Thank you! Please share your pics!

Dear Family and Friends,

We are still overwhelmed by all the love and joy you shared with us during our wedding celebration this weekend. It was such a special and momentous time for us. We had a BLAST, and are fairly confident most of you did too! ;)

We have set up a collaborative web site on Shutterfly where you can share your pics and view those shared by others (for free!). You can also order prints or photo books directly from the site. Visit http://hollyanddanaregorges.shutterfly.com/

To share your pics (which we encourage you to do!), just click on the "Pictures & Videos" link, located both on the top menu and in the left-hand column.

Lots of love,
Holly & Dan

Countdown!

We're getting EXCITED about our upcoming wedding weekend! Just wanted to provide a few links and reminders as you get ready to head our way:

• On Friday, August 13, 9pm-ish (when it starts to get dark!) , all are invited to the Cayuga Nature Center for a campfire and marshmallows!

• We live in a FUN town and encourage you to explore, eat and shop in and around Ithaca - Check out our suggestions, complete with the recent addition of a new shaved ice stand! Here's a map of Ithaca with our favorite places (including the Nature Center) pointed out.
  

• The weather has been a little (well, A LOT) variable this summer - On some days the high is in the 70s, on others it goes up into the 90s. Be prepared for that variability and keep your fingers crossed that it'll be on the cool, but sunny side. Attire is resort casual for our outdoor wedding - think sundresses and aloha shirts. Given the uneven terrain, we strongly discourage wearing high heels, ladies.

• The Cayuga Nature Center is approximately 6 miles from the intersection of Rte 13 and Buffalo Street in the heart of Ithaca. From Buffalo St., follow the signs for Rte. 89 (also known as Taughannock Blvd). Continue north on Rte. 89 for several miles. You'll pass the Glenwood Pines Restaurant (where you can stop for a legal beverage) on your right. The Nature Center is about 1.8 miles further on the left, 1420 Taughannock Blvd - Look for brightly colored butterfly banners and their big sign. If you get to Taughannock State Park, you've gone too far. It should take most folks about 10-15 minutes from downtown Ithaca to drive to the Nature Center. Beware of 30mph speed traps.

• Our ceremony starts at 6pm (followed by dinner and dancing, of course). We encourage you to arrive early and explore the expansive grounds of the Nature Center - including the Treetops Treehouse and Butterfly Garden.

And again, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us and ASK!

An Earth Tip*... wedding-style

It should be a surprise to none of you that we're trying to minimize the environmental footprint of our wedding - we are hosting the big party at a nature center, after all. As often as possible, we've tried to source food, goods and services for our wedding from local Ithaca vendors and growers. In fact, many of the flowers that will be decorating the tables will have come straight from Holly's garden! We've tried to borrow or re-use items like vases, table cloths, lights, baskets and candle holders, rather than buying new ones. Even those snazzy invitations were made from recycled paper.

Additionally, we're trying to minimize the trash generated from the wedding weekend, with an emphasis on recycling and compost. Yes, you read that correctly - COMPOST! You'll be chucking your plates, napkins, and even cups into designated compost bins, lined with compostable trash bags. The plates are made from fallen leaves (but don't worry, they're clean!). Those plastic-looking and -feeling drink cups and cutlery are also made from natural plant materials. After the big weekend, all of the collected compostable waste will head to the local Cayuga Compost Company where, over the course of the next year, it'll turn into rich soil for someone's farm or garden.

We'll do a quick lesson in-person prior to dinner to make sure everyone is on-board. Just wanted to give you a heads up!

* Probably only a handful of you knew that Holly used to do a weekly 'Earth Tip' over the PA during morning announcements in high school. She was a big eco-nerd, even way back then.

Yes, you need to RSVP!

Many thanks to those of you who've RSVP-ed with lightning speed. We can't wait to see you! And for those who've informed us that regrettably you can't attend our wedding, we'll sure miss you!

As for the rest of you...Just because we're related or keep in touch regularly doesn't mean we know you're coming to Ithaca! We can't read minds, and more importantly, aren't sure whether your travel plans will mean you can hang around for Sunday brunch. We need to know so we can make sure there is enough food (and more importantly, enough legal beverages) on the table. Please send an e-mail to our special wedding address hollydanwedding@gmail.com before July 27.

If e-mail isn't your thing, give Holly a call at 301.643.1786

Hope to hear from you soon!

Where are you going to stay? Room Block ends soon

A gentle reminder that blocks of rooms have been reserved until July 9th at:

Courtyard Marriott Ithaca (This link will let you reserve directly with our Group Code)
29 Thornwood Dr
Ithaca, New York 14850
Phone: 1-866-541-3600
Super8 Hotel
400 South Meadow
Cecil A. Malone Dr at Rte 13
Ithaca, NY 14850-5218
Phone: 607-273-8088

Alternative hotel options:
Homewood Suites
Meadow Court Inn

Note there are a good number of hotels in Ithaca! Consider checking a travel search engine like Kayak.com or Expedia.com for the lowest rates.

