<h3>Will Beau be in the wedding?</h3>
<a href="http://colleenandmike.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/beau_small_colorized.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-162" src="http://colleenandmike.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/beau_small_colorized.jpg" alt="Beau understands." width="200" height="133" /></a>Obviously, the most pressing question... Sadly, the answer is no. After he slipped out of the house this summer and we spent a heart-wrenching hour and half searching for him, it became clear that it was not a good idea for him to attend the wedding. After all, he is a hound and hounds wander. He's okay with this decision as he will be away at doggie camp, having new canine adventures and perhaps, even a romance with some bitch.
<h3>What attire should I wear?</h3>
Our theme is casual elegance - interpret it as you will. Colleen is wearing a gown and Mike is wearing a linen suit but our main concern is that our guests are comfortable and enjoy themselves.

The ceremony is on the beach and you are welcome to kick off your shoes or wear them, whatever your pleasure. The reception/party will be held under a tent in the yard. Although there will be a small dance floor (made of flooring), the grass will be the carpet for the rest of the area. So if any of you ladies (or gents, don't want to assume anything) are really attached to stilettos, you might want to rethink your footwear choice.
<h3>Where do I park the car?</h3>
Parking in Old Mill Point is very limited as the roads are narrow. If possible, we recommend carpooling with other guests, or if staying nearby, taking a cab. Parking will be available at the Pleasant Beach parking lot, which is just a hop, skip, and a jump from our ceremony site. We hope to have parking permits available for you, but if the town does not allow us to purchase a group of permits, you can purchase individual permits on-site for $15. For more details, consult our <a title="Directions &amp; Parking" href="http://colleenandmike.org/wordpress/?page_id=12">Directions &amp; Parking page</a>.
<h3>Where is the ceremony in relation to the reception/party?</h3>
The ceremony and reception are within a 5 minute walking distance of each other. The ceremony will be held on a private beach within the Old Mill Point neighborhood. The reception will be held just over a block north of the ceremony site, a five-minute walk, at our house in Old Mill Point, which is located at 25 Sea Way, West Harwich, MA. For detailed information and maps of the area, consult the <a title="Directions &amp; Parking" href="http://colleenandmike.org/wordpress/?page_id=12">Directions &amp; Parking page</a>.
<h3>Where are the restrooms?</h3>
Since much of the Cape is marshy, most areas, including ours, use septic systems which are not built to accommodate large numbers of people. So we need to have portable restrooms on site, one for the ladies, one for the gents - signs will point the way. (Thankfully, portable restrooms have come a long way since back in the day. )
<h3>What is the general schedule of events for the day?</h3>
If you wish to join us for some light beverages and snacks prior to the ceremony, feel free to visit us under the tent at our house at 25 Sea Way, Harwich, MA at 2pm, on Saturday, August 23. Or skip the light beverages and snacks, and join us at the ceremony. The ceremony will be held at 3pm on the Old Mill Point private beach. Once the ceremony ends, everyone is invited back to the house for a reception, dinner, and dancing. Appetizers and drinks will be served at approximately 4pm, and a buffet-style clambake will follow at 5pm. Feel free to dance and drink throughout the evening! For more detailed information, consult our <a title="Ceremony &amp; Reception" href="http://colleenandmike.org/wordpress/?page_id=15">Ceremony &amp; Reception page</a>.
<h3>Is there a wedding party?</h3>
No, there is no wedding party. Our wish is to keep our wedding ceremony as simple as possible. Mike's son Charlie is our ring-bearer and he will be the extent of our wedding party.

