FAQs

Question

Who is invited?

Answer

Only guests 18+ who receive an invitation to each event will be able to attend said event. Plus ones will be allowed to attend if and only if mentioned on the invitation. Anyone who does not RSVP in a timely manner, will not be accounted for. Our venue requires all names of guests and plus ones prior to the event. Please RSVP on the website or reach out to Candice or Matt if there are any questions or issues.

Question

Can I bring a plus one?

Answer

Unfortunately, we have a strict guest list to stay on budget. Our celebration is strictly RSVP only. We will only be able to accommodate those listed on your wedding invitation. If you are granted a plus one, it will say so on the invitation. While RSVPing, our venue requires full names of guests prior to the celebration.

Question

Where can I RSVP?

Answer

The RSVP page is currently not available at this moment as we are finalizing details with our venue. Check back in May or when the official invitations arrive.

Question

What if my plus-one changes after I've RSVP'd?

Answer

Please alert Candice, Matt, or one of their parents right away for any RSVP changes. The venue finalizes all details two weeks prior for guest names and food selections.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

While we love your little ones, our wedding will be an adults-only 18+ event so that everyone can relax and enjoy the evening. The only children allowed will be our Flower Girl and Ring Bearer. We appreciate you making arrangements ahead of time and leaving the kids at home so you can celebrate with us.

Question

Where are the ceremony and the reception taking place?

Answer

Both the ceremony and reception will take place at Fishermen’s Inn in Elburn, IL.

Question

What is the venue like?

Answer

Fishermen’s Inn is a stunning historic wedding venue nestled on 20 acres. Filled to the brim with timeless elegance and rustic charm, the venue offers a blend of classic allure and modern sophistication. It overlooks picturesque views of 7 man made ponds and lush gardens. Leaves will be changing to make a wonderful backdrop. The venue offers only one wedding per night. Guests have the accessibility to all 20 acres and are invited to walk the grounds. As night falls, lights only reach so far. Please practice caution while drinking and exploring the grounds.

Question

Will the ceremony and reception be indoors or outdoors?

Answer

The ceremony will be indoors on the first floor of the venue. Cocktail hour is anticipated to take place half indoors/half outdoors in the first floor courtyard. Garage doors open to provide the option to remain in the indoor seating space or courtyard. In the event of rain or the temperature is below 65 degrees, cocktail hour will be moved upstairs to the reception area. Venue staff will be onsite to escort guests to the proper location. Dinner will be served in the dining room upstairs and the reception/dancing space will take place in a second adjacent room. Tables will be set up in the dancing space as well. The dancing space has an outdoor deck that will be accessible throughout the night with pub tables set up. Both the dining and dancing spaces will be open all night.

Question

How long will the ceremony last?

Answer

The ceremony should last around 15-20 minutes long with cocktail hour following immediately after.

Question

What happens after the ceremony?

Answer

After the ceremony, the wedding party and family will be taking pictures nearby on the grounds within an hour. Unless told to hang around for a few photos, venue staff will be onsite to assist guests towards the cocktail hour space where we will be serving finger foods and beverages. After cocktail hour, venue staff will escort guests upstairs to the dining room.

Question

Are there other wedding events I can attend?

Answer

As much as we’d love everyone to attend every event, we request that guests only attend if they received an invitation to said event. If there are no other events mentioned on your invitation, you are invited only to the reception and ceremony as well as your plus one if mentioned on the invitation. Other guests who are invited to the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and photos after the ceremony, will have separate communications. Other photo opportunities will be available during dinner and dancing.

Question

Where should I sit?

Answer

During the ceremony, you can sit on either side. The first two rows on each side will be reserved. Those who will be seated in the reserved section will be notified prior to the ceremony. For dinner, there will be assigned seating. The bridal party and their guest will be seated together at the long table in the middle of the dining room. All other guests will refer to the sitting chart for their table. It is important to sit at your assigned table so wait staff can serve the correct foods and accommodations. In the dance room, it is open seating.

Question

What should I wear? Is there a dress code?

Answer

Dress your best! Semi-formal/cocktail attire. Summer dresses, formal dresses, pant suits, suits, button ups, ties, bow ties, etc. As much as we want you comfortable, please do not wear street clothes. No jeans, tshirts, tank tops, etc. Coat check will also be available at the venue if needed. Please do not wear white, ivory, or cream. Our wedding party will be wearing light purples, grays, and silver.

Question

What will the weather be like this time of year?

