Julie and Brian's Wedding
Wedding Plan Overview (Archived)
THE BRIDE - Julia Alissa Humphrey
THE GROOM - Brian Gregory Vallelunga
THE DATE - September 17, 2006
THE SCENE - Yosemite National Park
We are thrilled to invite friends and family to Yosemite National Park to join us
in celebrating our wedding.
History
Julie and Brian's story began in the fall of 1993 in a quaint little town called
Sebastopol, CA. We met in high school as sophomores in band class. Brian was the
new kid in town and Julie was the cute girl with the french horn. Of course we didn't
date at all during high school, but became good friends (after an initial period
of dorkiness, on Brian's part). Both of us ended up going to UC Davis and continued
our friendship throughout college. A year after college ended Julie had moved to
Baltimore, MD to spend a year in a volunteer program. Realizing we missed each other
greatly, we began a long distance relationship. Several months, and a cross-country
car trip later, Brian moved to Washington, DC. Julie moved to DC from Baltimore
a year later and the rest is history!
The Proposal (As told by Julie)
Brian proposed while we were on vacation in Yosemite. He knew I wanted the proposal
to be a surprise (I’m old-fashioned sometimes), so he had purchased a ring without
me knowing anything. One of first day of our trip, Brian secretly slipped the ring
in the pocket of his hiking shorts. He didn’t want to make me suspect anything,
and couldn’t make up his mind where to propose, so he simply asked what I felt like
doing. I chose hiking, and we set off on the nearest trailhead to our tent cabin.
We ended up walking along the river at the base of Half Dome. Near sunset, we stopped
to splash in the river. While I sat down and relaxed on the beach, Brian roamed
around taking photos until he calmed his nerves. As the sunset was giving beautiful
pink and orange hues to the face of Half Dome, he sat down next to me, said that
he wanted to marry me, and produced a ring out of nowhere (or so it seemed to me).
Of course, I said yes. We finished watching the sunset over the mountains, then
walked back to Curry Village in the dark and celebrated with pizza dinner. Does
it get any better than that?
The Pre-Wedding Festivities
Hiking, biking, canoeing, and general site-seeing. More details as we figure it all
out.
The Ceremony
On the Ahwahnee wedding lawn, at 9:30 PM. After that proposal, would you expect anywhere
other than Yosemite? Brian’s step-father, Richard, will officiate the ceremony.
Our original site was on the river bank, but it was underwater last time we checked
and infested with mosquitos. You'll like the wedding lawn.
The Reception
Immediately following the ceremony friends will board a bus for an hour tour of the
valley. Family will linger at the wedding lawn for photos. Everyone should arrive
at the Yosemite Lodge Mountain Room at 11 AM. Apetizers and drinks will be immediately
available, with lunch and cake to follow. Everything wraps up by 3 PM.
The Honeymoon
We haven't decided where yet, but we're open to suggestions!