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Welcome Party

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story

A Land of Legends: A Brief History of Cymru (Wales)

To understand Llandeilo, you first have to understand Wales. We aren't just a corner of Britain; we are one of the oldest distinct nations in Europe. This is a land shaped by thousands of years of survival, a deep-seated pride, and a legendary love of song.

The Echoes of an Ancient Nation

The First Celts: Long before "England" was a concept, the Britons (the ancestors of the modern Welsh) lived across the entire island. When you hear the Welsh language spoken today, you are hearing the original, ancient language of Britain. The Roman Frontier: The Romans spent centuries trying to tame the fierce Welsh tribes. They established a major fort in nearby Carmarthen—the oldest town in Wales—marking the edge of their empire. The Tudor Connection: A fun fact for our US guests—the most famous "English" royal dynasty, The Tudors (Henry VIII and Elizabeth I), actually started right here with a Welsh family! A Nation of Song: In Wales, we say that "to be born Welsh is to be born with music in your soul and poetry in your blood." Our history isn't just written in books; it has been sung in chapels, coal mines, and rugby stadiums for generations.

The Story of Llandeilo

Llandeilo itself is named after Saint Teilo, a 6th-century Welsh saint who established a "Llan" (a church or enclosure) here. The Parish Church of St. Teilo: This is the spiritual heart of the village. While the current building is Victorian, it sits on an ancient site that has been a place of worship for over 1,400 years. The Bridge: You can’t miss the stunning single-arch stone bridge over the River Towy. Designed by local surveyor William Williams and completed in 1848, this single-arch wonder replaced a series of earlier crossings, including a medieval seven-arch bridge that collapsed in 1795. It remains the iconic gateway to the village.

History of Wales

Photos

We are so lucky to have such a great wedding party in our lives!

Allison Mascioli

Aidan O'Connor

Adam Lund

Origin Story - Elaine & Anya's parents were friends, 1996

Anya Vaporciyan

Angus Lewis

Shawn Taylor

Cristi Hirschbuehler

Casey Munsch

Caroline Hilton

Anna Marshall

James Kelly

Origin story - Stratford High School, 2010

Layla Christie

Origin Story - Stratford High School, 2011

Elysé Stieber

Zach Organ

Jessica Castillo

Josie Taris

Origin Story - Shawn's college roommate turned Elaine's roommate, 2015

Colleen Slade

Casey Tambellini

Origin story - Shawn's first Denver roommate, 2019

Kelly Raynes

Claire Burke

Wedding Party

Q + A

Note: Please consider we will be spending time outside and in grass, and narrow heels are not recommended. Consider bringing a jacket, wrap, or shawl for variable and evening weather.Ladies: Dresses of any length are welcome. Florals and colors of the garden encouraged.Men: Suits, no tie required. Linen and light colors are welcome. No jeans, please.

Dress Code

Travel

An Arthurian Odyssey to the Valleys

Traveling from the US to rural Wales is something of an Arthurian Odyssey—which is fitting, as King Arthur is originally from Wales! We are so grateful many of you are making the journey across the pond to celebrate with us. Step 1 (for US Citizens): <a href="https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apply for an ETA,</a> or Electronic Travel Authorization. Please do this at least 3 business days before you travel, but it often arrives pretty much instantly! It costs £16 and will last for 2 years, or until your passport expires. Use it again to visit us in the UK next year :) Step 2: Heathrow to London Paddington (Llundain Paddington)To get to Wales by train, you first need to get from Heathrow Airport to London Paddington (or as we say in Welsh: Llundain Paddington). You have two main options: The Elizabeth Line: The easiest and cheapest way to get into Central London. It is a modern, smooth ride, but be aware it can be quite busy. Managing multiple large suitcases on the crowded tube after a long flight can be a bit of a workout! The Heathrow Express: A more "chill," premium experience with dedicated luggage racks. These trains run every 15 minutes and will not sell out. You can buy tickets on the day or pre-book online for a discount. It takes just 15 minutes to reach Paddington. Step 2: The Train to Swansea (Abertawe)From Paddington, you will take a Great Western Railway (GWR) train to Swansea. Why Swansea? It is our closest regional hub and, most importantly, it’s the end of the line. You won't have to worry about missing your stop; you can take your time getting your bags together while the train terminates. Booking: We highly recommend booking a Seat Reservation in advance via <a href="https://www.gwr.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GWR.com</a> or <a href="https://www.thetrainline.com/en-us" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">trainline.com.</a> These trains can sell out closer to the date, and the journey is roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes—you definitely do not want to be standing in the aisles for that long!

