FAQs

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

***Please, please, please RSVP by Wednesday, April 30*** We know some guests will assume we know they are coming, but if you don't RSVP, we can't give an accurate head count to the caterers in time and will be unable to accommodate last minute changes. Even if you tell us verbally, please take a moment to RSVP on the website because we have a lot on our minds right now and may forget. Thank you, it is much appreciated!

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony? What will happen after that?

Answer

Please arrive by 4pm. It's a little bit of a walk from the parking lot to the Hillside Arbor, and that will give you time to be seated. That way, you are not walking up the aisle at the same time as Julie :) There will be a cocktail hour inside after the ceremony ends that include hors d'oeuvres and an open bar. Around 6, the doors will open to the dining room and dinner will be served.

Question

Are there any other events that I should know about?

Answer

If you stay in the area, we hope to see you for brunch on Tuesday morning - our treat from 8:30-10:15am. Checkout time is at 11 so you will have time to pack up. Please be sure to RSVP to brunch so we have a headcount to give the restaurant. If you stay at any of the buildings at Publick House, there will be coffee, tea and pastries available starting at 7am in the bakery, in the back of the main building.

Question

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

Answer

Of course, as long as it is in advance! When you RSVP, a box will pop up asking if you have any dietary restrictions. A different meal can be made to fit your restrictions, chef's choice.

Question

Is there parking? Where is the ceremony? Where is the reception?

Answer

There is a large parking lot behind the main Publick House building, then an overflow parking lot on the way out down the hill to the right of the Country Lodge buildings. If it is nice out, the ceremony will be at the Hillside Arbor, behind and to the right of the main Publick House building. It is a little bit of a walk uphill towards the Country Lodge buildings. If anyone would like assistance with the walk, please let us know in advance and the staff will offer a lift in a golf cart. We will have small hand fans and water available to combat the heat but you may want to bring sunglasses if it's a sunny day. However, if the forecast calls for rain, the ceremony will be moved inside the main building in Paige Hall. The cocktail hour and reception will be held inside the Publick House main building.

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

Yes, please wear cocktail attire. That being said, please be comfortable. You know us, we are not going to be strict about a dress code!

Question

Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Answer

Yes, please see the Travel area on this site.

Question

Are you two really getting married?

Answer

Nope! This will feel like a wedding, but it is actually a commitment ceremony - a special celebration to share our relationship and love. And honestly, while planning all of this, we have come to feel as though we are getting married, so we apologize if we slip and call it a wedding! For financial reasons, when Julie turns 60, we will have a quiet, private Justice of the Peace ceremony to actually get married. We just didn't want to wait that long to celebrate with all of you!

Question

Will there be anything special to do during the cocktail hour and reception?

Answer

If all goes as planned, we hope to have a caricaturist available. He thinks he will have time to draw everyone but only if guests continually go to his table during the time he is there (he may leave by 8pm, so please don't wait until the last moment!) He will draw your picture and a second person will color it, so it will be ready later in the evening for you to pick up and take home with you as a favor. We plan to have a photo booth rented as well. Copies of your pictures will be printed out for you, along with an extra copy that will be put into a scrap book for us to save. Please take a moment to leave a written comment in the scrap book with your photos! We will be offering an open bar during cocktail hour and dinner. ***PLEASE BE AWARE - if you look under 35, the bartenders will be carding so please be sure to bring your ID*** And there will be a DJ, so bring your dancing shoes. Julie doesn't usually dance much but she promises to make an exception for this party if you do too!

Question

Do you have a registry?

Answer

Yes, you may find our registry here on this website (and purchase directly from our wish list) under the Registry tab.

Question

Is this an unplugged ceremony?

Answer

No, we are fine with people taking pictures or video. In fact, we don't have a professional videographer so would love to see video taken by you during the ceremony. We will have a QR code available at the reception so that guests can share their images with us online. During the reception, we would especially love to see pictures of you and your family or friends enjoying yourselves!