christian had a small gathering on a little mountain in Brattleboro, Vermont, in the town Christian’s father had grown up, and we became one, in the eyes of the law. Mariana and Christian moved from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh, the City of 3 livers, the Redneck San Francisco, Iron City, where there are attempting integrate into normal society as semi functional adults. We are ready and super excited to gather our family and friends together, to celebrate and hold witness to the union of 2 great communities. What better place to gather and celebrate than Rio de Janeiro, the home of Carnival? Of course we understand this could be a large journey for folks, and the decision is yours to make. But, if you do decide to make the leap, it will mean the world to us to have you there and make memories together. You may very well have a transformational experience. So come, escape the northern winter and experience paradise! With all the Love, Christian and Mariana

How did this Happen? (Our Story)

Our Story

Photos

February 22, 2025&#8232;
Praia S&#227;o Conrado (S&#227;o Conrado Beach)&#8232;
4pm - 11pm&#8232;&#8232;
4pm Arrival&#8232;5pm Ceremony&#8232;730pm Reception&#8232;&#8232;&#8232;
 
The celebration will be held on the S&#227;o Conrado Beach in front of the ocean with the beautiful Pedra da Gavea in full view. Guests will begin arriving around 4pm where they can enjoy the beach, and some light refreshments (meet and greet!). Around 5pm, we will hold our ceremony as the sun sets. The following reception will include snacks, and music provided by a few friends playing at a beach kiosk adjacent. Additional food is available at beach kiosks nearby. &#8232;&#8232;&#8232;We are so excited to gather our loved ones from the various chapters of our lives, and celebrate life and love in such a magical place as Rio de Janeiro!&#8232;&#8232;

Wedding Day and Venue

Q + A

What Information Is Missing?
Reach out with questions and we'll do our best to help you. Doing things in advance is always good.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

There are 4 primary oceanside neighborhoods that would be great to stay: Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, and Leme. Copa will be the most crowded, but all these neighborhoods will be more accommodating to gringos/ international folks. Great beach access, subway access, food/ groceries, but of course, not the cheapest option.

Beach Neighborhoods: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Leme

Santa Teresa has a long rich history that someone knows better than me, but in its current form, Santa is a boho/ touristy neighborhood. Very beautiful, great place to stay, and definitely worth a visit if you stay somewhere else.

Santa Teresa is very hilly, and it some ways feels like Portugal. Take a moto taxi up, or ride the Bonde up from Centro/ Lapa, or if you want to work that butt, there are a lot of great staircases. Brazilians are friendly, they will help you navigate.

BONUS! Mariana and I painted a couple murals in Santa, so maybe you can find them... This neighborhood is very special to us <3

Santa Teresa / Gloria

Vidigal is the most tourist accessible, and one of the most beautiful Favelas in Rio. (Instead of Favela, the word Communidade is a bit more respectful). Vidigal is admittedly not the most convenient place to stay (in regards to subway, centrality, etc.) but for anyone curious to see a hillside labyrinth with an ocean view, Vidigal.

Bonus! Take a moto taxi to the top of the Communidade to the start of the Dois Irmãos trailhead. Dois Irmãos (2 brothers) is the striking double rock mountain visible from the Leblon/ Ipanema beach. From the top of the Hike, you will be rewarded with incredible views of Rocinha, another incredible Communidade, and all of the main beach neighborhoods as you stand on top of the city looking straight down. (Easyish, short hike)

Vidigal

We would not recommend staying in Centro, but it is worth a visit. Centro is like the old downtown of Rio. There are still a bunch of museums and old buildings. Carnival blocos often pass through and take over the streets, during Carnival.

Centro (old Downtown)

You could stay in Lapa, but you may not want to. This neighborhood is included because it is a great nightlife spot. Start at the colorful staircase: Escaderia Selaron, grab a drink from Fatima, then wander over to the Academia da Cachaça and try some Gabriela!

Lapa

São Conrado is where the Celebration will be held. It is a quieter upscale neighborhood, on the ocean, if that is appealing. This could be a good neighborhood to avoid some of the Carnaval energy, and be close to the venue, of course. For people wanting to be closer to the center of action, a neighborhood like Santa Teresa, Gloria, or any of the other beach neighborhoods would be much more convenient.

São Conrado

Neighborhoods to Stay

There are so many things to do. omg.
 
1. First of all, Carnival! there will be pop up music, parties, and blocos all over the city. Plans will be shifting and evolving so jump in and out as your energy/ intrest draws you and stay hydrated.
 
