On the weekend of September 20th, 2008, Dan and Melissa are gettin' hitched!

Thanks for taking some time out of your day to visit our website. We've tried to highlight some of the most important details, but always feel free to check back here any time to get the latest info on locations, times, places and other fun facts about the wedding.

It's a long one.

It began in the fall of 1999. Dan and Melissa had mutual friends who had been dating for quite a while. One evening, while watching a bad movie at Melissa's friend's house, Dan dropped by to say hello, and immediately was smitten with Melissa. However, after having recently left a long-term relationship, Melissa was in no mood to be wooed.

Not to be discouraged, Dan pursued Melissa surreptitiously (or, all sneaky-like) and over the next few months of occasional run-ins and even more occasional internet flirting, they developed an unlikely friendship. The two began to see each other on a semi-regular basis, listening to music at Grant Park, watching fireworks, hitting comedy clubs and eating at restaurants around Chicago. These activities would later be vigorously debated as to whether or not they constituted "first dates". No matter what they really *were*, one thing was certain: Melissa wasn't interested.

Yet the tide turned in Dan's favor in May of 2002, when Melissa asked him to be her date to her very own anti-prom, an evening out with some of her closest friends. On this night, Dan felt his chances with Melissa improve dramatically. Over the next 2 months, Dan and Melissa began seeing more and more of each other until one fated evening at Dan's apartment, after taking a walk, baking cookies and watching movies, Melissa finally felt something "shift". A few days later, on July 4th, a full 2 years after first meeting, Dan and Melissa finally shared their first kiss.

A whirlwind of activity ensued. Dan left town for two weeks for work and desperately tried to figure out if the kiss meant they were "something" and Melissa tried to figure out why she missed Dan so much. During one of several phone calls, they finally made it semi-official: they would continue to "see each other" until Melissa moved to Georgia in early September, after which, all bets were off. Happily, Melissa invited Dan to drive with her to Georgia to see her off, and in the foothills of the Appalachia, they decided to try to keep things going long distance.

Thus began a two year stint of long distance. The first year was by all accounts the most difficult, as both of their work schedules made seeing each other nearly impossible and the couple "got by" through semi-weekly phone calls, emails and only four opportunities to actually visit one another. After her year in Atlanta, Melissa spent two months back in Illinois before heading to Philadelphia to start school. During this time, Dan started a new job and both were able to free up enough time for nearly monthly weekend visits, including several hastily purchased airline tickets and even a road trip from Chicago where Dan experienced his first (and last) hurricane.

After one year in Philly, Melissa decided to try her luck back in Chicago and transferred to UIC, taking a small apartment nearby. Thus began another chapter in their relationship, as the two suddenly had to learn how exist in the tedium of "real life"-- as opposed to whirl-wind weekends of restaurants and road trips. However, over the next few years, as they graduated from college, moved from apartment to apartment, neighborhood to neighborhood, traveled the world and started and ended jobs, the couple persevered and even thrived as they grew to know, support and love each other better. Eventually, they began talking about marriage, and on February 10th, 2008, they decided to make it official and started planning a wedding!

Low Country Shrimp Boil & Welcome Party

Feast on gulf shrimp and top it off with beer and blues

Join us at 5:00 pm on Friday, September 19th, for an authentic Cajun specialty-- the low country shrimp Bbil. We'll eat out on the deck of the Shack Up Inn's Cotton Gin, while relaxing under the setting Mississippi sun. Come hungry, and eat 'til you're stuffed. Afterwards, at 9:00 pm, we'll all gather at the famous Delta juke joint, Ground Zero Blues Club. Owned and operated by movie star Morgan Freeman, Ground Zero is the perfect place to relax and let go of your travel anxiety while drinking a cold one. Cover will be waived for party guests and your first drink is on us. Ground Zero is located at 0 Blues Alley Ln, Clarksdale, MS 38614. Map it!

Breakfast (Saturday & Sunday)

Grits, eggs, biscuits and sawmill gravy. Yum.

On Saturday morning, you're gonna need to fill up after a long night of listenin' to the blues-- and we've got just the thing for you. Uncle Lance has generously offered to fix up a heapin' country breakfast for the whole crew. Just head over to the Hopson Loft space (also located on the Shack Up Inn property) at 9am and fill your plate up. Also, at 10am on Sunday we will have a light continental breakfast of stickybuns, fruit salad, with juices and coffee before biddin' y'all adieu.