Swansea to the Green, Green Grass of Home

Croeso i Gymru! (Welcome to Wales!) Once you arrive in the coastal city of Swansea, you are just one short hop away from the lush Dyffryn Tywi (Towy Valley) and the village of Llandeilo. Taxis &amp; TransfersLlandeilo is about a 45-minute drive from Swansea Station. While there is a taxi rank outside the station, for a journey of this distance, pre-booking is essential to ensure your hwyl (fun) isn't interrupted by a long wait! Recommended Swansea Taxi Companies:Yellow Cabs Swansea: 01792 644446 (Large fleet, very reliable)Oyster Cabs: 01792 367777Data Cabs: 01792 474747 Pro Tip: If you are looking to share a ride with other guests, reach out to Tom. He is happy to support in the creation of "Taxi Groups" to help everyone coordinate arrivals and split the cost (usually £55–£75 per car). To Rent a Car or Not? (Rhentu Car?)Tom is a firm believer in personal freedom, and while we would love for you to experience the thrill of the Welsh open road, we want to provide a realistic "heads up" for our American drivers: The Roads: Once you leave the main motorway (the M4), Welsh roads become very "cozy." They are often narrow, winding lanes with high hedges and stone walls. Squeezing past a tractor on a blind bend is a true Welsh rite of passage! The Timing: While GPS might say the drive from Heathrow is 3.5 hours, that assumes perfect traffic. Tom and Elaine have personally spent over 5 hours making this trip. If you value your sanity after a long-haul flight, the train is the much more relaxing path to freedom.

The Big Day

Once you’ve made it to Llandeilo, the hard part is over, other than sitting through the best mens speeches! We want you to relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about navigating narrow country lanes or driving in the dark. Guest ShuttlesWe have arranged for two buses to transport everyone from Llandeilo to the ceremony at Golden Grove. 12:00 PM – The Cawdor Pick-up: The first bus will depart from outside St. Teilo's Church, just down the road from the Cawdor in the center of the village. If you are staying in Llandeilo, this is your primary meeting point. 12:15 PM – The Plough Pick-up: A second stop will be made at The Plough for guests staying at that end of town. Note: Llandeilo's streets are famously "cozy." If the pick-up point needs to shift slightly for the coach to park safely, we will post an update here 48 hours before the wedding. Heading HomeA return shuttle will run from the venue back to Llandeilo starting at 10:30 PM, with the final "last call" trip at Midnight. TaxisIf you are staying in a remote cottage or a B&amp;B outside the main village of Llandeilo, we’ve made sure you won't be stranded. Venue Standby: We will have a few taxis on standby at the venue specifically to help guests staying in more isolated locations get home safely after the party. A Friendly Warning: In this part of the world, Uber and Lyft do not exist. It is impossible to "hail" a ride here, and it will be even more impossible on our wedding day since we have already pre-booked all of the local taxis! Please stick to the shuttles or stand-bye taxis. Final Tips for Your Trip Footwear: The grounds at Golden Grove are stunning but involve grass, gravel, and old stone paths. We recommend choosing footwear that won't sink into the lawn!Offline Maps: Cell service in the Towy Valley can be spotty. We recommend taking a screenshot of this page and your taxi confirmations before you head out. Iechyd Da!(Pronounced: Yeh-chid Dah) This means "Good Health" or "Cheers!" You are now officially ready for a Welsh wedding.

Exploring Llandielo

Llandeilo is a small village with an immense amount of charm. It's also where the majority of our guests will be staying! One of its best features is that it is easily walkable; all the amenities, independent shops, and historic sites the village offers are within a short stroll of each other. The High Street &amp; EssentialsEverything you might need during your stay—including a pharmacy, grocery stores, and local shops—is located right on the High Street. A Note on Timing: Please keep in mind that Llandeilo maintains a traditional pace of life. Most stores will be closed on Sunday, so if you need to pick up essentials or browse the independent shops, we recommend doing so on Friday or Saturday! The Dinefwr EstateThe entrance to the historic Dinefwr Estate is just a 10-minute walk from the village center. It is a beautiful place for a stroll, though keep in mind the distances once you are inside the gates: Newton House: A short walk from the main entrance brings you to this grand 17th-century manor and its surrounding deer park. Dinefwr Castle: If you’re feeling adventurous, the castle ruins sit further up the hill beyond the house. It is a bit more of a hike, but the panoramic views of the Towy Valley from the top are well worth the extra steps. Food, Drink &amp; Shops The CawdorA central hub for the village, The Cawdor offers two ways to dine:The Restaurant: A beautiful spot for a more formal, refined sit-down meal.The Bar &amp; Lounge: If you’re looking for something more casual, they serve excellent bar food in the lounge area. It’s a great, cozy spot to gather for a quick bite or a drink.Local FavoritesPitchfork Provisions: A brilliant local spot for high-quality, seasonal food. It’s the perfect place for a delicious lunch or a coffee while you wander the village.Heavenly: You cannot leave Llandeilo without visiting this shop. Their award-winning chocolate and artisan ice cream are legendary.The Works: A collection of 50+ antiques dealers under one roof, the Works is a great place for a mooch around!Davies &amp; Co: Housed in an old atmospheric farmers cooperative warehouse, Davies &amp; Co is a family-run, furniture, interiors, clothing, lifestyle and gift store selling timeless yet unique furniture, homeware, lighting, and Welsh and Celtic textiles and clothing PubsIf you are looking for a proper pint and some local atmosphere, these are our go-to spots:The White Horse: A classic, traditional Welsh pub. It’s the place to go for a local ale and a friendly, authentic village vibe.The Bar at The Cawdor: As mentioned above, the bar area is a sophisticated yet cozy place for a cocktail or a pre-dinner drink with fellow guests.

