FAQs
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
Yes!
Question
Are you registered? Where?
Answer
Yes! Amazon and Crate and Barrel. You can find links under the registry tab.
Question
Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?
Answer
Yes, there is a parking lot!
Question
How do I participate in the Taualuga or Samoan money dance?
Answer
As a guest, you are invited to join the Taualuga (Samoan wedding money dance). The Taualuga is the grand finale of a Samoan wedding, typically performed by the bride. As a guest, your role is to dance respectfully alongside or behind her, or to circle the dance floor cheering her on. Posture and Movement: Keep your back straight, feet together, and knees slightly bent. Move gently rather than matching the fast beat of the drum. Hand Gestures: Hold your arms out to the side or up near your head, gracefully twisting your wrists and fluttering your fingers. Facial Expressions: Maintain a warm, pleasant smile. You are telling a story with your hands, so look at them gently as you dance. The Lafo (The Money Shower) The Taualuga is often referred to as the "Money Dance" because guests gift money to bless the couple. It is not an act of showing off, but a cultural symbol of community pride and respect for the dancer. How to give: As the bride or chosen dancer performs, it is customary to come onto the dance floor and throw money (bills) into the air above her head, or place it on the floor next to her. All the money thrown goes directly to the newlyweds as a wedding gift. Aiuli (Hype Dancers)You might see close male relatives (and sometimes others) dancing loudly, shouting, or clapping alongside the bride to hype her up. This group is called the aiuli or fa'aluma. As a general guest, you should stand or dance slightly behind them, making space for the main dancer to shine. Here is a visual example of the dance. Copy and paste the link into your browser. TikTok app required to view: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTB1TYdQ9/
Question
What is a temple sealing? Why does someone need to be a member to attend the sealing?
Answer
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, worthy members of the church can receive the marriage sealing ordinance in holy temples. In our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, a husband and wife can be together forever. The authority to unite families forever is called the sealing power. It is the same power that Jesus gave to His Apostles during His ministry on earth (Matthew 16:19). An eternal marriage is therefore called a sealing. Children born or adopted into such eternal marriages can also be sealed to their families forever. Unlike earthly marriages that last only “until death do you part,” temple sealings ensure that death cannot separate loved ones. For marriages to continue after death, they must be sealed in the right place and with the right authority. The right place is the temple and the right authority is the priesthood of God (Doctrine and Covenants 132:7, 15–19). A husband and wife who are sealed in the temple make sacred covenants with the Lord and with each other. These covenants assure them that their relationship will continue after this life if they are true to their commitments. They know that nothing, not even death, can separate them. Those who are married should consider their union as their most cherished earthly relationship. After all, a spouse is the only person other than the Lord whom we are commanded to love with all our heart (Doctrine and Covenants 42:22). Due to the sacred nature of the covenants of the sealing ordinance, only worthy members of the church who have received the Endowment ordinance are allowed to participate and witness marriage sealings performed in the temple. To learn more, copy and paste the following link into your browser. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/what-happens-in-a-temple-sealing?lang=eng
Question
How far is the Manti temple from the Highland Gardens event center?
Answer
About 1.5 hr drive. Manti is about a 2 hr drive from Salt Lake City.
Question
Will there be shade for the outdoor ceremony?
Answer
Yes, plenty of shade.
Question
Will there be sugar free, gluten free, and nut free options available at the luncheon and reception?
Answer
Yes! Please text Laura at 801-413-8209 ahead of time, so I can make sure you have what you need. Then just ask the server for your specific dietary needs - gluten free bread and dessert, nut free salad, and sugar free cake.