Answer

The weather in Illinois around October 30th is typically cool and crisp, with average high temperatures in the mid-50s to low-60s Fahrenheit and lows in the high-30s to low-40s. However, some Octobers have been in the 70s. Conditions are generally dry, though a small chance of rain or even the first signs of snow is possible. Leaves change colors this time of year. The venue is surround by trees and will provide gorgeous scenery. Research the weather a few days prior to travel and make sure to pack sweatshirts/light to medium jackets. The hotel will have an indoor heated pool if you want to pack swim wear.

Question

How do I get to the wedding venue?

Answer

Please visit the Hotel & Travel page of the website. The hotel and wedding venue are both close to I-88 and accessible by car. There will be no shuttle.

Question

What time should I arrive?

Answer

Please arrive no later than 30 minutes before the ceremony. We want to make sure everyone is seated for an on time start time. Venue staff will be at the entrance and by coat check to assist on where to go and where to put your belongings. Please note there will not be a shuttle to or from the hotel/venue so plan your travel accordingly.

Question

Where should guests park? Is parking free?

Answer

The venue has their own free parking. There are three separate lots connected to the venue. The venue is located in a secluded area and no other businesses or residents will have access to the lots.

Question

Can I leave my car overnight at the venue if needed?

Answer

TBD

Question

Do you have a hotel block for guests? Where do you recommend I stay?

Answer

Please check the Hotel & Travel page on the website. While our hotel does not have a block, they do offer a discount code which is good all the through and on our wedding day. If you choose not to stay at the Hampton Inn, there are a few other options nearby. If staying at the Hampton, please let Candice, Matt, or their parents know. The hotel requires all names of guests to be on the welcome bags upon check in.

Question

When is the RSVP deadline? Do I need to mail back my RSVP or can I do it online?

Answer

RSVP deadline is TBD. They will need to be done online on our wedding website. When you do, there will be questions regarding dinner choice and any allergies or accommodations. Changes can be made up until the deadline. If there are issues online, please contact Candice, Matt, or one of their parents.

Question

Are the ceremony and reception location accessible?

Answer

The venue is very accessible friendly. There are ramps and a glass elevator available to our guests as well as bathrooms and common areas. Please note, the outside cocktail hour does take place on cobblestone.

Question

Will there be food and drinks during cocktail hour?

Answer

After the wedding ceremony, we will be serving light passed hors d’oeuvres accompanied by an open bar. We invite you to toast to our nuptials with a curated selection of wine, beer and our signature cocktails. The bar will close for dinner so please take this time to get drinks you may want. Wait staff will bring champagne, wines, and soda (if requested) during dinner.

Question

Will there be an open bar?

Answer

Yes, there will be two bars open (one in the dining room and one in the dancing room) throughout the night that will close shortly during dinner. During dinner, the wait staff will provide wine, champagne, and soda (if asked). We please suggest tipping the bar tenders as they will be working hard all night making drinks.

Question

Will dinner be served at the reception? What kind of food?

Answer

Pre-selected dinner will be served. While RSVPing, you will select what you’d like to eat as well as allergies and other accommodations. It will be a four-course dinner with your selection, soup, salad, and cake for dessert. A late-night snack will follow after some dancing.

Question

Will there be any vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or special diet options?

Answer

Yes, all of the above will be available. Please make sure to indicate any accommodations during the RSVP process.

Question

Where are you registered?

Answer

We are registered on MyRegistry.com. Please check out the Registry page on the wedding website for the QR code and link. We can also be searched using our full names: Candice Martello or Matthew Gee.

Question

Will transportation be provided to and from the hotel, ceremony and reception?

Answer

No, transportation will not be provided. The Wedding party will discuss transportation to get ready separately. All other guests are responsible to secure transportation with plenty of time prior to the ceremony. Please utilize Uber, Lyft, or a designated driver. There will be plenty of parking for those driving themselves. Please don’t drive and drive, we want all of our guests to be safe and responsible. The hotel is 10 minutes away from the venue.

Question

Do you have any recommendations for where to eat, points of interest or things to do?

Answer

Yes! We recommend visiting the ‘Things to Do’ page of our wedding website, where we’ve compiled some local hot spots and fun things to do in the area, including coffee shops, restaurants, and entertainment options to visit before or after the wedding. The next day is Halloween so there will be plenty of haunted houses and trick or treating fun around as well. Visit the page as it gets closer for updated Halloween/Fall fun!

Question

Do you have a wedding hashtag?

Answer

Yes, it is #OMGeeFinally*

Question

Can I take photos?

Answer

We kindly ask that you refrain from taking photos or videos until after the ceremony. We want an unplugged ceremony free from distractions. We have a wonderful photographer and videographer who will capture our union. Please ensure phones are silenced and put away. Once the ceremony is over, you are welcome to take as many photos and videos you wish as we’d love to see the night of celebration through your eyes! We have a QR code to encourage sharing of the photos so we can see the fun. Please also utilize our hashtag when sharing.

Question

Where can I find the photos afterward?

Answer

Please check out the QR code website and search our hashtag to see photos from our guests. For our professional photos, we will receive a link with a passcode from our photographer. Those who wish to view them will need to obtain that information from us at a later date.

Question

Will there be a guest book or other memory-capturing features?

Answer

Yes, there will be a photo guest book available to sign and place a Polaroid photo onto. Please see the signage at the venue for instructions on how to use the camera during the reception. We will also have QR codes set up and a photobooth.

Question

Will there be speeches, and who will be speaking?

Answer

Members of the wedding party and close family will be welcome to give a speech. We cannot allow everyone because we want to start the party and hit the dance floor.

Question

Will there be live music or a DJ at the reception?

Answer

Yes, there will be a live DJ playing hits from the 50s to today. We encourage everyone to get on the dance floor and have a good time. The DJ will not be accepting requests as we carefully constructed a playlist that is sure to have everyone on their feet at some point or another.

Question

Is there a designated area for guests to relax or take a break?

Answer

Yes, guests are welcome to sit in the dining room, downstairs, on the deck, or throughout the grounds if they need a break.

Question

What should I do if I have not received a confirmation of my RSVP?

Answer

Please alert Candice, Matt or one of their parents right away to confirm RSVP. Please do not wait until the deadline. Reminders will be sent out through the website as it gets closer to the deadline.

Question

What is the policy for last-minute RSVPs?

Answer

We may not be able to accommodate last minute, as everything is finalized two weeks prior. We advise not to wait until the deadline. We do realize emergencies happen and please ask to keep in touch on any changes right away.

Question

Can I update my meal choice after RSVPing?

Answer

Once the RSVP deadline has closed, changes cannot be made.

Question

What is the alcohol and smoking policy?

Answer

No outside food or alcohol is allowed in the venue. The venue does not allow tailgating and will have staff on site near the entrances to ensure rules are being followed. Smoking is only allowed outside of the venue. Please note, there is no smoking allowed on the upstairs deck outside the dance room. Please keep the venue clean by properly disposing your trash.

Question

Are there any post-wedding activities planned?

Answer

While we do not have anything officially planned, there are quite a few bars and restaurants, as well as a casino nearby that will be open at the end of the celebration. The hotel also has a public lounge open until 1am or later if quiet enough and seating outside the pool.

Question

Can I take home centerpieces/decor?

Answer

No, as some of the decor are rentals and some we worked hard on creating, we encourage you to not take anything. The best perk about our venue is, after the reception, they will cleanup and hold our items for a week after the wedding. They have inventory lists and will know if something is missing.

Question

What if I leave something behind after the reception?

Answer

If venue staff find the item, they will add it to our inventory for pickup within a week after the reception. Candice and Matt will make sure it is delivered back to the correct guest. If it is important, the venue allows guests to retrieve the item early the next morning prior to the next wedding. If any guest happens to pick up something please give the item to Candice, Matt, or their parents prior to leaving the area that weekend.

Question

Are there any events the next day?

Answer

Candice and Matt are staying at the hotel until Sunday morning. We are unofficially going to get brunch somewhere nearby the hotel the afternoon after the wedding. Anyone is welcome to join. As the next day is Halloween, we encourage guests to check out local farms, haunted house, or festivities nearby.

Question

Are there any events prior to the wedding?

Answer

The rehearsal and rehearsal dinner are the night prior. These events are by separate invitation only. As we will be busy getting ready for the big day, we may or may not have time to meet and hang out with everyone who is arriving at the hotel as much as we would love to. If you plan on staying the night before at the hotel, please check out the Things to Do page of our website for food and entertainment.

Question

I still have questions. What is the best way to contact you?

Answer

If we missed a question on here, please reach out to Candice, Matt, or one of their parents. We will update this page as new questions are asked. The day before and day of the wedding Candice and Matt will be busy preparing for the events and may not be able to answer their phones. Please reach out to their parents or someone in the bridal party (can be found on the bridal party page). If no one can be reached, Candice and Matt can be messaged but may not answer in a timely matter.