Bacchanal

Rehearsal Festivities

R + L Arrive

Setup Time

Rehearsal

Dinner Prep

Dinner

OVY Youth Camp

Wedding Day

Arrival and Welcome

Ceremony

Cocktails

Dance Party

Late Night Hang

Saturday Camp Day

Grab & Go Breakfast for early risers

Brunch

Camp Activities

BBQ Dinner by Kenny & Maria Meyers

Variety Show

Campfire

Sunday Breakfast

Breakfast

Cleanup

Spring

OUTSHINE THE BRIDE AND GROOMSparkles, Feathers, Revealing Clothing (yes, we mean A** &amp; T***ies), Drag, That Outfit You Can Never Find An Occasion For, Church Lady Hats, Capes, That Outfit You Think You're Too Old Or Too Young For, Your Own Wedding Dress, Extreme Comfort, Etc. Nothing is inappropriate today, so wear what makes you HAPPY! SEE OUR UNHINGED PINTEREST BOARD FOR INSPIRATION:https://pin.it/51Nob9dCs

Our Wedding

The Beginning (of time) Even though time only began on April 10th, 2021, the day Rachael and Loquen officially met, sometimes they have deja vu about an alternate universe known as "before." Lives were lived, loves were loved, friends and family were lost and made, adventures were had, and many lessons were learned. After 29 and 30 years of growing and becoming, the Hinge fairies brought these two together over some casual conversation about their unusual skills (quilting, slacklining, and calmness in chaotic situations; bugling, tap dancing, stained glass design, working an industrial floor buffer, driving in a blizzard, and making the ideal campfire - you guess who’s who.) Loquen liked Rachael's weird pictures and consistent communication, and Rachael liked Loquen's patience and staying power. On a cross-country video chat, Rachael learned that Loquen was a Hot Bay Boy, and Loquen learned that Rachael was devoted to coziness. Gentle butterflies began to stir in anticipation of a true first date back in Oakland.&nbsp; First Date April 10th brought bright sunshine to Lake Merritt. Rachael swaggered up on CP time with her high waisted bell bottoms and magenta velvet boots, and Loquen rose from his spot on a bench, bike in hand, wearing custom jeans and a sweatshirt he’d sewn details on himself, and sporting the classic “Common” with his sharp beard and clean shaven head. A lunch picnic of bread, brie, Vermont honey, grocery store lemonade and steady conversation turned into afternoon lounging, and then sunset gazing at the Oakland skyline, until finally it got chilly enough for Loquen’s big move: whipping out his handmade quilt to keep them warm by the twinkling lake. To this day Rachael has never lived down accidentally referencing the song “Emotional Rescue” by Aerosmith (Rolling Stones). She also found herself unable to inoffensively ask how to pronounce Loquen’s name this late in the date (although she’d eventually learn that she’d never have to because Loquen doesn’t call people by their names, he just starts talking and assumes you know he’s talking to you.) At one point the two mixed kids fumbled with the age-old question that had followed them their whole lives, “What’s your… where are you… who are your people?” leading to many conversations about blackness and mixedness, all the experiences they shared and many they didn’t.&nbsp; Early Days The pair thought a 7 hour date couldn’t be beat, but the next weekend brought them together for another 12 hour marathon on the Tennessee Valley hike to Pirate’s Cove and Muir Beach, followed by take out from Champa Garden shoveled down in sweatpants in “The Cottage,” Rachael’s beloved little home. The weeks flew by in easy comfort, getting to know each other with thoughtful questions and novel adventures throughout the Bay, like redwood hikes to find the perfect bench, burrito truck tours, triple bridge views, homemade mac n’ cheese, and corny movies in The Cottage.&nbsp; Oops I Love You After eight months together, quarterly relationship check ins, Christmas with the Royce Jones family, and Spotify rudely syncing their Discover Weekly’s, Rachael and Loquen went on their first trip together to Joshua Tree, where it dawned on the couple that they were probably in love. More milestones followed, including first birthdays together, a first anniversary, and deciding to “start talking about the idea of moving in together” aka immediately finding their perfect first apartment. In those first two years there were hard times, joyful days, lazy mornings, tough conversations, dreams of the future, steadily building trust, and always deepening love. Along the way there was a journey through nearly the whole of New England to visit Rachael’s family and tour her first two and a half decades (including her beloved Waukeela), an indulgent vacation in French Polynesia, and many hundred perfect boring days at home.&nbsp; Homeowners! On May 19th, 2023, Rachael and Loquen closed on their house in Oakland, lovingly named “Janky Butterface” due to her secret Victorian charm. Though they wouldn’t move in until January 2024, they painted and nested and envisioned their beautiful home together! A home full of dinner parties, friends and family, visitors and drop-bys, backyard bbqs, haikus, Rachael’s morning coffee in bed, Loquen’s newest movement hobby, cuddles and shenanigans with their anxious cat Chi Chi, early morning soccer, dance parties, hand written poems on every bookshelf and stained glass on many windows, lazy tv nights on their giant couch, swapping ideas for new projects and youth programs, cooking experiments, kiddos, moderate chaos, and pure steady love.&nbsp; "Engagement" They’d already long decided to build their life together until Loquen dies at the ripe age of 130, having been haunted daily by Rachael’s ghost for nearly fifty years. When they realized how important it was to both of them to bring their community into their lives, not just to celebrate them but to celebrate all the love they’ve received from their people near and far, a wedding felt right and beautiful. After deciding to get married and telling many of their loved ones, Rachael patiently waited for her bling, designed by one of her oldest friends. On a foggy morning in their happy place in Sonoma, while Rachael lazed in her favorite chair, Loquen knelt beside her, to which she promptly responded: “Now?? But I haven’t brushed my teeth!” But it was happening then and there, and it was perfect. “Rachael Alexandria Meyers, will you marry me?” And of course she would, she already had in her mind.&nbsp; Here’s to our beginning, to this small bright time of dreaming and building, and here’s to our long life ahead which is infinitely beautiful because of all of you who trust us to share it with you.

