Story
Like many modern love stories, our relationship started on a dating app. Mark was surprised when Danielle left him a voicemail and then answered when he called back! While talking, she suggested star-gazing in the gorge as their first date, but quickly remembered they had met online and that probably wasn't the best decision. They settled on a more public location and met for the first time at a dog park, with Rosemary in attendance to help ensure it was a good fit. As they were talking about drink preferences, Danielle mentioned she had never really tried whiskey but knew a good spot close by. With that, they immediately went on a second date for dinner and drinks overlooking the Willamette River.
Mark and Danielle dated for almost two years before moving in together in January of 2020. A couple months later, COVID-19 made everyone stay home. Contrary to the experience of many others, Mark and Danielle had so much fun together while staying home! They stayed up late watching movies and making food. They discovered how well they worked together on house projects. And, most importantly, they realized how much they loved building a life together.
Tidbits
How did you first meet?
We both swiped the same way…
Who made the first move? How?
After a few dates, Danielle kissed Mark during their first photo booth experience together! She wanted it to be memorable and was also super nervous to make the first move. It was perfect, simple, and sweet.
What was your most memorable date?
Mark surprised Danielle after a big snow storm hit Portland, and we were one of the only vehicles out and about! He had looked up all these unique activities to do around Portland, mapped a course, and kept each stop a mystery.
One stop was a figurines cupboard where you get to take one if you leave one; he had 3D-printed a bunch of things and we came home with a unicorn. Other stops included a toy library (leave a toy for a kiddo who might want it) and a gnome park, which is when we added gnomes to our family.
The most memorable moment was the stop with a huge wishing tree! Mark had even brought special paper, pens, and twine. We both made wishes, one of which is coming true 7.21.22.
What's your favorite activity together?
Honestly, we love snuggling. It’s almost a regular occurrence after our work days finish to simply wrap up together and recharge for 15 mins, at least. It’s medicinal.
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
We don’t know yet! We will likely stay local after the wedding, but are hoping for an East Coast visit in the fall.
What's the best meal you have eaten together?
Sushi Samba in Vegas. 🤤 It was "an inventive culinary combination of three countries: Japan, Brazil and Peru".
What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
We went up to the San Juan Islands in February of 2020. It was on this trip that we talked about our future together more seriously. We read together, did a random puzzle on a ferry, drank good wine, ate great food, got a rainy day spa package, and just enjoyed each other without much of an agenda.
A life goal of ours
- is we would like to have children together and raise them well.
Schedule
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Ceremony and Reception
4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
We're getting married and we would love to share this special day with you. Dinner, drinks, and dancing to follow!
The reception at the Riverview Pavilion ends at 10:00 pm, but we are planning to party s'more in the Treehouse area* until a bit later.
(*Forest Fairy after party vibes highly encouraged; Extra bonus points for creativity!)
COCKTAIL ATTIRE
To Be Announced
Post-Wedding Fun
For all those of you who are staying a day longer, we are planning some times for fun activities on Friday. We hope to be doing zip-lining, ax-throwing, and making more s'mores together.
Stay tuned for more details or reserve ahead of time here:
Shuttle Bus 🚌
Shuttle buses are still being coordinated. Please keep us posted on where you are staying so we can try our best to accommodate rides.
Registry
We would most appreciate gifts of cash, as we are currently navigating costly home repairs and could use some help!
Some other ideas to guide your gifting:
- Gift certificates to Portland Metro restaurants
- Experiences around town for our next date night
- Couples cooking class
- Supporting our home repair adventures
- Donating to a good cause on our behalf
Travel
Getting In
We recommend flying into Portland International Airport.
Transportation
It is around 40 miles from the Portland International Airport to Skamania Lodge. There are many car rental companies at the airport, as well as Uber and Lyft pick-ups.
Columbia River Gorge
There is so much beauty in the Columbia River Gorge. If you are feeling adventurous, be sure to bring your hiking shoes and a wind breaker!
Skamania Lodge, Southwest Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, WA, USA
Update: There are no longer any available rooms the night of the wedding at Skamania Lodge.
If you are staying at the lodge, our guests get a discounted rate through this link: be.synxis.com
The Society Hotel
Please note: The Society Hotel is a 30 minutes drive from Skamania Lodge.
The Society Hotel Bingen offers a refined off-the-beaten-trail experience for travelers and getaway-seekers alike. There are surprises around every corner in this converted schoolhouse, beautiful communal spaces for sharing moments with friends and fellow travelers, and blissful relaxation waiting for you in our underground sanctuary and brand-new spa.
Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn
Their location on the Columbia River is conveniently located in one of the most stunning vantage points in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, perfect for any adventure. They are only 10 minutes away from Skamania Lodge.
Booking Assistant - Find Hotels Near Our Venue
Suggested Stay:
Wed, July 20 - Sat, July 23
Stevenson, WA, USA
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
What is important to know about attending?
We are choosing to host a celebration with our larger community because you matter to us! We wholeheartedly believe in the power of connection and we think happy and healthy love requires a strong network of support, guidance, and encouragement.
The state of the world lately has given us a lot to think about. We want our wedding to be an affirmation of joy and hope. We want to center both the importance of love between two people, as well as the love within our relationships with you all!
We really like you, okay? We care about you feeling welcomed and at ease. We are sticking around after the ceremony because we want to make more memories with you all. We want to star gaze in the gorge together.
So, please know we mostly want our wedding to be a celebration for everyone. Have fun, enjoy the beautiful place we call home, and thank you for loving us.
When is the RSVP deadline?
Please RSVP by May 21st.
Will vaccinations and boosters be required?
Yes, we require all of our guests (including kids) to be fully vaccinated and boosted to the current guidelines at the time of our wedding. We also request extra care of safety measures be taken prior to our event (wearing masks, distancing, washing your hands). Testing before attendance is greatly appreciated. We are taking precautions seriously because we have close loved ones at higher risk and value safety.
Are masks required? Will they be provided?
Yes, Skamania Lodge requires masking indoors. We will have masks available for our ceremony and reception, as well. If you plan to wear your own, please ensure they are at least a three-ply surgical mask, which can be found at most drugstores.
Are kids welcome?
Please check your invitation. We would love for kids to be in attendance. No kids younger than 5, please. Vaccinations and boosters will still be required for kids.
Can I bring a date?
Please check your invitation. With COVID conditions changing constantly, we prefer to keep those in attendance limited to people we know. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Our wedding ceremony and reception will be outdoors. We will be saying "I do" at the Skamania Lodge's Amphitheater, eating and drinking in the Riverview Pavilion, and celebrating later into the night in the treehouse area. However, the bathrooms are in an enclosed area.
Skamania Lodge requires all guests to wear face masks indoors.
Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the ceremony and reception are accessible. The treehouses have an accessible path to the firepits.
What will the weather be like?
In Stevenson, the summers are warm, dry, and partly cloudy. In mid July, you could expect temperatures as high as the mid-80s and lows in the 50s (Fahrenheit).
What should I wear?
Please find your own balance between feeling comfortable, beautiful, semi-formal, and outdoor venue ready!
Where should I park?
There is plenty of parking behind the lodge.
What kind of shoes should/shouldn't I wear?
Much of the space is not paved and we will be playing games on grassy lawns. With that, please choose your footwear accordingly.
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
Yes! We would love for you to take photos and share them with us!
If you are on social media, please use our hashtag: #danielleplusmark
However, please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony.
We will also have a PHOTO-BOOTH BUS to help us celebrate!
Whom should I call with questions?
You are welcome to call Danielle at 503.277.0336
However, emailing both Mark and Danielle is preferred.
Mark: bluemach@gmail.com
Danielle: daniellecgrondin@gmail.com
Will you have babysitters on the premises?
Depending on need, we are exploring this possibility. Please let us know if this is something you would utilize if provided.
Will the ceremony and reception be socially distanced?
Yes and no. We will try our best depending on how many people plan to attend in person. That being said, the whole ceremony and reception will be outside.
Is there transportation being provided between reception and hotels?
There will be a shuttle service for the night of the wedding. That being said, many of our guests will be at different hotels, so logistics may be more challenging to ensure shuttle rides for everyone. Please help us coordinate this effectively by communicating where you book your lodging accommodations.
Wedding Party
Lynnette Wadsworth
Matron of Honor
Michael Villanueva
Best Man
Rory Grondin
Bridesman
Emily Peyton
Grooms Person
Mark Bancolita
Groomsman
Kristopher Prakash
Groomsman
Richard Imamura
Groomsman
Jessica Adams
Grooms Person
Hanna Davis
Bridesmaid
Emily Heineman
Bridesmaid
Renee Heath
Bridesmaid
Birdie D'Agostino
Bridesmaid
Conrad Wadsworth
Flower Child
Luke Villanueva
Ring Bearer
Jessalyn Murphy
Flower Child
Brandt Wadsworth
Officiant
Get the app
Download Joy and join our app using our event handle danielle-and-mark-ckvqa5eqa0004077hecm2wujr. View and share photos and stay up-to-date with details on the go.