Mellissa & Josh
are getting married
May 29th, 2016
are getting married
May 29th, 2016
Loves learning. He is a data scientist, physicist, engineer, and physician. Outside class or clinic, if his nose isn't in a book, he performs on the trumpet, plays Ultimate, does woodturning, digital photography, or contributes to open source projects. When he grows up, he'd like to be an astronaut.
Loves learning. She is a data scientist, isotope geochemist, geologist, and paleoclimatologist. Outside class or lab, if her nose isn't in a book, she performs on literally any keyboard instrument, does tatting/origami/embroidery, or contributes to open source projects. When she grows up, she'd like to be an astronaut.
We are overjoyed to announce that after a three-year, long-distance courtship, Mellissa Cross and Joshua Warner are finally getting married!
It all started on the Internet. In July 2013 both Mellissa and Josh were on OK Cupid, and due to extreme good taste, were not impressed with the local options in Minneapolis or Rochester. They started to look a little further away.
Josh thought someone named "CaveDentist" had many common interests, with great taste in science fiction/fantasy literature, and introduced himself. Mellissa (a.k.a. CaveDentist) liked what she read, however, PhD qualifying exams were looming. She politely deferred meeting, but the conversation continued.
Early on they exchanged book recommendations. Mellissa thought Josh should experience the world of Thursday Next, and Josh thought Mellissa might like the Dresden Files.
They were both right. It was love at the first million words.
After what seemed like forever (six weeks), they met in person at Minnehaha Falls State Park. Josh arrived early and was surprised to learn Mellissa didn't have a car. This nearly stopped everything before it started. Fortunately, Rochester Shuttle Service came to the rescue.
In all seriousness, Rochester Shuttle Service made our relationship possible. We cannot recommend them highly enough.
For their second date, Josh asked Mellissa what she'd do if she had a car. She replied she'd visit Interstate State Park, which has the world's deepest potholes as well as good hiking. So they went, and had a great time, even though Josh only prepared food for one person. There they split a PB&J and had their first kiss, then a few more, until rain chased them off.
In 2014, Josh finished his PhD and re-entered medical school. However, with 11 days off he was determined to take his first real vacation in 6 years. They decided on a road trip out West toward Lehman Caves in Great Basin National Park, where Mellissa's PhD work was based. They drove nearly 4,000 miles, climbed two mountains, took two cave tours, and experienced/hiked five national parks. Mellissa wanted to do more, but reality caught up with them. They still aren't sure how this was physically possible, but have >4400 photos to prove it.
In November 2014, they got engaged at a private corner of Oxbow Park with snow softly falling.Borrowing a custom from Brazil, they both have engagement rings worn on the right hand.
To keep this whole thing simple, the guest list will be intimate, the venue will be spectacular, and any attire will be welcome.
We hope you can make it.
Hidden Canyon B&B
If you arrive the evening before, please note this on your RSVP. We've arranged dinner with Hidden Canyon B&B for everyone. Note: please arrive before dark (8 PM, PDT)! The road to this retreat is unlit.
Hidden Canyon B&B
As befits the name, Hidden Canyon prepares breakfast for all guests. Since we've reserved the entire establishment, we set the time.
Just off the Wheeler Peak trailhead
After brunch, we will caravan up Wheeler Senic Drive to the trailhead parking area. From there it's a short walk to this location, where the ceremony will take place.
After the ceremony, those who elect to may take a free tour of Lehman Caves (a single cave, despite the name). This is the cave Mellissa has studied for the past 5 years, and it's one of the most highly decorated in the world. Please note on your RSVP if you would like to participate and, if so, how many to expect.
Hidden Canyon B&B
Once everyone returns from cave tours, please join us for an informal reception dinner hosted at home base, also known as Hidden Canyon B&B. There will be s'mores as well as the bride and groom's favorite cake.
We have reserved the entire Hidden Canyon Bed & Breakfast for the nights of the 28th and 29th of May at a discounted rate ($120/night). Just tell them you're with us. You can book through Hidden Canyon by phone at (775) 234-7172 or contact them via email here. For those so inclined, there are also a number of other activities available.
Reservations at Hidden Canyon include breakfast the following morning.
Please note: Hidden Canyon advises guests to arrive before dark, as the road to the retreat is unpaved and unlit. Sunset on May 28th is 8 PM, Pacific Daylight Time.
Your GPS or phone will get you to this intersection. Note that the turnoff is actually across the border in Utah. From there, continue West on the gravel road (White Pine County Road 42) as it twists and turns, then follow the signs for Hidden Canyon. See also their official directions page.
Dress is casual, and we mean it! Dress comfortably; we want you there, not fancy clothes. However, please note the walk from the trailhead may be a little muddy. A pair of hiking shoes would be a good idea. Also, bring a jacket. The wedding at 10,000 feet as well as cave tour will be around 50°F.
You're heading into a cold desert! Nights will be 40-50°F in Baker, NV, and the wedding site at 10,000 feet will feel similar. If you feel like stargazing, Nevada features some of the darkest skies in the nation - a pair of binoculars would be fun. If you want to do anything else while in the area, prepare appropriately and bring extra water.
Great Basin National Park is... isolated. There are really two good options:
Salt Lake City: Fly into Salt Lake. Rent a vehicle and drive to Hidden Canyon Resort in Baker, NV (~3.5 hours). Las Vegas: Fly into Vegas. Rent a vehicle and drive to Hidden Canyon Resort in Baker, NV (~4.5 hours).
We've only made the drive from Salt Lake. In addition to being shorter it's also gorgeous, and if it looks like flight prices are comparable SLC is probably the better option. If you take the Salt Lake route, make sure to get gas in the town of Delta, Utah. Between there and Baker there's around 100 miles without services.
Please note: Hidden Canyon Resort strongly recommends you arrive before dark. Sundown is at ~8:00 PM Pacific time. If you fly into Utah you arrive on Mountain time but Nevada observes Pacific time.
Cell phone and data serices can be spotty out there. Hidden Canyon has Wi-Fi to keep you in touch once you arrive, but if you depend on your phone for navigation, we recommend setting your route before you leave the airport or Hidden Canyon's Wi-Fi range. Google Maps users can save the Baker area for offline use with these instructions for Android or iOS.
We have lived independently for many years, and now in the process of combining households we find ourselves with more redundancies than needs. For this we count ourselves lucky. We value experiences and wisdom above material things, so - regardless if you can make it - a hug when we see you, a kind letter of advice, or staying in touch by any means necessary (Josh is no longer on Facebook) will be cherished.
We recognize the precious energy, time, and money required to attend to our wedding. For those able to attend, your presence is the only gift we could wish for.
However, if your generosity knows no bounds, rest easy. While we will not be taking a honeymoon, we do have a number of upcoming expenses as we transition to the next, exciting phase of our lives. If you wish to contribute, we will use any funds toward moving, acquiring a second vehicle (for Mellissa), and establishing our new home.
If you feel led to express your love and support through a unique gift, we would be honored, though this is not expected.
Thank you for being part of our lives.