[caption id="attachment_120" align="aligncenter" width="217"]<a href="http://colleenandmike.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/m5.jpg"><img class="wp-image-120 size-medium" src="http://colleenandmike.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/m5-217x300.jpg" alt="Mike and Charlie" width="217" height="300" /></a> Charlie explains the rules of ring-bearing to the groom.[/caption]
<h3>Are you registered anywhere?</h3>
Yes, we are registered at <a title="Macy;s" href="http://www.macys.com/">Macy's</a>, <a title="Target" href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a> and <a title="Bed, Bath, and Beyond" href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/">Bed Bath &amp; Beyond.</a> Just visit their registry pages, and search for either "Colleen Kiely" or "Michael Hilborn."
<h3>I have a seafood allergy - should I alert anyone?</h3>
Holy moly, YES! E-mail or phone us ASAP. Our caterer will prepare steak or polenta meals separately for any guests with seafood allergies, so none of your food will make contact with seafood.
<h3>Will I need bug repellant?</h3>
Most likely, no. Because the house is close to the ocean, we usually get a nice breeze that picks up in the afternoon. Since wind and bugs aren't a good mix, it works out. That said, it is Mother Nature so if it makes you feel better, bring the spray just in case.
<h3>Um, how long do you think the ceremony will be?</h3>
We are mindful that it is August and don't want to subject our guests to the summer sun's rays for an undue amount of time. We are planning a ceremony that is approximately 30 minutes, start to finish. Chairs will be set up on the beach for all guests, and water will be provided.
<h3>We've never visited this area of the Cape and are staying the weekend - do you have any local tips for us?</h3>
Sure!

<strong>Beaches -</strong> If you're looking for small local beaches, Pleasant Road and Bank Street are both good options. As beaches in our area are on the Nantucket Sound side of the Cape, waves are minimal and undertows are rare, so they are great for swimming. If you want waves for body-surfing and classic vistas and dunes, try the Cape Cod National Seashore, a 30 minute drive from Harwich. (If you go to any of the beaches on the ocean side near Truro and Wellfleet, be mindful of rip tides.) Lighthouse Beach (see below FYI) in Chatham is gorgeous, 20-30 minutes away. For beautiful, short hikes, the MA Audubon Sanctuary in Wellfleet offers scenic trails through woods and marsh, leading to the shoreline.

<strong>FYI</strong> - No great white sharks have been spotted in our area - they hang out near seals and we don't have any seal pods near us. (In past summers, they have been spotted off Lighthouse Beach in Chatham, where the seals tend to congregate...)

<strong>Biking -</strong> Try the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 22-mile paved rail trail that winds through Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, and Wellfleet. You can rent bikes in most town centers and at spots along the trail.

<strong>Food - </strong>For breakfast,<strong> </strong>Ruggies in Harwich and Buckie's in Dennis Port are both tasty options (note: Buckie's serves a big array of breakfast sandwiches, in addition to lunch fare, while Ruggies offers a wider breakfast menu.) If you are in search of fried seafood, Kream 'N Kone in West Dennis is the oldest and best place to go. For takeout only, try George's Fish Market in Harwich Port - great fish and chips. For casual meals, George's Pizza in Harwichport makes delicious pizzas and greek salads, and the best homemade ice cream can be found at The Sundae School, in both Harwich Port and Dennis Port. In Harwich Port, Ember offers a good, general menu - salads, pizzas, sandwiches and entrees - as does Jake Rooney's; also Clancy's in Dennis (really good chowder). For fine dining, try The Sea Grille in Harwich Port or Buca's Tuscan Roadhouse in Harwich. We know, it might seem odd to eat Italian food while on the Cape but this place is outstanding. (Note: Buca's books up quickly so reserve in advance if you'd like to go.)

<strong>Shopping</strong> - The main street in Chatham (next town over from Harwich) is lined with a variety of upscale shops, from clothing/shoes to leather goods to home accessories. For anyone who likes exploring second-hand clothing stores, check out Whimsy in Harwich Port. The owner has terrific taste and the prices are very reasonable. The Mill Store in Dennis and Harwich sells unfinished wood pine furniture and home accessories, all locally made. And for sheer randomness and low prices, you can't beat Ocean State Job Lot in Dennis Port or any of the Christmas Tree Shops.

<strong>Traffic -  </strong>For any guests leaving the Cape on Sunday, you are likely to hit the most traffic between 2-6 PM. Generally, leaving before noon or after 7 PM is a much better option, if possible.