Oktoberfest
to Coastal Vows
Rob & Carolyn’s Wedding Adventure
From Munich’s festival halls to Estoril’s seaside fortress—two cities, one unforgettable “I do.”
Dates: September 17–23, 2026
Where: Munich, Germany → Estoril, Portugal
From La Crosse to Love
We’re both originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, where Oktoberfest isn’t just a celebration—it’s part of who we are. We’ve cheered at parades, danced to polka, and crossed paths in the crowd—long before life brought us back together.
We first met over 24 years ago. Life carried us through different chapters, giving us time, growth, perspective—and most importantly, family.
This marriage is not a new beginning, but a wholehearted continuation. It honors what was, embraces what is, and welcomes what could be. We come to this moment with open hearts and deep respect for everyone who helped shape this love—including our previous partners, who stood beside us in some of life’s most sacred moments.
Their presence in our lives—and the lives of our children—has mattered. It still matters. That’s why they’ll be standing beside us at the wedding. Not as an obligation, but as a reflection of something rare and real: a family story defined by compassion, co-parenting, shared history, and mutual respect.
And our children—each of whom carries our legacy, our joy, and our why—will also be part of this day. Because this celebration is about all of us: the ones who came before, the ones who came through, and the ones still growing alongside us.
We chose two places to reflect our story:
Munich — to honor tradition, community, and celebration
Estoril — to gather by the sea for vows and a bonfire under the stars
✈️ Two Cities, One Celebration
You’ll start in Munich for the pre-party, then travel with us to Estoril for the wedding celebration.
Thursday & Friday, Sept 17 — Arrive in Munich (come early and enjoy the city before the festivities begin)
Friday, Sept 18 — Optional walking tour at 10:00 a.m. and Bavarian brunch at 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept 19 — Oktoberfest Do-Over: The Wedding Pre-Party (see below)
Sunday, Sept 20 — Travel day: Munich to Estoril
Monday, Sept 21 — Wedding at Forte da Cruz
Tuesday & Wednesday, Sept 23 — Departures (or extend your stay to explore more of Portugal)
Oktoberfest Do-Over: The Wedding Pre-Party
Saturday, September 19, 2026 — Munich, Germany
Back in 2020, a group of Carolyn’s friends had planned an epic trip to Munich for Oktoberfest. Like so many plans that year, it was canceled.
Six years later, we’re finally making it happen—and turning it into something even bigger: our joint pre-wedding party. In place of a bachelor or bachelorette night, we’re inviting everyone—friends, family, and teens—to join us for a day at the world’s largest folk festival.
Munich’s Oktoberfest is more than beer—it’s a vibrant, multi-generational celebration of Bavarian culture, with parades, traditional music, hearty food, colorful costumes, rides, and plenty to explore.
We’ll gather in one of the festival’s more relaxed areas to enjoy live music, share Bavarian dishes, and wander the grounds together. For those who want a deeper dive, there will be an optional guided tour to uncover the history and traditions of this 200-year-old event.
This is our chance to finally celebrate the trip that never was—and to kick off our two-city wedding adventure in true Bavarian style.
💒 The Ceremony at the Sea
Monday, Sept 21 — Wedding at Forte da Cruz, Seaside Reception & Bonfire
Our wedding day begins at Forte da Cruz, a historic seaside fortress on Tamariz Beach in Estoril, Portugal. With waves as our backdrop and a sandy beach just outside the gates, this location gives us the best of both worlds: timeless architecture and the relaxed beauty of the Atlantic shore.
A fortress stands on a strong foundation, weathered by time, storms, and seasons—just like the journey that brought us here. It symbolizes courage, resilience, and the lessons learned along the way. We are not starting over; we are building on what has already been built—the family, the history, and the definition of love that has evolved through our experiences.
As the night winds down, we’ll gather for a bonfire on the beach, sharing campfire stories, (and yes, probably some s’mores), with the kind of laughter that lingers long after the flames burn low—a nod to our small-town roots and the warmth of simple moments shared under the stars.
Attire: Coastal semi-formal—light, breezy fabrics encouraged. Heels not necessary.
Timeline:
4:00 p.m. — Shuttle from hotel
5:00 p.m. — Ceremony in the fortress courtyard
6:30 p.m. — Dinner & wine reception
8:30 p.m. — Dancing & dessert
10:00 p.m. — Bonfire on the beach
🏨 Where to Stay
We are finalizing room blocks in both cities. Once secured, we will share:
A list of preferred hotels in Munich and Porto
Group rates and booking links
Venue addresses and shuttle details
Step-by-step arrival tips for each location
If you prefer to book independently, you are welcome to do so. If you would like to stay with the group, select “Book me in the room block” on the RSVP form and we’ll send you first access when blocks open.
🎉Add More to Your Trip
We will share optional add-ons and local favorites in both cities, including walking tours, markets, viewpoints, beaches, and day trips. Watch your inbox for the mini guide.
Common Questions
Do I need a passport?
Yes. Please ensure your passport is valid through March 2027.
Are flights and hotels included?
No. Guests will book travel independently. We will provide room blocks and preferred hotel options once confirmed.
Will you help with travel coordination?
Yes. We will share a group chat, suggested itineraries, and any key updates. Choose your preferred style on the RSVP form.
Can teens attend?
Yes. Teens are welcome.
Can I post photos?
Absolutely. Use hashtag #FromOktoberfestToIDo
We’ll also share a link to upload to our shared photo album!
💌 RSVP by July 15, 2026
We’re collecting names now and will send updates by email as details are confirmed. Please complete the form below so we can keep you in the loop.
After you RSVP, you’ll receive:
Preferred hotel list and room-block links
Venue addresses and shuttle details
Packing tips and optional events
Timeline reminders for both cities
Airlines, routes, and the times Rob and Carolyn are traveling
Once we have a confirmed list of RSVPs, we can coordinate group rates for hotels and flights if you’d like. We’ll need to know your preferences in order to arrange this.
Please RSVP by February 15, 2026.
Pro tip: Please wait to book hotels until we release the room blocks if you want the group rates.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you—please RSVP today so we can start planning together!