Old Songs

Our Story

Photos

Willow Glen

Q + A

Travel & Accommodations 

TRAVEL FROM THE BAYBay Area fam, OVY Camp is 20 minutes south of Half Moon Bay. As it will be easiest to drive, we encourage carpooling and will facilitate connections for those who need a ride! There is no direct public transit to the venue, but it's possible for the adventurous. TRAVELING BY AIRSan Francisco Airport (SFO) is just under 1 hour drive to the venue. Oakland Airport (OAK) is a bit farther, but many of our loved ones will be driving from Oakland and the East Bay so we will again happily facilitate carpooling connections. (San Jose is another airport option within a 1 hour drive.)

ACCOMMODATIONS

Free AccommodationsOVY Camp can accommodate anyone willing to lean into their rustic camp kid roots! There is space for all at no charge, but please review the details before you commit. Rustic CabinsEach cabin has up to 9 cot sized beds (4 bunks and 1 single). Cabins are small, have no electricity, and no indoor bathrooms. *Note: There is one single cabin with electrical outlets that will be reserved for guests with sleeping devices (CPAP breathing machines etc.) so get in touch with us ASAP if you'll need this accommodation. CPAP party! (Those in need of plugs to dry their hair etc. will have to do so outside of their cabins but I promise we'll help get you what you need to be comfortable and cared for!) Tent CampingThere is ample space to camp on this 100 acre property! Folks needing to be near the bathrooms are recommended to set up their tents in the cabin village area. Those who prefer more privacy may camp wherever - but bring your poop trowel!! We should have access to unlimited free camping gear for those traveling without. Details on how to get your camping needs met TBD! RV LifeLimited space for RVs or sleeper vans. RVs &amp; vans not provided so please plan accordingly and let us know ASAP if you'd like to bring a sleeper vehicle. BathroomsRustic camp bathrooms! There are [TBD] all gender toilets, [TBD] shower stalls, and [TBD] sinks for hand washing located in the center of the Cabin Village. More all gender bathrooms near the lodge! BeddingCabins do not come with bedding so plan to pack your own sheets/blanket/pillow! With enough notice of requests, we can provide sleeping bags to those looking to pack light.

Travel

Things to Do

Gift Giving

Rachael & Loquen

Rachael & Loquen

Photos