2. Hikes! 
P&#227;o de A&#231;ucar is the famous sugar loaf mountain with a cable car (teleferico) that you've seen in photos. You can only get to the top top with the teleferico (which is a little pricey), but you can hike to the smaller mountain still and achieve 360 views that include P&#227;o de A&#231;ucar. If you go here, may as well check out Praia Vermelho, the little beach there (more detail in Beaches section below).
 
Hike to Cristo from Parque Lage. jungle, monkeys, iconic views, lots of elevation (start early, this hike is moderately tough). 
 
Dois Irm&#227;os is a fairly short hike that starts at the top of Vidigal (take a moto taxi up to the trailhead) incredible 360 views of the City, great selfie opp. 
 
Pedra da Gavea is perhaps the best hike near the city that I know of. Take an Uber (or bus if you're bold). Lots of jungle and some light scrambling. Not a beginner hike.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; 
 
Cachoeira do Horto is a jungle waterfall in the Jardim Botanico neighborhood. This ones pretty easy. you could uber right to the water, in theory, but the walk up the park road is very beautiful and you will quickly lose the sounds of the city. once you get there, climb up! The higher you go, the more private the waterfall will become... (bonus: La Biciclette is a french style cafe on the way)
 
3. Beaches! ok so your not here to hike, thats ok! there are lots of great beaches. The main beach starts at Leblon and connects Ipanema, Copacabana, and Lemy. All are beautiful, but Copa beach will be the most crowded. A great bike/ walking path connects them all.
 
At the base of Vidigal is a lovely little beach that we call Prainha (little beach). Prainha is a bit more quiet and more local. 
 
Praia Vermelha may appeal to the Nostalgic crowd. Sat at the base of P&#227;o de A&#231;ucar, and its teleferico, and with an old colonial era military base on one side, you might feel back in time at this beautiful little beach. 
 
if you want more adventure, there are endless beaches put side the city. One great destination is Ilha Grande, take a bus down the stunning coast, and eventually a boat out to the little island and you can enjoy all (or some) of the glories of Pirate Life, with none of the downsides!
 
4. Parks in the city. There are so many: Parque Lage, Parque Guinle, Lagoa, Jardim Botanico, Aterro do Flamengo/ Flamengo Beach, Parque das Ruinas, and many more small parks and green spaces.
 
5. Category?!?
Feira da Gloria is a great farmers market on Sunday mornings. If you forget to sleep on Saturday, dont bother! just go straight to the veg.
 
Uruguaiana is a multi block, open/ closed market where you can find a lot of wierd knockoffs and trinquets. Its a lot more tame than it used to be sad 
:( But! walk to Confeitaria Columbo for some pretty dense old streets.
 
Bondinho is a cute, old timey cable car (think Porto, Portugal or San Francisco!) that goes from Centro/ Lapa to Santa Teresa. Fun, slow little ride with beautiful scenery.
 
Lapa (this neighborhood has in section in the "places to stay" tab). Lapa is a famous night life neighborhood. Check out the Arcos, Escaderia Selaron, get a tall Caipirinha from Fatima, get Gabriela from Academia da Cacha&#231;a, or grab a table outside somewhere and get a plate of shareables (gurj&#227;o de frango!?).

Things to Do

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Registry

Planned Events
In the days leading up to, and the week following the wedding, there will be other events and chances to meet up and explore together!
 
Look at for music, Carnaval parties, hikes, beach hangouts and so. much. more.
 
stay tuned for updates

More Events

What should I wear?  Rio is Tropical!  Congratulations, you’ve made it to the promised land!  Footwear: Here people wear flip flops (or more stylish sandles). If you’re out in the city, you often walk a lot. I have worn sneakers, sandles, flip flops, uphill, through the jungle, in the snow. Be comfortable.  Beach wear:  Swimsuit.  Instead of a towel, we recommend a Conga, a lightweight blanket that can be used to lay on the sand, used for privacy to change on the beach, and/or be used as a skirt/ shawl.  Vendors and beach kiosks are always selling snacks, drinks, Congas, beach attire. Umbrellas and chairs can also be rented for pretty darn cheap, so you can travel light!  Wedding day: We encourage beach wear to people wanting to swim, layout, etc. Mariana and I will change into some classier robes before the Ceremony, keeping to the theme of tropical, light, and ceremonial. Guests are encouraged to dress classy and tropical, but formal is a strong word here. Night time, could cool off a bit, so an extra layer (sleeves) may be nice. (Zip off pants have been great)   City wear: Rio will transitioning from summer to fall, which means it will be quite warm, and usually humid. This means colorful, lightweight clothes will be the norm. Do you plan to rave? Do you plan to hike? Beach? Brunch?  Reach out with any questions :)

Christian & Mariana

Christian & Mariana

Registry

Pix: 21997881881 Venmo: @Christian_Austin