Welcome Dinner (The Day Before)

Waterfall Lodge & Retreat

Our Wedding Day

Our Wedding

Maris and George's love story began in 2018 at lululemon, where they both worked. Despite initially matching on a dating app and not pursuing anything, fate brought them together in person. One night, a group of lululemon staff was going to go out, but when everyone else bailed, George convinced Maris to still join him for drinks. Bonding over an interest in fitness and exploring their local California coastline, plus lots of sass and genuine laughter, they became close friends.  That evening marked the start of something special. Their friendship quickly blossomed into love, leading them to where they stand now, hand in hand, ready to embark on a lifetime journey together.

Our Story

The Proposal: September 2, 2023

George got down on one knee and proposed to Maris in Big Sur on September 2, 2023. While Maris wasn't certain it was the special day, she was suspicious, as you'll rarely find George in anything besides some athletic pants and a t-shirt. However, on September 2, he dressed in a collared shirt and nice pants for some mysterious plans. George brought Maris to a lookout point they frequented many times prior and suddenly, he was down on one knee fighting back the tears to ask her to marry him. Spoiler alert, she said yes! He even organized a disguised photographer to capture it all. They returned to the Nishimoto's (chosen family) house where they were greeted with celebratory champagne and family. A special day indeed :)

Est. January 3, 2019

George and Maris have made some incredible memories over the past five years. Notable travels include Belize, Mexico a few times, Costa Rica, Italy, and French Polynesia, many national parks (Yosemite multiple times, Bryce Canyon, Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon, Arches, Capital Reef, Sequoia National Park) and look forward to adding to this list in years to come. They've also moved from central California to Southern California, adopted a brother, Romeo, for their cat, Pickles, established strong career paths, and consumed lots of margaritas and breakfast burritos in the process.

Photos

Wedding Party

Many of George and Maris' earliest adventures unfolded amidst the stunning natural beauty of the California coastline in Big Sur—where the blue ocean waters, fresh air, clear skies, and towering redwoods framed their memories.   Waterfall Lodge & Retreat, nestled amidst towering coastal redwoods, mirrors this breathtaking beauty that holds a special place in their hearts. Surrounded by pristine air, a year-round waterfall, and serene solitude, George and Maris instantly knew it was the perfect setting to exchange their vows.   Their ceremony and reception will take place at Waterfall Lodge in Ben Lomond, CA. George and Maris are delighted by the onsite cabins available for guests, with Quality Inn & Suites in Ben Lomond recommended for those seeking offsite accommodations.

Venue

Airports:The closest airport to Monterey is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). Alternatives that tend to offer better prices are San Jose Airport (SJC) or San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland (OAK). San Jose is about 45 minutes from the wedding venue and an hour from Monterey. San Francisco and Oakland are about 30 minutes further. We suggest renting a car at the airport for ease of transportation during your stay. Otherwise, Groome Transportation (formerly Monterey Airbus) is a great transportation option between SJC and SFO and the Monterey area.

Accommodations: We recommend staying at Waterfall Lodge the night of the wedding (only available the night of the wedding), but below are recommended alternative accommodations. On-site cabins at Waterfall Lodge are $295 plus local taxes (family, inquire about a special rate). Booking information will be available closer to the wedding date. Alternative options range from $150-$300. There are also recommended lodging options throughout the Monterey Peninsula if planning some travel days before or after the celebration.

If not staying at Waterfall Lodge and Retreat the night of our wedding, this is the closest recommended lodging. Approx 5 mins from venue.

Quality Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Mountains

George and Maris will be staying here prior to the wedding (checkin July 23, checkout July 27 prior to driving to the wedding venue). Los Laureles Lodge is great for those interested in visiting the Monterey Peninsula before/after the wedding. It is a rustic hotel with a pool and great restaurant in sunny Carmel Valley, approximately 20 minutes inland from Carmel/Monterey and all its incredible sightseeing activities. Carmel Valley is a special place, as it is where David, Stephanie, Maris, and Elliott lived for many years.

Los Laureles Lodge

Comfort Inn - Monterey Airport

Travel

Santa Cruz

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Zip line and conquer a tree-level adventure course in the redwoods! Reservations required.

Mount Hermon Adventures

See California's towering redwood trees from two historic railroads. Ride steam trains to Bear Mountain or Beach trains to Santa Cruz or visit an 1880's logging town.

Roaring Camp

The Mystery Spot

An iconic place to visit in Santa Cruz with rides, games, and fair food - a must! Join George and Maris here the day after our wedding celebration if desired :)

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Monterey Peninsula

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Old Fisherman's Wharf

Carmel Beach

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

McWay Falls

Pfeiffer Beach

Things to Do

Q + A

Registry

Your presence is truly the greatest gift we could ask for, but if you still wish to give something, we kindly ask for a monetary gift (Venmo @marisbouc, Zelle - Maris Bouc, or cash) to contribute to our adventurous honeymoon in Iceland.

George & Maris

George & Maris

Gifts & Registry