Hi everyone,

Only 4 weeks to go! I hope you’re all getting excited for the wedding festival. For those travelling over from the US, I hope you’re enjoying planning your UK and Europe adventures too!

Here’s a little update with everything you need to know before we meet.

📍 Itinerary & Site Map

Here is the itinerary for your information, along with a map of the site. Both will also be in your rooms on arrival.

💄 Getting Ready

For those staying in the main building, your rooms all have a sink and mirror. However, the plug sockets aren’t very close to the mirrors.

UK guests: If you have one, please bring an extension lead so you can plug in hairdryers or straighteners more easily. If you have any extras, that would also be fab.

US guests: Don’t worry—I have a selection of extension leads that I’ll put in a basket in the lounge for everyone to use.

For those staying in the tipis, bell tents and land pods, there is a glamping facilities building with several mirrors. I’ll also be bringing a number of vanity mirrors (kindly borrowed from my sister!) and placing them on the tables in the dining area so there are plenty of mirrors and plug sockets available while everyone is getting ready.

US guests: Please remember to bring your US to UK plug adaptors. I’ll have a few spares available in the lounge basket just in case.

📝 Information I Need From You

Please complete this SURVEY by 10th July. 

We need:

• Your dietary requirements
• For those travelling on train, please include your arrival time at Windermere Station, so Mike and I can organise lifts to the venue (it’s about an 8-minute drive) via Emma’s family and friends’ taxi service — i.e. my dad, brother-in-law, and a few very helpful friends 😊
• Your favourite songs so we can build an amazing playlist

🚿 Towels

Towels aren’t provided by the accommodation, although they can be hired.

UK guests: If possible, please bring your own towel.

If any UK guests have a spare towel they wouldn’t mind bringing for our US visitors, it would be hugely appreciated.

🪪 Don’t Forget Your ID!

This is really important — you will need photo ID to check in to your accommodation, so please don’t forget to pack it.

🎉 Final Note

US guests — get ready for some British culture 🇬🇧
UK guests — get ready to party like you’re in the USA 🇺🇸

US guests — please don’t forget to apply for your UK ETA if you haven’t already.

And don’t forget — extra points for those teams who come up with a team name before the wedding! Make sure you introduce yourselves in the WhatsApp groups and get gaming 🎉

We can’t wait to celebrate with you all. 

See you all very soon ❤️

Michael’s daughter Maci

Michael’s older brother Don (#3, the middle one),  sister- in-law Heather, nieces and nephew Maddy, Charlotte & Joey. 

Michael’s older brother Steve (#4) & niece Aimee. 

Michael’s older brother Andy (#2), sister-in-law Leslie and nephew Kian

Michael’s cousin Jamie, partner Joyce and Joyce’s daughter Taylor.

Michael’s cousin Greg, wife Julie and their children cowboy Jake, Anna and Anna’s partner Leanna

Michael’s cousin Molly & her son Aidan

Michael’s cousin Janelle, her husband Jeff & their daughters Ainsley and Addison

Friends picked up from time at bp Amy & Bill

Friends picked up from time at bp Emily and Dean

Emma’s Dad Richard, step mum Michelle & younger sister Hannah

Emma’s older sister Sarah, brother-in-law Phil and nieces Chloe and Holly aka the cherubs 

Emma’s Nan the legend that is Smithy

Emma’s cousin Rachael, her partner Dave and their children Oscar and Theo

Emma’s Friend Sarah and her husband Rich

Emma’s school friend Rachel, her husband Andy, Peter and Annabelle 

Emma’s school friend Katie, her partner John and Katie’s beautiful girls and grandson Ellie, Miley and Ralph 

Emma’s friend Iain, Sinead and Jonah 

Emma’s friend picked up from bp Holly & her soon to be husband John 

Emma’s uncle Jeff, wife Liz and cousin Max

Emma’s uncle Kevin, wife Fiona, cousin Sam and Calum and their partners Emma and Becky

Emma friend Kevin

Emma friends Fero & Lenka (brother & sister)

Emma’s Friend Charlotte & Jennie 

Team Assignments

Time to unleash your competitive side! We have 8 teams made up of a mixture of US and UK family and friends, across different genders and ages. Teams have been assigned, and WhatsApp groups have been created for each team (click the link under your team to join). This is your chance to meet your teammates and start planning your victory—don’t forget to introduce yourself! You can also see where your team members fit within family and friends by visiting the US and UK squad section on this page.

There will be a mix of games on Thursday evening and Friday afternoon, with both winners and runners-up earning points.

Those who have joined their WhatsApp groups and named their team will get a head start and earn bonus points.

