FAQs

Question

Are you registered? Where?

Answer

We are so very lucky to have everything we need for a wonderful life together. In lieu of a registry, we have set up a donation campaign to our favorite local non-profit, the Friends of Norfolk Animal Care Center. This organization raises funds for the Norfolk Animal Shelter (where two of our cats were adopted from!) to provide medical care, adoption fees, enrichment, and special care to animals looking for homes. We would be honored if you would like to contribute. Please follow this link and make sure to mention us! Thank you! https://tinyurl.com/BrinkmanRegistry

Question

Do we have to pay to get into the gardens?

Answer

NO! Your entrance to the gardens for our wedding is free. Just tell the attendant at the guard house you're here for our wedding and they'll let you in! If you wish to visit the gardens before or after our wedding, you will have to pay an entrance fee.

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?

Answer

Yes! The botanical gardens has a large parking lot available. You can even leave your car overnight and retrieve it free the next day if necessary. Just tell the attendant at the guard house you're here for our wedding and they'll let you in!

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

For the welcome dinner, there is no dress code! Casual and comfortable is great. For the wedding, we suggest "dressy casual" attire. Button up shirts, cute dresses, florals are fine. Think nice dinner out or a cocktail party. See https://www.theknot.com/content/what-to-wear-dressy-casual for suggestions.

Question

Do you have a room block?

Answer

No. Due to the different needs of our guests, we have elected to not have a room block at one specific hotel. Please see the travel page for a few local suggestions.

Question

I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?

Answer

Yes please! Make sure to note any food allergies/dietary restrictions on your RSVP or email us directly if you forget!

Question

Will there be a lot of walking to the venue?

Answer

There shouldn't be! The gardens will provide trams to the ceremony venue and the reception venue. However, if you arrive late for the ceremony, you will have to walk! Small golf carts are available if anyone needs additional assistance.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

Unfortunately, we have limited space, so we simply can’t afford for all of our lovely guests to bring a guest of their own. Plus ones are therefore by invitation only and we ask other guests to please not bring a plus one. Thank you so much for understanding!

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

As the ceremony will take place towards the back of the botanical gardens, we have arranged to have trams transport our guests from the parking area to our ceremony and reception spaces. These trams will run 45- and 30-minutes before the ceremony time. Those who arrive after the last tram will have to walk.

Question

Is the wedding taking place indoors or outdoors? What is the ground surface like?

Answer

Pending weather, the wedding ceremony will take place outdoors in a non-paved area. While the ground is relatively flat, narrow heels and wedges may get caught or sink. If you have any ambulatory needs, please let us know in the RSVP and we can address these before the ceremony. The reception area is paved and should allow for easy walking.

Question

What is the weather typically like?

Answer

In early October in Norfolk, the weather is usually mild with high temps around 65-80 degrees and lows in the 50s/60s. There may be a bit of wind or light showers. We suggest bringing a light jacket for the evening. In the event of light rain, umbrellas will be provided to all guests. If the weather does not permit this, the ceremony will be moved to the reception area of the gardens. Parking and arrival location remain the same regardless of weather.

Question

Who can I contact for additional questions or wedding weekend needs?

Answer

Please feel free to reach out to the bride or groom prior to the wedding day. If concerns arrive on the wedding day, please reach out to the bride's mother, June Ganley. Thank you!

Question

What are the wedding colors?

Answer

The wedding colors are burgundy, dusty blue, and sage. The bridesmaids will be in burgundy dresses and the groomsmen will be in navy suits. Feel free to avoid or match these colors!