We've always liked the idea of doing something sort of traditional where Mama Mel and Co. can have a safe space to get some tears out before the big day. Let's eat, drink, and enjoy each other's company. Attendance is open and completely optional. If you feel like you'd like to attend, just let us know! We're really hoping family and the bridal party can make it, but I know work and travel can be hell so no biggie if you can't attend. There will be plenty of time to hang out over the weekend! For food, we're doing a simple crowd-pleaser. We will be serving Taco Mama as a taco and nacho bar with barbacoa, steak, and pork (carnitas). All the fixing will be provided: lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro lime rice, black beans, cheese, tortillas, chips, sour cream, salsa and queso. Drink: Open Bar

When Worlds Collide is arguably the most highly anticipated event of the year. Robert De Niro commented in a recent press run, “When Worlds Collide is going to be the single best mixer of 2024 and I frankly don’t care if you quote me on it.” end quote. We think country icon Taylor Swift summed it up perfectly in the 2023 issue of Wedding Barnburners: “You know, I just think it’s really brave that they would host a team-based challenge competition experience centered around bringing people together; I mean, it’s really not what you think when you think wedding, but it works.” Revered competition game show host Gordon Ramsay covered the ins and outs of the event in his weekly talk show Podcast Nightmares: “The game makers pair people who’ve never really gotten to know one another up to compete in round-based elimination challenges. Bloody brilliant the way they seem to pick people who have so much in common but have never had the opportunity to get to know one another. And the prize is not bad either.” But what is this year’s illustrious prize going to be? Game makers would only state that it’s “500 things you’re not going to want to miss”, but it’s given our team just enough to theorize on. It could be 500 seconds of uninterrupted time on the aux at the reception, which would allow the winners to choose all the music for about 10 minutes. It could be the elusive first edition run of 500 Days of Summer Blu-ray Disc, which would be on theme for an event such as this. But our chief editor says we’re overthinking it: that it could be something more traditional, such as a briefcase full of cash. And, of course, if the rumors are to be believed, we could suspect that it could be as much as $500 in small bills. My take? I’m suspicious that they might just say, “f*** it” and dole out all three prizes to the winners. After all, if they truly do hope for it to be the event of the season, they’re going to have to go big or go home. Lunch will be provided with sandwich and snacker platters.

Lake Vibes: (1:00pm - 6:30pm) Desc: We will have access to four docks on Rock Creek for everyone to spread out and hangout (Check the map for more info). There's even been talk about stringing up a good ole fashioned redneck yacht club around Rock Island. We're really hoping to provide a relaxing day of fun in the sun for anyone who would like to attend. Pop a top and go for a dip, go for a relaxing boat ride, or snag a hammock and unwind. Drinks (BYOB+): This is going to be a thirsty crowd, so we ask that everybody bring a cooler of their favorite drinks they'd like to enjoy. With that being said, I'm going to snag a few cases of Michelob, seltzers, and a few bottles of liquor (Tito's Vodka and Four Roses Bourbon). Food (Lunch): (1:00pm: Lake Lunch Served @ Booth Dock) Desc: Lunch is going to be a dock food buffet. If you've been to the lake with us you know what we mean. We will be providing sandwich and snacker platters, chips and dip, misc. snack-ables, and fresh fruit. Dinner. Drinks, and Socializing. (7:30pm - 8:30pm @ Wedding Venue) Food (Dinner): Pulled Pork and Brisket BBQ Nachos with all the trimmings. Drink: (Open Bar) Bridal Party Rehearsal (8:30pm - 9:00pm) Vibrant-Vibedown ft live music by Kingery Kong vs Zayrilla (9:00pm - 11:00pm)

The ceremony will be held on our property at Smith Lake. Parking will be off the side of the driveway and road with a golf cart and side-by-side vehicles to transport those that need it. After the ceremony, the party will move down to the nearby house (thank you Tkachs!!) for cocktail hour. Enjoy socializing and mingling with the people who mean the most to us while we gear up for the party of the decade! Don't fill up on too much pasta and sweets because Preston has curated the most amazing reception set-up to celebrate our love and create lots of memories with all the people we love! (there has even been talk of glow sticks and even a bubble fog machine!!)