Half Moon Bay Brewing Company

Welcome Party

Wedding Day!

Oceano Hotel & Spa

Reception and Ceremony

Old Princeton Landing

After Party

Rockaway Beach Brewery

Sunday Sendoff

This April, we’ll be tying the knot in Half Moon Bay, where spring wildflowers dot the cliffs, seals bark in the distance, and the ocean breeze carries the salty tang of the coast. It’s a place that feels both tranquil and magical, the perfect backdrop to celebrate with the people we love most. We feel so lucky to have such amazing family and friends in our lives, and it means the world to have you join us.

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Veronica met Sasha at a hotel pool in the summer of 1999 after they moved to the U.S. just days apart. Covered in floaties, they bonded over not knowing English and went on to attend the same schools and even own the same car model. Since then, they've learned English and shared many adventures in search of giant statues and unique breweries.

Sasha Mikhailova

Jack is the oldest of Joe's three younger brothers. Jack and Joe were each other's first roommates, sharing a room through high school. Joe and Jack have gone on trips ranging from Munich's Oktoberfest to the Grand Canyon. One thing has remained the same then and now: it’s always a competition between them to finish off any leftovers.

Jack Urschler

Liz was Veronica’s (aka Ron) random college roommate. On move-in day, Ron introduced herself by jumping into the room and shouting “roomie!” with jazz hands. Despite this first impression, Liz and Ron became bunk bed besties, bonding over their shared love of Elmo, Macklemore, and horror movies. They’ve had epic adventures in SF, NYC, and abroad, and once even came very close to meeting Macklemore.

Liz Pierson

Joe met Alex in early grade school where the two bonded over video games and jokes in study hall. Over the years, Joe, Alex, and fellow groomsmen John and Mitch have gone on a variety of trips spanning the continental U.S. and Europe. More recently, the two emptied Green Bay of its Spotted Cow reserves.

Alex Childs

Veronica met Maggie when she visited Joe in SF, and they immediately hit it off on a Napa trip. They’ve gone on many adventures since, from Florida trips with the Urschlers to recently snorkeling with sea lions in La Paz, Mexico (#DonCactus). Along the way, they’ve bonded over board games, festive holiday pop-up bars, Selling Sunset drama, and so much more.

Maggie Urschler

Nick is the second oldest of Joe's three younger brothers. He followed a similar path—playing baseball, majoring in accounting, and eventually moving away from MO. In recent years, he and Joe have developed a shared interest in cameras and photography. The two are also equally likely to call out a perceived questionable decision made by any MLB or NFL team.

Nick Urschler

Veronica met KK while visiting Joe’s family in St. Louis and fondly remembers watching Joe teach her how to drive. They’ve grown close through trips from hiking in Yosemite to celebrating her 21st birthday in Florida. They also love sending each other cat content and teasing Joe.

Kathryn (KK) Urschler

Zach is the youngest of Joe's three younger brothers. Having had to endure his older brothers rapidly finishing off numerous meals, Zach has become quite adept in the kitchen in his own right in recent years. He is perhaps the person most likely to properly pour a Guinness, bake focaccia from scratch, and hit a chip shot within 2 feet all in the same day.

Zach Urschler

Tenny and Veronica met when their intimidating 6th grade orchestra teacher forced them out of the back row and into first violin. From there, they competed together and confidently claimed they would both attend Juilliard. The violins are long retired, but their "seal buddy" adventures continue.

Tenny Zhang

Joe met John probably in kindergarten. They played baseball together basically their entire lives. John now works as a vascular surgeon and reportedly credits his guitar, banjo, and surgical skills to the fundamentals instilled while playing for the St. Louis Lightning and the February practices at the St. Louis Armory.

John Taaffe

Isabel and Veronica met at interpretive dance summer camp in middle school, which involved pretending to be birds. Each an only child, they quickly bonded over having a roommate for the first time and would stay up late eating candy. They share a love of alternative rock concerts, sour beer, and cats.

Isabel Moriarty Karwoski

Joe and Mitch met around kindergarten. They spent years playing soccer in grade school and swimming in high school. After surviving countless 100s in the pool, they were roommates for two years in college and have since gone on many adventurous trips with fellow groomsmen John and Alex.

Mitch Kramer

Sam and Veronica met as broadcast journalism majors at Mizzou, bonding over late nights at the local TV station and cherry pie as a study incentive. Along the way, they discovered a shared appreciation for good fortune and great stories, whether that meant a spontaneous boat ride in Lake Tahoe or an Airbnb with a giant Taylor Swift cutout in Nashville.

Sam Kubota

Although Joe and Christian went to high school together, they didn't become close until college. They bonded over baseball, golf, and horror movies. During those years in college, Christian, John, and Joe (and others) would often delay trips to the bar to jam to Mumford & Sons. More recently, that same instinct resurfaced when Christian visited San Francisco, leading to impromptu, makeshift karaoke each night.

Christian Stark

Chelsea and Veronica met while co-producing a morning show at a Sacramento TV station. Fresh out of college and learning to navigate the night shift, they would send each other funny animal clips and occasionally sneak them into the show. Those early mornings quickly turned into Sacramento Zoo memberships, antique store treasure hunts, and bonding over a shared love of cheese.

Chelsea Shumrak

Joe met Spencer while interviewing at Deloitte in college. Later, at Deloitte orientation, the two were seated at the same table and have been close friends ever since. They lived together for six years—at one point, sharing an apartment with Veronica as well. They learned the hard way to wear life vests in Lake Tahoe's cold waters and have seen more DJs than either can count.