Team Pink

WhatsApp Group

• Maci
• Sam M
• Greg
• Taylor
• Holly D
• Hannah
• Jeff
• Iain
• Joey
• Chloe

Team Blue

WhatsApp Group

• Don
• Rich 
• Emily
• Amy J
• Michelle
• Smithy
• Charlotte L
• Dave 
• Oscar

Team Yellow

WhatsApp Group

• Heather
• Trevor
• Sarah
• Jake 
• Peter 
• Katie
• Jennie
• Liz 
• Emma B

Team Green

WhatsApp Group 

• Kevin R
• Jamie
• Leanne
• Aidan
• Phil
• Miley
• Ellie
• Sophie
• Lenka

Team Silver

WhatsApp Group

• Charlotte 
• Molly 
• Campbell
• Thomas 
• John C
• Julie K
• Mike
• Becky
• Calum

Team Purple

WhatsApp Group

• Maddy
• Bill 
• Fiona
• Joyce 
• Sam R
• Holly T
• Andy O

Team Red

WhatsApp Group

• Max
• Leslie
• Dean
• Annabel
• Rachel O
• John G
• Kevin P

Team Orange

WhatsApp Group

• Andy
• Dad
• Anna
• Amy B
• Sharalynne
• Sinéad
• Fero
• Rachael W
• Theo

May the ultimate US–UK (& Ireland & Slovakia) dream team win!

We’re so excited to celebrate with you at YHA Windermere! This beautiful venue sits in one of the UK’s most stunning locations, with views of Lake Windermere and Scafell Pike (the largest mountain in England).

We’ve reserved the entire facility, which includes 32 rooms ranging from bunk-style rooms in the main building to outdoor glamping. The layout might be a bit… well, let’s say “adventurous”—so you might catch moments like my dad brushing his teeth next to one of Mike’s brothers. But that’s exactly why we chose this venue—it’s relaxed, fun, and gives us a chance to really see each other in all our lovely, human moments.

Accommodation will be for 2 nights: check-in at 3pm on 30th July and check-out at 11am on 1st August. You don’t need to book anything yourself—we’ll confirm room allocations with everyone soon. We will be collecting a £60 ($82) per adult per night and £30 ($40) per night for children under 16 to cover your accommodation.

All food will be covered by us, including an evening meal on 30th July, breakfast on the wedding day (31st) food throughout the wedding of course, and the breakfast on the 1st August. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, so you’re welcome to bring your own food, drinks, and snacks if you’d like. We’ll collect dietary requirements prior to the wedding to make sure we cater for everyone.

Room Allocation

Down the street (B&B)

1. Smithy
2. Jeff & Liz
3. Kevin & Fiona
4. Sharalynne & Thomas
5. Sarah & Rich

Flight Logistics 

Over the years, we’ve tried a few different ways of travelling between the US and the UK, flying both directions and experimenting with different airlines and routes. After plenty of trial and error, we’ve found that Delta (flying from Detroit for the Toledo based people) to London and other parts of Europe—has become our go-to option.

Flights from the US to the UK and Europe are usually overnight, typically departing between 6–8pm US time and arriving between 6–8am UK time. The flight itself is around 7 hours.

On the return journey from the UK back to the US, direct flights usually take about 7–8 hours and tend to depart around midday, making for a more daytime-friendly trip home.

Getting to the Venue

Check-in at the venue is from 3:00 pm on 30th July, and check-out is by 11:00 am on 1st August. Getting to Windermere from London is straightforward, whether you prefer the ease of the train or the flexibility of driving. By train, you can take a direct service from London Euston to Windermere Lake District train station, which takes around 3–3.5 hours. It is then a 10 minute taxi to the venue (which we will organise). To search and book trains I’d use The official source for trains in Great Britain | National Rail. 

If you’d rather hire a car, the drive from London to Windermere takes roughly 5–6 hours, depending on traffic. There are plenty of places to stop and do some sightseeing (see “Sightseeing” below), making it a great opportunity to turn the journey into part of your adventure. Both options are convenient, so you can choose what works best for your schedule and travel style.

Important Info on Visas

If you are travelling from the U.S. as a U.S citizen, you’ll need a valid passport for both the UK and Europe. To enter the UK, U.S. citizens now need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. This isn’t a visa, but a quick online application linked to your passport, so please make sure you apply in advance of your trip.

For travel within the EU / Schengen Area, U.S. citizens can currently visit for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. A new system called ETIAS is expected to be introduced in the future, but it is not yet required. As rules can change, we recommend checking official government travel websites closer to departure to make sure you’re fully up to date.

UK Sightseeing Tips 

For many of you, you’ll be arriving into the UK on an overnight flight, landing in the morning after a long night in the air. If you don’t sleep well on planes, it can be a great idea to book a hotel or Airbnb for the night before you arrive — that way you can check in early in the morning, use the room to freshen up, rest, and start your UK adventure feeling a bit more human!

