Forgotten Barrel Winery

Welcome Dinner

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park

Wedding Day

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Bus Departure from Rancho Bernardo

Arrive at Zoo for Transport to Venue

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Goodbye Brunch

Spring

Our Wedding

How does one find love 343.6 miles apart? Simple. Their friends find it for them. It started, like all modern love stories, with a Slack message. Cara Pardee had been on the BD team at Twitch with James, and knew Mary was planning to join that team in December. She messaged both Mary and James separately telling them they had to date each other (later, when pressed as to why, she said "it's because you would have pretty blue eyed babies," but we like to believe she also sensed an inherent compatibility beyond shared eye color). It escalated, as all great love stories do, at Disneyland. On a trip to the park with Zack Freeno and Nikki Bayani, her constant Disney companions, Mary asked if there were any eligible bachelors at Twitch in San Francisco. "Do you know James Reilman?" Zack asked, unaware Cara had already told Mary that he was the guy for her. Mary, remembering the question Meghan Markle asked of her friends when being set up with Prince Harry, asked "is he kind?" Zack responded "he's the nicest person you'll ever meet." Mary, remembering the question Meghan Markle most likely ACTUALLY asked her friends when being set up with Prince Harry, asked "is he rich?" Zack confirmed that he had recently purchased a condo in downtown San Francisco, and that sealed the deal. It culminated, as all great love stories do, at company events involving alcohol (shoutout to our mutual bosses, who may or may not have read this far). First, with the team holiday party, where James asked Mary for opinions on interior design for his new condo (reader, she DID Zillow it later), and Mary charmed him in Matchmaker Maria green (IYKYK). On Mary's next trip to the Bay, James invited her to a Twitch Happy Hour, where after four glasses of rosé and lots of cajoling from the drag queen hosting karaoke (who was suitably impressed by James's rendition of "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" complete with air guitar solo), Mary declared to James that she had a crush on him, and he said he knew. Six short months later, they went on their first actual date (James took some convincing). Through many FaceTimes, flights, and long road trips, Mary and James fell in love (and said I love you for the first time after a rather disastrous day at Disneyland, which is still better than a fabulous day spent anywhere else). After TwitchCon San Diego, they took a few extra days in the city where Mary was born to tour the sites, and James asked Mary to move in with him while visiting the aviary at the San Diego Zoo. The Zoo is special to Mary since her dad worked there as a tour bus driver in college, so having it as part of their love story (and their wedding at the Safari Park), is extra special. Despite different design aesthetics, like many differences in Mary and James's life, their home came together effortlessly, and life in San Francisco was quickly filled with movie outings with friends, weekend trips to wine country, and long walks with Holly, Mary's 11 year old chihuahua mix. As they began discussing their future and shopping for rings, Cara came into play again, sending them to a shop across the street from Twitch that specialized in antique stones. There, Mary fell in love with a ring that mimicked Meghan Markle's, with three stones representing the past, present, and future. She was devastated a few weeks later to see it had sold, particularly when she had pointedly set up several photo shoots as prime opportunities for James to propose. On a planned trip to Carmel By-The-Sea, James took Mary ring shopping to "make up" for the fact that her beloved ring had sold. Of course, it all turned out to be a ruse, as that evening, after a sunset beach picnic, with Holly by their side, James pulled out a box with THE ring, along with a cleverly hidden bottle of champagne, and popped the question. Mary and James feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so much love, from family, friends, pets, and of course each other. Thank you to all of you for being an important part of making this love story a real life Happily Ever After.

With a Little Help from Our Friends

Our Story

Photos

Eliora and Mary met at TV Land (Laugh More) in 2011, and immediately bonded over their love of dogs, Buzzfeed memes, and weddings - Mary even accompanied Eliora's older sister, whom she had never met, to purchase her wedding dress. Despite the distance of New York to California and Mary stealing Eliora's signature hair color, they have remained besties for 12 years, and Jorah, Eliora's son, is serving as a ring bear in the ceremony.

Eliora Noetzel

Aron and James met producing the world's greatest esport events at IGN and continued to work together at Blizzard Entertainment. Aron introduced James to his first "real craft" beer and they would spend many late nights discussing life, the universe, and everything. Aron is James' golf wingman, and they recently came in 2nd in a local league thanks to Aron's final round heroics while James was traveling with Mary. Aron is always good for an adventure, including a late night beer/swim in the Gulf during Alex Ivlev's wedding where James/Aron are fortunate tide was gentle.

Aron Vietti

Sara and Mary met through their Instagram famous pups, Prince and Holly, but found kindred spirits in each other's "extra-ness." Over the last six years they have chased their mutual dream of being fairy princesses (or at least English women sent back in time to medieval Scotland), and Mary proudly has anointed herself fairy godmother to Sara's daughter, Halle, who will act as a flower girl in the ceremony.

Sara Lebwohl

Alex and James have been friends since producing events together at IGN and Blizzard. James' first week in SF they went to a Karaoke bar with a group including Alex's now-wife Andy (which happened to be their 1st date), and James suggested they all go watch the Ravens game the next day since Andy is also from Baltimore (Alex and Andy's 2nd date). Alex and Andy are avid campers and James hopes to bring Mary and Holly to many trips in the future (with more preparedness than the sub-freezing trip Mary agreed to in January of this year).