Tent and Cabin camping are available in several area parks:
Taughannock Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Robert H. Treman State Park

A number of vacation homes and apartments are available in the area through CraigsList.

Additional accommodation and visitor information can be found at:
VisitIthaca.com

Friday Nite Festivities

We're keeping the rehearsal dinner on Friday the 13th (spooky!) as an opportunity for the Menningers and Ferguses to REALLY get to know each other.

Yet, we want to spend time with ALL our friends and loved ones who are making the special trip to Ithaca.

What are we to do?

Have a campfire!

Once darkness starts to settle over Cayuga Lake (let's say 9pm-ish), come on over to the Cayuga Nature Center to hang out around the fire and toast some marshmallows. The fire pit is behind the lodge - the glowing embers will guide your way!

Are you coming?

We're taking a more unconventional approach to our wedding RSVP in an effort to save a few trees. Drop us a note to the special email account we've set up (hollydanwedding@gmail.com) to let us know you're coming. We'll need a head count for both the wedding and the Sunday brunch.

E-mail is preferred so we'll have your address. We want to be able to let you know any last minute details we forgot to post on the blog and to get in touch later for fun things like swapping pics.

If e-mail isn't your thing, give Holly a buzz @ 301.643.1786.

We want to hear from you by July 27.

Attire & Footwear for the Wedding

Many of you have asked us for recommendations on appropriate attire and footwear for our wedding.

First, a few key pieces of information about the venue and wedding:

• Most of the festivities will take place in the great outdoors on the grounds of the Cayuga Nature Center.
• The average high temperature in Ithaca for August is about 80 degrees with lows in the mid-50s.
• The trails crisscrossing the Nature Center grounds are lined with wood chips, light gravel and in some places just plain dirt. You are encouraged to explore!
  
• Our ceremony will take place on the expansive back lawn of the Nature Center and you'll have to walk over grass to get to and from the main lodge.
• We'll be dining al fresco under a tent, with grass beneath our feet.
• Following dinner, there WILL be dancing!
  

We want you to be comfortable, but also to look snappy for all those wedding photos!

Fellas, we think khaki or linen pants with a polo or collared shirt would do the trick. Aloha shirts MOST welcome! Suits and sport coats are not necessary.

Ladies, we recommend a summery dress, skirt or slacks. Think twice before wearing high heels as you might sink into the grass or have trouble maneuvering the trails. And you can be sure the bride won't be wearing them!

If you're still confused or want more clarification, we suggest googling the term "resort casual," or just ask us!

Gifts (Donations & Registries)

Truly, your presence at our wedding is the best gift you could give us.

If you insist on giving us something, we would be thrilled and honored if you made a donation to one of the charities we have selected below. Because we live in a small apartment and are not sure where we'll be living for the next couple years, we ask that people not buy us traditional wedding gifts. Really. We've set up a charitable registry in lieu of a traditional gift registry as we want to spread a little bit of the joy and love we'll experience on our wedding day.

Heifer International. We've been long-time supporters of this organization working to end world hunger. Heifer gives animals to impoverished people and communities to raise for food and fiber, thereby promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability. Choose among gifts of bees, rabbits, ducks, llamas, goats and more! Our Online Wedding Registry on Heifer.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. This organization funds research to improve the understanding, treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer, works to increase public awareness of the deadly disease, and provides support and advocacy for patients and families. We wish Poppie (Holly's grandfather) was still with us to celebrate our big day, and hope we can help other families struggling with pancreatic cancer have a bright future. Our Online Wedding Registry for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. You can also donate by phone or mail (see instructions here). Be sure to mention Fergus-Menninger wedding.

Alzheimer's Association. Through family members, friends, and volunteer work, we've been personally touched by Alzheimer's disease. We'd like to help support the work of the Alzheimer's Association to further advance research, provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our Online Wedding Fund for the Alzheimer's Association.

We've set up all these registries to notify us of your gift via email so please use the special links we provided above. Thank you for honoring our special day with your generous donations!

FUN things to do in Ithaca

Ithaca is a lovely place to visit in the summertime, and there are gobs of fun things to do while you are in town for our wedding weekend.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

First and foremost, you MUST visit a gorge and enjoy our beautiful waterfalls! Ithaca IS Gorges, you know. Ithaca Falls and the Cascadilla Gorge are short walks both from Cornell and downtown. If you are feeling more adventurous, Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park are short drives away, just south of Ithaca on Route 13. Taughannock Falls State Park, home of our tallest falls, is just a few miles north of the Cayuga Nature Center on Route 89. All of the state parks have excellent hiking trails and a couple are open for swimming.

