FAQs
Question
What to expect during the ceremony?
Answer
John and Alexandra have started attending St. Paul's Episcopal Church. It's a church that really aligns with their values and has been a good middle ground of John's Roman Catholic faith and Alexandra's Presbyterian/ non-denominational faith. Anyone familiar with Catholic Mass, it is very similar in style. Our church is open and accepting of all walks of life, religious or not, so we are happy to have you! There will be some standing, sitting, kneeling, and reading out loud/ singing. Follow along at your comfort level or feel free to stay seated. The church will provide a program that outlines everything that will be read during mass. The Holy Euchrist (Holy Communion) will be offered at the end. Father Charles will state "all baptized Christians are welcome to receive". If you are baptized (practicing or not) we invite you to come up and participate in receiving communion. Traditionally we go up to the alter, kneel at the rail, and place our hands out. Father Charles will place the host (wafer) in your palm. You can say "Amen" and place it in your mouth. If you have physical limitations, you can stand. Optional is to take a sip of the wine or dip the host in the wine, then place it in your mouth. For our more orthodox parishioners, if you prefer to not touch the host, you can open your mouth and Father Charles will place it directly on your tongue. If you are not baptized or don't want to take communion, we welcome you to come up and receive a blessing from the priest. You can come up and kneel, cross your arms in from of your chest, and Father will give you a quick blessing. All together this is about a 30 second process for either the communion or blessing. Feel free to stay seated if you'd like to opt out. See the below info links of what to expect: https://youtu.be/LVNXbxViQ80?si=uExlhUqNTQ1mokgJ https://youtube.com/shorts/9dmXj2YmFms?si=8r19k074S80zRzyw
Question
Where is the reception?
Answer
At our house! Please join us after the ceremony for cocktail hour and the reception at 3918 State Route 42 S, Mansfield, Oh 44904. That's where the fun begins! Free drinks, food, music, and a live painter for our guests to take home a portrait of themselves.
Question
What is the dress code?
Answer
Attire is Garden Party, Semi- Formal. Examples for Men: suit or blazer with dress pants, a tie is recommended but not required. Short sleeve can be elevated by tucking it into slacks with a belt and dress shoes. Women: a knee or mid length dress, suit, jumpsuit or two piece outfit. Kids: Dress shorts and a button up shirt/blouse would be ok for children. Please keep in mind this is a late August wedding and it could be warm. Be mindful of the materials you are wearing. No all white dresses or white suits. Absolutely no jeans, flip flops, tennis shoes, or casual clothes! You can still have fun with it though! Want to wear that bolo tie, cowboy hat, or fun romper? Show your personality and we can't wait to see you! Helpful guides: https://pin.it/6p1srJtP2 https://www.azazie.com/all/atelier-guest-of-wedding-dresses/with/shop-by-occasion/semi-formal?srsltid=AfmBOopPipuE9Q0vw4OfNymxBhYtOBmtAf2H-Lwh2vNpZxAscLcaumcT https://leagueofrebels.com/blogs/the-noblest-journal/how-to-master-the-garden-party-wedding-dress-code-for-men?srsltid=AfmBOop1IBYpisa4j6vDVvHzHgJFcWnPd5yzd7qTaqowJ9hNVjN1-A7x https://greenweddingshoes.com/semi-formal-wedding-attire/ https://leagueofrebels.com/blogs/the-noblest-journal/how-to-master-the-garden-party-wedding-dress-code-for-men?srsltid=AfmBOop1IBYpisa4j6vDVvHzHgJFcWnPd5yzd7qTaqowJ9hNVjN1-A7x
Question
Dinner/ Alcohol
Answer
We will have appetizers during cocktail hour. There will be an open bar for the entire cocktail hour/reception. Catered dinner in the evening. If you have any dietary restrictions please let us know so we can accommodate! We will already be accommodating for any vegetarians/ pescatarians. With 2 licensed bartenders, we'll make sure you have drinks flowing, without having to wait in line. Due to the bartender's license restrictions and liability at our residence, please do not bring any outside alcohol to the cocktail hour/ reception. It would unfortunately cancel our contract. Thanks for understanding.
Question
Can I bring a plus one?
Answer
We have put a lot of thought into having a small, intimate wedding with our closest friends and family. We tried our best to accommodate significant others and plus ones. If you look under your name, it should have your guest listed as a plus one. If you don't see it, please let us know. We can't accommodate all requests though. Thanks for understanding.
Question
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Answer
The ceremony will be indoors. The reception is outdoors in our backyard. For any pregnant/breastfeeding moms or elderly guests who may need a break from the warmth or a private spot, please feel free to sit in our home with the A/C.
Question
Parking
Answer
Ceremony- there is plenty of street parking. Please allow extra time to find parking, Saturday will be busy. It would be best to carpool. Reception- there is ample parking at our home. Feel free to leave your car overnight and come back for it in the morning. Most importantly, have a sober ride! Uber/Lyft is limited, but available. If you need suggestions or help arranging a ride, let us know in advance.
Question
What airport to fly into?
Answer
Columbus Airport (John Glen CMH) is the most central airport. It's an hour from the wedding location and there are plenty of hotels/activities in the area. If you are staying close to the wedding location (Mansfield) then you can also fly into Cleveland Airport (Hopkins CLE) which is an 1hr 10mins away.
Question
Rules on photos
Answer
Out of respect for the church, please do not have yours phones or or take pictures during the ceremony. If you would like to take any before or after, absolutely no flash is allowed. We will have a professional photographer and videographer, so please be respectful of not having your phones out. We want you to be able to be present in the moment. We promise to share the photos and videos as soon as we get them. There will be ample opportunities for pictures during the reception.