FAQs
Question
When should I RSVP by?
Answer
Please RSVP by August 21. If you're staying in one of the recommended hotel options, you should reserve a room with the fixed rate before September 8.
Question
What is the venue address?
Answer
9721 Lakeshore Blvd, Bratenahl OH, 44108
Question
What is the schedule of events for Saturday?
Answer
The doors will open at 4pm, and we suggest arriving to the house around (or before) then. There will be organ music before the ceremony for you to enjoy! The ceremony will begin at 4:30pm. If you arrive late to the ceremony (and the doors are closed), kindly wait until after the ceremony to enter the building. The ceremony will run roughly 45 minutes, with the social hour with the reception is expected to begin around 5:15pm. The reception will begin around 6:15pm, and conclude at 10:00pm, with a final bride-and-groom dance. All times are in EDT.
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
We’d love for people to wear semi-formal attire, which basically means we want you to dress nice but comfortably. We know that a fall wedding could be either warm or cold, so we'd like to give our guests options on what to wear. For men, this can look like long or short sleeve button down shirts, blazers, suit coats, or even nice polos. Pants can include dress pants, khakis, or similar styles. For women this could look like sundresses, maxi/full-length dresses, pantsuits, or even nice sweaters paired with dress pants. If you Google "semi formal," "cocktail," or "garden" wedding attire, these can help give inspiration. If you have further questions about attire, feel free to reach out.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
Yes! We'll have outdoor games and tabletop games for all guests during the social hour and reception.
Question
I have a food allergy or dietary restriction, what can I do?
Answer
Please include this information in your RSVP. We are catering dinner from City BBQ, allergen and nutritional information can be found here: https://www.citybbq.com/nutrition-allergens
Question
Is there transportation to and from the hotels to the ceremony?
Answer
No, we won’t have organized transportation to and from the hotels. We'll have a complimentary valet service for those driving to the venue. Ride sharing and carpooling is encouraged!
Question
Where do I park?
Answer
There is no parking on Lakeshore Blvd and Spring Bank Lane is narrow. However, Lakeshore Blvd makes a sharp bend at Spring Bank Lane at its intersection with Burton Avenue and Garfield Lane. You may park on either Burton Avenue or Garfield Lane and walk to the Blackstone Residence. If neighborhood streets are full, you require handicap parking, or would like a shorter walk, complimentary valet parking is available from the house. We have valet service set up to use Bratenahl's Community Center parking lot for valet cars. If you have specific parking questions or concerns, please email us at alex.camille26@gmail.com and we’d be happy to help!
Question
Is there alcohol at the venue?
Answer
The venue is an alcohol-free venue so there will not be alcohol served at the reception. The Friday evening Welcome Event at the Hofbrauhaus will have the option of alcohol.
Question
What are the wedding colors?
Answer
Our wedding colors are sage green (the bridesmaid dresses are eucalyptus), navy blue, light pink, white, and light blue. Feel free to wear colors to complement these, but there is no requirement to match!
Question
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Answer
There is a ramp built into the front steps to access the ground floor of the house. An elevator is available for use to access the main floor of the building, where the ceremony will take place. The elevator dimensions are 32" wide at the narrowest and 51" deep.
Question
Will the ceremony and reception take place at the same location?
Answer
Yes. The ceremony will take place inside the Blackstone Residence Pipe Organ. The reception will take place on the lawn outside the house in a large outdoor tent.
Question
What foods and refreshments will be served?
Answer
Following the ceremony, a "social hour" or "cocktail hour" (no alcohol), will take place. Appetizers include charcuterie boards, fruit, vegetables, and banana pudding along with water, sweet tea, unsweet tea, and lemonade. Dinner will be catered City BBQ. The main dishes will be pulled pork, brisket, and pulled chicken, with a vegetarian option of pesto pasta available as well. Sides include mac & cheese and green beans with bacon. Dessert will be vanilla cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, fall-spice cupcakes, and brownies.
Question
What is the "Social Hour"?
Answer
In lieu of a cocktail hour, we will be having a Social Hour instead, as no alcohol is being served. The Social Hour will take place downstairs and on the lawn directly following the Ceremony. Refreshments and appetizers will be served. Beverages will include sweet tea, iced tea, lemonade, and water. Appetizers include fruit and cracker trays provided by City BBQ, and homemade banana pudding made by the happy couple themselves! Seating and lawn games will be available, as will our guest book. We hope this is a good time for guests to socialize after the ceremony and before the reception!
Question
Where should I stay?
Answer
We have group rates for multiple hotels listed under the Travel tab on this website. You are welcome to stay at any of those hotels or find another hotel as well.
Question
Why did we choose the venue?
Answer
The venue is actually the home of Alex's grandparents! Alex has memories of helping with events at the house throughout his childhood and is so excited to be getting married at this beautiful home. More information about the house can be found at https://www.blackstoneorgan.org/
Question
What landmarks or directions are helpful to find the venue?
Answer
From the West, exit from I90 at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (MLK). There is a traffic light at the end of the exit ramp. Turn left (north) and go under I90 to a traffic light, and curve sharply onto what is now called Lakeshore Blvd. Note: 25 MPH speed limit! Follow the road for 1 mile to 9721 Lakeshore Blvd (private drive at that point is called Spring Bank Lane). From the East, exit from I90 at Eddy Road. There is a traffic light at the end of the exit ramp. There is no turn on red! Turn right and proceed north to Lakeshore Blvd (traffic light) and turn left. Follow the road for 1 mile to 9721 Lakeshore Blvd (private drive at that point is called Spring Bank Lane). Spring Bank Lane Landmarks. A bus stop booth is to its west (left, looking down the lane) and a fire hydrant is to the right (east). Our house is the second of 3 down Spring Bank Lane.
Question
Who are the vendors?
Answer
Venue - Blackstone Residence Pipe Organ Photographer - Matthew @ CLE Weddings Florist - Tanya @ Petals and Punch Reception Catering - City BBQ Dessert - Chef Gina's Bakeshop DJ - Direct Entertainment Organist - Todd Wilson Reception Tent - Bride Hair & Makeup - Rachael @ Bella Giada Beauty Wedding Dress & Bridesmaid Dresses - David's Bridal Groom & Groomsmen Suits - Men's Warehouse