Lauren Davis & Shay Parsons
May 20, 2023
Welcome! We're getting married!We appreciate the place you all hold in our lives and would love to celebrate the next step in our journey with you.
How We Met
Lauren and Shay met when they were both working at CollegeHumor in Los Angeles. What started out as friendship, blossomed into love.In non-pandemic times, they love attending indie wrestling and drag shows. They play board games with their friends and give their dog, Clementine, daily meds to control her leaky bladder. They never miss an episode of a Sunday night HBO show and are constantly vacuuming up their husky, Fig's, hair.They can't believe they get to spend the rest of their lives with their best buddy and look forward to making many more punny Halloween costumes and custom enamel pins.
The Proposal
Surrounded by hot air balloons at the Santa Fe Balloon Fiesta, Shay prepared to propose. His plans were thwarted by the extreme weather occurrence of winds over 5 mph preventing any balloons from even being inflated for the remainder of the Fiesta. Quick thinking led them to a lovely park, and a swinging bench, where Shay popped the question.
The Venue
Our wedding will be at the fun and fantastical Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo.
Since its opening in 1958, the Madonna has become a landmark of California’s central coast, prominently located on the west side of US Route 101. The Inn was created by Alex and Phyllis Madonna as a resort destination, complete with 110 uniquely decorated guest rooms. We hope you will enjoy the enchanting decor, pseudo-Swiss-Alps exterior and lavish common rooms accented by giant pink roses, golden cherubs, and intricate wood carvings.
The Inn is settled on over a thousand acres of beautiful hillside land and is only a short trip via bike, foot, or car to Downtown San Luis Obispo.
May 19, 2023
Welcome Drinks & Karaoke
6:00 pm
Swing by Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe (1804 Osos St.) to say hi, grab a drink, eat some snacks, and sing karaoke!If you want more room to strut your stuff, the Madonna Inn has live music and dancing in the Ballroom starting at 7pm.
May 20, 2023
Ceremony
11:00am
Join us in the Madonna Inn Ballroom as we exchange our vows. No photos please! We'll be sure to send out all the pics our photographer takes.
Day of the Wedding
Reception
12:00pm
After a quick break to grab a drink and rearrange the space, join us in the Ballroom for our reception. Lunch! Cake! Dancing! And More!
May 20, 2023
AFTER PARTY
6:30pm
Feel free to fuel up and then join us as we keep the party going! Games and drinks will be waiting in the Pick & Shovel suite (room 123) or you can dance the night away and join the Madonna Inn's swing Dancing in the Ballroom at 7pm.
Your presence is present enough! If you want to give us a gift, we would be forever grateful for a monetary contribution to our down payment fund. It is our dream to have a home of our very own where we can raise a family and welcome you all as our guests. We deeply appreciate any contributions to making our dream a reality. For those interested in helping us realize this dream, we kindly ask that you contribute via cash, check, Venmo (@Lauren-Shays-I-Do ), or Zelle ([email protected]).Having lived together for a while, we already have most essentials, but have registered for a few items we'd love to upgrade in our lives which you can find HERE.
THE MADONNA INN
100 Madonna Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 543-3000There are many unique and fun rooms to stay in and we’ve also reserved a block of rooms, which you can book by calling the hotel directly and asking for the Davis-Parsons wedding block.
You’ll notice that the rooms at the Madonna Inn are… well, different. Every single room is unique in it’s own gaudy but charming way. We recommend bringing some kitschy outfits that match your room’s theme to take fun family photos.
BEST WESTERN PLUS ROYAL OAK HOTEL
214 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 544-4410If the Madonna Inn is not quite your jam, have no fear! There is a Best Western right down the road.
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SLO)
901 AIRPORT DR, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93401
THE SAN LUIS OBISPO AIRPORT IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED LESS THAN FIVE MILES FROM THE MADONNA INN. THE MADONNA INN OFFERS A COMPLIMENTARY AIRPORT SHUTTLE FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M DAILY. PLEASE CALL TO MAKE SHUTTLE RESERVATIONS 24 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR SCHEDULED LANDING AND DEPARTURE.
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
SANTA BARBARA, CA 93117, USA
LOCATED 97 MILES SOUTH OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, THIS AIRPORT IS 1.5 HOURS AWAY.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
1 WORLD WAY, LOS ANGELES, CA 90045, USA
LOCATED 188 MILES SOUTH OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, THIS AIRPORT IS 3 HOURS AWAY.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94128, USA
THE SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS 221 MILES NORTH OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AND A 3 HOUR AND 20 MINUTE DRIVE.
SAN LUIS OBISPO
San Luis Obispo is often referred to as the “happiest place in America.” Covered in rolling hills and meadows, it is tucked between the coast range, the pacific ocean, and central coast wine country.
Nearby, pieces of chewed gum cover the walls of Bubblegum Alley. You can find vendors selling produce, flowers and food on Higuera Street for the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market. The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art focuses on work by contemporary California artists. The Sunset Drive-In Theater is a single screen movie theater that has been in operation since 1951, ranked in the top ten drive-in theaters in the US.
Downtown San Luis Obispo is a quick 2 mile drive from the Madonna Inn and can be accessed more directly by the Madonna Inn’s bike/hiking paths (bicycles available for rent). Downtown San Luis Obispo can also be navigated via the Old SLO Trolley on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5:00-9:00pm for 50 cents.
