FAQs

Question

What COVID safety measures will you be taking?

Answer

Everyone’s health is a top priority for us. That is why our events are primarily outdoors to allow for air flow and reduce the chance of COVID spread. Please only RSVP "attending" if you are fully vaccinated and boosted, or will be by the day of the event. At least one booster for guests under age 50, two boosters for guests over age 50, no active symptoms, and no fevers are required to attend. Wearing masks is encouraged indoors.

Question

What monkeypox safety measures will you be taking?

Answer

Monkeypox is not a major risk to most people outside of temporary rashes and discomfort. However, for people with a history of eczema—like the Bride—permanent risks are highly increased. For her safety, and the safety of others whose immune risk you might not know, please monitor your symptoms carefully and follow current guidance from the CDC. If you think you have monkeypox, try to get tested. Please consider not attending if you test positive within 30 days of the event as it can be contagious for up 4 weeks. If you plan to receive the ACAM2000 vaccine within 30 days of the event, understand that the Bride is still at risk and that she unfortunately cannot engage in hugs, handshakes, or other prolonged skin-to-skin contact with you.

Question

When is the RSVP deadline?

Answer

October 28. Please RSVP "attending" or "not attending" by that date. Also keep in mind that we have two events that both require a response: the reception on Thursday and the picnic on Friday. You can RSVP to both events by clicking the "RSVP" tab at the top of this wedding website.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

If your invite listed two names and/or names of your family members, your +1 has already been accounted for. If you have a long-term partner, your invite should also already allow for a +1. If you do not have a long term partner, please reach out to either Chris or Chelsea directly, as we might have room! But please know our venue has a strict guest allowance, so we will try our best to accommodate who we can.

Question

Are children invited?

Answer

Due to the size of our venue, we are limited to a certain the amount of people we are able to invite. We ask that only the children of our relatives attend.

Question

What should I wear to the reception? What is "creative cocktail attire"?

Answer

Dress to impress! We encourage you to wear your most vibrant, evening party clothes. Ascots and animal prints. Feathers and fascinators. Please bring your creativity to the colors, accessories, and styles you wear. Bold makeup and hair is a plus, too! NOTE: We will all be dancing in the streets for our Second Line parade. Many French Quarter streets are made of cobblestone and are therefore uneven. Please wear comfortable shoes for that part of our day.

Question

Will there be a ceremony?

Answer

Because we are already married, we will just be having a reception. We will, however, be sharing some cultural traditions that usually occur during ceremonies with you.

Question

Do you have a hotel block reserved?

Answer

Yes, we have reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn French Quarter-Chateau Lemoyne, and another block at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel . Links to both can be found at the "Travel & Lodging" tab of this wedding website. Your discount should automatically appear when using the links we provided.

Question

When should I arrive in New Orleans?

Answer

We will have limited availability to hang out in the days leading up to the reception, but please feel free to enjoy New Orleans if you arrive before Thursday, November 17th. Please note, that our wedding is on a weekday, so commuting traffic could be an issue if you plan to arrive the day of.

Question

When should I arrive to the reception?

Answer

Please arrive at 5:00 PM Central Time.

Question

What time should I arrive to the picnic?

Answer

Any time after noon Central Time works. Call or text either the Bride or Groom for the exact location.

Question

Will the reception be indoors or outdoors?

Answer

Most of our venue space is an open courtyard area, and we encourage people to stay outside as much as possible. Some elements of the event, including some food stations, limited seating, and restrooms, will be located inside.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

Temperatures in New Orleans for mid-November typically start around 70° F in the early evening and can drop as low as 55° F at night. If you plan on attending our picnic, mid-November afternoon temperatures typically fluctuate between 70-75° F.

Question

Is there parking on site?

Answer

Unfortunately, there is only very limited street parking outside. However, the venue is centrally located in the French Quarter and very likely walking distance from your lodging. Otherwise, please use public transit, cabs/ride sharing apps, or other means to arrive.

Question

What is jumping the broom?

Answer

Jumping the broom is a traditional act performed at some Black weddings to seal the union. Many Black Americans incorporate this tradition into their ceremonies to pay homage to their culture and legacy, as it was performed by many of their ancestors who could not legally have their marriages recognized. You can see Chelsea and Chris jump the broom in the video on the "Home" tab of this wedding website. And you will see them do it again with a new broom if you attend in person!

Question

What is El Lazo?

Answer

The Mexican wedding tradition of El Lazo is a unity ceremony performed after the exchange of vows using a lasso or rope to join the couple. It is placed over the couple’s shoulders and symbolizes their everlasting union. You can see Chelsea and Chris wear El Lazo in the video on the "Home" tab of this wedding website. And you will also see them do it again with a new lazo if you attend their reception!

Question

What is a "Dollar Dance"? Will you have one?

Answer

Yes! We will have a Dollar Dance! This is a wedding tradition for many cultures and countries, including Mexico. Guests “pay” for a dance with the bride or groom by pinning dollars on their attire. It’s a way to secure one-on-one time with the newlyweds, and extend your best wishes to the happy couple. Bring a few dollars if you'd like to join in the fun!

Question

What is a Second Line Parade?

Answer

A second line parade is a celebration of life in the form of roving a block party, originating in New Orleans' African-American community. Historically, these celebrations began as a way to offer social aid to formerly enslaved Black people, and the second lines themselves were used as advertising for those aid services. The “first line” includes the brass band, along with members of a social club, organization, or family being honored. The "second line" refers to everyone else: fellow revelers and those who have just decided to join in as it moves along. Participants often twirl parasols or wave handkerchiefs while strutting. And we will all be doing this together soon!