FAQs

Question

When and where is the wedding?

Answer

5:30pm at the Morton Arboretum! We will be in the Firefly Pavilion. When you arrive, let the parking attendant know you are here for our wedding and they will help direct to where you should park.

Question

What do I wear?

Answer

We’re asking guests to dress in semi-formal/cocktail attire. Since the ceremony is outdoors, lighter fabrics may help keep you comfortable in the July heat.

Question

Do I need to pay for parking or entry to the Arboretum?

Answer

Nope! Entry and parking are free to wedding guests. While the venue (Firefly Pavilion) is reserved for us in the evening, and the arboretum is free to wedding guests any time the day of the wedding. Feel free to explore!

Question

Where do I park?

Answer

When you arrive at the arboretum, please tell the parking attendant that you are here for our wedding, located in the Firefly Pavillion. The parking attendant will direct you to the lot reserved for our event.

Question

Can I bring a plus one?

Answer

We're excited to celebrate with so many friends and family. While we can’t extend a plus-one invitation to everyone, we’re happy to include any long-term or significant partners. If you’re unsure or would like to discuss bringing a guest, please feel free to reach out to us. Thank you for understanding—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Question

Are children welcome?

Answer

Yes, children are welcome to attend!

Question

What should I expect at an Interfaith wedding?

Answer

We want to create an environment that honors the many lovely traditions that represent all sides of our families. The officiant will be Rabbi Andrea Cosnowsky, the Senior Rabbi at Congregation Etz Chaim of Lombard, where Taylor (who is Jewish) and Allison (who is not Jewish) are both active community members. We know that many of our guests are not Jewish, so feel free to read to on in this FAQ to know a bit more about what to expect!

Question

How long will the ceremony be?

Answer

The ceremony will be comparable in length to other weddings you might have been to (about half an hour).

Question

What is a kippah, and do I need one?

Answer

A kippah (or yarmulke) is the hat many Jewish people wear over the crown of their head as a sign of their respect to God. Traditionally, kippot are worn by men, but people of all genders wear them today. You do not have to be Jewish to wear a kippah. You also do NOT have to wear a kippah at the service, but if you are interested in wearing one, there will be some available at the service.

Question

Will the food be kosher? What if I have a dietary restriction?

Answer

If you have any food allergies, dietary restrictions, or need a kosher-certified meal, please let us know when you RSVP. Dinner will be a plated meal with kosher-style options, meaning meat and milk won’t be served in the same dish. If you want to put both meat and milk products on your plate, please don’t hesitate to do so – you will be in good company! There will be hors d'oeuvres options that are either meat, dairy, or vegan. Your choice of entrées are either a meat dish or vegetarian. (A vegan entrée option is available by request.) The salad and dressings are vegan, with goat cheese crumbles served on the side. Side dishes are vegan. Most desserts will have dairy. However, if you need to avoid dairy, let us know when RSVPing and we can be sure to provide a dairy-free dessert!

Question

Do I need to know any Hebrew?

Answer

Nope! The ceremony will be almost entirely in English, with a few quick blessings in Hebrew. If you’d like, you are welcome to say “Mazel Tov” to the bride and groom to wish them luck and congratulate them on their big day.

Question

Will you be doing the chair thing?

Answer

Absolutely! As is Jewish custom, we will dance the horah and raise the bride and groom up on chairs. If you’ve never danced the horah, don’t sweat it. You don’t have to know any steps; just jump in the circle and celebrate together. (If you’ve ever been to a Greek wedding, it’s a lot like that.)