At Home Bridal shower

Bachelorette Party

Into The Woods LLC

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Forever & Always

welcome to Kristen and Andrews Wedding Website!

Our Website includes: The Venue Location, some background stories of our relationship, what our wedding vision is, potential food/drinks and games, and last, but not least, where you RSVP!

NOTE: Please be sure to check out each page since there is information about ceremony and reception rules or things we would like guests to view before you RSVP. There are questions for everyone and their group (anyone with +1 or more people under their name) while you go through the RSVP process.They include some yes/no answers and some of them require you to type out your answer. There are some questions that involve voting/ordering as well. SO, again, please check out each web page before you RSVP!

RSVP before/by July 30th 2024

Update: If you are still making arrangements and haven’t RSVPed yet, try to RSVP no later than September 10th 2024 please. We have to give vendors a final headcount

Our Wedding

Into the Woods LLC

Destination - 1 <a href="https:" />May Van Canyon Rd at Highway 38 Big Bear City, CA 92314</a>

Website

Take a peak at the venue's website for more information or to get their other social media accounts! If you plan on getting married in the near future and LOVE this venue as well, then give them a message!

<a href="https://www.intothewoodsbb.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.intothewoodsbb.com/</a>

About Into The Woods LLC

This wedding venue is a gorgeous all outdoor venue that is, quite literally, in the woods. The Owners of this venue wanted to keep the property as organic as can be, meaning no paved roads/lots, no large enclosed buildings, no cemented pathways. Just dirt, trees, and a fresh breeze! They are keeping their venue as eco-friendly as possible by having only so many weddings per year to prevent any potential waste from building, plus they have minimal structures to also prevent any destruction/removing of the wild life. So needless to say they really only have 12 weddings a year or less, therefore, we are very grateful we were able to easily book during their most popular month of the year!

With that being said, let's be sure to clean up after ourselves as much as possible, as the Bride and Groom are held accountable for all the cleaning at the end of the night. Plus we also would like to keep the forest clean and trash free for eco-friendly reasons in general!

Arriving and parking

As you are on highway 38, the turn off for may van canyon rd is hard to see, so we will have signs up so you know where the turn off is. Once you turn onto the dirt road leading up to the venue, keep going straight and up to the left. There will be a gate you can pull through and someone will assist you with parking.

Parking is all on the property’s lower section near the bathrooms (There is no actual parking lot). The owner will assist with directing/finding parking for everyone as they show up. Please try to carpool to save space for parking. Any cars that are unable to fit onto the property will have to park off may van canyon rd.

Example photos (click to enlarge)

LEFT PHOTO - Shows may van canyon rd. and the dirt road leading up to the Venue MIDDLE PHOTO - Shows the gate to enter RIGHT PHOTO - Shows the direction you will be parking

(sorry we couldn't upload a video so these are screen shots from said video lol)

Here are examples for how close the venue is to big bear city and the turn in from highway 38

Wedding Venue

Time has gone by so fast.We met in 2017 and clicked instantly. We were best friends right away! Eventually we knew we had serious feelings for each other, and although the timing was difficult, we stuck by one another through thick and thin.By Feb 5th 2018 we made things official! After a couple of years went by we got our first apartment together in 2020. Then, a year later Andrew proposed! (6-27-2021)In 2022 we were blessed with our first house and became home owners! AND now we have our first fur-baby, Escanor! And yes Escanor will be attending the wedding; technically as Andrews second best man!We’ve gone on many short adventures together and have had both great times and difficult times. Regardless of what we were dealing with, we faced it all and we damn sure faced it together as a team. We have both grown so much as individuals because of one another’s love and support (including tough love).Now we can’t wait to share another amazing memory with all of you!We hope to see you soon and party-hardy on our wedding day!

Our time together

Photos of the engagement and our little family

Andrew once told me

“I love you past the moon, beyond the stars, and everything in between.”

I’ll never forget it♥️

Our Story

Before the wedding

Start the planning! 

July 2021 - March 2023 After Andrew proposed we started looking at venues, coming up with wedding themes and ideas we wanted to include in the wedding. When I say I have multiple boards/pins on Pinterest of just wedding stuff, by that I mean I have maybe a few thousand pins! Things have been pretty tight money wise during the end of 2021 and all through 2022, especially with buying a house. Therefore, we haven’t really got to physically plan, as in booking vendors, buying material or anything like that. But it has given us LOTS of time to really focus on the type of details we want for the wedding.