Exploring London

We expect many of you may spend a bit of time before or after the festivities in our new home! With cosy pubs, much-loved museums, and shopping streets best enjoyed with a leisurely wander, our recommendations are just a small snippet of all the delights London has to offer. We’ll recommend some of our favorite neighborhoods and watering holes, point you towards a proper Sunday roast or a scenic wander along the canal, and spare you the suggestion to ride the London Eye.

Neighborhoods and Sights

Kentish Town (Home Turf)We’re biased, but this bit of North London is hard to beat. Start with a pint at The Old Eagle (a proper boozer), grab dinner at Belly Bistro or The Parakeet (fantastic dinner and roast), and wander along Kentish Town Road for indie shops and bakeries. If the weather’s on your side, walk it off with a loop down to Regents Park— the view from Primrose Hill is always worth it. HampsteadLeafy, village-y, and quietly charming. Spend time pottering along the high street and its side roads, popping into bookshops and bakeries (it’s almost impossible not to). The Holly Bush or The Spaniards Inn are perfect for a long lunch, and Hampstead Heath is the main event — ideal for a wander, picnic, or post-pub stroll with skyline views. Come hungry, keep an eye out for Ryan Gosling, and leave very content. De Beauvoir TownLow-key, residential, and effortlessly cool. This is a neighbourhood for wandering without an agenda, admiring handsome terraces and stumbling upon great food. The De Beauvoir Arms and Goodbye Horses are great spots for libations. De Beauvoir Deli is excellent for casual bites, wine, and people-watching. Walk it off along the canal towards Broadway Market or Angel — calm, pretty, and very easy to love. BermondseyFor a local's peek south of the river, check out Bermondsey. A brilliant mix of industrial charm and excellent eating. Stop at the Kernel or Fourpure along Bermondsey's 'Beer Mile.' Maltby Street Market is a must if you’re around at the weekend, especially for coffee, baked goods, and casual bites. Jose or Flour &amp; Grape are perfect for a long, carb-heavy lunch or dinner. Finish with a riverside walk along the Thames for some of the best low-effort views in the city.

Things to Do

Contact

Welcome to our registry!

Your presence on our special day means the world to us, please do not feel obligated to send a gift. As we’re currently living abroad, it’s likely that many of our belongings will eventually need to make their way back to the US with us. We’re so grateful for any gifts and kindly ask that you stick to the registry or consider contributing to our honeymoon fund. This will help ensure nothing special gets left behind if we move home in the coming years.

<a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/wish-list/PJRHKDP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">John Lewis</a> (Home goods!)Please ask Elaine or Tom for mailing address - John Lewis does not store shipping addresses for registries

Honeymoon Fund - <a href="https://prezola.com/buy/view/272635" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prezola</a>

Gift Registry

Where to Stay

Transportation to and from wedding events will originate in central Llandeilo. If you do not intend to drive during the wedding weekend, please aim to stay within walking distance of the Cawdor Hotel. Llandeilo is a small village with a lot of character, and we want everyone to be as close to the heart of the celebration as possible. Being in the village means you can easily walk to the shops, pubs, and our shuttle pick-up points.

Reserved Hotels (The Cawdor & The Plough)

Due to limited accommodation in Llandeilo, we have reserved all available rooms at The Cawdor and The Plough Rhosmaen. These rooms are being held specifically to accommodate our immediate families and guests traveling from the US, who have less flexibility with dates and transport. Timeline: We will reach out directly to these guests by February 20th with booking codes and instructions. Booking Elsewhere: If you haven’t heard from us by February 20th, please consider this the green light to go ahead and book one of the local options below.

Staying in Llandeilo

There’s a great selection of Airbnbs right in the village, which is a lovely way to experience the area. Search Tip:When searching on Airbnb, look for Llandeilo and double-check the map to ensure the property is in the village itself or an easy walk into town. Local Guest HousesThe White Hart Inn – A historic inn right in the village centreThe Angel – Perfectly located on the main street Ffairfach:The neighbouring village of Ffairfach is another excellent option and is about a 15-minute walk into the centre of Llandeilo. If considering this, we recommend checking the walking route on Google Maps to make sure it suits you.

Staying in the Surrounding Area

If you’re travelling as a larger group or find an Airbnb just outside the village, please aim to stay within a 20-minute drive of Llandeilo. A Note on Transport: Taxis are extremely limited in this area, especially on a wedding weekend. If you’re staying outside of Llandeilo and don’t have a car, getting to the ceremony may be difficult. We strongly recommend driving into the village or to the venue if you’re staying further afield. Getting Home: For guests who aren’t driving, we’ll have taxis and shuttles available at the venue at the end of the night to help everyone get back safely.

Questions or Unsure About a Location?

If you’ve found a place and aren’t sure whether it’s practical for the weekend, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Tom is happy to help advise on location, walking distance, and transport logistics.📱 WhatsApp Tom: +44 07895 011832

Elaine & Tom

Elaine & Tom

Our Story

Our Story coming soon!