Young At Last · 12.31.26

The story so far

Now this is a story all about how…
our “so… when?!” got flipped-turned upside down —

so grab a cold one, friend, and just sit right there…
I’ll tell you how a boy and a girl from Naples became a pair!

A few streets apart, both born and raised…
on the same dirt roads where we spent most of our days —

four-wheelin’, fishin’, Muddy Lake parties at night…
same school, same halls… just a “hey” — no first date in sight!

Years later, a Blades game… first date, at last!
And from that first night, well… the rest went fast!

The years filled with dogs, with boats & a breeze…
with lobsters & beach camps & warm salty seas —

we’ve dived, we’ve roamed, we’ve gone near and far…
but the best trip of all? Just us two, as we are.

So the question you’ve asked us year after year…
well, friends… come New Year’s Eve, the answer starts here.

Almost fourteen years in the making… so pull up a chair:
this is a story all about how… we’re Young at Last — see you there!

Mark's version of this story:
"We met. She stayed. Boat."

Getting Younger every year

one photo a year, since 2013

swipe through the years ⟶

The evening

the night will find its way — and so will you

14:00 PM · Everglades City Cocktails on the porch of the historic Rod & Gun Club — a club that has hosted five presidents and one Rolling Stone.

drink in hand before you find your seat — house rules!

2Golden hour · Dinner, our way A dinner we've been dreaming up for a long, long time — & somewhere in the evening, a moment we can't wait to share!

trust us — you'll want to be there!

3After dinner · Boats The fleet loads at the dock and runs for the island. Beach camp, driftwood fire, stars doing the decorating.

camping? we set up on the island that morning and come back in for dinner — details below ↓

4Midnight · A new year And one minute after midnight… Mark's birthday. Light a sparkler with us!

we're partying straight into his birthday — morning mimosas on the sand. attendance: mandatory-ish.

The club we chose

a word about where you're eating

Dinner is at the Everglades Rod & Gun Club — standing on the Barron River since 1864.
Five U.S. presidents have eaten here. Truman came down in 1947 to open a national park — and stayed for lunch.
Hemingway tied his boat at this dock. Mick Jagger took a room.
We're just saying: this club has seen things. It hasn't seen all of us yet!

Everglades Rod & Gun Club

Good to know

the small print, only friendlier

What do I wear?: "Old Florida nice" — dress up a little. Sundresses, linen, a blazer if you like. A clean collared shirt is perfect, and yes, your good fishing shirt counts. No tux, no tie. Bring a warm layer for the porch, and your bug spray — the no-see-ums RSVP'd too. Camping with us after? Pack boat clothes.
Boat or car?: Either way, cocktails start at 4:00 on the porch. By car: the club is at 200 W Broadway, Everglades City — park out front and walk up. By boat: tie up at the club's own dock on the river; there's room for the whole fleet, day and overnight.
What about the island?: However you want to do the night, you're covered.

Dinner is the night. Everything we've been planning happens around that table, so if dinner is what works for you, you're there for the very best part. Stay for the toasts, then see the boats off from the dock.

Camping after? Every New Year's we camp out on an island and roll right into Mark's birthday. It's our tradition, and you're welcome to join. Bring your own tent & bedding. We plan to set up camp that morning (island TBD), so come out early and pitch next to us before we all head in for cocktails at 4. We're out there for the rest of the weekend, so stay as long as you like.

Got a boat? Bring it and run out with the fleet.

No boat? No problem — tell us in your RSVP and we'll save you a seat with someone who has one.

Dogs? Remi's coming, so yours is welcome — just tell us in your RSVP note.
Can I stay the night?: Not camping with us, and not driving home under the stars after dinner? Book one of the Rod & Gun Club's riverfront cottages, about $195 + tax a night — call (239) 695-2101 (they're old-school: phone only, cash or check).
Wait… is this what we think it is?: Years of dodging that question, and you think we'd crack in an FAQ? Nice try!

Claim your passage

punch your ticket by December 1 — the table (& the boats!) are counting

Passage · One Evening Only

Young at Last!

dateDec 31 ’26sec · row · seat1 · 11 · 13refundsnone on fun

ABOARD!