Alex Lowry

Mary and Mary met through their Insta-famous dogs, who bonded over their shared love of food. Mary and Mary, meanwhile, bonded over having an awesome first name, a love of astrology and herbs, and afternoons spent being invited to Salem by clairvoyant jewelry store owners (they did not attend, but sort of wish they had) and shopping for stuffed dumpster fires. Mary was a bridesmaid in Mary's wedding, and can't wait for the roles to reverse! 

Mary Atwater-Kellman

Continuation of a theme, Alex and James were at IGN at the same time and worked together at Blizzard on mobile apps. Alex and his wife, Sheela, are gourmands and James has enjoyed many great (read: gluttonous) food and wine adventures with them both. James (read: me, tired of writing in the 3rd person) is very thankful to have a friend as thoughtful as Alex who is always supportive and has regularly provided James advice on personal reflection when he needed it most.

Alex Ivlev

Mary and Jessica met at NYU, where they declared themselves best friends after discussing a mutual love of Birkin bags while seated next to one another on the subway. Living in California, they never missed a Christmas at The Beverly Hills Hotel and took many a trip to Disneyland (though very few photos) together. Mary asked Jessica to be a bridesmaid in her future wedding after they scream sang the lyrics to Taylor Swift's "Love Story" driving around Long Island in the Summer of 2009, and now it's time to pay up. 

Jessica Kinsella

Zack is good friends with both Mary and James from when they all worked together at Twitch. Zack and Mary were on a Disneyland trip (one of far too many) when he told Mary "you have to meet James Reilman, he's the nicest guy around." Of course, Zack was referring to the subset of guys that didn't include himself, but James appreciates the nod regardless.

Zack Freeno

Patty and Mary have not been to Disney together (yet) but they have been to the Eras Tour, which is arguably just as good. Patty is James's sister and as an only child Mary is very excited to have a sister of her own! In addition to being a fellow Swiftie, Patty has acted as a sounding board for all of Mary's wedding stresses, and Mary is looking forward to many more nights solving murders together over bottles of wine. Patty's two children, Noah and Avery, will be acting as a Ring Bearer and Flower Girl in the ceremony. 

Patty Beaver

Matthew and James met in their early 20s and bonded over their love of Legos and Star Wars. Matthew is also married to Mary's bridesmaid, Patty, and is the father of Noah and Avery, who are the coolest.

For purposes of clarity to the heretofore introduced text, Matthew is James' brother-in-law, and James is incredibly appreciative to have such a great brother married to a sister he is very close with and their amazing kids (the aforementioned Noah and Avery).

Matthew Beaver

Wedding Party

Q + A

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in Escondido, CA approximately 40 minute north of the San Diego airport. Please plan accordingly for transportation and if you book outside accommodations check proximity to the Safari Park.

The Rancho Bernardo Inn is a beautiful resort and golf course ~20 minutes from the venue (closest location). This is where we will be staying, and we have a limited block we are able to extend. Please message us directly if you would like to be added to the block and we can share the reservation info.

We're also getting a room-block at this nearby Courtyard by Marriot - <a href="https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1703798220222&amp;key=GRP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">book here</a> or call 858-613-2000 and identify as members of "James Reilman Wedding Block Group". We've stayed here and can recommend it as a great option close proximity to all activities to not miss anything!

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Rancho Bernardo

Travel

San Diego & Escondido

Escondido is a beautiful area just north of San Diego with a lot to explore. Short drives nearby are Torrey Pines and beaches along the coast, particularly around Del Mar. The Rancho Bernardo Inn has a championship golf course open to the public as well as several other courses in the area. If you decide to explore San Diego downtown you can explore food, night life in the Gaslamp District, Balboa Park, or great local beaches. We hope you have a great weekend and are able to enjoy the area! Here are a few activities we like that we think you'll appreciate!

All guests will have full access to the Safari Park on the day of the ceremony. For a full experience, we recommend checking out the safari excursion which is a $90+ add-on purchased at the Zoo.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Yes, there's 2 Zoos! I'm mainly putting this on here so you know the difference. We're getting married at the Safari Park, but I asked Mary to move in when we visited the main Zoo near downtown San Diego.

San Diego Zoo

Approximately 30-min drive from the hotel, and it's FREAKING LEGOLAND!

LEGOLAND California

Approximately 1.5-hr drive north for those looking to extend their trip. Mary will happily give all the recommendations you need for a magical Disney experience!

Disneyland Park

Historic downtown of San Diego has strips of great restaurants, bars, and night life. To me it feels a bit like Nashville in Southern California.

Gaslamp Quarter - The Historic Heart Of San Diego

Beautiful nature reserve dedicated to the Torrey Pine tree and wildlife along the coast. Of course, I'll be aiming to get a tee time at the golf course. Note that reservations for the course open up 90 days out and book quickly.

Mary & James

Mary & James

M&J

Welcome Dinner

Wedding Day

2:30 PM–3:00 PM

Bus Departure from Rancho Bernardo

3:00 PM–3:30 PM

Arrive at Zoo for Transport to Venue

4:30 PM–5:00 PM

Ceremony

5:00 PM–6:00 PM

Cocktail Hour

6:00 PM–10:00 PM

Reception

Goodbye Brunch

May 18, 2024