Spencer Vine

Katie and Veronica met as Mizzou grads in SF and bonded on a Lake Tahoe mountain that was too steep for them to ski down. Now, their adventures include bribing karaoke DJs, spinning at SoulCycle, and wandering the Beltline in Atlanta. Katie was even there the day Veronica and Joe met!

Katie Yaeger

Joe met Eric while playing flag football in San Francisco. Eric was the team's quarterback and had a completion percentage rivaled only by Kirk Cousins. They have traveled to Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, and most recently to Italy for Eric's wedding.

Eric McDowell

Juli was Veronica’s work “angel” when she joined a PR firm in 2016, teaching her the ins and outs of agency life. They worked together for almost seven years and can now be found celebrating Taylor Swift midnight launches, hitting music festivals, or trying the newest restaurants in town.

Juli Young

Veronica met Julie while interviewing to be her roommate in SF. Julie initially didn’t think Veronica would be very fun after she showed up in a cardigan, but that quickly became a running joke once they bonded over adult sports leagues, brunch, and wine-and-movie nights with their DVD collections.

Julie Nguyen

Veronica met Wendy through fellow bridesmaid Julie, and they became fast friends on an epic birthday trip to New Orleans. They share a love of Taylor Swift, going all out for themed parties, and playing a video game where they're mischievous geese who pull pranks to complete missions.

Wendy Hermansen

Wedding Party

Welcome Party: Catalina Wine Mixer

For the welcome party, think “Catalina Wine Mixer”: semi-formal or cocktail attire with a coastal feel. Cocktail dresses, dressy jumpsuits, or a collared shirt and slacks with a light jacket work great. For outfit inspiration, check out our <a href="http://bit.ly/4buNrYG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mood board</a>!

Wedding Day: Formal

For the wedding day, dress to impress! Floor-length gowns, dressy jumpsuits, or suits are suggested. Colors, textures, and patterns are appreciated. Lighter-colored suits and fabrics are welcome for men; no tuxedo necessary. For outfit inspiration, check out our <a href="https://bit.ly/3Ps6R7Q." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mood board</a>!

Dress Code

Q + A

The closest airport to Half Moon Bay is&nbsp;San Francisco International (SFO), about 20 miles away.&nbsp;San Jose International (SJC)&nbsp;and&nbsp;Oakland International (OAK)&nbsp;are also convenient options and sometimes have better flight deals depending on your airline. Guests can take Uber/Lyft or rent cars to reach Half Moon Bay. You may even be able to take a Waymo to Half Moon Bay by then!

Travel

There are many great hotels and Airbnbs in Half Moon Bay at a range of price points! Our main hotel is&nbsp;the Oceano Hotel, which is also where the ceremony and reception will take place. We’ve reserved a block of rooms there at a discounted rate for guests. To book, please call the hotel at the number listed and mention the Polivanaya-Urschler block.

Oceano Hotel & Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor

Home to the legendary Mavericks surf break, this beach is famous for massive winter waves and dramatic coastal views. Even when the surf is calmer, it's a great spot to stroll around and watch surfers from the bluffs.

Mavericks Beach

A short drive from Half Moon Bay, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a scenic spot for coastal walks, tide pools, and easy hikes through a century-old cypress grove. At low tide, you can explore the rocky shoreline and spot sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, and sea urchins. Harbor seals are often around and if you’re lucky, you might also see elephant seals, sea lions, otters, and whales!

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

A well-loved beach in Half Moon Bay. Less rugged than some of the nearby beaches, it's great for watching the waves or catching a sunset. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go horseback riding along the shoreline!

Poplar Beach

Stroll around the downtown area (Main Street) to check out cute cafes, boutique shops, restaurants, and wineries. Some of our favorite spots include Barbara's Fishtrap, San Benito Deli, Dad's Luncheonette, Moss Beach Distillery, Breakwater BBQ, and Vinoteca.

Explore Downtown

Taco Bell enthusiasts can make the pilgrimage up the coast to the "world's most beautiful Taco Bell." They just added a new bar and heated outdoor area!

Taco Bell Cantina

If you're planning a longer trip, we highly recommend spending some time in our beloved home of San Francisco! Some of our favorite sights/activities include:- <a href="www.blueandgoldfleet.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bay Cruise</a>: Great way to hear about the history of the city and see the skyline, bridges, and waterfront from the water. Rocketboat is our personal favorite!- Marina Green/Crissy Field: Relaxing waterfront walk with stunning views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge- Lands End: Scenic hiking trails and beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge- Muir Woods: National monument across the bridge that's known for its towering old-growth redwood trees. Reserve your tickets in advance!- Painted Ladies &amp; Alamo Square: Scenic park where you can see the iconic Victorian homes from the Full House intro credits- Palace of Fine Arts: Beautiful structure and lagoon (full of swans!) that was originally built for the 1915 World's Fair

Explore San Francisco

If you’re planning a longer trip and want to go wine tasting in Napa/Sonoma, Veronica and Joe have a document full of their favorite wineries and other recommendations to help you plan. Just reach out and we're happy to share it!

Veronica & Joe

Veronica & Joe

Q + A

When should I RSVP by?

Can I bring a plus one?

Are kids invited?

What's the dress code?

Are there any colors I should avoid wearing?

What shoes should I wear?

What will the weather be like?

Are the wedding festivities indoors or outdoors?

Will transportation be provided to the venue?

What time should I get to the ceremony?

Can I take photos during the ceremony?

I still have questions. What's the best way to reach you?