FAQs

Question

When is the final date to RSVP?

Answer

April 8, 2024

Question

Where to stay?

Answer

Please book at our hotel block "Kalayilparampil/Shaji" at the Le Meridien hotel in Charlotte. The hotel block is first come first serve! Use the link seen in the "Travel" page of our website. Other hotels are available in the city including Double Tree and Hilton Charlotte Uptown (see our Travel page for more details). Though we do not have a wedding block here, they are nearby Le Meridien.

Question

What is the last day to book under the hotel block at Le Meridien?

Answer

May 17, 2024

Question

What if I miss out on the hotel block?

Answer

If you are unable to book under our hotel block, you can still book your rooms at Le Meridien. When booking, please call the hotel and reserve your booking under "Kalayilparampil/Shaji" wedding party to help us account for all our guests under one group, and so we can distribute the welcome bags we've prepared for our guests under this group.

Question

Registry?

Answer

Please see our registry tab for details on any gifts you would so kindly give to us! We will not be accepting boxed gifts.

Question

What do I wear to the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Your best Indian and/or formal attire!

Question

When should I get to the wedding ceremony?

Answer

Arrive at the church around 1:45pm to ensure you get parking and seating!

Question

What does an Orthodox Christian wedding look like?

Answer

The Mystery of Holy Matrimony in the Syriac Orthodox tradition is comprised of two separate services, which have now been joined together: 1) Blessing of the Rings and 2) Blessing of the Crowns. The first service is a service of betrothal. In this service, rings are blessed and placed on the groom and bride by the priest as a symbol of the eternal covenant being made between husband, wife, and God. In the second service, the priest blesses the crowns, which according to the Indian custom, are represented by a necklace with a cross pendant. The priest crowns the groom and bride signifying the establishment of a new family, of which the man and wife are the king and queen of the new house. The crowns symbolize both joy and martyrdom, as joy and self-sacrifice are inseparably tied together in true marriage. It is clear that God does the act of uniting the two individuals together through the sacrament of marriage. According to Indian custom, the groom then ties the “thaali” or “minnu”, which is a small golden pendant, around the neck of the bride. "Tying the knot" of the minnu/thali represents the life-long inseparable bond established in marriage. The groom then places the “manthrakodi” or veil upon the bride’s head, symbolizing his acceptance of his responsibility to care for and cherish his bride. The service concludes with the priest exhorting the worshipping community, joining the right hands of the groom and bride together thereby entrusting them to one another, and seeking the intercessions of the entire community, both living and departed. The service contains hymns, scripture readings, prayers, and exhortations that call upon those present to pray for the couple as they embark on their new journey as husband and wife. We believe that the joy that we experience on this day is a foretaste of the eternal joy that awaits us when we are reunited with Our Lord.

Question

What does our travel distance look like for wedding weekend?

Answer

From Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Le Meridien Charlotte (room block hotel and reception hotel) it is a 15-20 minute drive (8 miles). From Le Meridien Charlotte to St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church (wedding ceremony) it is a 25 minute drive (12 miles). Our reception hotel is located downtown in the City Center, as are the hotels we have included in the "travel" tab.

Question

Info on parking?

Answer

Ceremony: Parking is free and abundant at St. Nektarios Reception: Le Meridien charges for parking. Standard self-event parking is offered at a discounted rate of $15 per car per day. Valet parking is available for $35 per day. Overnight rates are $35 per car per night for self-parking, and $35 per car per night for valet parking.

Question

What type of food will be served at the wedding?

Answer

We are offering chicken, salmon, steak and vegetarian options! There is also a kid's meal option. If you have any special dietary restrictions, please let us know via your RSVP form.

Question

Will there be a gap between the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Yes! We anticipate the church ceremony will end at around 4pm, after which we will have bridal party and family photos in the church. For other guests, you will have between 4pm-6pm to rest/return to your hotels or check out the city!

Question

Will there be a wedding livestream?

Answer

Yes, link to follow!

Question

What if I have more questions?!

Answer

For any further questions, please email us at bellasubin710@gmail.com.