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The days are flying by! We're so excited to be celebrating with you soon!
The days are flying by! We're so excited to be celebrating with you soon!

FAQs

The Wedding Website of Anya Blackwelder and Ethan Freestone
We tried to answer most of the questions we could see our guests having, but if we missed something, feel free to reach out to Anya at (828) 446-8163 with your questions.
Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

Please RSVP by March 12th, so we have ample time to get headcounts for catering.

Question

What is the best way to RSVP?

Answer

We encourage you to RSVP electronically through the 'RSVP' page on this website. If the website gives you trouble, you can also RSVP directly to Anya at (828) 446-8163. (Please try going through the website first, though, for the sake of the bride's sanity. :)

Question

Are you registered? Where?

Answer

We’re registered with Amazon and are also accepting contributions via Venmo towards our honeymoon adventures and future home! If you would like to give us a gift, you can head to our 'Registry' page on this website and use the links from there.

Question

Can I bring a gift to the wedding?

Answer

Your presence is present enough, but if you wish to gift us something off our registry, having it sent to the UT address (the registry is already linked to it) would be the best way to ensure the gift doesn't get left behind due to luggage restrictions on flights and the bride and groom's immediate travel plans after the wedding. Gift cards and Venmo contributions are also welcome and travel-friendly alternatives to traditional gifts, and some of these options are included on this website's 'Registry' page for your convenience. If you do bring a gift to the wedding, a table will be available for presents and cards.

Question

Do you have any hotel or airport recommendations?

Answer

For our traveling guests, we've included on the 'Travel' page of this website the names of some of the hotel and airport options nearest to our venues to check out. Definitely do your own research, though, and we recommend using sites such as Expedia and Kayak, as well as possibly looking into Airbnb options.

Question

Is there transportation to and from the ceremony and reception?

Answer

We’re not providing any general transportation for guests, but we recommend looking into rental vehicles if you'll be from out of town. To help with planning your travel needs, those attending in NC should know the ceremony and reception will be in the same building, so all you'll need to plan is getting to and from the venue. Those invited to the private sealing ceremony in UT should know you will need to arrange transportation to the temple and to the separate reception venue, which are about an hour apart. Those just attending the reception will need to arrange transportation to and from the reception venue.

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony and reception?

Answer

There’s plenty of parking at the venues in both NC and UT.

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

Sunday best or Church dress is requested for all ceremonies and receptions. If you're attending either of the receptions, be sure you're able to dance in whatever you're wearing!

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

Due to venue capacities, we ask that only kids directly related to the bride and groom (i.e. siblings and cousins) attend the wedding events. This will be specified on your invitation and when you go in to RSVP. Consider it an opportunity for date night! ;)

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

Please refer to your invitation to see if you can bring a Plus One (it will say "John Smith and Guest" if you can). You'll also only be able to RSVP for the members of your household and possible guest that are invited. We did our best to accommodate those with spouses, long-term committed relationships, and those who likely don't know any other guests, so we ask for your understanding if we don't have enough space to allow more Plus Ones.

Question

Will the wedding events be indoor or outdoor?

Answer

All of our ceremonies and receptions will be indoors, so no need to worry about the weather.

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

If you are attending the wedding ceremony in Lenoir, NC on April 26th, please be seated by 3:15 pm. The ceremony will begin promptly at 3:30 pm. Attendees for the private sealing ceremony in UT on May 3rd should arrive at the temple 30 minutes prior to the session starting. More details are included on the separate sealing insert card that is included in your invitation.

Question

Am I allowed to take pictures during the ceremony or reception?

Answer

We ask that phones be turned off and put away during the ceremony, in order for our wonderful photographer to be able to best capture the special moments as well as to prevent any notifications from disrupting the ceremony. We welcome pictures and videos during the receptions, though. We'll have QR codes posted throughout the venues for you to share your unique and fun perspective of the receptions with us in a shared folder on Google Photos!

Question

Is the reception free-floating?

Answer

Both of our receptions will have scheduled traditional elements throughout the evening (i.e. first dance, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.). However, you're welcome to attend for however long you are able!

Question

What sort of food will be at the reception?

Answer

For the NC reception, a catered meal and dessert will be provided. For the UT reception, an Olive Garden pasta bar and dessert will be provided.

Question

Will there be an open bar?

Answer

No, we’re having a 'dry wedding' all around - but we're still excited for everyone to let loose and have fun!

Question

Do I need to wait for the couple to post pictures from the wedding on social media before I can?

Answer

If you're bragging about the absolutely awesome time you had at our receptions and want to include a picture or two of you with us at our wedding events, feel free. However, we ask that you don't post excessive amounts of pictures or videos from our wedding events as we'd like to be the ones to share those truly special moments first. :)

Question

Can I wear white?

Answer

Not a chance. ;) - The Bride