Please RSVP no later than May 17, 2019. Keep in mind, the sooner you RSVP, the more likely you can get a spot at the zoo. Close family and friends are non-negotiable, but I have invited other friends and many would like to see our ceremony. If for some unlikely reason I get over 40 RSVPs for the ceremony, I will have to look at which friends took the time to RSVP the soonest. If I sent you a ceremony card in the mail, your seat is guaranteed. Keep in mind, the ceremony is only a very small part of the event. We are to have a reception at 6 pm in Afton which allows for many more guests. We will have a professional DJ, a buffet style banquet, a bar, and plenty of entertainment there as well. Our reception theme is based on the bride's favorite fantasy books.
I am registered at Zola.com. All you need to do is click the Honeymoon link at the top of the page. I also have a wedding registry for gifts if you do not wish to give us money towards our honeymoon and would prefer to give us an item instead. This can be found at https://www.amazon.com/wedding/kylie-moore-david-russell-afton-june-2019/registry/1I7MJH5ZJ3KRF.
You should arrive about 30 minutes earlier than the 10:00 AM ceremony (9:30 AM). This ensures that the ceremony is not interrupted. Also, this gives guests time to find out where they need to go in the zoo. We will be holding the ceremony at the African Pavilion.
You can bring a date to the reception but not the ceremony unless your date is already on the guest list. We only have seating for 40 at the ceremony. If you wish to bring a date, still feel free to ask. Seats open up all the time. I am also willing to make exceptions for specific circumstances (this is the case for immediate family).
Yes. When you RSVP you can specify which food allergies you have.
Absolutely. Everyone loves the zoo, especially children. However, while I don't mind a little interruption, if your child is very disruptive, please remove them from the ceremony immediately and calm them down before returning. The ceremony is only 20 minutes long, so the children will have plenty of time to see the zoo afterwards. Admission is free, and you will have four hours to roam about the zoo.
I would prefer all guests dress as nicely as possible. While some guests have financial constraints that make it hard to dress formally, I ask that guests take time to put extra effort into their clothing choices. This means clean and untorn clothing. I ask that all guests practice good hygiene out of respect for us and other guests. My colors are hunter green, white, silver, with accents of black and a very light pink. You do not have to conform to our theme, but if this helps in your outfit selection, even better.
If transportation is an issue, using services such as Lyft will help you get from the suites to the ceremony. Also, I am willing to make arrangements for everyone. Communication before the ceremony is key. If you are coming from out of town, please request a ride to the ceremony if you cannot drive to Des Moines. I will be more than happy to find reasonable accommodations.
You do not have to attend both the ceremony and the reception. However, I need to know which one you will attend. The ceremony has a very limited number of seats. Some guests have expressed a desire to throw an after party in our honor. While we cannot attend, guests will be celebrating in our honor. Out of courtesy, please bring your own alcohol, and try not to do anything to embarrass us. You are welcome to let loose and be fun, but you are still a guest representing us.
The Blank Park Zoo prohibits smoking inside the zoo. However, Lakeshore Club has a smoking area on the balcony or outside the building.
Absolutely. If you have a disability or are simply wanting to find the ceremony quickly you can request a ride upon entry.
No. We are paying all admission fees for our guests.