Welcome
We’re here because two midwest transplants, roaming aimlessly in New York City, found each other in a loud bar one night in 2017 {with a lil’ help from a friend}. There was an instant feeling of familiarity and comfort; Mel likened it to our Midwest roots, while Jen is certain it’s a past life connection.
The Catskills have served as the backdrop for our romantic escapes from the hustle and bustle of New York City over the years we’ve shared together. We both feel we can breathe easy here. The air is still, the trees are wise, and there are tiny gems of towns sprinkled throughout the region, each radiating their own unique flavor of small-town warmth.
Time and again, these mountains have brought us closer, leaving us with a feeling that's hard to put into words but perfectly captures our love story. We can’t wait to share that feeling with all of you.
We wouldn’t be here without you, and hope you’ll join us for a Midwest meets Big City celebration in our favorite corner of the universe!!
— Jenna & Mel
Schedule of Events
The best weekend of {y}our lives.
Welcome Party
Friday August 15th at Phoenicia Diner
Beginning at 8 o’clock PM
5681 NY-28, Phoenica, NY 12464
Join us for post-dinner drinks and dessert.Diner chic attire
Wedding Day
Saturday, August 16th at The Break Estate
Beginning at 5 o’clock PM
441 Clum Hill Rd, Elka Park, NY 12427
Ceremony to be followed by dinner, cocktails, and lots of dancing.Summer formal attire
Goodbye Hugs
Sunday, August 17th at Eastwind Hotel & Bar
Beginning at 9 o’clock AM
5088 NY-23, Windham, NY 12496
Beginning at 9 o’clock AM
5088 NY-23, Windham, NY 12496
Strong coffee, light bites, and story swapping from the night before. No attire - sweats encouraged
Accomodations + Travel
NEARBY AIRPORTS:
+ Albany International Airport (ALB): ~1hr & 15 min drive
+ LaGuardia International Airport (LGA): ~2hr & 20 min drive
+ Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): ~2hr & 20 min drive
+ John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): ~3hr drive
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are not reliable in this area so we highly encourage guests to rent a car or reserve a car in advance if you're not driving.
WHERE TO STAY:
Windham, Tannserville, and Hunter are neighboring towns of Elka Park within a 25-minute drive of one other, each offering a variety of charming lodging options. If you have any questions about accomodations, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Note, August in the Catskills is quite popular (for good reason), so we recommend booking accommodations sooner rather than later!
WindHAM, NY
Eastwind Hotel & Bar
5088 NY-23
Windham, NY 12496
room block full limited space
Wylder Hotel Windham
19 NY-296
Windham, NY 12496
Union and Post
5098 NY-23
Windham, NY 12496
For room block rates, call to book at 518-444-1044 & let them know you’re with Mel and Jenna’s wedding group
(Room Block Code: JMAUG25)
Hotel Vienna
107 NY-296
Windham, NY 12496
TANNERSVILLE, NY
Hotel Mountain Brook
57 Co Rd 23C
Tannersville, NY 12485
Hotel Lilien
6629 NY-23A
Tannersville, NY 12485
HUNTER, NY
Scribner’s Lodge
13 Scribner Hollow Rd
Hunter, NY 12442
Hunter Lodge
7433 Main Street
Hunter, NY 12442
LOCATED NEARBY,
AIRBNB
In addition to these hotels, we have an airbnb wishlist of some cozy spots in the area if you’d prefer to bunk up with a group.
M + J’s Catskills Guide
Our by-no-means-exhaustive list of favorite places to eat, mountains to climb, shops to bop, and sites to see in the area ♡
eat
Peekamoose Restaurant & Taproom |
Big Indian, NY The most charming mounain taphouse in the middle of nowehere, thoughtfully decorated with quirky art and taxidermy. This spot has been around for 20 years serving quintessential upstate farm-to-table fare. Mel’s favorite french fries in the area. Where we went to celebrate our engagement ◡̈
Woodstock Brewing | Phoenicia, NY
Just down the road from Phoenicia Diner. Local spot with picnic tables, mountain views, and your favorite brewery bites. Great option for an easygoing group dinner before our welcome party.
Sylvia | Woodstock, NY
Jenna’s favorite place to dine after bopping around all of the groovy shops Woodstock has to offer. Warm and inviting vibe with an open kichen and wood-fired grill. Cozy ambiance with a farm-to-table seasonal menu.
Phoenicia Diner | Phoenicia, NY
The inimitable highway destination for country diner food run by some of the sweetest old ladies you’ll ever meet. The site of our Welcome Party and near some of our favorite hiking spots. Also, pancakes!!
Fellow Mountain Cafe | Hunter, NY
The best coffee, pastries, and elevated NYC bodega-style breakfast sandwiches in the area. All locally sourced ingredients. A gem!
Alegrio Breakfast Restaurant | Windham, NY
Hyper-local breakfast spot for those staying in Windham. Sunday-after-church vibes with wholesome food and patio seating to match. Try “The Duffle” and then go run the Windham Path. This place is sneaky good.
