Wedding Information
All,
After much deliberation we have decided to actually create a webpage for our wedding. Hopefully this will make it easier to disseminate information. This page will evolve as the date approaches. Check back for updates. Here we go:
Wedding of Douglas Michael Densmore and Erika Andrea Parra
Date: Friday, June 20th 2008 (yes Friday!)
Location (wedding and reception): Rockefeller Lodge, San Pablo California - link1, link2
Time (family): 4:00pm - 11:00pm (approx)
Time (guests): 5:00pm - 10:30pm (approx)
Bride and groom are registered at Macy’s and Bed Bath and Beyond
Doug and Erika’s Address:
1275 University Ave, Apt 21
Berkeley, CA 94702
Doug’s email (for questions) - robertgoulet@gmail.com
Erika’s email - erika<at>me<dot>berkeley<dot>edu
Formal invitations were sent out April 25th.
Interactive Map: We have created an interactive map with some of the information which we provide below. This is useful for getting a visual idea of the relative location of things. You can find it here. We will continue edit this. If you would like us to add information (i.e. other hotels, places of interest), please feel to let us know.
Transportation Information:
There are two primary airports into the Bay Area. One in Oakland (OAK) and one in San Francisco (SFO). Our first recommendation would be to buy tickets based on price and travel time requirements first. The Oakland airport is closer to the wedding technically but not by much. If you are NOT renting a car and plan on taking BART, it actually is a little easier from SFO since the train arrives at the terminal. From the Oakland airport you have to transfer from a shuttle bus to the BART. The families of the bride and groom can expect us to pick them up at the airport.
BART - BART is the metro in the SF Bay area. Its coverage is decent but not as good as say the NY metro. Most guests will use this for getting to SF and then walking around for a day of sightseeing. You can also use this to go to downtown Berkeley. We can explain the system more to guests who plan on staying in the area longer.
Transportation to the wedding - The Parra, Densmore, and Robinette families can expect shuttles to be arranged for them to get to and from the wedding. All other guests should plan on driving as public transportation to the wedding will be difficult. Parking is at a premium at the location and carpooling is strongly encouraged. However, it is close to a residential area and if a short walk is not a problem, you will find parking. We will have someone helping us to coordinate parking the day of the wedding.
Atmosphere and what to wear:
The bride and bridesmaid (Erika’s sister Monica) naturally will be wearing formal dresses. Doug, his father, brothers, and Mr. Parra will be wearing tuxes with vests. The colors of the wedding will be purple and pale yellow. The ceremony will be outside in the garden (seated) and the reception will be inside the lodge. The lodge is small and we anticipate guests spending time both inside and outside of the lodge as the evening progresses. Therefore we recommend that women wear shoes that are comfortable in a garden setting. While it will be summer, the evenings are cool so a jacket or shawl may be useful in the evening. During the reception, some guests may be seated outside. Dancing spills outside onto a patio as well.
Hotel Information:
Courtyard by Marriott Richmond Berkeley
3150 Garrity Way
Richmond, California 94806
This hotel is close the the wedding but is not particularly close to Berkeley or public transportation. If you chose to stay here and wish to do any sightseeing, you should rent a car. It is close to the Hilltop mall in Richmond if shopping is of interest. The Densmore family will be staying at this hotel.
Worldmark San Francisco
590 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
This is a timeshare location in San Francisco that Doug has booked a room for 4 in for a week. Currently we plan on having the Parra family stay here. It is mentioned here just so that people have information on where people are staying. This may open up for other family members that wish to stay for more than the weekend.
Holiday Inn Express Berkeley
1175 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
This hotel is very close to Doug and Erika’s apartment. Plus it is within a 10 minute walk to the North Berkeley BART station. Easy access to the highway and there are some restaurants within walking distance. Parking is provided in a lot.
La Quinta Inn Berkeley
920 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94710
This hotel is a little farther from the BART and Doug and Erika’s apartment as compared to the Holiday Inn Express (further west on the street). Very accessible to the highway as well.
Extended Stay America Oakland/Emeryville
3650 Mandela Pkwy.
Oakland, CA 94608
This location may make sense for guests that wish to stay longer than just for the wedding as well as have access to a kitchenette, laundry service, etc. Close to the highway as well. Close to an IKEA and some Emeryville restaurants. A car will be needed as this is somewhat remote.
DoubleTree Hotel and Executive Meeting Center Berkeley Marina
200 Marina Boulevard
Berkeley, California 94710
A picturesque location right on the Berkeley Marina. We mention this since the location is so beautiful. Again a car will be needed.
Downtown Berkeley Inn
2001 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
Great location in downtown Berkeley. Very close to restaurants and shops as well as BART. A good pick for those that want easy walking access to Berkeley and SF (via a close BART station).
Restaurants:
The Stinking Rose
325 Columbus Ave
San Francisco CA 94133
Restaurant known for its garlic dishes. Located in the heart of “North Beach” (which is the Italian section of San Francisco). My Aunt Marlene and cousin Lauren are sure to go to this location.
Cha Ya - Japanese Vegetarian
1686 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94709
Great vegan (yes vegan) sushi restaurant in Berkeley. Erika and I love this place and went there regularly every month for at least 2 years. It is very small so it is not well suited for large groups. Expect to wait for about 15 minutes for a table but it is worth the wait if you like fresh tasting, veggie options.
Cha Cha Cha
1801 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117
Tapas restaurant and bar in the “Haight” area of San Francisco.
Cafe de la Paz
1600 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709
Nice tapas restaurant in the “Gourmet Ghetto” of Berkeley. Nice relaxing atmosphere. If for some reason you don’t like this restaurant or it is busy, you are within walking distance of a number of other good places to eat.
Things to do:
There are a ton of things to do in both the East Bay (Berkeley and Oakland) as well as in San Francisco. Some ideas of things to do are: SF Sightseeing, Napa Valley visit, Muir Woods, day trip to Santa Cruz, UC Berkeley visit, shopping in downtown SF or Berkeley, visit Alcatraz, or a baseball game (the A’s are in town this weekend). We are not even going to attempt to “beat” the information on the web. If you would like specific suggestions, contact us directly.