Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading

Leah & DanLeah & Dan

    Home
    Event FAQs
Monstera LeafMonstera Leaf

Event FAQsEvent FAQs

The Wedding Website of Leah Tholen and Dan Kirwin
If you have any other questions than what's listed here, please feel free to reach out to one of us. We're also happy to help with your travel plans and suggestions!
Question

What does "cocktail chic" mean?What does "cocktail chic" mean?

Answer

For all of our guests, we recommend wearing vibrant colors and/or patterns - the attire should be a mix between fun and formal. Please wear shoes you can wear in grass and dance in all night! Women: attire could be dresses (any length OK, mid-length or long preferred), dressy jumpsuits, or formal two-piece outfit or pantsuit. Shoes could be heels, wedges, dressy sandals or flats, etc. Men: attire could be a lightweight suit, sports coat/blazer with nice pants (dress pants/chinos), or stylish shirt/pants without a jacket. Ties are optional (Dan won't be using one). Shoes could be loafers, oxfords, Derbys, wholecut shoes, but no tennis shoes (unless it’s a fashion shoe) or sandals.

Question

Why did you choose Rio de Janeiro?Why did you choose Rio de Janeiro?

Answer

Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful city that holds a special place in both of our hearts. Leah’s mom studied abroad in Brazil in high school and has stayed very close to the family that hosted her. Because of that, Leah grew up with a wonderful extended Brazilian family and has gone to Rio and a town in the interior of São Paulo throughout her life. For Dan, Rio is a glimpse into Leah’s life growing up and the ideals she holds close to her heart that he loves: family, unwavering kindness, friendliness as a default, and delicious food. We hope you that while you’re here, you have a chance to enjoy the same joy, beauty, and love in the air and with the people around you. We can’t wait to share that with you all!

Question

When should I RSVP by?When should I RSVP by?

Answer

Please RSVP as soon as possible so we can have an accurate headcount. Your paper invitation will have your RSVP date. Please let us know if you did not receive your invitation, have any questions, or need more time. We'd also love to know your travel plans or questions, so please feel free to share that with us as well.

Question

Can I bring a date?Can I bring a date?

Answer

Dates / +1s will be confirmed in your formal invitation (not the save the date). If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

Question

Can I bring my kids?Can I bring my kids?

Answer

Your kids are welcome to join us in Rio de Janeiro!! If you plan to bring your kids, we will reach out to you directly about which events they can and cannot join us for. Please tell us far in advance if you plan to bring your kid(s) so we can make any necessary arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Question

Is there transportation to and from the wedding?Is there transportation to and from the wedding?

Answer

Yes, we will have vans that will pickup and drop-off guests at specific times. If you need to go home before a scheduled van, someone will be able to help you get a car. More info on pickup points and timing closer to the date.

Question

Will there be WiFi at the venue?Will there be WiFi at the venue?

Answer

Yes, there will be WiFi at the venue.

Question

When should I book my flight and hotel?When should I book my flight and hotel?

Answer

Any time! The hotel block is opened and ready for booking. We may reach out to some of your about your travel plans.

Question

What's the deal with the tourist visa for Brazil?What's the deal with the tourist visa for Brazil?

Answer

-NO visa requirement: the UK, European Union (Italy/France/Portugal), Chile, Ecuador -Visa REQUIRED: USA, Ghana, Canada, Australia Starting on April 10, 2025, Americans must have a visa to travel to Brazil. You can apply for your visa online here: https://bronline.vfsevisa.com/ If you have issues with your visa application, contact or visit your nearest Brazilian consulate. Brazilian consulates are in: Houston, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford, Los Angeles, Miami, NYC, San Francisco, Washington DC. The Brazilian government recommends applying for the visa two months ahead of your scheduled travel date. Each visa costs $80.90.

Question

I have a dietary restriction. What do I need to know?I have a dietary restriction. What do I need to know?

Answer

Please tell us if you have a dietary restriction that we need to know about sooner than later! We'll have an option for those who cannot eat pork and/or or vegan. We'll do our best to accommodate all other dietary restorations and will make sure dishes with dietary restrictions are is labelled. Here are some helpful phrases: Eu sou alérgico a... (I'm allergic to...) ...soja (soy), ...gergelim (sesame), ...os tipos de nozes (all types of nuts), ...nozes (tree nuts), ... (amendoins), ...marisco (shellfish) ...camarão (shrimp Eu sou vegano (I'm vegan) Eu não como… (I don't eat…) …carne (meat), …carne de porco (pork), …carne de bacon (bacon), …carne presunto (ham)

Question

What should I pack?What should I pack?

Answer

Make sure to bring your essentials, and any medicines you may want for travel like Tylenol/Advil/Aleeve, stomach medicine (just in case), sunscreen, and bug spray. Rio's style is super causal beach-wear all year around. If you wear jewelry while walking around or at the beach, we suggest ones made with things like beads or plastic (not gold/gems/precious stones). Athletic clothing / athleisure is less common when not exercising. For the wedding events, please see our Schedule for the dress code. Let us know if you have any questions about what to pack!

Question

How safe is Rio de Janeiro? I've heard some bad things...How safe is Rio de Janeiro? I've heard some bad things...

Answer

Rio is safe to visit, but it's a huge city. The top safety things to be aware of are theft and pickpocketing, especially at night, in crowded places, and/or if you've had a few drinks. It's always good practice to make sure you're aware of yourself and your things Check out the link below, our thoughts in the "Travel in Rio" tab, and always feel free to ask either Dan or Leah questions. This link very clearly outlines what you should know and is a great resource: https://nowinrio.com/is-rio-de-janeiro-safe/

Question

Language Barriers in BrazilLanguage Barriers in Brazil

Answer

You shouldn't experience too many issues, although people speaking English is not as common as it might be in other places. On Friday and Saturday, you shouldn't need too much translation help, but if you do, we'll have plenty of people who speak both language who can help you if you need something or need to talk to someone.

Question

I'd love to know a few phrases in Portugese before going...I'd love to know a few phrases in Portugese before going...

Answer

We LOVE, support, and encourage that!! Below are a few words and phrases that might come in handy... Please = Por favor (Poor f-AH-VOR) Thank you = Obrigado/a (Oh-brie-God-oh/ah) Yes = Sim (Seam) // No = Não (NOW - like you stubbed your toe) Hello = Ola (OH-La) // Bye! = Tchau! (Ciao - like in Italian) Excuse me = Com licença (Com LEE-Sense-uh) I'm sorry = Desculpe (Dis-kool-Pa) I don't understand = Eu não entendo (Eh-Oo NOW-like stubbed toe en-ten-dough) Do you speak English? = Você fala inglês? (Vo-say fah-la IN-gle-Ss) Where is the bathroom? = Cade o banheiro? (Cad-eh oh bahn-yier-oh?) Where is the ...? = Onde é ...? (On-G eh oh ...?) How much is it? = Quanto é? (Qwan-to eh?) I would like... Gostaria... (Go-sta-ria) The check, please = A conta, por favor (ah con-ta, Poor f-AH-VOR) One more! = Uma mais! (uma MY-ssss) Uma caipirinha = Brazil's national cocktail (Kai-pier-EEn-ya) Uma caipiroska = The same drink as above but with vodka (Kai-pier-AW-ska) Um chopp = a cold, draft light beer (um shop) Uma cerveja = a beer (bottle or can) (uma sir-vay-Jah)

For all the days along the way
About ZolaGuest FAQsOrder statussupport@zola.com1 (408) 657-ZOLA
Start your wedding website© 2026 Zola, Inc. All rights reserved. Accessibility / Privacy / Terms