The Lodge at Two Moons

Welcome Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

How We Met

MALEAIn a post-2020 world, Clayton and I met the old fashion way…Hinge. Yes, a dating site. I agreed to a date after seeing the picture of his kids, Mr. Noodles and Kona, knowing that anyone who named their cat Mr. Anything was worth meeting.&nbsp; CLAYTONWe met as many modern couples do, online. We matched despite living 75 miles apart, thanks to the fact that Malea lived in a small town with a very limited dating pool and so had set her location closer to me. And though she was without a doubt beautiful, I was drawn to how she presented as down to earth and smart. She probably matched with me because of my animals. We went on our first date shortly after making that initial connection.

In The Beginning

MALEAOur first date was in Oakhurst, California and I definitely did not expect it to last as long as it did. What was supposed to be a lunch date and short hike extended into dinner and Clayton helping me shop for a birthday present for my Maid of Honor, Madison, whose celebration I was then late to as a result.We fell in love slowly. With both our jobs keeping us busy and often out of town, we got to know each other through long emails in the time between our intermittent dates. My cousin and bridesmaid, Molly, knew it was love when hearing that on one of our early dates in Hanford, Clay asked me, “Do you want to watch a movie or go play outside?” The right answer, of course, was to play outside, and as we whacked a wiffleball around the yard, I knew that Clay already understood me so well. It was the first of the many qualities I cherish in him. CLAYTONOur first date was a meetup at a Sushi truck (one I would come to know as Malea’s favorite) followed by a hike located not far from our wedding venue. It was a short trek that we made longer with frequent conversation breaks, and when even that wasn’t enough, we went to a brewery just so we could continue talking. It was a day full of activity and Malea’s company made it fly by. It felt like spending the day with someone I already knew.

The Proposal

MALEAEven while stuck on a boat with no service, Clay somehow still managed to plan a special day for the start of our engagement. With a little help from Madison and Lily—both members of my bridal party—and a surprise from my dog, Citrine, he was able to coordinate a day I will never forget.Leading up to it, I could tell something was off. Clay was uncharacteristically concerned with the day’s schedule. I wrote it off as nerves, though, because it was his last flight with the Red Cocks, his squadron at the time. We were preparing for a trip to Italy and, like everyone else, I assumed he would propose then, but instead he chose to ask me while on a hike in Sequoia National Park, the location of one of our dates early on. Like the proposal, I will never forget that first date. My dog, Citrine, thought it important to make an impression. She did not, however, seem to care whether it was a good one and promptly found a huge pile of poo to roll in.Years later, none of us had learned our lesson, because not ten minutes after the proposal, Citrine ran up to congratulate us, covered in what was unmistakably feces. She must have thought it fitting that we begin our engagement the same way we began our relationship, with an unphased Clay cleaning poop out of her fur and me, mortified and gagging, in the background.Despite Citrine’s antics, saying yes to spending the rest of my life with Clayton was the easiest decision I have ever made. It felt like coming home. CLAYTONI’m not much of a planner (neither of us are, really) but planning the proposal seemed effortless. Rather than it be some extravagant event, I wanted it to take place somewhere meaningful. Somewhere we have made memories together. The location where we first went on a hike with our dogs immediately came to mind. It is beautiful, private, and a place where we shared laughs. For reasons Malea laid out above, her memory of our first hike was not as fond as mine. But while she was mortified, I couldn’t help but think it was hilarious.The proposal itself was a blur. I remember trying to coral her to the right spot, making sure there were no people around, and blindly hoping Madison was hiding somewhere nearby taking pictures as there was no service in the park, something we had not accounted for in our planning. When we made it to the beach and the river’s ben, I couldn’t wait. Without preamble, I awkwardly got on one knee and waited for her to turn around. As nervous as I was, I did not expect the “no, no, no” that followed. But just as I started to doubt her denials were born of excitement, she saw my uncertainty, shook herself, and told me to continue. The relief and excitement I felt after I finally got the “yes” I was hoping for was palpable.

Our Life Together

MALEA AND CLAYTONNow it seems like we are already living happily ever after. At home, we are kept company by all our babies, including two dogs (Kona and Citrine), four cats (Mr. Noodles, Milo, Abigail, and Toulouse), a snake (Juju), and 7000 plants (whose names we will graciously not list here).We love to be outdoors, so on the weekends you can most likely find us at Lowe’s planning our latest backyard improvement project. Well, Malea likes to leave most of the planning up to Clay, while she takes on the burden of buying new plants and constructing a miniature Toadland.We recently bought a plane with a friend and now Clay will take any excuse to fly. Malea doesn’t mind though. Turns out she loves being in the air and loves even more that Disneyland is now only an hour away. We both love to travel and have taken many trips together, made possible by the help of our neighbors, friends, and the best Grandpaw, Brian, who is always willing to watch the doggos while we are away. We have been all over California and often visit family in Florida. We’ve also been to Washington, Montana, Arizona, Nevada, Guam, and most recently Italy and France. We couldn’t have chosen better travel partners and look forward to many more adventures together.

Our Story

The Pets

Kona 

Mr Noodles 

Citrine

Abigail

Juju

Milo

Toulouse 

Photos

Madison Samora

Maid of Honor 

I met Madison in high school, but it took a long time for us to become friends because we both assumed, as girls sometimes do, that the other hated us. It wasn’t until our senior year, with near-identical schedules, that we formed an unbreakable bond. Madison has truly been my rock through all life’s ups and downs. When discussing the wedding party, Clay said, “Who’s going to be your maid of honor?” and then without waiting for a response added, “It has to be Madison, huh?” And he was correct. Our wedding day wouldn’t be the same without her.