Time On Your Own

Go explore.

After breakfast on Saturday, guests will have some down time to relax and/or explore the Delta. See "What to do in Clarksdale, Mississippi" for some cool ideas, or just ask any one of the locals-- they're all insanely friendly.

Ceremony & Reception

Sunset, Shack Up Inn Carport

At 5:00pm, on Saturday, September 20th, we'll gather at the carport for a simple ceremony. We hope that this moment is symbolic of both the fun we've had and the sacredness and respect that we approach this commitment with. Afterwards, we'll walk over to the Hopson Commisary (located on the Shack Up Inn property), to listen to some more of our favorite live blues, toast the evening, eat some delicious Cajun comfort food and stuff ourselves with Aunt JoAnn's cake. The Shack Up Inn is located at 0 Commissary Circle, Clarksdale, MS, 38614. Map it!

Dress

It's in a carport, folks.

As they say at the Shack Up Inn, "This ain't the Ritz." That being said, we're going to dress up a tiny bit, but don't expect to see suits, tuxedos or flowing gowns. If in doubt, think casual and fun. Yes, even jeans and/or coveralls are OK.

Registry

We like gifts. But we love you even more.

We are registered at the following places. Take your pick based on what's close to you, or feel free to order online!

Crate & Barrel
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Macy's
Viva Terra

Transportation

It's easy to get to.

Please refer to the "Directions and Logistics" portion of this website if you are flying or driving in and need directions and/or car rental information. Most events will be taking place at or near the Shack Up Inn. Guests will be responsible for getting to and from their accomodations to the various events. If you are hard up for cash and renting a car is not an option, please let us know well in advance and we will try our best to make accomodations for you (it probably won't be an issue).

Kids!

If you got 'em, bring 'em.

We love kids, and you probably do too. This is not going to be a super-stuffy event (not even close!), and there is plenty of space for kids to run around and be kids-- this is truly a family friendly weekend. However, it may not be the best idea to bring kids to the welcome party as it could go well past bedtime and it will take place in what is essentially a juke-joint. Also, please be aware that light alcoholic beverages will be served at the reception. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

The Parents

Harold & Trish Meyers

Meet Trish and Harold, circa 1970, their first year of marriage. Trish, a seventeen year-old southern bell with lots of eye make-up, met Harold, a twenty-two year-old serviceman, at a church dance. Sparks flew after their first kiss at the water fountain and that was that. Fourteen years later they gave birth to a bald-headed, nine-pounder, Melissa Ann Meyers. (Lucky for Dan, she wound up being pretty cute.) And this year, they're putting up the cheddar for their beloved little girl's wedding in the land that bore love's first kiss. They are fine, hard-working, compassionate people, whom Dan and Melissa love dearly.

Ruth & John Rohan

Meet Ruth and John, the proud parents of the groom. They did a fabulous job raising him (and his awesome sister, Julia)-- they definitely deserve some love. John is currently a chaplain at a nearby hospital, and is a natural green thumb-- his backyard is always filled with awesome flowers and any number of garage sale finds. Ruth is a family therapist and Joliet socialite (you can't eat at any restaurant in Joliet with her without someone stopping by to talk to her). Melissa and Dan love them so much and are grateful that they've been so loving and supportive.

The Pastor

Megan Ramer

Megan has been Melissa and Dan's pastor and friend for over two years and has become an important part of their lives. Equally comfortable pounding the pulpit or hitting the dance floor, Megan has a knack for listening and setting people at ease-- good qualities for pastor, don't you think? If you're lucky, you might get to see her sweet pink "I (Heart) Jesus" slippers. (Be sure to congratulate her on her recent marriage to Jonathan Stutzman-- a fine fellow, indeed!)

The Photographer

Benjamin Chan

A photographer, chef, musician, writer, poet, street artist, graphic artist, and one of the most humble guys you'll ever have the chance to meet. Ben has been an important part of Melissa's life (and by extension, Dan's) since 2002, when the two of them worked together in Atlanta. Though he now resides back in his home state of California, Melissa and Dan feel close to him whenever they check out his latest artwork. See it for yourself.

