September 24–28, 2026 · Shandaken, NY

The Weekend

Five days in the Catskills. Come as friends. Leave as family.

Thursday · September 24th
Arrival
The setup crew arrives, hands on deck, hearts wide open
2:00 pm onward
Early Arrivals & Setup
Those who've been volunteered to help set the scene arrive at Branches. Unload, explore the property, and start transforming it into something magical.
Evening
First Night Together
Casual dinner, wine, and excitement for the days to come
Friday · September 25th
The Braai
A South African welcome, fire, good food, and friends old and new.
11:00 AM
Homemade Brunch
The crew that helped set up gathers for a proper homemade breakfast. Eggs, coffee, good company.
Afternoon
Lawn Games & Exploration
Cornhole, bocce, riverside activities, and private island trails. Wander wherever the property takes you.
5:00 PM
Welcome Braai Begins
A braai is a cherished South African tradition similar to a barbecue where food is cooked over an open fire or hot coals — it's a social ritual that brings people together, fostering connection and community. It's more than a meal; it's how we welcome you in.
Evening
Fire, Drinks & Stories
As the sun sets, gather around the fire. Drinks will be flowing. Stories will be traded. No itinerary, just the night and the people you love.
All evening
Dress Code: Autumnal Comfort
We'll be listening to music, playing lawn games, and hanging out by the fire. Jeans and a nice top or sweater would be perfect.
Saturday · September 26th
The Wedding
The main event, candlelight, and forest adventures.
Morning
Morning at Leisure
Sleep in. Take a walk. Drink coffee by the creek. The day is long and beautiful, ease into it.
11:00 am
Brunch
Guests arrive and depart at their own pace. Come hungry, come rested, come ready for a beautiful day!
Afternoon
Final Preparations
The couple disappears. The property transforms. The magic is about to begin.
4:30 pm
Pre-Ceremony Seating
Guests make their way across the suspension bridge and settle in for the ceremony.
5:00 pm
The Ceremony
Outdoors on the grass, beneath the trees, in the last light of the afternoon. The first moments of forever.
5:30 PM
Cocktail Hour
An hour and a half of drinks, bites, and golden hour light.The couple will join you shortly
7:00 pm
Dinner is Served
Seated dinner with assigned places. A curated menu - expect something a little unexpected. All dietary restrictions and allergies will be thoughtfully accommodated.
8:30 pm
Reception & Dancing
The night opens up. Music, dancing, and whatever magic happens when the right people are in the right place.
12:00 AM
Nocturne Court
Over the bridge and through the woods…follow the Narnia lamps to Nocturne Court for some late night revelry.
FOR THE WEDDING
Dress Code: Formal Attire with a Touch of Whimsy
For the ladies: floor-length dresses or elegant jumpsuits are welcome. Think jewel tones, velvet, or romantic flowy materials that feel at home in a forest setting.

For the gents: suit and ties please — add personality through interesting materials, textures, patterns, and colors. No pastels please.

Footwear: many elements of the day will be held outside in the grass, and the ceremony will be across a suspension bridge, so choose your footwear accordingly.
Sunday · September 27th
The Morning After
Take your time, there's no rush
11:00 am
Farewell Brunch
Come and go as you please. Everyone will be on a different schedule and that's perfectly fine. If you need to head out before brunch, there's a diner nearby that we've heard is wonderful.
Afternoon onward
Departures at Your Own Pace
The property is ours through Monday. No need to rush. Sleep in, walk the grounds, sit by the creek. Take it at whatever pace feels right.
All Day
Trails, Creek & Quiet
For those staying the night, walk the grounds, sit by the creek, decompress in the hot tub. You've earned it.
Monday · September 28th
Farewell
Final hugs, safe travels, and until next time
Morning
Last Goodbyes
For anyone who stayed the full run, coffee, one last look at the mountains, and then the road home. Thank you for being here. For all of it.
By Noon
Checkout
Final checkout from the property. Safe travels, everyone.
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