Molly Casey

Bridesmaid

Though Molly is my cousin, we grew up like sisters. Despite the way her older sister, Erin, and I used to torment her endlessly, Molly has always been the kindest of us. She went from being the one I drove to school every morning, neither of us saying a word the entire ride, to being the person I now call whenever I am driving. She is a safe space, offering love and support whenever I need it, and she has always been inspiring in her bravery. I am lucky to have her in my life.

Erin Casey

Growing up, Erin was the ringleader of our trio, the one who always kept us on our toes with her endlessly imaginative games and pranks. As the oldest, she paved the way for Molly and me, always setting the bar high. She was a bright light throughout my childhood, and in all my life, I have never found anyone funnier. I am so happy to share this special day with her.

Joanna Barney

Jo! Jo and I were both on the swim team and played water polo together in high school. Jo was an instant friend. To know her is to love her. One of my favorite things is to go camping with her, which has just become an excuse for a road trip in which we talk about anything and everything. Jo’s family has become a second home to me. Many a Thanksgiving and Christmas have been spent playing games, eating homemade Thai food, and sharing time on their couch. Jo will always hold a special place in my heart.

Lily Radanovich

Though Lily and I attended the same high school, our paths didn’t intertwine until later. We officially met on a hike with a mutual friend and soon Lily became my go-to hiking buddy! We both have a love of outdoors and will take any excuse for a coffee stop. Lily has the biggest heart and knows how to make everyone in her life feel special and appreciated. I cherish her friendship.

Alex McAvene

The universe brought Alex and me together as random roommates when we both attended Humboldt State in 2015. At first, I doubted that a friendship would form between the two of us, one an LA girl and the other a borderline hillbilly. But boy was I wrong! Alex’s easy-going, fun-loving nature ensured we became fast friends. I was instantly comfortable with her, and we bonded over a shared love of Disney, Starbucks, Taco Bell, and shopping.&nbsp;

Danny Naz

Best Man

James Hagen

Groomsman

Dan Kaufman

Ryan Kaufman

Wedding Party

Men: A well-tailored suit, a dress shirt, slacks with a jacket and tie or a bow tie are all welcomed options!

Women: Dresses, cocktail dresses, pantsuits, or a dressy skirt and blouse combination are all acceptable!

Footwear: Something you are comfortable walking on paved roads and dirt/sand areas in!

Below are our colors for the wedding if you’d like to plan accordingly! But matching is not required.

Q + A

Accommodations

Hotel options 

Below is a break down of three hotels all right next to each other, which allows for carpool/shuttle options.   Rates are estimated for the dates 10/17-10/19 two guest, one room before taxes/fees.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst

Hampton Inn Oakhurst

Fairfield Inn & Suites Oakhurst

Free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant, indoor & outdoor pools

Best Western Plus - Yosemite Gateway Inn

Basic accommodations, free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast

Oakhurst Lodge

Travel

Only 1 hour from the venue to the Yosemite Valley! Truly one of the most breathtaking natural sights there are. Highly recommend if you have not been before.

Yosemite National Park

Malea’s Yosemite suggestions 

Waterfalls: Base of Yosemite falls: access right from the main loop road :) super chill nice walk, for upper and lower! (1 mile round trip)

Base of Bridalveil falls: access right after tunnel view so from the within the valley drive like you are leaving the park towards 41 and you will see the sign for the parking lot! Another very chill nice walk. (0.5 miles round trip)

Top of Vernal falls: access on the mist trail, found at Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16) The trail is all uphill but not too bad and the first part is paved, then does have a quite a bit of stairs. Distance: 2.4 mi (3.9 km) round trip (via Mist Trail) Elevation gain: 1000 ft (300 m) Difficulty: Strenuous Time: 3 hours you have the option to keep going to the Top of Nevada falls: Distance: 5.4 mi (8.7 km) round trip (via Mist Trail) Elevation gain: 2000 ft (610 m) Difficulty: Strenuous Time: 5-6 hours

Top of Yosemite falls: I personally haven’t done this one! But it offers great views but is a commitment! Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6 km) round trip Elevation: 2,700 ft (823 m) elevation gain Difficulty: Strenuous Time: 6-8 hours round trip Begin at: Camp 4 area (near shuttle stop #7 and El Capitan Shuttle stop #E2)

Mirror lake trail: I’ve done this one a few times it’s and nice easy hike to add to the easy falls. Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip to lake and back; 5 miles (8 km) loop around lake Elevation: 100 feet Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Time: 1 hour round trip to the lake (end of paved trail); 2-3 hours for full loop Begin at: Mirror Lake Trailhead (shuttle stop #17)

Malea’s Favorite Yosemite Afternoon/Evening

Head up Glacier Point Road, which is off of 41 one on your way out of Yosemite, not far out of the valley after tunnel view, you will see a bathroom stop and the road goes up on the left! From there drive till you see the parking lot for Taft & Sentinel Dome it will be on the left side of the road! I recommend hiking out to Taft then head over to Sentinel for sunset! Can be a little chilly after the sun goes down. Then keep taking the road up to glacier point and enjoy the views from there at night :) those are also good hikes for the day as well! Very easy to do and great views. 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round-trip; 2 hours (to Sentinel Dome or Taft Point) Begin at Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead (6 miles east of Bridalveil Creek Campground turnoff)

Another incredible option to see nature. Many hikes, huge trees, and some bears. Also the location Clay and Malea got engaged!

Sequoia National Park, Potwisha

Bass Lake

Enjoy The couples first date with Angel Falls via Willow Creek Trail the first hike Clay took Malea on! 

Clayton & Malea