FAQs

Question

What is your COVID policy?

Answer

Since everyone individually trying to solve the pandemic hasn't worked out so great here's what we're going to do: if you are flying we are going to ask that you take a rapid test and send us a photo of your negative results (manifesting!) along with proof of vaccination before you travel. Then we ask that you take a second test (or first if you are not flying) before you attend your first event of the weekend. If you are not flying please send proof of vaccination along with your negative rapid results before you attend your first event. If you are staying at 21C we will provide rapid tests in your welcome bag. If you are not comfortable being at an indoor wedding or if you don't like our protocols we will miss your gorgeous face, but WE UNDERSTAND. Do what you must. You have our love and support. We're doing it this way because this is what we are most comfortable with. Our moms are both in their 70s. We want to do everything we can to keep them (and you) safe. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. If you don't have my number, call Dave and he'll put me on the phone. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Question

Where do I send my negative COVID rapid test results and proof of vaccination?

Answer

claycombsalernowedding@gmail.com

Question

Are kids invited?

Answer

This is an adults-only weekend except for Ellen & Dave's family members.

Question

Why do you hate my kids?

Answer

I don't. I just don't think they can drink as much as my friends from Arizona State and I have to justify the ROI.

Question

When are the invitations going out?

Answer

We emailed them on August 21st. There is no paper invitation. I have enough anxiety without trying to collect and manage a million tiny envelopes.

Question

Where do I RSVP?

Answer

Literally the button next to the FAQ page. You can RSVP for Churchill, welcome drinks, and the wedding all right there.

Question

RSVP deadline?

Answer

October 12th.

Question

When do I need to book my hotel?

Answer

YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY BOOKED YOUR HOTEL? Just kidding. Kind of. If you want to stay at 21C, the block is good through October 10th.

Question

Are Lego and Ziti part of the ceremony?

Answer

Sweet baby Jesus, no. We love our dogs, but I can't even imagine the utter havoc Lego would cause at a wedding.

Question

What's the dress code?

Answer

Fancy.

Question

What does fancy mean?

Answer

I think you know in your heart.

Question

No, but seriously. WHAT DOES FANCY MEAN?

Answer

It’s festive formal, but not black tie. You're all very smart. Just don't wear jeans or a white dress and you should be fine. If glitter, sequins, or velvet calls to you - so be it!

Question

Do you have a wedding party?

Answer

Yep. Erica Miller is the Matron of Honor and Jeff Lee is the Best Man. Then Teri Clemons and Jason Wood are the rest of my party. Dave will be joined by Sean Gorman and Mike Cavanaugh. Jones Claycomb will be the "Small Child Throwing Things." Our other nieces and nephews have speaking parts in the ceremony. Jones has just enough of my DNA that he may also give himself a speaking part. TBD.

Question

Is it a religious ceremony?

Answer

Our friend, Carly McElroy, is officiating and it's in a museum with pictures of naked men in it. Which actually isn't that different than the Catholic Church, but no.

Question

Did you know November 11th is Veteran's Day?

Answer

We did, but that had nothing to do with our date selection. We didn't think that would impact anyone we were inviting, but apologies if that disallows you from joining us. If it's a three day weekend for you - AMAZING!

Question

Then why did you pick the date?

Answer

Because my brother, Tom, pointed out the Fall meet at Churchill Downs would be happening in November and the venue we wanted was free this day. Also, 11.12.22 is very easy to remember.

Question

Is your dress actually named after Dolly Parton?

Answer

Sure is. I took it as a sign when the designer told me she named the style after the Patron Saint of America.

Question

What are your colors?

Answer

They’re blush and bashful.

Question

Am I going to be able to dance at this reception?

Answer

Yes! Dave and I have vastly different tastes in music. The only bands we overlap on are The Beatles and, somehow, Green Day. Luckily, we have an amazing DJ who is going to work a lot of Dave's tastes into the cocktail hour and reception before the dance floor opens. I had to give the Jersey boy some Sinatra and some Springsteen - it's the law. Once the dance floor opens, it will be the pop princesses of your dreams. Alright, there might also be one Bon Jovi song in there too. I had to give him something.

Question

What should I order if I have dietary restrictions?

Answer

The vegetarian/vegan option will be a tamale. We did not sample it, but I am positive that it will be delicious. Everything I've ever had from Proof on Main has been amazing. The tamale is also kosher as well as gluten and dairy free. PS - if you ever want to learn A LOT about your friends and family ask an open-ended question about dietary restrictions.

Question

Are you changing your last name?

Answer

Yes. I'm going to hyphenate it. I will be Ellen Claycomb-Salerno. Apparently, I just really, really, really want to make sure I'm the only person with my name. Fun fact - Dave doesn't have a middle name. I'm trying to convince him to take Claycomb. Please join me in peer pressuring him.

Question

Is Dave going to cry?

Answer

Big time. Dave cries at every wedding.

Question

What airport should I fly into?

Answer

The Muhammad Ali International Airport (formerly Standiford Field).

Question

Louisville has an international airport?

Answer

LOL. Yeah. It's not for passenger flights. It's because Louisville is a UPS hub.

Question

Do I need to rent a car?

Answer

Nah. There are plenty of Ubers and Lyfts around. 21C is about a fifteen minute car ride from the airport.

Question

If you don’t have room in your tiny Brooklyn apartment for more stuff then why do you have a registry?

Answer

TBH, Dave didn’t want to, but I am Southern. I know how y’all are. If I don’t register for at least some stuff I will end up with six cake stands.

Question

Six cake stands feels oddly specific?

Answer

That is exactly how many cake stands my brother and sister-in-law got when they got married.

Question

How do I get to Churchill Downs?

Answer

There will be a shuttle at 21C on Friday morning departing at 11:15 am and a second one at 11:45 am. The return shuttle to 21C will be at 4:45 pm and 5:30 pm. Or you can take a car. New Yorkers, please don’t try to walk.

Question

What does one wear to Churchill Downs and do I have to wear a hat?

Answer

I'm sure whatever you wear will be fine. I'm wearing a fancy dress. Hats are not required, but are encouraged. Am I going to wear a fascinator? Yes. Yes, I am, but you live your truth. What's Dave wearing? I'm putting him in slacks, a sweater or lighter shirt depending on the weather, and a blazer. Below is what the Churchill Downs website has as a description for "Track Casual." "Jackets and blazers optional, vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, dress jeans and slacks are appropriate, as are golf shorts, dress shorts and capris.”

Question

Did you accidentally issue a fashion challenge for Churchill Downs to Jenn Lahoda?

Answer

Yeah, man. Everyone gird your loins.

Question

I like asking things that are none of my business - are you going to have kids?

Answer

* blinks * Do you want to die today?

Question

We’re going to be in Louisville. What should I yell if I see Mitch McConnell?

Answer

Great question! Let the spirit move you, but here are some suggestions: - How do you sleep at night? - Merrick Freaking Garland! - Yertle! - Why are you the only US Senator who understands and applies Robert’s Rules of Order? - Or just a good, old fashioned “boo” will work.

Question

You're pretty inconsistent with whether this website is written in second or first person?

Answer

Writing in second person is hard and I got tired.