FAQs

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

Please plan to arrive at least 15-30 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony. Note: Please advise that the National Pride Parade is happening the day of our wedding. Please account for this in your travel plans to the church and venue. DC Travel Advisory Link: https://mpdc.dc.gov/release/traffic-advisory-2025-worldpride-parade-and-block-party TRAFFIC ADVISORY: 2025 WorldPride Parade and Block Party | mpdc

Question

How do I get to and from the church?

Answer

Please refer to Saint Sophia’s website for directions: https://www.saintsophiadc.org/about/directions/

Question

How do I get to and from the reception?

Answer

Please refer to Hotel Monaco’s website for directions: https://www.monaco-dc.com/map-of-downtown-washington-dc/

Question

What’s the parking situation?

Answer

Hotel parking: Valet parking is available and encouraged at the hotel. Valet parking vouchers for parking will be distributed by the wedding coordinator (Kalat Yared) and her assistant at the reception. One parking pass will be provided per family invited (per wedding invite). We encourage families coming to the wedding together to carpool, because we are only able to offer a limited number of parking passes. Church parking: free parking spaces are available on the church parking lot.

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

The attire is black tie optional. Our wedding party will be in black tie attire (ladies: floor length gowns, men: tuxedos) Feel free to dress to the nines with them or opt for a formal outfit instead. Need clarity? Check out this website: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/black-tie-optional

Question

Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?

Answer

The wedding ceremony and reception will both be indoors.

Question

When is cocktail hour?

Answer

Cocktail hour will be from 6PM-7PM in the Athens Room at Hotel Monaco.

Question

When does the reception take place?

Answer

The reception will take place from 7PM-11PM in the Paris Ballroom at Hotel Monaco.

Question

Will dinner and drinks be provided?

Answer

Yes, we will have cocktail hour, dinner, and an open bar.

Question

What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Answer

Please list any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you RSVP.

Question

How do I book a room within the wedding's reserved hotel block?

Answer

A room at Hotel Monaco can be booked using the following link: https://www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomrate?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99801505&icdv=99801505&qSlH=WDCMO&qCiD=06&qCiMy=052025&qCoD=08&qCoMy=052025&qGrpCd=LC8&qAAR=6CBARC&qRtP=6CBARC&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=KI&qDest=700%20F%20Street%20NW,%20Washington,%20DC,%20US&srb_u=1&qChAge=

Question

When do I need to RSVP by?

Answer

May 1, 2025. Please also consult the wedding invite for the RSVP by date.

Question

What are your wedding colors?

Answer

Lavender, periwinkle, and sage green

Question

How will the National Pride Parade affect my travel time to the church and venue?

Answer

****It will take longer to navigate to and through DC than usual**** Please reference the DC World Pride Travel Advisory linked below…. https://mpdc.dc.gov/release/traffic-advisory-2025-worldpride-parade-and-block-party TRAFFIC ADVISORY: 2025 WorldPride Parade and Block Party | mpdc World Pride Parade Route Map: Note - The route map is towards the bottom of the home page. https://worldpridedc.org/events/parade/ WorldPride Parade - WorldPride Washington, DC 2025 You can also sign up for text alerts by texting: WorldPrideDC to 888-777

Question

Is there a Google map detailing all Pride Parade road closures?

Answer

Thanks to Mario & Sotia, there is! URL below: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1lcbuKvFLiYK9fOFLSBhTiSlBUovMG_o&usp=sharing