the wedding of

Liz & James

May 10, 2025

Is there a group discount at this hotel?

Yes! Book through this special webpage to get the best room rates.

You can also call 518-869-8100 and give them code LJZ to access the same discount.

Does the hotel have a pool?

Yes, the hotel's indoor pool is open 7am - 9pm. There's also a 24/7 gym.

Does the hotel provide breakfast?

The hotel's on-site restaurant is open 7am - 11pm. There are also many diners and restaurants right down the road.

Can I bring my pet?

The hotel does allow you to bring a cat or dog. The wedding venue, however, is humans-only.

Can I stay at a different hotel or Airbnb?

There are TONS of hotels and Airbnb listings in the area.

Is there anything to do nearby?

The Crossgates Mall is just a few minutes away, and has shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and an arcade.

There's also The Crossings Park, which features a pond, playgrounds, fields, and forest - even an indoor pool.

Or you could venture in to downtown Albany and see the Empire State Plaza and New York State Museum.

Will there be a shuttle to the wedding?

Yes, a shuttle will leave the hotel at 2:30pm, and again at 3:30pm.

On the way back, the shuttle will depart at 9:00pm and 10:00pm.

Can I drive to the wedding venue?

The Altamont Manor is a 30-minute drive from the hotel:

1. Take I-87 south to Rt. 20.
2. Take Rt. 20 west to Rt. 146.
3. Take Rt. 146 west into Altamont.
4. Continue straight onto Main Street, up the hill and to the right.
5. The manor is on the left.

How do I get to/from the Albany Airport?

The hotel runs an on-demand airport shuttle. You can also take CDTA Bus 117, or a taxi or ride share.

How do I get to/from the Rensselaer AMTRAK Station?

You can take CDTA Bus 114 to the Albany Bus Terminal, or a taxi or ride share.

How do I get to/from the Albany Bus Terminal?

You can take CDTA Bus 125, or a taxi or ride share.

When should I arrive?

The shuttle will arrive by 3pm so we can hang out: play some games, do some crafts, have some iced tea & lemonade.

The ceremony starts at 4:30pm.

What should I wear? How formal is this?

We're not too big on dressing fancy. We're going for garden party, so think sundresses or slacks & button-downs.

Mostly, we just want you to be comfortable. Wear a color that makes you happy!

What's the weather like?

May 10, 2023 was 71°F, mostly cloudy.

May 10, 2024 was 63°F, partly cloudy.

What if it rains?

The Altamont Manor can accommodate wedding ceremonies on the veranda or, if it's really bad, in the reception space.

Who's officiating the ceremony?

Our good friend Ayelet Kershenbaum!

Who's in the wedding party?

Alex Berg, Audrey Russo, Ayelet Kershenbaum, Dan Weinstein, Max Pekarsky, Shelley Carruthers, Tom Mayr

Who are the flower girls?

Our grandmothers, Emily Ford and Gail Anne Gold, will be our flower girls.

Who's doing photos?

Professional photography will be provided by George Laing Photography.

Do I have to participate in the crafts? What if I don't know how?

All of the activities are totally optional, but the stakes are low and the skill curve is shallow. Think of this as an opportunity to try your hand at origami, Legos, pipe-cleaner flowers, or more.

And you can take whatever you make!

Is there a guest book?

Instead of a traditional guest message, we invite you to share a Zip Ode.

It's a super simple 5-line poem based on your zip code, where each number tells you how many words to use in each line. Here's one for Altamont:

1  gardens.
2  cue music.
0  ...
0  !
9  one small step for her, one giant leap forever

Is there a photobooth?

Yes, we'll have a camera and backdrop set up for group pictures.

I want to perform a song. What instruments are provided?

Amazing! We're so grateful you're going to make music with us! We'll bring amps, a microphone, an electric keyboard, a guitar, and music stands.

If you need anything else, let us know in your RSVP - we might know a guy.

What food will be available?

During cocktails, we'll have a fruit & veggie platter, bruschetta, and more.

Dinner will be a pasta bar with lots of options for noodle, sauce, and protein, including vegetarian options, plus side salads and garlic bread.

Dessert will be cookie cake and ice cream with fresh fruit.

Catering is provided by Turf Tavern.

What drinks will be available?

Before the ceremony, we'll have iced tea, lemonade, and water.

Then we'll have a full open bar, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Dessert will include tea and coffee.

Can you accommodate food allergies or other dietary restrictions?

Absolutely! In your RSVP above, indicate any dietary restrictions for members of your party, and we'll work with the caterer to make sure you're well fed.

We're also asking all Cookie Swap participants to indicate allergens.

What's the music situation?

Give us your song suggestions as part of your RSVP above!

We'll also have two sets of live music, including covers and originals. If you want to play a few songs, that would be amazing! Just let us know in your RSVP.

Will there be dancing?

Of course! We'll have dance music during both the live performances and the playlist of guest suggestions.

But what if I don't like dancing?

That's all right - we'll have lots of other things going on, including games, crafts, and photos.

What games will be available?

Outdoors, we'll have cornhole, giant Connect Four, and giant Jenga.

Indoors, we'll have Taboo, Pit, Spot It, The Great Dalmuti, The Mind, Hanabi, Chalice, and some regular playing cards.

Is there an after-party?

After the main event ends at 10pm, we'll return to the hotel lounge for the Cookie Swap. And probably more crafts and card games.

How does the cookie swap work?

There are no rules, only pastries. We have a lot of talented bakers on our guest list, so we're encouraging everyone to make a favorite dessert to share.

Okay, one rule: label any allergens!

Is there a gift registry?

No, and in fact, we don't want gifts at all. We've been living together for years and have everything we need.

But we would love for you to bring a small (18" x 21") piece of fabric - see below.

Wait, really? No gifts?

Yes, really. Your gift is your participation. Come try a new craft, bake a delicious dessert, pick up that instrument in your closet. It would mean the world to us for you to truly engage with everything we want to do that day.

But what about money?

That's very kind, but really, we're good. Here are some organizations we personally contribute to:

• Feeding America
• American Red Cross
• Doctors Without Borders
• Alzheimer's Association
• Natural Resources Defense Council
• Planned Parenthood
• American Civil Liberties Union

What's the fabric for?

We're going to make a quilt from all the 18" x 21" fabric squares people give us! If you're not sure where to start, search for "fabric quarters" on Etsy or Joann Fabric and Crafts, or try your local craft store.

5, 10, __, 20, 25?

Where's that missing 15? We got engaged on 2/10/2024... and scheduled the wedding to be 15 months later!

Are you traveling for your honeymoon?

We're planning a trip to Ireland!

Is anyone changing their name?

No, Liz will still be "Elizabeth Evelyn Ford" and James will still be "James Bartholomew Mayr" ...but Apollo will be changing his name to "Apollo Captain Lee Adama Cat Mayr-Ford". 😸

Who can I contact with other questions?

You can email us at jamesbmayr+lizford@gmail.com and we'll get back to you right away.