We're not going to lie – we're asking a lot. Time off work, plane tickets, ten days in Seattle's November rain. But here's what we're hoping happens:

That Matthew's family and friends gets to truly know the Seattle crew who've become Marina's chosen family.

That Marina's traditions get to live in this celebration, even though some of the people who taught them to her can't make the journey north.

That by the time we're saying "I do," everyone in that garden actually knows why these specific people matter so much to us.

And maybe, just maybe, when you leave Seattle, you're leaving with a few new friends you didn't have before.

That's worth ten days to us. We hope it is to you too.

Space Needle & Sea Creatures Day

What's Happening:

11:00 AM - Space Needle (520 feet of views!)

1:00 PM - Seattle Aquarium (NEW Ocean Pavilion!)

Optional: Return to Space Needle at sunset

The Vibe: Tourist mode activated. Bring comfortable shoes! The Space Needle is in the Seattle Center which has lots to explore, but it's a decent walk to and from things.

Cost: Included in CityPASS ($129/adult, $99/child)

Buy your CityPASS online ahead of time or first thing Monday morning

RSVP Required? Yes

What to Know:

CityPASS includes 2 Space Needle visits within 24 hours - go back for sunset!

Aquarium has touch pools and sea otters (and jellyfish -- both of which are Marina's favorites)!

Both locations walkable from each other via the Monorail (that also gives a good view of the city on the way!)

Dress in layers, it'll be chilly on the observation deck

Market & Game Night Day

What's Happening: Pike Place Market exploration

EARLY AFTERNOON:

11:00 AM - Pike Place Market

See: Fish throwing, Gum Wall, original Starbucks, Rachel the Pig. Lots of places to pick up coffee! On of Matthew and Marina's first dates in Seattle was at the French bakery here.

Lunch at the market

Cost: $20-40/person (food, souvenirs)

RSVP Required? Yes

What to Know:

Market is huge - budget 2-3 hours
Try Pike Place Chowder, it's legendary
Street performers and fresh flowers everywhere
The Gum Wall is exactly what it sounds like (and it's weirdly cool)

EVENING:

What's Happening: Board games & hot tub night at AirBnB

7:00 PM onwards

Potluck style - bring snacks/drinks to share

The Vibe: Cozy, casual, game night with hot tub access
Cost: $5-15/person (whatever you bring to contribute)

What to Know:

Bring: Swimsuit, towel, your favorite board game
Also bring: Snacks, drinks, or apps to share
This is the chill night - no agenda, just hang

THE WEDDING DAY

What's Happening: IT'S HAPPENING!

Details: TBD (separate ceremony page coming!)

Location: Kubota Gardens (9817 55th Ave S)

The Vibe: 20-acre Japanese garden, waterfalls, ponds, pure magic

Cost: Varies by role

RSVP Required? Obviously yes 😊

What to Know:

This is the ONE mandatory event
Ceremony + reception at the gardens
Free parking on-site
Stunning photo ops everywhere
Weather backup plan in place
Dress code: Just be comfortable! Not... too comfortable, but don't worry about being overly formal. We're just happy you're here!

EVENING (After the Reception):
What's Happening: Post-Wedding Bar Crawl!

Capitol Hill bar crawl
Hit 3-4 bars including Unicorn (circus-themed!), Hula Hula (tiki karaoke!)

The Vibe: Celebrate! Weird bars, good drinks, karaoke to burn off that wedding energy.
Cost: $75-120/person (drinks across multiple bars)
RSVP Required? Optional - join if you've got the energy!
What to Know:

For the night owls who aren't ready to stop celebrating
Starts at Unicorn Bar (1118 E Pike St) - you can't miss it
All bars are walking distance from each other
Plan Uber/Lyft home or designate drivers
21+ only
Unicorn has deep-fried everything and a downstairs arcade (Narwhal bar)
Hula Hula has karaoke starting at 9pm
Totally optional - no judgment if you're too exhausted from the wedding!

Harbor Tour & Pop Culture Day

MORNING:
What's Happening: Argosy Harbor Cruise

10:00 AM - 1-hour narrated cruise of Elliott Bay
See Seattle from the water!

Cost: Included in CityPASS
RSVP Required? Yes
What to Know:

Departs from Pier 55
Dress warm! It's colder on the water
Possible sea lion sightings
Great photo ops of the skyline


AFTERNOON:
What's Happening: Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

1:00 PM onwards
Music history, sci-fi exhibits, video games, Sound Lab

The Vibe: Interactive, weird, very Seattle
Cost: Included in CityPASS
RSVP Required? Yes
What to Know:

Plan 2-4 hours here
Sound Lab lets you play real instruments (no experience needed!)
Playable video games throughout
Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix exhibits
The building itself is wild (designed by Frank Gehry)
Good for music lovers, gamers, sci-fi nerds, everyone really

Marina's Birthday! (And Candles)

AFTERNOON:
What's Happening: Candle Making Experience

2:00 PM - Elm Candle Bar (910 E Pike St)
Make your own custom scented candle from 80+ fragrances

The Vibe: Cozy, creative, you leave with a souvenir you made!
Cost: $30-60/person
RSVP Required? Yes (call ahead for group reservations)

What to Know:

Takes about 1 hour
Choose your vessel, blend your scents, design your label
Great group activity
You take your candle home!
Located in Capitol Hill


EVENING:

What's Happening: Birthday Dinner at Oddfellows! 🎉

6:00 PM - Oddfellows Cafe + Bar
Celebrating Marina's birthday!

The Vibe: Birthday celebration + farewell dinner rolled into one

Cost: $30-60/person

RSVP Required? Yes (need final headcount for reservation)

What to Know:

It's Marina's Birthday!
Oddfellows is a Capitol Hill staple - great food, cozy atmosphere
This doubles as our farewell dinner
We're not crying, you're crying

Seattle CityPASS:

Cost: $129/adult, $99/child (ages 5-12)
Includes: Space Needle, Aquarium, Harbor Tour, MoPOP, Pacific Science Center
Valid for 9 consecutive days from first use
Buy ahead online: citypass.com/seattle
Saves you 48% vs. buying tickets separately

Weather:

November in Seattle: 40-50°F, rain likely
Pack: Layers, waterproof jacket, umbrella, good walking shoes
Locals don't use umbrellas but tourists do (your call)

Getting Around:

ORCA card recommended ($3 card + load value)
Uber/Lyft widely available
Most days are grouped geographically so minimal travel
We'll have a group chat for coordinating rides