Just the Facts, Ma'am

Just the Facts, Ma'am: Our Wedding FAQ

So what are the exact details of this thing, anyway?

Who: Christopher Plath and Leah Makuch
What: Getting married! To each other, that is.
When: Saturday, October 11th, 2008. Ceremony at noon, reception to follow.
Where: Jiminy Peak in Hancock, MA.

Why are you getting married?

That's a great question. And one that's usually considered too rude to ask in person, although it probably shouldn't be. We love each other. We've loved each other for a really, really long time. We want to acknowledge our commitment to each other publicly, with our friends and family there to share in our joy, and say to the world what we've been saying to each other for the last eleven years: I choose you, and I always will.

What's the wedding going to be like?

Well, we hope it's going to be a lot of fun! We've kept our guest list rather small in the hope of having an intimate party rather than an upscale gala. There will be lots of good food and dancing, but it won't be a very formal affair. There won't be any "bride cuts the cake" song or traditional bouquet or garter tossing.

Since the ceremony is on top of the mountain, how will we get up there?

By chairlift, of course! The Berkshire Express is a 6-person chairlift that will carry you up to the top of the mountain and then back down again after the ceremony. Don't be fooled by the name; it's actually a leisurely, scenic ride, and you can enjoy breathtaking foliage along the way.

What's the dress code?

We'll say dressy-casual. Chris won't be wearing a tie, but some family members will be. This isn't an evening gown or black-tie affair, but it's also not T-shirt and jeans either. Dress like you're going to a decent restaurant and you'll fit right in.

Can I bring along an uninvited guest?

Unfortunately, the answer is probably going to be "no." We have a pretty tight guest list and we tried to include everyone we could. Let us know if you want to bring someone we didn't include on our guest list, and we'll see what we can do. If we can't make it work, please don't be disheartened! We hope you can still attend, and we look forward to meeting that special someone on another occasion.

I'm from out of town! Where should I stay?

We're so glad you can join us! Since Jiminy Peak is a little out of the way for almost everyone, we have reserved a block of rooms at the resort. You can view features and amenities at the resort's lodging website. Special rates for the wedding are as follows:

One bedroom suite: $139/night

Two bedroom condo: $259/night

Three bedroom condo: $339/night

There is a more complete list of other area lodging here. If you'd prefer a more rustic (and inexpensive) option, the Hidden Valley Campground is a nice campground about five or six miles from Jiminy Peak. They don't have a website, but the link above gives contact info. We have family and friends staying there for the weekend. Special note: they're booking quickly, so if you still need a room, call soon.

Can we request the Chicken Dance during the reception?

No, you can't. Well, you can try, but we're iPod-DJing the reception with our own extensive collection of music, and therefore we get to filter all requests. Leah's Mom, this means you: no Chicken Dance.

Is it true there's a cruise involved somehow?

Yes! We were going to have a cruise wedding, but couldn't do so. As a result, everyone's invited along on our 7-day Bermuda cruise that leaves the next day. For more info, check out the Cruise With Us link on the left.

Did you really make 1000 paper cranes for the wedding?

Actually, 1001. And yes, we did. A Japanese legend says that anyone who folds 1000 paper cranes (called Senbazuru) will be granted a wish. Modern traditions ask for an additional crane for good luck. The process of folding the cranes is supposed to teach the couple patience and understanding which they will need for a happy marriage. It was rather time consuming, but completely worth it! You can see the cranes displayed at the reception, and they will certainly appear other places during the day.

Will you have an afterparty? Where will it be held?

Our best man, Barney, has graciously offered his backyard for the afterparty. It will be held in Granby, Massachusetts, and thus is best suited to those of us headed home after the reception. Change out of your fancy garb and join us for burgers, drinks, and more music and fun. We'll start around 7:30 and hang out for a few hours before they kick us off the property.

We know that you didn't do everything alone. Who are your vendors?

The truth is, the phrase "It takes a village" is very applicable to weddings. We've been blessed with some fantastic vendors for this event. Below is a brief list of a few of the professionals who have helped us:

Dress: Chrissy Wai-Ching
Chrissy has been amazing for my custom dress. She consulted with me entirely by email and phone and did an absolutely beautiful job, making the dress exactly as I hoped. Her shop is based out of Seattle, Washington, and I never met her face-to-face, making her work all the more remarkable.

Photography: Brian Sullivan Photography
We were fortunate enough to find Brian through Craigslist, and we've been nothing but pleased with our interactions with him so far. He's professional, courteous and open to all our crazy ideas, and his rates are very reasonable. We're very fortunate to have found him.

Venue and Coordination: Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, Tracy Grant coordinator
Tracy and Jiminy Peak have treated us so well in all of this. She's been responsive via email, professional, funny, calm, and (most important of all) flexible. She was able to take our "no ice sculptures" vision and help us create an environment that suits us completely.

Rings: Boone Titanium
Boone Rings were recommended to us by people online, and we were not disappointed. Bruce Boone makes custom titanium bands to the customer's specifications. He was able to engrave a design on our rings exactly as we wanted it, and he did it in only two days! We received our rings only a week after we ordered them. We couldn't be happier.

Cakes and Pies: Green Fields Market
The Green Fields Market (locally known as "The Co-op") is a wonderful establishment in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Their desserts are incredible. We love to support local business and are thrilled to be eating their delicious cakes and pies.

This is a great website! Can I get one just like it?

Of course you can! Leah is happy to take on additional web design clients. For more information, check out Site by Lyet. She also drew the background image and converted it to a digital cartoon.