Here’s what we are working on

1. Wedding theme: Nordic(or)Viking-Gothic wedding with Jewel Tone Colors. For the Viking theme we will have fur mantels for the wedding party as they walk down the aisle and we may include some Viking style cosmetics such as simple face paint designs and Nordic rune beard-beads. Plus throughout the night we shall Skal as we drink! The colors will be bold and dark vs. light and bright like most weddings. Dramatic much? We know. We want it to be a night to remember and to be different than others. The goal is to have lots of fun and really leave an impression for everyone by showing you who we are as a couple.

2. Succulent-Enchanted Forest: location is in the woods but we want to incorporate something other than just flowers for décor, so instead we plan on having succulents! Kristen has always had a soft spot for ferns and succulents over flowers and Andrew doesn’t mind either way so we decided to switch it up and liven up the forest with some colorful unique plants. We're sure you’ll still see a flower or two at the ceremony.

3. Make it fun! End of the day it’s not just about us, it’s about all of us celebrating a special day involving us. So we plan on making it fun for everyone. Forget the boring weddings where you watch the bride and groom take pics and dance and then maybe get up for a song or two yourself. We want to have games for everyone to have fun with, some loud party music, and good food to enjoy with one another!

Wedding inspiration 

Details coming together

March 22nd 2023: Kristen said yes to the dress! After having a weird random appointment canceled on her and then her accidentally messing up a different one, like the goofball she is, she was able to find the perfect dress!We believe things happen for a reason, and this was definitely something that was meant to happen, especially considering Kristen wasn't planning on buying her dress yet and just wanted to get a "feel" for how wedding dress shopping is and what is currently available.After a couple appointments, Kristen was able to schedule one last minute appointment with Ann’s Classic Affairs while her mother was out visiting to help with dress shopping, and the first dress from A.C.A. she tried on, they all knew in that moment that she had found the perfect dress!After trying on a few more dresses, they wanted to be sure it was THE dress. So she tried the first dress back on, and honestly, it wasn't even a competition! It hands down is the perfect dress for Kristen!

October 2023: Kristen and Andrew officially booked the venue with Into The Woods LLC!They knew this was the venue they wanted, even after considering an "all inclusive" venue from Katie's work (Kristens sister). But Into The Woods has the feeling and vision they both wanted

Music

We will have all types of music for the wedding! From standard love songs both up beat and slow, to some Classic Rock, then over to some heavier party music such as Metal/Techno/Punk, So be ready to have the most mixed music playlist ever!

Be prepared to even hear Nordic Music! We will be including Nordic songs for both the ceremony and reception, but just for a few things. Totally understandable if it's not your taste in music, but it is something Andrew likes and sometimes Kristen does too. Also it matches our wedding theme, Nordic/Viking Enchanted wedding! Gotta have it!

The Bridal Shower Party

Sep. 7th: Kristen had a small, intimate party at her house for the bridal shower with family and friends! We played some games such as “Guess the dress” and “how well do you know her”. We even had a wedding theme Mad Lib that we filled out and took turns reading. The highlight to the bridal shower for Kristen was the fact both sides of hers and Andrews families were meeting for the first time!

Ever After - Wedding Day Photos

Click on photos to enlarge them to full size and enjoy scrolling through our wedding photos!

Wedding Details

Bridal & Groom Parties

~Click to enlarge photos~

Ceremony

Reception

~Click to enlarge photos~﻿

The Bride & Groom

Photos from Friends

The wedding (Video)

This is a 5 minute, edited video from the wedding. Enjoy :)https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dvjkPGDYN75uKeaLHz1xHuOjb8_LXJCb/view?usp=drive_link

Before and Ever After

Kristen has known this amazing woman since they were in elementary!!! Even though they ended up in different high schools and she lives in another state, she has always been an amazing friend who’s stayed in touch. Ciera is a Feisty young woman that isn't afraid to get crap done! (For the love of God do NOT play slug-bug with this woman!) She’s also Kristen’s longest and most loyal best friend, and THAT's why she’s our badass maid of honor!

Ciera G.

Andrew met Blake online while gaming then they hit it off and became pretty good friends, eventually best friends. in fact, they met right before Kristen and Andrew did! Blake has been around since then and is caring, fun and all around a great person, who we now both game with regularly. It's never boring with him around! He's very enthusiastic for us and our future, thus makes him the classic best man!

Blake H.

Blue is one of Kristen’s coworkers and a good friend! They’ve been working together on and off for the past 4 years and ended up at the same building again which led to them being closer as friends. Blue is both super funny and chill to be around plus very creative, who always has a new hair color scheme throughout the year (we're excited to see what she does for the wedding)! We are happy to be able to include this beautiful woman in our wedding party!

Blue k.