Enjoy the trails, six-story tree house and butterfly house on the grounds of the Cayuga Nature Center, site of our wedding weekend.

Explore the trails and birds of Sapsucker Woods at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Check out the lovely gardens and arboretum at Cornell Plantations.

Kayak, cruise or sail on Cayuga Lake.

Or just relax lakeside, taking in the spectacular view offered by the benches and swings at Stewart Park.

DRINK & EAT

The Finger Lakes are renowned for their award winning wineries situated around our lakes. Consider a tour of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Sheldrake Point Winery (north of the Nature Center) and Six Mile Creek Vineyards (just east of Ithaca) are two favorites.

Taste local brews and take a tour at the Ithaca Beer Company.

In addition to fresh veggies, fruits and crafts by local artisans, the Ithaca Farmers' Market (open Saturday 9-3 and Sunday 10-3) features tasty street food and an array of ethnic cuisine. Enjoy lunch on the shoreline of Cayuga Lake at Steamboat Landing.

*Newly arrived... The Sugar Shack, our 1st snowball/shaved ice/sno-cone establishment in Ithaca...Look for the tiny yellow hut right off E. State St. as you head uphill from the Commons. 20+ flavors of deliciousness you can mix-n-match.*

Ithaca is home to the "original" ice cream sundae - Purity Ice Cream scoops up some delicious ones.

Short Stop Deli, open 24 hours, makes yummy sandwiches, including the (in)famous Hot Truck sandwich.

Ithaca Ale House, Just a Taste Wine & Tapas Bar and Bandwagon Brew Pub are among our favorite restaurants on the Ithaca Commons.

SHOP

In addition to restaurants, the Ithaca Commons features a number of shops, boutiques, and local art galleries.

Local artisans sell jewelry, photos, paintings, woodworking, leather goods, home-crafted papers and more in booths at the Ithaca Farmers Market.

Google Map with Our Favorite Ithaca Highlights


View Our Favorite Places in Ithaca in a larger map

For more ideas and information, check out http://www.visitithaca.com/

Travelin' on a Jet Plane?

The Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (a stone's throw from the Courtyard Marriott) is served by Delta/Northwest, US Airways and Continental Airlines. Check out flyithaca.com for deals and latest prices.

But sometimes, it's a little pricey flying in/out of Ithaca - So what are your other options beyond ITH?

Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) - 65 miles from Ithaca (~ 1hr 20 min drive); Airlines: Air Canada, American, Continental, Delta/Northwest, JetBlue, United, US Airways

Elmira Corning Regional Airport (ELM) - 35 miles from Ithaca (~ 1hr drive); Airlines: Delta/Northwest, US Airways, Allegiant Air

Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM) - 41 miles from Ithaca (~ 1hr drive); Airlines: Delta/Northwest, United

Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) - 96 miles (~ 2 hr drive); Airlines: Air Canada, AirTran, American, Continental, Delta/Northwest, JetBlue, United, US Airways

You'll be able to search all of these airport options simultaneously using a travel search engine like kayak.com, and clicking "include nearby airports."

No Phone Zone

Yes, we would likely be annoyed if your cell phone goes off during our wedding ceremony. Silence it or put it on vibrate, or (gasp!) think about leaving it at home. We will be in the Great Outdoors after all. But that's not what this post is about.

In New York State, cars are a No Phone Zone. State law prohibits all drivers from using hand-held portable electronic devices, such as cell phones and smart phones, to talk or send texts and e-mails while driving.

We'd hate for you to get a ticket and a big, fat fine while visiting us in 'gorges' Ithaca. More importantly, though, we want you to be there to celebrate our big day with us. Too many people have gotten hurt or died by distracted driving. Make your car a No Phone Zone now, not just in New York.

Heck, since Oprah and friends designated today, April 30, "No Phone Zone Day," think about taking a pledge. I did.

Location

Our ceremony and reception will both occur at:

Cayuga Nature Center
1420 Taughannock Blvd (Rt 89)
Ithaca, NY 14850-9510

Map

(Out-of-town visitors be advised that talking on a handheld phone while driving is illegal in the state of New York.)

Places to Stay

Blocks of rooms have been reserved until July 9th at:

Courtyard Marriott Ithaca (This link will let you reserve directly with our Group Code)
29 Thornwood Dr
Ithaca, New York 14850
Phone: 1-866-541-3600

Super8 Hotel
400 South Meadow
Cecil A. Malone Dr at Rte 13
Ithaca, NY 14850-5218
Phone: 607-273-8088

Alternative hotel options:
Homewood Suites
Meadow Court Inn

Tent and Cabin camping are available in several area parks:
Taughannock Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Robert H. Treman State Park

A number of vacation homes and apartments are available in the area through CraigsList.

Additional accomodation and visitor information can be found at:
VisitIthaca.com