Bay Area Dessert

We're not native Californians, but we have been in Palo Alto for a combined total of 18 years (Katie for the past eight, and Lee for 10 of the past 12). Lee came to Stanford as a freshman and now works there. Katie came for work and just can’t imagine leaving.

We have loved our time in the Bay Area and have made incredible friends, many of whom have become our surrogate families away from our hometowns. We are excited to share our wedding by holding a dessert reception at the Rengstorff House in Mountain View on Wednesday, July 16th, from 7:00 to 9:00pm. For directions, see this map.

Idaho Reception

As luck would have it, both Lee and his sister Rochelle are getting married within two weeks of each other! Just four days after our return from Canada we will be rejoining the Merrick family to attend Rochelle and Zach's wedding. With the family gathering for the wedding and it being the first time Lee and Katie will be seeing everyone as a married couple -- the idea of a joint reception seemed just about perfect. We're very much looking forward to it and excited that Rochelle and Zach have invited us to share their big day with us.

The casual reception will be held at the Barber Park Event Center on Saturday, June 21 from 6:30 - 8:30pm.

Weekend at Wallowa Lake

Only the great outdoors, in rural eastern Oregon, will do for the celebration of the summer.

Wallowa Lake is nestled in the Wallowa Mountains on the skirts of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. People call it the Switzerland of the United States AND there are rumors of a monster that lives in the depths of the lake (which reach 280 feet). The lake is about 1.5 – 2 hours northeast of Katie’s hometown of La Grande and just south of Enterprise and Joseph, Oregon.

We know it’s not easy to get to Wallowa Lake, and that most of you joining us will be taking time off. We really appreciate that you are coming and can’t wait to spend the weekend with you! In addition to the planned wedding events, there are many things to see and do there – and many places to stay.

Wedding Events

For the Merrick and Kalemba families, a “no-need-to-rehearse lunch” will be enjoyed at the Summit Grill, Friday, September 5 at 3pm. To reach the restaurant, which sits on Mt. Howard, you must take the Willowa Lake Tram to the top. Tickets will be distributed at the base of the tram at 2:30pm or earlier if you would like to spend time exploring before lunch.

As guests arrive on Friday evening please feel free to gather at the Eagle Cap Chalets conference room that sits across the river. We'll have a bon fire, desserts, games, music and good company.

By mid-late morning on Saturday we'll be gathering at Wallowa Lake State Park along the water for a little Horeshoes, Bocce Ball, or just R&R. Come join us before the big event later that night. Dinner and dancing starts Saturday, September 6 at 5:30pm at the Edelweiss Building. (Conveniently located across from the Eagle Cap Chalets).

A simple Sunday brunch between 9am – 11am will be offered at the Eagle Cap Chalet conference room prior to everyone’s departure.

Things to See and Do

On Saturday before dinner, or if you are lucky enough to spend additional time in the area, there are plenty of things to see and do. In the immediate vicinity there is, of course, the lake and the Wallowa Lake Marina that offers boat rentals of all sorts. There is the State Park if you’re looking for a picnic. Or even better yet, picnic atop Mount Howard by arriving via the Wallowa Lake Tramway.

You can always go for a horseback ride or parasail on the lake. Just be sure to make arrangements with the Eagle Cap Wilderness Pack Station. There are also miles and miles of hikes in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. And for kids and adults alike, there are ALWAYS the Go-Carts.

If you have extra time and would like to return to Boise via Hells Canyon, you can arrange various outings with Hells Canyon Adventures. Hells Canyon is about 2 hours outside of Joseph and is the deepest gorge in the United States at 7,993 feet.

Or… you can just kick back and relax and enjoy the good company that is coming from miles around…

Places to Stay

Eagle Cap Chalets
The majority of the wedding guets and families are lodging at the Eagle Cap Chalets. Prices are very reasonable and close to the reception site. We highly encourage reserving a room here as soon as possible. Cancellation fees are minimal (only $30 with a minimum of a 30 day notice).

Wallowa Lake Lodge
Located at Wallowa Lake, not far from Eagle Cap Chalets. If you are unable to stay at the Eagle Cap Chalets, we recommend the Wallowa Lake Lodge.

Wallowa Lake Resort
Located in Joseph, about 15 minutes from Wallowa Lake. We’ve never stayed here, but the website leaves us optimistic.

Flying Arrow Resort
Also located in Joseph. We’ve never stayed here… might be a bit of a gamble.

Wallowa Lake State Park
For those that like to camp…

Other Area Information

If you are curious about general information about the area, these sites may help you with your research.

Joseph, Oregon

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

Wallowa Lake State Park

Wallowa Whitman National Forest