The Chef

Uncle Lance

Lance Banker can cook, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Born and raised in southern Louisana, Lance learned to cook from his grandma as a young boy. Two years ago, Lance fulfilled his life long dream of professionalizing his skills and is now a proud graduate of the estemed Louisiana Culinary Institute, where he was courted by such famous French Quarter eateries as Commander's Palace. If you feel like having a good laugh, ask him to tell you a few Boudreaux and Tibideaux jokes-- they're priceless.

A very special thanks also goes out to Aunt JoAnne for providing wedding cake! Dan and Melissa are very grateful that good cooking runs in their families.

The Flower Children

Natasha Fatale

At a mere six-years, this cutie makes fierce competition in Guitar Hero and a very sneaky adversary in snowball fights. Upon hearing about Dan and Melissa's engagement, Natasha immediately volunteered her services as flower girl, while carefully spelling out certain terms and conditions in regard to wardrobe. Dan and Melissa are so grateful for her boldness in stepping up to the role all on her own-- no one could do a finer job.

Boris Badenov

With a face like that, what more can be said?! This adorable cowboy is a grade-A handful, and Dan and Melissa can't get enough of him. By fall, he'll have one heck of a throw, much to his sister's chagrin -- so watch out! (Grandpa Vladamir is currently working with him on his baseball arm.) This little guy promises to make one cool flower-little-man/ring bearer.

* Rocky and Bullwinkle aliases used to prevent perverts, wizards and gypsies from stealing these wonderful kids during our wedding.

The Musicians

The Best Clarksdale has to offer.

Jimbo Mathus: Clarksdale Rockabilly Blues
Jimbo will be performing on Friday, September 19th, at the Ground Zero Blues Club during the Welcome Party.

Terry "Harmonica" Bean
Terry will be rocking out at our reception, playing a bluesy mix of old favorites and Delta originals.

There are lots of things to do in Clarksdale-- these are just a few of the things WE like to do.

Go canoeing on the Mississippi

Experience the "Great River"-- In the Mississippi River

Quapaw Canoe Company, located in downtown Clarksdale, offers Delta visitors a breathtaking tour of the Mississippi river not available anywhere else in the country. This experience is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, folks. Your tour guide, John, is one of those rare spirits whose passion for the Mississippi and the wildlife and history it hosts is quite infectious. Tentatively, a tour has been arranged for Saturday. Shuttles will depart from the Shack Up Inn at 8am, and return at 3pm. This time will give trekkers the ability to paddle a 16 mile downstretch of the Mississippi River, with occassional breaks for swimming and exploring sandbars and islands. Lunch will NOT be provided, so please pack accordingly. The cost of the trip is $55, and we'll pick up the tab on the shuttle. Please let us know in advance if you are going to take advantage of this excellent opportunity. For more info on the trip, feel free to get in touch with John or check out the website. Payments should be made directly to Quapaw Canoe Company.

Take a walking Blues Tour

Clarksdale is the unequivical "Home of the Blues".

Whether you're a newcomer to the blues or you've been jukin' for years, Clarksdale has an allure like none other. Home to some of the greatest bluesmen (and women) in history (John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Sam Cooke, etc), there are more blues landmarks to learn from, gawk at and otherwise just relax around than any other place in America. Start on Delta Avenue, at Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk Art and work your way down to the Delta Blues Museum. Local maps and whatnot will be available upon your arrival to aid in your explorations. Also, a guided tour can be arranged-- please e-mail us if you have any interest.

Eat some BBQ

Try you some Abe's

Drive a mile down MI-6 to the intersection of 49 and 61 and get ready for one of the most unique BBQ tastes in the country. This ain't no typical barbaque sauce-- it's tangy, with lots of red onion, apple cider vinagar and mesquite flavors. Nothing beats the Big Abe Pulled Pork Sandwich.

Take a country drive (or stroll)

Get lost somewhere on a back road

The most beautiful parts of Mississippi are the parts that you can't see from the Interstate or from any major highways. They're the roads that wind through pecan and cotton fields and end at small muddy creeks. Tresspass on any of the farms just south on Hopson Road (just don't say we told you to) and have a picnic, read a book, or just enjoy the shade of a huge old oak tree.