Brett is an old friend of Andrews! In 2021 he moved back to Cali and became our roommate. Even after buying the house, this goofball is still with us! Fun fact Brett is in a band, if you like classic rock then hit him up and give his band a listen! (He’s the drummer) Brett is definitely the class clown of the group, yet at the same time can be one of the quiet kids just egging you on in the background to do that dumb/embarrassing thing. So of course, we are happy to have him in the wedding!

Brett K.

Katie is Kristen’s older sister (just saying the younger sister is the best!). These two have a crazy relationship: being both somewhat close and sometimes hating on each other during most of their young lives. Even though they may not see eye to eye all the time, they still for sure love each other and get along enough to stir up trouble for everyone else! If they are getting along, they are probably just going to be weirdos and more often than not make some funny ass videos together! All jokes aside, we are very thrilled to have her in our wedding.

Katie W.

Nick is Kristen’s brother-in-law, married to her sister, Katie! Nick and Katie were Highschool sweethearts, so he has obviously been a part of the family for a long while now. Kristen for sure feels like Nick is like an older brother to her. AKA he is super annoying, takes up space, and says some DUMB S**T all the time!!! lol Just Kidding! Kinda... Honestly, Nick is such an amazing guy, and has been there for our family through thick and thin! We are so glad to have him in our wedding party!

Nick W.

Madison is one of Andrew's younger sisters. (don't ask how many siblings he has, its more than 3 lol) Maddie is super funny and chill lady! Andrew still sees her as one of the baby sisters and can't believe how much time has flown by, but he's proud of her! She tries her best and is blossoming into an amazing woman! We are both are really happy that we can include both sides of our families for the wedding. Therefore, we gladly can say Maddie is included as one of Kristens Bridesmaids!

Madison S

Diego and Andrew have been good friends for a VERY long time! The two of them use to be roommates as well for a time when they were younger. Can’t have a wedding without a super long time BFF for both wedding parties, right? This tall man is both supper funny and then extremely laid back/chill! The stories that Andrew and Diego have from over the years are crazy! Definitely stories for another night... but needless to say they have had so many good times together, and here is another one to add to their books! We are pleased to have his weird ass in our wedding!

Diego A. II

Nikki is ALSO one of Andrew's sisters! She is the cool older sister for both Andrew and Madison. Nikki is very out going and not afraid to speak her mind, but she's super chill! Nikki and Andrew have a funny relationship growing up, the usual older sibling going out of their way to embarrass their younger sibling or pull pranks on each other. And of course, Andrew would be the one getting in trouble for messing with his sister/s. But they are still close and we are super excited to have her in our wedding party even with her busy schedule!

Nicole P.

Adam and Andrew go way back! They ALSO were roommates back in the day. Adam is such a caring, goofy dude and has always been around for Andrew and Kristen as a good friend. He is very easy to talk to and is fun to plan things with! Adam also just recently proposed to the love of his life and has been talking to Kristen about some wedding ideas for his own! needless to say they have been having a good time wedding planning lately. We are happy to have his silly goose-ass in our wedding! 

Adam T

Wedding Party

Signature Drinks

Signature Drinks: "His & Her"-  Have a little taste of what represents us!

HERs: Green Tea Drink - sweet and zesty. This drink was a winner for Kristen the first time she tasted it! Its a perfect drink for anyone who prefers their drinks to taste less like alcohol and more like tea/lemonade.

HIS: Jagerbomb - engery to the max. this is a party drink that will keep you awake and partying longer! Andews go to drink is alway Jager and he figured why not help boost everyones energy with a classic party drink that happens to be one of his personal favorites.

Reception Drinks

Standard Drinks: Simple and sweet, must be MARGARITAS!we will have margaritas and a few other available drinks for the guest to get during the the night, including soft drinks and water

For the Toast

Toss the Champaign aside, we are having some delicious Mead instead!Andrew and Kristen aren't fans of champaign anyways, and what better way to incorporate a viking theme wedding other than with the "Nectar of the Gods"!?

Snacks, Dinner, Dessert!

Snack Bar

Charcuterie style - meats / cheese / bread. We will also include a veggie tray with multiple dressings, and a fruit tray.

Dinner

Main Meal - BBQ Dinner! We will be having BBQ Shredded Chicken and Texas BrisketSides include: Mac and Cheese, Jalapeño Baked Beans, Corn Casserole, and Pineapple Coleslaw

Desserts

Wedding Cake - Red Velvet with matcha and berries filled with Cream Cheese frosting for the wedding party

Extra Sweets - Surprise for the guest! We want something simple yet savory for all the guest to choose from BUT you all will have to wait till the day of to see what extra sweets we will have available for you.#oursurprisetreat

Food & Drinks

Things we will have for entertainment

Live music

We will be having live music, courtesy of Kings of Karma! Our lovely Groomsman, Brett, is the drummer for this band and they have graciously agreed to come play for us! Check the link below to hear some of their live songs when they were featured at Old Town Blues Club back in Feb. 2023

Tip the Entertainment!

