FAQs
Question
Do you have a wedding registry?
Answer
Your presence and your prayers are what we will cherish most! But we do want to make sure anyone who wants to give us a gift is able to. (There's now a link at the top of this page.) Combining our lives means we likely don't need a lot of traditional registry items (not to mention the trickiness of moving them). If you would like to support some of our biggest dreams for this year (including our move!), we've set up some "funds" here that you can contribute to. We're also hoping to support some of our most-loved charities. (Email us at natalieandjohn2025@gmail.com if you'd prefer to make a direct donation in our hono(u)r; we can suggest a few of our faves.) Again, thank you so much for your love and prayers in this joyful season of our lives!
Question
Can I reach the ceremony and/or reception venue by rideshare hailing app (e.g. Uber)?
Answer
Yes to both! The ceremony is in downtown Ottawa (centrally located), and while the reception is not, Uber drivers will drive to the farm and pick up from there. While Uber prices vary depending on demand, our attempts to check suggest a ride between Saint Patrick's (ceremony) and Ashfield Farm (reception) costs about CA$50. Consider finding someone to share a ride with, if you can!
Question
What can I expect at the wedding ceremony? Can I participate if I'm not Catholic?
Answer
The high point of August 16 for Natalie & John is our wedding Mass. Not only will this be the ceremony in which we're joined sacramentally in marriage; it's also a celebration of the Eucharist, the "source and summit" of our Catholic faith. We're grateful and honoured that you're joining us for it, and we pray that it will be a blessing to you and an encounter with God's love and grace. The Mass will likely be about one hour long. All aspects of the liturgy have a sacred purpose. If you're curious, you can read ahead of time what the basic order of the liturgy will be: https://www.catholicweddinghelp.com/topics/order-wedding-with-mass.htm Note that the congregation will be sitting, standing and kneeling at various points; however, please feel free to stay seated if you need to. If you're participating in a Catholic Mass for the first time, note that you don't need to speak the responses if you're unsure you can do so authentically. Also, and crucially, receiving Communion (eating and drinking the consecrated bread and wine in the Eucharist) is a sacred expression of our faith in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and should be partaken only by those in full union with the Catholic Church. We understand that this excludes a portion of our guests, and we hope this part of the Mass can be a time for you of prayer, reflection, and resting in the beauty of the music and the physical space. If you aren't receiving Communion, you're welcome to stay seated, or you can join those receiving but cross your arms over your chest to receive a blessing from the priest instead. We'll have a program on the day that will help you follow the liturgy. Again, your presence at our wedding Mass will be a source of joy and gratitude for us, no matter how much or how little you're able to participate.
Question
Is the church physically accessible? Are there bathrooms?
Answer
You can enter the church from Kent Street (main doors) or Nepean Street (accessible entrance with ramp). There is one bathroom (wheelchair-accessible) on the main floor, by the Nepean Street doors, and more in the basement. (Stairs to the basement are just inside the Kent Street doors, or you can head down the ramp on the Nepean Street side.)
Question
How soon should I arrive at the reception venue after the wedding?
Answer
The reception will begin around 4:00pm (to be confirmed closer to the wedding date). (See the "Schedule" section of this website for more information.) We encourage you to head to the farm shortly after the ceremony (it's about a 35-minute drive): that way, you'll get lots of time to meet the farm animals, explore the barn, enjoy some drinks and appetizers, and socialize with the other guests. (Of course, if you'd prefer to arrive closer to dinner time, it's no problem!) Dinner will be served around 6:00pm (to be confirmed closer to the wedding date).
Question
What kind of food is being served? Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Answer
Appetizers at the reception will be charcuterie boards. Select items may contain gluten, meat, dairy or nuts. Dinner is buffet-style (Mexican!), and is entirely gluten-free. There will be vegetarian and dairy-free options available. Please get in touch (natalieandjohn2025@gmail.com) if you have concerns about food.
Question
I don't see an answer to my question! Who can help me?
Answer
Let's try to get you answers! If today is not the day of the wedding, feel free to email us at natalieandjohn2025@gmail.com. If today IS the day of the wedding and you need to reach someone at the reception venue (Ashfield Farm), try Sarah (day-of coordinator) at 613-862-8561.
