FAQs

Question

Can our kids come?

Answer

Yes - please bring your children of all ages! There’s a place to let us know how many children of each age group will be attending on your RSVP. For children under 12, we’ll have a kid-friendly buffet with chicken tenders, Mac n' Cheese, carrots, and a cookie. Children will have a separate seating area right next to the adult tables — complete with colorable tablecloths and crayons. There’s also an outdoor area filled with games that you can see from the indoor reception area that they’re welcome to enjoy throughout the evening!

Question

When is the RSVP deadline?

Answer

Please RSVP by March 1, so that we can have an accurate headcount.

Question

What if I have a dietary restriction?

Answer

Please do let us know on your RSVP. We will have a gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian option!

Question

Where is the ceremony and reception?

Answer

The ceremony is at our church, Holy Transfiguration Melkite Catholic Church: 8501 Lewinsville Road, McLean, VA 22102. UPDATE: The reception is now taking place at the River View at Occoquan: 9751 Ox Road Lorton VA 22079. It's about a 30-40 minute drive from the church, and there is plenty of parking. For our guests that are flying in, we are happy to help you find a carpool with local friends if helpful. Just let us know!

Question

What time should I arrive?

Answer

Our wedding ceremony begins at 4:00pm. We kindly ask that all guests be seated in the sanctuary by 3:45pm. At 4:00pm, the Betrothal Ceremony will begin in the narthex (the entry hall just outside the sanctuary). This ceremony will block the entrance to the sanctuary, so it’s important to be seated before we begin. From your seats in the sanctuary, you will be able to see and participate in this beautiful first part of the ceremony as it unfolds. We will immediately proceed to the Crowning Ceremony (i.e., the wedding ceremony) in the sanctuary. Arriving by 3:30pm will give you time to park, find your seat, and settle in before we begin.

Question

Is there a hotel block?

Answer

Yes! See options below or go to the "travel" section of our website. Both are approximately 10 minutes from the wedding and reception. Be sure to ask for the "Story Braden Wedding Block" when booking to receive the discounted rate. Embassy Suites Tysons Corner, 8517 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182 ($ 139 / night). Hotel block available until March 18, 2026. Hotel details available at https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/wastses-embassy-suites-tysons-corner/ Hilton Mclean Tysons Corner, 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Virginia, 22102 ($159 / night). Hotel block available until March 12, 2026. Hotel details available at: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mclmhhh-hilton-mclean-tysons-corner/

Question

Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?

Answer

UPDATE: The ceremony will take place inside the church sanctuary, and the reception is now being held indoors at the River View at Occoquan.

Question

What should I wear? What is the theme?

Answer

Cocktail/church attire is perfect. For those who are curious, our colors are gold and white. If you enjoy coordinating, feel free to incorporate gold attire or accessories! Otherwise, you are absolutely not expected to match the theme.

Question

Where should we park?

Answer

The church parking lot will be available for guests. If there is overflow, nearby neighborhood street parking is also an option. The reception venue also has plenty of available parking.

Question

Is the Church Metro-accessible?

Answer

Unfortunately, the nearest metro station (Spring Hill) is about 2 miles away. We recommend driving, asking your hotel about shuttle options, or taking an Uber/Lyft.

Question

Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?

Answer

Yes, there is a ramp outside the church to get to the front door, and the church inside is all one level. The reception is also wheelchair accessible and all on one level.

Question

Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?

Answer

During the ceremony, we kindly ask that you refrain from taking photos — we promise to share our photographer’s images afterward with anyone who would like them. At the reception, please take as many photos as you’d like! We would love to see the day through your eyes - look for the QR code to our shared album at the reception.

Question

What is the best airport to fly into?

Answer

We recommend flying into either Reagan (DCA) or Dulles (IAD). Both have metro access into DC and Tysons Corner.

Question

How far is the National Mall from McLean?

Answer

It’s about 10 miles away, accessible via car or metro if you’d like to explore while you’re in town!

Question

What’s happening before the ceremony on Sunday?

Answer

We invite everyone to join us at 10:30 that morning at the church for Divine Liturgy/Mass/Church Service. For our Protestant and Roman Catholic friends, you’ll notice that the Divine Liturgy is beautifully different — rich in chant, symbolism, and ancient prayers. It may feel new, but it is deeply centered on Scripture and worshiping Jesus Christ. We hope it is a reminder that although we may worship Jesus differently, we can all gather as one Body in Him. Everyone is invited to come forward to receive a piece of bread and a blessing at the conclusion of service. Because we believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, Holy Communion is reserved for those who are baptized and in full communion with the Catholic or Orthodox Church. For our friends who are not Christian, we are especially grateful that you would share this day with us. The Divine Liturgy is how we pray, give thanks, and particularly on this day entrust our marriage to God. You are welcome to participate in whatever ways feel comfortable to you — standing or sitting as you wish, observing quietly, or simply taking in the beauty of the music and prayers. There is no expectation. Please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions (although no promises we know the answers), and feel free to visit our church’s FAQs as well: https://holytransfiguration.org/welcomefaq/ Your presence means so much to us, and we are blessed to pray and worship Jesus together with you before we begin our marriage.

Question

What is a Melkite Catholic Church?

Answer

The largest Catholic Church is the Roman Catholic Church, but there are several Catholic Churches in communion with Rome (the Pope). The Melkite Greek-Catholic Church is the Church of Antioch, the city that St. Peter visited before Rome and where the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11). Members of one church may participate in the sacraments of the other. Roman Catholics attending the Divine Liturgy (Mass) at Holy Transfiguration. The traditions of the Melkite church reflect the Greek or Byzantine culture (i.e. icons, sanctuary is concealed by the (iconostasis) icon screen), and so its followers are called Greek Catholics, or Byzantine Catholics (from Byzantium, the ancient name for Constantinople). The average Greek Catholic is no more a Greek than the average Roman Catholic is an Italian.

Question

For our Catholic Friends:

Answer

The wedding ceremony itself will not include a Mass/Divine Liturgy, which is why we especially encourage you to join us at 10:30am for Divine Liturgy at Holy Transfiguration! It will be a unique experience for you, and we will share in Holy Communion/ Eucharist. We also recommend two nearby Roman Catholic parishes: • St James Catholic Church in Falls Church stjamescatholic.org • St John the Beloved in McLean www.stjohncatholicmclean.org