FAQs
Question
Where is your wedding venue, and what should I wear?
Answer
Both our ceremony and our reception will take place at Josephine (109 S St Asaph St, Alexandria, VA), a French-inspired brasserie and bar just outside Washington, DC. For parking, nearby airports, transit information, and hotel recommendations, please see "Travel." Our dress code is semi-formal — here are some examples: www.theknot.com/content/what-to-wear-semi-formal. The wedding will be mostly indoors (with the possible exception of dancing the hora in an outdoor courtyard).
Question
I've never attended a Jewish wedding, or it's been a while — anything I should know going in?
Answer
We're so delighted to share this day with you! There's truly nothing to stress about — throughout the ceremony, our officiating rabbi will explain everything as we go, and you'll also receive a program with helpful context. (If you're really, REALLY curious to read up in advance, there are explainers on sites like My Jewish Learning, