FAQs

Question

What are the addresses for the ceremony and the reception?

Answer

The ceremony takes place at the Oaks Pioneer Church; 455 SE Spokane St, Portland, OR 97202. Our reception is held at the Firehouse Restaurant, at 711 NE Dekum St, Portland, OR 97211.

Question

What time should I arrive at your wedding ceremony?

Answer

We ask guests to arrive no later than 5:00 pm. Please allow yourself time to find parking. Light refreshments will be served before the ceremony begins. However, only water is allowed inside the church.

Question

Can I RSVP online or do I have to mail in an RSVP card?

Answer

Please RSVP for your group online through this website under the RSVP tab. We ask that you RSVP on our wedding site so that we can centralize and track our guest count, dietary restrictions, and accommodations! This also makes it easier to communicate with guests regarding event updates. One troubleshooting tip is to enter your name exactly as it's written on your invite because that is how your name will be recorded in our system. If you have trouble submitting your RSVP, please reach out to us directly. When filling out the RSVP, please provide your dietary restrictions. We also ask that you add your email or phone number to your guest information tab so we can update you about the wedding if needed.

Question

What date should I RSVP by?

Answer

The sooner, the better, but definitely before the RSVP deadline: June 1st, 2025. If your plans change, please let us know ASAP.

Question

How can I get to the venues?

Answer

We recommend using a car or ride-share. Portland is also very bike-friendly. Our ceremony is in the Sellwood neighborhood, close to several major highways. The reception is near MLK Boulevard, almost a straight shot from our ceremony location. However, it is a 20-minute drive. The Kimpton Hotel Vintage (where we provide a room block) is 10 minutes driving to the ceremony and 8 minutes driving from the reception, depending on traffic.

Question

What about parking?

Answer

The Oaks Pioneer Church has plenty of parking available. There will be signs to show you that you're in the right spot. However, the parking is not exclusive to the church. We recommend allowing extra time for parking! The Firehouse has street parking. Normally, parking is plentiful.

Question

Will the ceremony and reception be inside or oustide?

Answer

The ceremony is primarily indoors. However, the refreshments at the church will be served outside. Our reception has a mix of indoor space and lovely outdoor patios and gardens. Both venues offer AC in case of a heatwave and cover in case of rain! Oregon weather is unpredictable, but we are prepared.

Question

Will there be a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception?

Answer

Yes. We anticipate finishing our ceremony around 6:15 pm. The cocktail hour formally begins at 7:00 pm, but the restaurant is booked all day. The drive to the restaurant takes 20 minutes. Feel free to go at your own pace!

Question

Can I take photos during the ceremony?

Answer

We are planning a device-free ceremony. We have a dedicated team who will capture this special moment, and we would much rather see your faces than your phones. Outside the ceremony, please take all the photos you want!

Question

Can I post wedding photos on social media?

Answer

Yes, you are welcome to post our photos! And tag us too! If you do not want your likeness posted, let us know and we will refrain from posting pictures publicly with you in them. However, due to the nature of the event, it is likely you will appear in the background of other guest's images. We are also happy to cover faces (especially for kiddos) upon request.

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

We request your presence in cocktail attire, and we'd love to see you in soft summer wedding colors! We ask that you avoid dressing in white and dusty blue out of respect for the bridal party. The groom will be in a 3-piece royal blue suit. If you have other suit colors, please wear those, and if you wear dark blue, please skip the vest. For inspiration, check out the outfits at the top of this page! Make sure to check the weather forecast, as Oregon summers can be a bit unpredictable. If you are unable to follow the dress code, do not worry. Your presence is our top priority! Come and have fun with us in any outfit.

Question

Can I bring a plus one?

Answer

Your invitation will specify the number and names of guests invited (unless discussed otherwise). For questions about guest invitations, please contact us directly!

Question

Are children invited?

Answer

Yes. Children are invited, and they are included in your RSVP form. Please RSVP for your children as they impact our headcount.

Question

Can I chose my dinner menu?

Answer

There's no need. We will be dining family style. However, do let us know in your RSVP if you have any dietary restrictions so we can be sure to accommodate you.

Question

What about dietary restrictions?

Answer

You will be able to indicate your restrictions when you RSVP. We will accommodate all restrictions listed to the best of our ability.

Question

Will there be alcohol served?

Answer

Yes. We will have a full open bar during cocktail hour, and beer and wine will be available throughout. We will also serve sparkling wine for toasts.

Question

How will you share updates?

Answer

We will share any updates through the Zola guest list. This is why it's important that you provide accurate and reliable contact details when completing your RSVP form. If you are worried that you aren't receiving updates, please contact us directly!

Question

What about wedding gifts?

Answer

Your attendance is our greatest gift! However, if you want to give us a present, please consider contributing to our honeymoon fund. We are an international couple, and we live in Belgium, so we won't be able to bring most things back with us. We also love to travel, and your gift will help us see a new piece of the world together! Cash, Venmo @Delaney_A_Smith, or Zola (link on Registry page) work best!

Question

Which airport is closest?

Answer

We recommend you fly into the Portland International Airport (PDX). It's recently been remodeled and it's absolutely beautiful.

Question

Where should I stay?

Answer

Portland has several attractive accommodation options. We have set up a room block for the 18th and 19th of July at the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland, where you can reserve a room for a special rate. Reservations through the block are possible until June 18th, 2025. Use the link below to access the room block. https://tinyurl.com/delaneyandsander2025 If you use the room block, please ignore the Guest Amenity Fee on your confirmation – this will be waived on property. If you have any questions or trouble booking, please reach out to Asia Von Sonn, Asia.VonSonn@hotelvintage-portland.com, for assistance. We also like the Old Kennedy School, a quirky hotel near our reception venue. For other hotels, we recommend looking near the airport, waterfront, or convention center for maximum accessibility and convenience.

Question

What is Portland weather like in the summer?

Answer

Portland normally has a mild climate in July, ranging from 75°F to 85°F, with an average of 81°F. Our summers are typically very dry. However, there could be rain or a heat wave, so please check the forecast. Both of the venues are equipped to handle wet or dry, hot or cold weather!

Question

What is there to do in Portland?

Answer

So many things! Read our 'Things To Do' page for some inspiration.

Question

Will you be live-streaming your wedding?

Answer

Yes, we will stream the ceremony! If you are unable to attend but would still like to join us virtually, please use the link below at 5:15 pm on 7.19.2025! LIVESTREAM LINK (WILL GO LIVE AT 5 PM)

Question

Are the ceremony and reception sites ADA accessible?

Answer

Yes! Both the church and restaurant are fully ADA accessible. If you would like us to coordinate accommodations on your behalf, please don't hesitate to let us know!