FAQs
Question
Where will the ceremony and reception be taking place?
Answer
The ceremony will be taking place at our synagogue, Adas Israel Congregation, in Washington, DC and the reception will be taking place at the Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion in Chevy Chase, MD.
Question
What is the dress code?
Answer
Black-tie preferred. For men, this means tuxedos with a bowtie or a dark suit and tie, and for women, this means floor-length dresses or other formal attire. Please ask if you are not sure.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
Unfortunately, due to space constraints and the historic nature of the Woodend Mansion, we are not able to invite any guests under the age of 18.
Question
Can I bring an uninvited plus-one?
Answer
No. We appreciate your cooperation in advance.
Question
Is there a rain plan? What is the weather typically like in DC in late October?
Answer
All events will be conducted inside, or in a covered, heated tent. Historic data for late October in DC projects cool weather with a low of 45°F (7°C) and a high of 65°F (18°C). We recommend bringing a light sweater or fall jacket for any time spent outside during our wedding day.
Question
I've never been to a synagogue or a Jewish wedding! What should I expect?
Answer
You will notice a lot of Hebrew throughout the building and ceremony. Don't worry, our wedding will have the blessings and other readings in both Hebrew and English! Men will be asked to wear a yarmulke (small head covering), provided by the couple, and there will be a program that explains the Jewish components of the ceremony. Adas Israel Congregation, Jared and Ciara's synagogue, has security stationed at all entrances of the building and will have guests pass through a metal detector upon entry. Security may request to look inside purses and bags as an additional precaution.
Question
Can I take photos during the ceremony?
Answer
No. Please do not take pictures on your phone, tablet, or any other device during the ceremony. If you are spotted doing so, we will ask an usher to confiscate it for the duration of the event. We have hired two very talented photographers who will make sure to capture these special moments, so you don't have to!
Question
Is there parking at the venue?
Answer
There is parking at both our ceremony venue, Adas Israel Congregation, and our reception venue, Woodend Mansion and Sanctuary. A limited number of guests will be allowed to park overnight and can retrieve their cars in the morning from the reception venue.
Question
Is there a shuttle?
Answer
We will not be providing a shuttle between locations and instead are providing pre-paid Uber codes for guests to use for transportation. The Uber code will be announced closer to the wedding and is pre-approved for up to $25. Please make sure someone in your party has Uber downloaded prior to the day of the wedding.
Question
Is Ciara changing her last name?
Answer
Yes! Ciara will be changing her last name from Bennese to Sutton in the months following the wedding.
Question
Why marigolds? And why Woodend Sanctuary?
Answer
Our garden has turned from a one-time COVID project into an annual passion project. As our favorite flower to plant in our garden, marigolds hold a special place in our hearts and in our relationship. We are so excited to feature marigolds in our wedding, courtesy of Madgie from M&M Plants. Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion combines two of the things we love most: nature and history. The property is the headquarters of the National Audubon Society and is home to several animals and birds, including the American Goldfinch, one of our favorite birds. The mansion itself was built in 1927 and designed by renowned American architect John Russell Pope for the Wells family. Pope also designed the Jefferson Memorial, the National Gallery of Art, and other iconic DC buildings.
Question
What happens if I have a question not addressed by the FAQs?
Answer
Please email Jared (jaredsutton96@gmail.com) or Ciara (benneseciara@gmail.com). We would prefer you ask than guess the answer!