Cathedral Beach Picnic Area

Vows in the Valley

“But no temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite."   -John Muir

Yosemite National Park, the birthplace of the National Park system, holds an important place to us and we're delighted to introduce and reintroduce our friends and family to this temple of nature's grandeur. We welcome you to join us on hikes, bike rides, and other (approachable) adventures throughout the long weekend in the hope that the Yosemite Valley's breathtaking beauty will inspire you as much as it does us. Because we are in a National Park, we aren't expecting a fancy dress code. Think more: "Nice evening out on vacation" than "formal" for a more comfortable and pared-down version of what you might typically wear to a wedding. Comfortable shoes are a must and plan to dress in layers. The weather in May/June will be in the high 70s/low 80s but the evenings can drop into the 40s and rain is not wholly unlikely. Still confused? Check out our idea board! <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yuufy476" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/yuufy476</a>

Our Wedding

14 Years of Friendship, 5 Years of Love, <1 Year 'til Marriage

Kelda and Devin met in 2004 at an anime convention in San Francisco. Kelda remembers Devin as being reserved and "kind of intimidating" but enthusiastic and warm when they finally had a chance to talk just the two of them. Devin remembers Kelda as "a beautiful blur of businesslike efficiency" helping to keep the con running smoothly. He inevitably found himself volunteering to help (how much that was motivated by an opportunity to spend time with Kelda is lost to the fog of history). From that meeting, a friendship grew. They would see each other at the same convention each year, making new lifelong friends along the way. There was always something brewing between them but the timing never worked out. Fast forward to 2018 and Devin had moved to Vallejo after spending time in Oregon, Los Angeles, Santa Rosa, and Davis (where he finally got his act together). It was the first time the two lived so close to one another and they immediately started spending as much time together as their schedules allowed. After going on a pseudo-date to <a href="https://lucky13alameda.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lucky 13</a> in Alameda (under the guise of preparing their 2018 mail-in voting ballots), Kelda and Devin finally admitted their feelings to one another. Years of friendship gave them a strong foundation to build upon and they moved in together the following year, creating a life filled with lots of love, laughter, awkward humor, an amazingly anxious dog, and probably one too many cats. Devin and Kelda are very excited about this next chapter in their story and look forward to celebrating this milestone in their lives with you: their close friends and family.

Our Story

Photos

AIRPORT AND TRANSPORTATION

If you are flying in, there are many airport options for you: Fresno-Yosemite International (FAT) - A 2.5 hour drive from Yosemite Valley<a href="https://flyfresno.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://flyfresno.com/</a> Oakland International Airport (OAK) - A 3.5 hour drive from Yosemite Valley<a href="https://www.oaklandairport.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.oaklandairport.com/</a> Sacramento International (SMF) - A 3.5 hour drive from Yosemite Valley<a href="https://sacramento.aero/smf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://sacramento.aero/smf</a> San Francisco International (SFO) - A 4-hour drive to Yosemite Valley<a href="https://www.flysfo.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.flysfo.com/</a> From there, you will need to rent a car or arrange carpooling with others.

HOTEL OPTIONS

There are three hotel options in Yosemite Valley: The Ahwahnee Hotel<a href="https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/the-ahwahnee/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/the-ahwahnee/</a> Yosemite Valley Lodge<a href="https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/yosemite-valley-lodge/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/yosemite-valley-lodge/</a> Curry Village<a href="https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/curry-village/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/curry-village/</a> All three of these hotels open reservations 366 days in advance and reservations can fill up quickly! If you want to stay in Yosemite Valley, plan to book ASAP! We do NOT have a room block so all lodging decisions are up to you. Other options not in the Valley include some Airbnb's in Yosemite West and surrounding areas, Rush Creek and Evergreen Lodge, located right outside the Park gates, and some motels in El Portal.

Travel & Hotel Info

Welcome Drinks and Dinner

May 30th, 6pm-9pm

Very casual welcome gathering and reception set-up! Come help us string twinkle lights and clear branches while sipping drinks and enjoying pizza from Curry Village's Pizza Deck (which is surprisingly good pizza). Vegan/Vegetarian and gluten-free options will also be available. Afterwards, chill around the fire and roast s'mores until the neighbors start complaining. We are site 76. You will need to park at the Curry Village Parking Lot and then walk over (it's a very short walk) or take the free Valley shuttle to stop #15. A map of the Upper Pines Campground can be found <a href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/559db532e4b07fb6350b31b4/1559502490561-U68ROIOGQ8MEXFCXIWI3/pinescombined.jpg?format=2500w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

Upper Pines Campground

WEDDING VENUE

May 31st, 3:30PM

The Cathedral Beach Picnic Area features a beautiful view of El Capitan and the surrounding area. Cathedral Beach Picnic Area&nbsp;is located on Southside Drive, a few miles east of Bridalveil Fall. There is a small parking lot and the area is also accessible via the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle (stop #10).

Reception Space

May 31, 5:30pm-Sunset

Celebrate our union around a campfire! Delicious food will be provided by Willow Creek Catering with drink options from Golden Beaver Distillery and local wineries. A cocktail hour from 5:30-6:30PM will precede a Thai-inspired buffet dinner (vegetarian options available), followed by cake, more drinks, and a s'mores bar. Feel free to cozy up around the fire until lights out at 10PM.

Brunch

June 1st, 9am-Noon

Fuel up for hiking, pour yourself some hair of the dog, and help take down decorations between munchies and mimosas before everyone heads back home or off to enjoy the Valley.

Venues

Activities in & around Yosemite Valley

In May and June, Yosemite Valley becomes a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of hiking trails and activities amidst its breathtaking natural beauty. Hikers can explore iconic trails like the Mist Trail, which leads to the awe-inspiring vistas of Vernal and Nevada Falls, or embark on the challenging yet rewarding ascent to the summit of Half Dome for unparalleled views of the valley below. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, strolling along the serene paths of the Valley Loop Trail provides opportunities to admire towering granite cliffs, lush meadows, and cascading waterfalls. Beyond hiking, visitors can enjoy rock climbing, wildlife spotting, and photography amidst the valley's diverse ecosystem. Additionally, guided tours, ranger programs, and educational exhibits offer insight into the area's rich history and ecology. Whether seeking adventure or tranquility, Yosemite Valley in May and June promises unforgettable experiences for nature lovers of all ages. Below is a roundup of links to popular hikes (easy to difficult) and activities that we have enjoyed or have heard good things about and are available to do during your visit. More hikes can also be found at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">THIS LINK</a>.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/yosemitefallstrail.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Approximately 7.2 miles | Moderate&nbsp;</a>Starting in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rushcreeklodge.com/yosemite-planning/yosemite-overview/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Yosemite Valley</a>, this trail will lead you to the majestic Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. This hike offers challenging uphill sections that reward hikers with awe-inspiring views of the valley, Half Dome, and the surrounding peaks.&nbsp;

Yosemite Falls Trail

<a href="https://www.yosemitehikes.com/yosemite-valley/lower-yosemite-falls/lower-yosemite-falls.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Approximately 0.5 miles | Easy</a>Hike to the base of the tallest waterfall in North America and absorb some of the adrenaline-soaked spray that's just survived a 2,400-foot (720-meter) freefall. There will be lots of water roaring over the falls due to our wet winter/spring.

Lower Yosemite Falls

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/vernalnevadatrail.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Approximately 5.4 miles round trip | Moderate to Strenuous</a>If there's one hike I suggest everyone do (unless you have babies/very small children) is the Mist Trail. This very popular hike originates near Happy Isles in eastern Yosemite Valley. The John Muir and Mist Trails offer spectacular, up-close views of two large waterfalls, enjoyable scenery along the Merced River, and unique views across Yosemite Valley. This first paved mile of trail is busiest and accesses the Vernal Fall Footbridge. Almost entirely uphill, you can appreciate views along the way, and during spring, when the water levels are at their peak, you can also glimpse Illillouette Fall from this first section of trail. NOTE: While this is listed as a more moderate to strenuous hike, you move so slowly while climbing up the side of Vernal Fall (hence the name "Mist Trail" because you will get wet) that I consider it more a moderate. People of all fitness levels do this trail and the motto is definitely slow and steady. Also, make sure to wear good hiking shoes or shoes that at least have a good tread and be prepared to get wet. Some people wear ponchos.

Mist Trail

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleylooptrail.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Approximately 11.5 miles for the full loop; 7.2 miles for the half loop | Moderate</a>This trail follows many of the Valley's first east-west trails and wagon roads. It offers a rare opportunity in Yosemite Valley: to hike on a fairly level trail with some solitude. While some of the trail passes near roads, much of it takes you through meadows, talus slopes at the base of the granite cliffs, and near the Merced River. You can access the trail from many places throughout the Valley; however, the mileage and description used here starts at the Lower Yosemite Fall area (follow signs for Valley Loop Trail).

Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mirrorlaketrail.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Approximately 2 miles round trip to the lake; 5 miles loop around the lake | Easy to Moderate</a>Mirror Lake has little water much of the year and, while pleasant at any time of year, it is fullest in spring and early summer, when Tenaya Creek flows freely with fresh snowmelt. When water is calm, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs. Exhibits along the trail tell the story of Mirror Lake's lake-to-meadow succession, and also highlight some of the cultural history of the area. This is a perfect place for our guests with babies and young children to visit.

Mirror Lake Trail

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bridalveilfalltrail.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Approximately 1.2 miles | Easy</a>A short walk to the base of this 620-foot (189-meter) waterfall that's one of the most famous in the world. Yosemite Conservancy just finished a multi-year restoration which included new bathrooms (thank god), improved and accessible trails, and better viewing platforms.

Bridalveil Fall

<a href="https://www.yosemitehikes.com/glacier-point-road/glacier-point/glacier-point.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Approximately 1 mile | Easy</a>The views here are almost indescribable. There's a 270-degree panorama including&nbsp;Half Dome,&nbsp;Clouds Rest, the waterfalls of the&nbsp;Mist Trail, dozens of peaks in the eastern Sierra range, and much of&nbsp;Yosemite Valley. It's probably the best place in all of Yosemite for watching the sunset. NOTE: Due to weather conditions, the road to Glacier Point may not be open by our wedding weekend. Please reference <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/glacierpoint.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">THIS PAGE</a> for current road conditions.

Glacier Point

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mg.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Approximately 2.2 miles | Easy</a>This hike is at the outer bounds of the easy category, since it involves some ascent, but it's well worth it. It includes the Grizzly Giant, which is not only the world's oldest sequoia, at 2,700 years, but also one of the world's largest living things; the California Tunnel Tree, which you can walk through; the Bachelor and Three Graces; and a variety of other behemoths that would merit their own parks anywhere else in the world but don't even rate their own names here. NOTE: Mariposa Grove is located at the southern end of Yosemite and is about a 60-90 minute drive from the Valley. It is well worth the drive if you can fit a visit in.

Lower Mariposa Grove

Yosemite Hospitality (barf, Aramark) offers some guided tram and bus tours around the Valley. Devin and I have never done them but they're a great way to learn about the Park without having to walk everywhere. They've been going on for years so Aramark can't screw them up too badly so I'm sure they're fine. Ticket information can be found <a href="https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/guided-bus-tours/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Yosemite Conservancy offers some really wonderful naturalist and interpretive walks. The cost is reasonable and the naturalists who lead these are some of the best out there so you're really going to get an enjoyable guided tour. Ticket information can be found <a href="https://yosemite.org/experience/naturalist-walks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE.</a>

Guided Tours and Naturalist Walks

Things to Do

LET'S GO ON AN ADVENTURE!

In place of a traditional registry, We are excited to embark on an adventure to far-off lands and ask that you instead contribute to making it as grand and memorable as possible! We'll be traveling to Europe to explore the cultural and historic roots of our families and the Western world, and probably get up to some other stuff that's just good old-fashioned fun. To that purpose, we have put together an online "HoneyFund," which can be found <a href="https://www.honeyfund.com/site/kelda-and-devin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>. We will also have a card box at the wedding for envelopes if you prefer to keep such things "off the books" or are easily confused by all this newfangled technology.

Kelda & Devin

Kelda & Devin

Travel & Hotel Info

AIRPORT AND TRANSPORTATION

HOTEL OPTIONS