FAQs

Question

Where is your registry?

Answer

Your presence on our special day is precious enough. If you really want to give something, please consider a donation to the church. You can mention our names on the donation form if you like. https://www.stmvirgin.org/donatenow

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

According to Dianne, you should wear your Sunday best. That's not my idea, so don't blame me.

Question

Can we take photos or videos at the Church?

Answer

Short answer: Absolutely NOT during the service. But before anything starts or after the entire service has ended, fine, but no flash, and don't be disruptive. Long answer: Formal photographs of the wedding party can be taken, by arrangement with the church staff, before or after the wedding ceremony. Photographers and their assistants should be discreet and not draw attention to themselves. If the photographer or videographer is uncooperative, the officiating priest may ask him or her to leave. Photographers and videographers should acquaint themselves with the natural lighting at Saint Mary’s well before the ceremony. Flash photography and video lights are not permitted during any part of the service, including the procession and recession.

Question

What will the service be like?

Answer

The service will last about an hour. The first part is the marriage, and the second part is Communion. The service will be a traditional Episcopalian Solemnization of Matrimony. The Episcopalian Church is part of the Anglican Communion which includes the Church of England and the Anglican Church of Canada.

Question

What do I do during the service?

Answer

Lots of stuff. Standing up. Sitting back down. Kneeling. Saying stuff on cue. Crossing yourself. Bowing. You will get a bulletin that will prompt you on everything. There will be little printed crosses--when you see one, and if that's what you do, that's when you cross yourself. When it says "All" you say whatever you're supposed to say. Whenever Jesus' name is mentioned in anything other than the sermon, you can bow. When you go to your pew or get up from your pew, you can nod, bow or genuflect (sort of like a curtsey coupled with crossing yourself) towards the altar. You cross yourself with your right hand, going from top to bottom and from left to right. Anyone who has been baptized can take Communion. For Communion, you walk up to the altar rail, then you kneel, putting your hands out in front of you with your palms crossed one on top of the other. The Priest will put the wafer in your hands and you say "Amen" and eat it. Then if you want the wine stay where you are. If you don't want the wine, go back to your pew. If you do want the wine, the Priest will return and offer you a sip from the chalice (I think it's sherry). Say "Amen" and gently guide the bottom of the chalice towards you. Take a tiny sip. Then go back to your pew (remember to nod, bow or genuflect). The church is open for business as usual during our wedding, so there will be other parishioners sitting around you. When the Peace is passed, be sure to smile and silently wave or nod at everyone.

Question

Can I bring a date? Kids?

Answer

Well... anyone is welcome to go to the ceremony. It's a Church. The good people at The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin would be more than happy to see children at the service. The Church is a very welcoming place.

Question

Where should I eat?

Answer

Download Yelp. Or if you want the Filipino experience, there is a Jollibee just around the corner. Get the spaghetti and chicken. It's yummy. If you're from out of town, be sure to absolutely avoid anywhere that isn't rated A for hygiene. If you eat at a C or Rating Pending, you have been warned. It's one of the dumbest things to do in NYC.

Question

Should I be afraid of NYC?

Answer

Yes. Keep your eyes to yourself. Do not talk to strangers. Do not engage or even respond to anyone trying to get your attention. Keep your wallet in your front pocket. Do NOT have your cellphone out unless you want it snatched. If you ride the subway, do not do so after 9 pm. Seriously, do NOT look at people on the subway. Keep your eyes focused on the floor. Keep your phone in your pocket. Be situationally aware. If someone who is clearly disturbed gets on your subway car, change cars next stop.

Question

Is there parking?

Answer

LOL. No.

Question

Who took the photos?

Answer

Carl did. It's one of his hobbies.