Relax and play some games

What's the hurry?

After breakfast, head out to the big green lawn in front of the shacks at the Shack Up Inn and take a load off. Saddle up with a book on the front porch of the Loft or take advantage of a pick-up game of frisbee, dice, jenga or duck-duck-goose, or whatever (we'll have cards, board games and other fun stuff to keep you occupied). For those of you who are adventerous, we hear that there is a great pool hall/domino den in town called Messangers, located downtown on MLK Drive (4th St.) between Sunflower and Yazoo streets. Note-- we have never been here; just thought it sounded kinda cool.

Outside Clarksdale...

There's lots to do outside Clarksdale, too.

For more information on things to do (such as riverboat tours, shopping, hiking, fishing, and more, see www.visitthedelta.com.

Accomodations in and around Clarksdale, MS

The Delta area has loads of great options for places to stay. From blusified shacks to ultra luxury hotels to fancy bed and breakfasts, you'll probably find what you're looking for.

Adventurous Options

Shack Up Inn & Cotton Gin Inn

www.shackupinn.com

Big Pink Guest House

www.bigpinkguesthouse.com

Delta Cotton Company Apartments

www.groundzerobluesclub.com/apartment.php

Coahoma County Expo Center

www.clarksdaletourism.com/HTML/coahoma.htm

Riverside Hotel

www.cathead.biz/riverside.html

Uncle Henry's B&B

www.unclehenrysplace.com

Traditional Hotels

Comfort Inn

www.comfortinn.com

Executive Inn (Formerly the Best Western)

Hosted by TripAdvisor

The Alluvian Hotel

www.thealluvian.com

We are so excited that you will be joining us!

Whether you are flying, driving or hitching a ride off someone, we're just glad you can make it. We've tried to include some helpful information to help you get to Clarksdale, but feel free to call or e-mail either of us if you have any more questions or just need a bit of help.

Map of the Delta Area (including Clarksdale)

Driving in?

It's a helluva (cool) drive.

Driving cross-country to Clarksdale is one of the best trips one can make. No matter which direction you approach from, you almost have to go through some seriously beautiful scenery and if you're a Yank, then you probably haven't really appreciated how beautiful fields of cotton blossoms or fresh peanuts can be. So, if you're driving, we salute you. Just do yourself a favor and do *not* speed in Mississippi. The cops will own you.

Click here for custom driving directions from anywhere in the country.

Flying in?

Memphis International Airport

Pretty busy? In a hurry? Not a problem. Clarksdale is approximately one and a half hour's drive south from Memphis International Airport. The drive is beautiful, but again beware-- cops are just itching to give you a ticket in Mississippi. Click here to get driving directions from Memphis International Airport. We like to use www.kayak.com to find the best (read: cheapest) airline tickets. A list of car rental contact information from Memphis International Airport.

Bussing it?

You must be a glutton for punishment.

But that's OK. We respect that. Clarksdale's bus station is located on State Street, not too far from the major hotel chains and a few miles from the Shack Up Inn. Click here for more information about the Clarksdale Greyhound stop.

Takin' the night train?

Cool.

It's not gonna be easy for you. The Amtrak stop is up in Tunica, about an hour's drive north of Clarksdale. However, you can hit the Greyhound for bus service between the two (see "Bussin' it," above), or if you're lucky, grab a cab. Unfortunately, we're not sure what that leg of the trip will cost. If you're in dire straights, give us call and we'll send some poor bloke to get ya-- no problem.

Are you able to make it?

Please fill out the form below to let us know if you'll be joining us in Clarksdale. Or, if you prefer lower-tech options, feel free to RSVP by leaving Melissa a voicemail at (404) 431-2949-- we'll be checking the messages daily. Make sure to let us know what events you'll be attending, how many guests you'll be bringing, their names, and where you'll be staying. Thanks!

Thanks for taking the time to RSVP. We can't wait to hear from you!

Love, Melissa & Dan

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So, can you come?	Heck Yes! Regretfully, no.
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If you're coming, what events will you come to? (Check all that apply)	Everything! Low country shrimp boil Groung Zero welcome party Saturday mornin' breakfast Ceremony and reception Farewell brunch

We're Getting Married!