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Registry
Thank you for your loving presence in our life! Your support is gift enough! But if you are inclined, we would be deeply touched by a charitable contribution to honor meaningful causes in our life, a kind gift to go towards the adventure of our honeymoon, or a few items to enhance our home together.
Story
Spending six year at the same school you'd think we knew each other well when we started dating, but with a graduating high school class of nearly 700, we never found ourselves in the same classroom. He might have seen me across the locker bay, and I knew him to be the much cooler guy, but it was Twitter that eventually got us talking senior year. Our first date was the first time we ever spoke to each other in person. A long dinner getting to know each other, swapping fun facts, and laughing was made only more memorable by the drive home. Not wanting to say goodbye to each other for the night, we drove around listening to music, jamming to our favorite songs, and singing along to Disney classics.
Teenage love has an undeniable vibrancy. What's amazing is the exuberance has not faltered in over eleven years. We are just as giddy, joyful, and exhilarated for our life together. But we have swapped our 2am text exchanges for a 10pm bedtime.
Tidbits
How did you propose?
Chad proposed in Camden, Maine on June 29, 2022! I could write a whole chapter on this story. We were on a weeklong Coastal Maine Cruise with Chad's grandfather, parents, aunts, and uncle. On day four, after walking around the most picturesque small town, we ended up in the city park near the library. We were sitting on a park bench overlooking the historic harbor talking about our life and imagined future together. This bench just happened to have the dedication "SKS- Remember That I Love You- DSC." His proposal was so authentic to us. I will always be amazed he had been carrying the ring around for days prior waiting for that moment without me having any idea. It was the most perfect day for us!
We’re on the same page about
Our love for The Office
What was your song?
When we first started dating our song was "Kryptonite" by 3 Doors Down. Our first dance song was "I'm With You" by Vance Joy.
What was your favorite hike together?
The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana
Who is the best cook?
Chad, no competition there!
What is the best concert you have been to together?
Vance Joy at The Anthem in DC
What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
Before August 2024 it was a hard choice between Montana, Maine, or California. Now it's easily our wedding week in Washington!
Schedule
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Welcome
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Below is the schedule of activities for the week. All are subject to change and will be updated regularly. Feel free to join for some or all of the adventure!
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Whale Watching
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Dinner at D'Anna's
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Monday, August 12, 2024
Hiking North Cascades National Park
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Family Dinner
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Sea Kayaking
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Rehearsal Dinner
6:00 PM
Marking the formal start of the wedding celebration, the Susanke’s are hosting dinner at The Black Cat, a local restaurant in small town Bellingham, Washington. Joyfully joining together before we travel to Glacier, Washington.
Resort Casual
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Wedding Lunch
11:30 AM
Fueling up together before a day of adventure! Join us for a light lunch before we embark on our elopement. First looks, finishing touches on attire, and a few photos before we drive out to the ceremony location.
Semi-Formal
Ceremony
3:15 PM
Everything is weather dependent and Mother Nature will be the decision maker for all of our wedding day plans. You will be updated with any changes. Walking a little ways from Austin's Pass, our photographer Hannah (an expert in the region), will guide us to the cite of our ceremony.
Semi-Formal
Reception
4:30 PM
Following frolicking in wildflower fields and some stunning family photos, a meal will be prepared for us at the picnic tables near the trailhead overlooking the mountains and valleys of the Mt. Baker wilderness. Under the canopy of Western Red Cedars and Douglas Firs, we will have drinks, cheers to toasts, and share few dances while enjoying a local PNW inspired dinner. Following, Chad and Lauren will depart for sunset photos with Hannah. Feel free to enjoy the scenery & sunset.
Semi-Formal
Friday, August 16, 2024
Hike Chain Lakes Loop
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Dinner at the Cabin
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Hike Ptarmigan Ridge
8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Travel
Getting In
We recommend flying into Seattle–Tacoma International Airport! We are flying in on August 10, 2023! Feel free to join us in our plans throughout the week or create a schedule that works best for you.
Transportation
We recommend getting a rental car before making the journey up to Bellingham, WA and Glacier, WA. Get 25% off your rental car with HERTZ and the link below or with code 2269659
August is the high season in Washington. Please make your arrangements as soon as possible for the best rates and availability.
Fairhaven Village Inn
We will be staying in Bellingham, Washington at the charming Fairhaven Village Inn! Checking in on August 10 and checking out the morning of August 14. Four nights in Bellingham gives us opportunities for whale watching, hiking, sailing, and eating with a home base in the heart of the historic Fairhaven district.
The Chrysalis Inn & Spa
Just a mile down the road from where Chad and Lauren are staying in Bellingham, this waterside hotel and spa by Hilton has comparable rates with additional amenities for those looking for an alternative to the Fairhaven Village Inn.
Stay in Glacier
We will be in Glacier, Washington August 14 through the morning of August 17! Wedding on August 15!! This is where we will be for the wedding festivities! The address listed above is the VRBO for Chad and Lauren if you are looking to book a nearby cabin. We found VRBO bookings to be more affordable than AirBnB, even for the same listings.
Departure
Lauren and Chad plan to fly out August 18 from the Seattle Airport after spending Saturday night in the Seattle area.
For Our Guests: Up to 25% off
For Our Guests: Up to 25% off
All guests receive up to 25% off car rentals. Why not extend your visit and enjoy your trip beyond our big day!
Provided by
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
When is the RSVP deadline?
While we ask you please RSVP by March 15th, so we can have an accurate headcount for our vendors, we do understand if you need to let us know closer to summer. As a microwedding, our guest count impacts permits and staffing.
What will the weather be like?
The weather here can be funny. During the day, the weather in Washington should be beautiful, averaging 65-75 degrees, but will get chilly at night. Please bring some warm layers for the evening. It can also be unpredictable, with cold rainy days in the 50s or climate change impacting historic highs in the 80s. It is cooler in the mountains, Glacier, Washington is the closest city to add to your weather app. Keep an eye on the weather and pack accordingly.
Where should I park?
There is plenty of free parking at the trailhead. We can also carpool from the cabin.
Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?
The ceremony and reception site are not wheelchair accessible. We have been intentional in selecting a ceremony and reception location that will not require much elevation gain for our guests.
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Outdoors! Rain, shine, fog, or wildfire smoke! Be prepared. Our photographer Hannah knows this area well and we will update the ceremony & reception site and day of timeline if needed.
What kind of shoes should/shouldn't I wear?
Hiking shoes or sneakers are recommended! No heels, we will be walking in nature with uneven terrain.
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
We would love for you to take photos and videos throughout the week and share them on our app Joy.
However, please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony or moments our photographer is working to capture. We appreciate your mindful presence in the moment with us.
Are there any colors that guests should avoid wearing?
Please stick to neutral colors that wont take focus away from the natural beauty of the wilderness around us. Ex. no hot pink or orange. If you would like more direction, our wedding colors incorporate shades of greens, blush, tan, and blue.
Through the Years
2012
Click to Read Our Notable Moments
2013
Notable Moments
2014
Notable Moments
2015
Notable Moments
2016
Notable Moments
2017
Notable Moments
2018
Notable Moments
2019
Notable Moments
2020
Notable Moments
2021
Notable Moments
2022
Notable Moments
2023
Notable Moments
2024
Wedding Story
Get the app
Download Joy and join our app using our event handle lauren-and-chad-eclmcq8ei8000101zaea4m3dtxs. View and share photos and stay up-to-date with details on the go.