We've set a date! Well, at least a weekend....

Well, it is official- Chad and I are getting married the weekend of August 20-23, 2010 in the Methow Valley. We are spending the entire weekend at Spring Creek Ranch, in Winthrop, WA. This is really the ideal location for us, for so many reasons. First, it is on a river. Rivers have been a fundamental part of our relationship, seeing that we first fell in love while fly fishing (on the Little Spokane River). Since then, we've had many adventures on rivers together, some solidly on the crazy/ hairy side of the risk spectrum! Rivers also symbolize continual movement- ever flowing and changing, a perfect allegory for a healthy relationship.

Second, the ranch is within walking distance to downtown Winthrop. This really appeals to me, as an urban planner by training. I love the idea that folks who choose to can walk or bike to the venue, or camp on site. I'm glad that after a long journey, we'll all be able to enjoy each other's company in a human-scale environment. Of course, there is also plenty of parking available for people staying further away or who are not able to or choose not to walk or bike long distances.

Also, the ranch has the perfect feel we were looking for- wide open, unpretentious, with views of the surrounding mountains. There are weepy willows and a few rustic barns and outbuildings, to add some photographic interest to the already beautiful surroundings. There is not much event "infrastructure," meaning that we will have to rent our own tables and chairs, as well as outhouses for guests camping overnight, lighting, etc. - but I'm looking forward to handling those details, honestly. And, the place is really a blank slate- we have total freedom to make it feel like home for the weekend.

Finally, the woman who runs the ranch, Sarah, is Jewish! As many of you know, we will be incorporating many Jewish traditions and customs into our wedding, so it is immensely relieving to me to know that Sarah will know about these ahead of time.

Woo hoo, it is going to be a great party! More details coming soon.