Mama’s Boy Burgers | Tannersville, NY
That cute roadside burger and ice cream joint that you’ve never actually stumbled across. This is a great stop on your way back from some of the hiking trails.
swim
Colgate Lake
A tiny hidden lake nestled in the mountains. We’ll be posting up here on Friday with floaties and a some cold beverages for those interested in saying hi before the welcome party! (12pm to 3pm). Bring a towel /blanket and a good attitude. Heads up, there is no service, so we recommend downloading the directions before making your way over
Platt Rock Area
A favorite local swimming hole of ours in Schoharie Creek right off of Route 23 (~15 minutes west of Windham). There’s always a few floaters spotted here in the summer months so it’ll be hard to miss, but here is the address you can enter into your maps: 14396 NY-23, Prattsville, NY 12468
hike
Diamond Notch Falls (via Diamond Notch Road)
Our favorite hike in the area, where Mel proposed to Jenna. The climb will get your booty burning but it’s nothing too strenuous. The vibrant neon green hues of this forest will live rent-free in your mind for weeks. Ends at a beautiful waterfall & swimming hole. Treat yourself to a cold plunge. Go to Phoenicia Diner after for food. Please note: ~30 minutes from Windham.
Black Dome & Blackhead Mountain Range
Difficult and strenuous but not excruciating. Absolutely the best views of any hikes in the area but you have to earn it! There are multiple trailheads and routes to the top, so do a little research beforehand on AllTrails for what suits you. ~15 minutes from Windham
Windham Path
Within Windham village. A mostly flat trail perfect for an easy run or hungover coffee stroll. It’s uncommonly peaceful and beautiful, winding along the Batavia Kill with open views towards Windham Mountain.
Mountaintop Arboretum
Tranquil and pastoral, a restorative walk through woodland and meadow with lovely mountain views and varied plants and wildlife. ~15 minutes from Windham
**We highly recommend downloading the app AllTrails to find a trail that suits your fancy + fitness levels. Don’t sleep on some of the most magical forests (featuring an abundance of delicious moss-covered rocks) in the northeast!
+ more on our google maps guide
All of you are traveling long distances to celebrate with us, so your presence is all that we ask for. If you’d still like to contribute to our registry, please see the items on our Zola Registry at the link below.
Registry
FAQs
ARE CHILDREN WELCOME?
As much as we love your little ones, our wedding is exclusively for adults, with the exception of immediate family who are part of our wedding party. Thank you for understanding!
IS THE WEDDING OUTSIDE?
Yes, both the ceremony & reception will be outside. Please make sure to dress appropriately and keep hydrated throughout the day. Ladies, leave your stilettos at home so you don’t sink into Mother Earth.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?
Our wedding day will be 75 and sunny with a light mountain breeze.
WILL TRANSPORTATION BE PROVIDED?
Transportation will be provided on Saturday for those who don’t wish to drive to the venue. Shuttle schedule can be found here
Please note that transportation will not be provided for the welcome party on Friday night. Rideshare apps aren’t always reliable in the area, so we recommend carpooling and planning accordingly!
CAN I PARK AT THE WEDDING VENUE?
There is no parking at the wedding venue. Public parking will be available at Cortina Valley Mountain Resort (227 Clum Hill Rd, Haines Falls, NY 12436), and designated shuttles will pick up guests from there at 4:30pm.
Please review Wedding Day Transportation tab on next page for more details.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Welcome Party: Dressy Casual Attire
Women: Your chicest sundress / skirt / jumpsuit / matching set that you’ve been meaning to wear all summer.
Men: Button-ups, collared shirts, or blazers + slacks, loafers, etc.. keep it comfy!
Wedding Day: Summer Formal Attire
Women: Mid- & Floor-length dresses preferred - color & florals!
Men: Suits or blazers/pants with a tie or bowtie. Linen season baby
*Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel like the shining star that you are!!
WEDDING SHUTTLE SCHEDULE & PARKING INFO
🚐 PRE-WEDDING SHUTTLES
Please be ready 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. There will be no return trip before the ceremony—don’t miss your ride!
From Hotels
Eastwind Hotel & Bar - 4:00 PM
Union & Post - 3:40 PM
Wylder Hotel - 4:30 PM
Hotel Vienna - 4:05 PM
From Airbnbs
101 Carl Rd – 4:00 PM
36 Pine Lane – 4:15 PM
2 Scribner Hollow Rd – 4:25 PM
729 Platte Clove Rd – 4:35 PM
🚗 DRIVING & PARKING (Cortina Mountain Resort)
Guests driving themselves should park at:
Cortina Mountain Resort
227 Clum Hill Rd, Haines Falls, NY 12436
A shuttle will pick you up at 4:30 PM.
Note: When turning off Main St. onto Clum Hill Rd, you’ll see “Cortina Valley Road” first—do not turn there. Slightly past it, look for the large sign for Cortina Mountain Resort
🌙 POST-WEDDING SHUTTLES
Return shuttles will depart The Break Estate at:
- 10:00 PM
- 11:00 PM
-
12:00 AM
Shuttles will have signs listing their stops—please make sure you get on the correct one.
For Airbnb guests: Have your address handy (or take a screenshot) for quick reference. Staff will be available to help you find your shuttle.
For any day of questions/issues, please text Carla at (201) 264-4370