PISMO BEACH
Pismo Beach is a quaint seaside village on California's Central Coast. It's known for its wineries and many scenic beaches. The monarch butterfly grove shelters monarch butterflies that migrate to Pismo State Beach in the cooler months. Atop a rugged bluff, dinosaur caves park has trails with ocean views and a playground. Other places of interest include the Pismo Pier and Margo Dodd Park which sits on a bluff.Pismo Beach is a short 15 minute drive away from the Madonna Inn.
MORRO BAY
Only 15 miles north from the Madonna Inn lies this small beach town. Morro Bay is a coastal city in California. It's known for Morro Rock, an ancient volcanic mound at the end of Morro Rock Beach.Morro Bay is a charming town with an abundance of wildlife; you can view sea otters and sea lions up close in the bay, right by Morro Rock.
PASO ROBLES
During a visit to Paso Robles wine country, explore the abundance of California wineries producing more than 40 diverse wine grape varieties. This beautiful wine producing city is just 30 miles and a half hour drive from the Madonna Inn. In Paso Robles' historic downtown area, shop at boutique stores, step into tasting rooms and dine on local cuisine.
CAMBRIA
Cambria is a charming seaside village in San Luis Obispo County, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along California State Route 1. It's a short 40 minute drive north of the Madonna Inn. Be sure to visit all the unique specialty shops in downtown, and Moonstone Beach. Look carefully and you still may find moon stones! Another attraction to see is Nitt Witt Ridge. This house was constructed in 1929 and is a completely made of trash and recycled items. It's still standing and several guided tours are offered daily.
SAN SIMEON
San Simeon is a scenic beach town in San Luis Obispo County. It's 40 miles north of the madonna inn, a scenic 45 minute drive.A key feature of the area is Hearst Castle, a hilltop mansion designed by Julia Morgan for William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century that is now a tourist attraction. Schedule one of the numerous tours and have some wine at the Hearst Ranch Winery. You may also see herds of wild zebras who once were part of William Hearst's zoo, who escaped 50+ years ago and now roam the seaside hills freely. The area is also home to a large northern elephant seal rookery.
LOS OLIVOS
Los Olivos is a charming historic town located in the beautiful Santa Ynez valley with homes dating back to 1882. Boasting expansive views of Santa Barbara County’s vineyards and horse ranches, Los Olivos is noted for its love of the arts, wine tasting opportunities, unique shopping, epicurean restaurants, festivals, antiques, recreational landscapes, and friendly residents found throughout the village.Los Olivos is about an hour’s drive south from the Madonna Inn.
SOLVANG
Solvang is a Danish village that looks and smells like Christmas year-round, with twinkling lights at night and baked goods served fresh every morning. It is a truly unique fairytale village with activities, seasonal festivals, wine-tasting rooms and delectable dining.Solvang is about an hour’s drive south from the Madonna Inn.
OSTRICHLAND USA
610 E HIGHWAY 246, SOLVANG, CA 93463
(805) 686-9696
OPEN 9AM - DUSK
Ostrichland is a wonderful place to get up close and personal with ostriches and emus. A classic roadside attraction, you can feed them and interact with these amazing/terrifying creatures. Ostrichland is about an hour’s drive south from the Madonna Inn, near the Danish village of Solvang.
What is your COVID-19 Plan?
Because the COVID-19 guidelines are always changing, please continue to check back for the most up to date information.
A lot can change by 2023 but please be advised it is possible all guests will be required to either be fully vaccinated or present a negative COVID-19 test if things take a turn.
The health and safety of our dear friends and family is of the upmost importance to us and we will provide clearer guidance regarding COVID-19 as regulations develop.
What is the weather like in May in San Luis Obispo, CA?
The weather ranges from mid 60's to high 70's during the day, and mid to low 50's at night. While our wedding events will be indoors, you may want to take advantage of the beautiful venue grounds. Please pack accordingly.
What is the dress code for the wedding?
Please wear whatever brings you joy!
In the spirit of the Madonna Inn, we hope you use our wedding as an excuse to pull out your finest colorful cocktail attire or the kitschiest ensemble in your closet. Dress up to your own comfort level - go all out in whatever makes you feel bold, bright, & beautiful.
In the spirit of the Madonna Inn, we hope you use our wedding as an excuse to pull out your finest colorful cocktail attire or the kitschiest ensemble in your closet. Dress up to your own comfort level - go all out in whatever makes you feel bold, bright, & beautiful.
Can I have a +1 if you didn't note it?
We carefully thought out our guest list and gave those with long-term significant others an additional +1. We promise that this wedding will be full of really cool people you will want to party with.
Will there be an open bar?
No, but we will provide a few drinks and easy access to the Madonna Inn's Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge.
Will parking be available at the Madonna Inn?
Yes, the Madonna Inn offers free parking to both visitors and guests. Visitor parking can be found upon entry into the hotel parking lot in front of the restaurants. Guest parking is located in front of the designated hotel rooms; this parking will be outlined to you upon check-in. Electric vehicle charging is also available at the Madonna Inn nearest the highway entrance.
What if I have a dietary restriction?
We will offer a meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan dish at the reception. Please note any dietary restrictions in your RSVP so we can ensure they are accommodated.
ANY TIPS FOR EXPLORING CALIFORNIA?
YES! Check out Amtrak's California Rail Pass! The California Rail Pass allows for up to 7 days of travel in California over a 21-day period for $159 for adults and $79.50 for children 2 - 12. To purchase, call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
Who can I contact for further questions and concerns?
You can email us at [email protected]