London

London is huge and there are so many other amazing sites, restaurants, museums, walks, and hidden gems that I haven’t listed — partly because I’m from up north and don’t spend loads of time down in London myself. One travel tip I always follow when heading to a new place is to pick up a Lonely Planet travel guide — they have top sites, places to eat, transport info etc.

Here are some classic London recommendations and places I have taken Michael to….

1. Tower of London
Originally built in 1066 by William the Conqueror it has been used a palace, infamous prison, armory, treasury, and home to the Crown Jewels and famous ravens, now a major UNESCO world heritage site. I’ve been about 5 times now, love the place

2. Buckingham Palace
If the King’s flag is flying, he’s in! Worth a stroll to see the palace and the Changing of the Guard.

3. West End Theatre
I personally loved seeing The Lion King — even as someone who doesn’t normally go to the theatre, the way they bring the animals to life on stage is incredible

4. Westminster / Big Ben / London Eye
These spots are all close together and perfect for a walk or bike ride along the river 

5. Look out for the classic ‘only in London sights’ that make London so iconic

Double decker red busses, black cabs, red telephones boxes, the river Thames, street performers/buskers, historic pubs and the markets (Camden market is quirky as)

Other places in England I’d recommend to see on your way up to the Lakes….

The Peak District
The Peak District is a national park just a few metres shy of mountain status, right in the centre of England. It’s full of rolling hills, dramatic valleys, and quaint villages, many with cozy Airbnbs if you fancy staying overnight. There are also some charming pubs serving homemade food. The area is ideal for hiking, cycling climbing, paddling, or just enjoying some outdoorsy adventures — and it’s actually where I run a lot of events, so I know it really well! If you’d like any tips or advice about visiting, just let me know.

York
York is the historic capital of Yorkshire, located in the north of England. It’s a walled city with narrow medieval streets (including The Shambles, one of the most photographed streets in the UK) and a huge Gothic cathedral, York Minster, right in the centre. York also has strong Viking roots — it was once a major Viking settlement — which you can explore at the Jorvik Viking Centre, an immersive museum built on an archaeological dig. For something a bit darker and very British, the York Dungeon is a fun, theatrical way to learn about the city’s more gruesome history.

Liverpool
Liverpool is a vibrant, friendly city with a huge cultural and musical legacy. It’s world-famous as the birthplace of The Beatles, and a visit to The Cavern Club is a must — this is where the band played some of their earliest gigs. The Cavern is a historic underground venue with a unique, intimate atmosphere. Today, it hosts live music almost every day, from Beatles tribute bands to local rock ’n’ roll acts, letting you experience the energy and excitement of Liverpool’s music scene.

The Lake District
The Lakes is my favourite national park — full of lakes, believe it or not, including some tucked up high on the mountains! The area is packed with things to do, from hiking, cycling, paddling, and quad biking, to exploring charming villages and scenic lakes.

I have 9 paddleboards and buoyancy aids for anyone who wants to get out on the water. I also know loads of hiking routes and would be happy to lead a hike a few days before or after the wedding, either up Scafell Pike (the tallest mountain in England) or one of our slightly smaller mountains — which often offer even better views!

For the truly adventurous, I also have 6 wild camping tents and mats, so you can spend a night in the mountains and really immerse yourself in the stunning scenery.

Pop Over to Paris

Since you’re coming over the pond, it’s a great opportunity to add a quick trip to Paris. I’d suggest flying into Paris from the US and spending a few days exploring the city. For me, the must-sees are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and cycling around the city on a street e-bike — there’s nothing like riding with a baguette in your basket, waving and shouting “Bonjour!” to passersby! Once you’re ready to head to London, you can take the Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel. The journey takes about 2 hours 15 minutes and trains run frequently, around every 30–60 minutes, so it’s an easy, comfortable, and city-centre-to-city-centre way to get to London without the stress of airports.

Normandy War Museums
If you’re interested in history, one of my favourite stops in France is the Normandy war museums. These museums and sites, including the D-Day landing beaches and the Caen Memorial Museum, give an incredible insight into World War II and the bravery of those involved.

Getting there from Paris is easy: you can take a train from Paris to Caen, which takes about 2 hours, or drive if you prefer a more flexible schedule. From Caen, the beaches, museums, and memorials are all within easy reach. It’s a powerful and moving experience, and well worth a day or two if you have the time before heading to London.

If anyone wants more information on any of the above, or wants to know about other locations and logistics, just drop me or Michael a text — we’re happy to help!

I may not have covered everything you need at this point, so if anyone has any additional questions that would be useful for everyone, I’ll add them and the answers here.