FAQs
Question
✈️ What do I do when I arrive at the airport?
Answer
You will arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. From the airport, you can: Order an Uber and enter your hotel address Rent a car (Enterprise is a reliable option) Antigua Guatemala is about 1–1.5 hours from the airport, depending on traffic.
Question
📍 Where are we meeting?
Answer
For all international travelers, we would love to see you Friday night, March 13. Ilianushka is currently arranging a welcome get-together in Antigua Guatemala, and details will be shared soon. Please note: most wedding activities will take place in Antigua, not Guatemala City.
Question
🗓️ What dates should I be in Guatemala?
Answer
We strongly encourage international travelers to be in Guatemala by: Friday, March 13 (latest) Recommended arrival: Thursday, March 12 (to avoid delays) Justin and Ilianushka will be with international guests from arrival through March 18, when we leave for our honeymoon. We will be flying back to Houston, for if you’d like to book a similar flight, we can all hang out at the airport together 💜
Question
🏨 Where should I stay?
Answer
Please visit the Travel section of the website. We’ve listed: Conveniently located hotels A range of prices Safe, high-quality accommodations Justin and Ilianushka will be very busy preparing for the wedding (and herding Justin’s family 😄), so please arrange your hotel independently.
Question
🚐 How do I get to the wedding?
Answer
If you did NOT rent a car: Wedding transportation is currently being finalized. We are arranging travel from a central pickup location for our international guests. Our designated drivers will take you to and from the wedding venue. More details coming soon!
Question
🌎 What will we do while we’re there?
Answer
There are so many wonderful things to do in Guatemala! In Guatemala City (safe & enjoyable areas): Zone 10 & Zone 14 Oakland Place Avenida Las Américas Carretera a El Salvador: Pradera Concepción Mall Casa de Dios (one of the largest churches in Central America) These areas offer excellent dining, shopping, and family-friendly activities. In Antigua Guatemala: Walking tours & sightseeing Hiking volcanoes Coffee & chocolate tours Museums & art galleries Cooking and art classes Amazing restaurants & cafés Local markets & artisan shopping
Question
🍽️ What food will be served at the wedding?
Answer
We are so excited to share the flavors of Guatemala with you 💛 All food will be provided by Greicy, a locally sourced and trusted restaurant. Menu highlights include: Tamales – Corn dough filled with seasoned meat, wrapped in banana leaves Chuchitos – Smaller, firmer tamales wrapped in corn husks Chile Rellenos – Stuffed peppers in a light tomato sauce Pepián – A rich, traditional stew made with spices, vegetables, and meat Dobladas – Fried tortillas filled with seasoned meat Tostadas – Crispy tortillas topped with beans, vegetables, and meat Russian Salad – A creamy vegetable salad Desserts: Rellenitos – Sweet plantain fritters filled with beans and chocolate Torrejas – Guatemalan-style French toast soaked in syrup 📱 Please WhatsApp Ilianushka Sadie your allergies: (713) 204-2584
Question
☕ What drinks will be available?
Answer
There will be no alcohol at the wedding. We want a celebration filled with the Spirit of God and healing drinks, including: Jamaica (hibiscus tea) Tamarindo Tea Café Water Cimarona Torch Coffee Company will be providing premium Guatemalan coffee. Because they are a certified Q-grading barista location, no sugar or sweeteners will be provided, this allows guests to fully enjoy the natural flavor and aroma of the coffee.
Question
👗 Dress code
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This is a formal wedding. Men: Please wear a suit (any color is welcome, be creative!) Women: Any elegant dress is welcome Please avoid white and light purple/lavender (bridesmaids’ color) Grandmothers will be wearing royal purple 👠 The ceremony will be on grass: Block heels are recommended Tennis shoes are welcome for dancing at the reception
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🌤️ Weather & atmosphere
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The wedding will take place at an old Spanish colonial farmhouse featuring: Long corridors A large courtyard Original 1800s brick walls The farm is surrounded by four volcanoes: Agua Acatenango Fuego (active 🌋) Pacaya You can view Volcán de Fuego from the courtyard stairs and often see lava glowing at night. March brings beautiful spring weather and blooming jacaranda trees, their purple color is Ilianushka’s favorite 💜 Days are warm, evenings are cool, so bring a light sweater or shawl.
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🗣️ Language
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The primary language is Spanish Many people in cities, especially younger generations, speak English In villages, many people speak Mayan languages Guatemala has 22+ Mayan languages, including: Kaqchikel Mam Q’eqchi’ Helpful phrases in Kaqchikel: Hello / How are you? — Xqa’ay! Thank you — Matyöx
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💱 Money & currency
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Exchange rate: $1 USD ≈ Q7.50 Prices for food and shopping are similar to U.S. prices Gas is expensive (around $7 USD per gallon) Local markets offer great bargains, perfect for practicing Spanish!
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🛡️ Safety precautions
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Please read carefully, this is important. As international travelers, people may assume you come from wealth. Be polite but aware of prices when shopping. Keep personal belongings secure at all times. Avoid walking alone after 9:00 PM. Driving in Guatemala: Motorcycles and cars often do not follow traffic laws Always check blind spots carefully Insurance is not required for locals If you hit a motorcycle (even if not your fault), you may be detained until bail is posted Avoid honking, road rage can escalate Do not use your phone near open car windows in traffic In the areas we’ve recommended, you will be safe; just use common sense like you would in any major city.
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🌱 Please respect the venue
Answer
This is a working farm with: Coffee plants Cashew, orange, and guava trees Please: Do not pick fruit Do not enter coffee fields Respect posted boundaries These crops support local farmers and families. Please respect the land as lovingly as you respect us.