Please if you're able, tip the band during the wedding for DJing and playing live music for us! They are giving us a STEAL for all their hard work and entertainment. Let's show them some appreciation and send love their way (specifically in the form of money!)

Kings Of karma

Games:

(1) WEDDING SHOE GAME! - A game where someone asks the Bride and Groom some questions about their relationship and who they think the question applies to most. The Bride and Groom then raises each other's shoe for every question that they think applies to one of them.

(2) I SPY - WITH CAMERAS! - On some of the tables there will be some disposable cameras with a list of things we would like for the guest to take pictures of. Once you find and take a picture of said things on the list, check the box to show it’s complete! This way everyone has a chance to take pictures of different things on the list throughout the night.

(3) GIANT JENGA! - Stackable blocks in rows of 3 that you pull one at a time and restack without knocking the tower over, BUT BIGGER! A “lawn game” that anyone can play!

(4) SURPRISE ACTIVITY! - After people RSVP we will add another activity to the party based off RSVP votes. The sooner the guests all RSVP the sooner we can plan to add the 4th activity!

Pay to dance with the Bride & Groom

Dollar Dance? - If you want a quick dance with either the bride and/or groom during the reception, then pull out those single dollar bills and make it rain! The dance will be within a 15min time span some time after dinner when we get the party started!

All you have to do is drop one bill of any amount into a jar/bowl we will have available and you are free to run up and take turns dancing with the bride/groom and wishing them a quick loving congrats!

Tattoos to go!

Viking style tattoos!? I think YES! Don’t worry they aren’t real. We will have our friend Stephen placing temporary tattoos on anyone who would like one just for the night!

Check out the list below and see if you would like one! There are multiple options from sizes small to extra-large. The photos are numbered as well so you know which ones belong to which options. Click on some of the photos to enlarge them.When you arrive at the wedding, our friend, Stephen, will be the “tattoo artist” for the night and will apply them for you.NOTE: Tattoo time will be only during Happy Hour

ORDERING

When ordering the temporary tattoos you can select the style option during the RSVP process. Each guest has the chance to select one option during their RSVP. To pay for the tattoos, that will be in cash at the wedding. So when you arrive you will need to pay Stephen directly for your tattoo. If you decide you want more than one for yourself then be sure to review prices and bring extra cash to the wedding!NOTE: If you forget to bring cash then see if Stephen can take cashapp/venmo/paypal. Any unclaimed tattoos will be given to the bride/groom.

If you see one you like I suggest writing them down or take a note in your phone, you'll need to select between options #1-27 (the name of the tattoo theme and size) in the RSVP section.

[1]Nordic Compass: Medium (options 1 - 6)$5 each

[2] Feathers and Ravens: Small-Medium (options 7 - 14)

$2 per feather (#7, 14)$6 for medium size ravens flying and on branches (#8, 9, 10, 13)$5 for flying raven silhouettes (#11)$7 for medium size raven on skull (#12)

[3] Viking Axe: Large (option 15)$8 each

[4] Viking compass half-sleeve: Extra Large (option 16)$10 each

[5] Icelandic magical Staves: Large (option 17)$8 each

[6] Mixed Nordic runes and symbols: Small-Large (option 18 - 27)

$2 for up to 4 of the Rune alphabet-symbols (#18, 27) $3 for Web of Wyrd (#19) $5 for Aegishjalmur (#20) $6 for Yggdrasil and Vegvisir (#21) $7 for Mjolnir (#22) $3 for the Trinity knot (#23) $3 for Triskelion (#24) $6 for Ouroboros (#25) $5 for the Helm of Awe (#26)

Meet Stephen

Fun fact: Stephen is an actual tattoo artist! So if you ever want a real tattoo you can connect with him and set up an actual appointment! Check out his link!

Stephen Hecker

Wedding day fun

Here's what our wedding schedule is for the night!

Plan your stay accordingly for our timeline.Take a look below for all the times/announcements during the wedding! (Includes main announcements only)

Kristen & Andrews Wedding Timeline

Ceremony1:00pm – Venue Gates open for Guests2:00pm – Start of CeremonyReception2:30pm – Happy Hour, Photos, Tattoos &amp; Games3:45pm – Wedding Party Introduction after Photos3:55pm – First Dance4:00pm – Dinner &amp; Mingling4:30 – The Toast from the Wedding Party5:00pm – Cake-Cutting &amp; Dessert5:10pm – Bouquet/Garter Toss &amp; a Game8:30pm – Last Dance for the Bride/Groom9:00pm – End of Wedding (All Guest Must Vacate)