Ben and Teresa will be wed on Saturday, October 1st, 2011, at 5pm, outdoors on the beautiful grounds of Campovida, in Hopland, California.

Please join us a little early (as early as 4pm is fine!) so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens. There is parking on-site, but the celebration location requires a 10-minute walk from there, so it’s best to arrive with plenty of time to spare.

What to Expect

The Terrain
Getting to the celebration site requires a bit of a walk along dirt and gravel paths and through at least one grassy field, so wear shoes you can walk in. Wedges might work, but please leave the stilettos at home – we don’t want any twisted ankles.

The Weather
The event is outdoors during late Northern California summer, which can be fickle but is generally warm because of our Indian Summer. Temperatures usually hover around the low 80s during the day but can quickly drop off to the low 60s at night, so bring a sweater or wrap – or plan to stay moving on the dance floor!

The Traffic
If you’re coming from San Francisco, be aware that traffic can get pretty backed up along 101, even on a Saturday. On a clear day, it’s about 90 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge to Campovida’s gates, but we’ve heard reports that it’s closer to a 2.5 or 3 hour drive, especially if you have to travel through the City, which can take a half an hour on its own.

Better to come early and have a voluntary lunch delay in Healdsburg or an extended garden jaunt at Campovida than risk speeding through farm towns to get here! (Also note there are lots of speed traps along these stretches of country road – particularly in Hopland where the speed limit is 35mph – drive safe and be smart.)

House Rules
Campovida is not only a pristine idyllic venue – it’s a working vineyard and a family of four’s permanent home. Please respect the house rules while on their property, which keep the grounds clean, productive and healthy for all. Namely:

• No smoking anywhere on site. I know this is a toughie, but you must leave the venue entirely (i.e. head to the highway) to light up. This is non-negotiable.
• No alcohol outside the reception and tasting room. The venue is open to the public during the day, so let’s keep the party to ourselves. 🙂
• No glass at the pool. Just common sense safety.

A Schedule

Saturday, October 1
4pm – Guests arrive, stroll the grounds, stop and smell the lavender
5pm – Wedding Ceremony; bring your hankies
5:30-ish and beyond… Cocktail hour, Dinner, Toasts, Cake and Dancing!
Sunset is at 6:53 pm. Remember to bring layers for the evening chill.
11pm – Music winds down, drinks are drunk, and it’s over all too soon. Or is it just the beginning? After party shaping up at the Hopland Inn cocktail lounge, details TBD.
Please be safe on the way home!

Stay a While

It’s a long drive from the Bay, so we do hope you’ll consider staying nearby and making the most of your trip to Mendocino County!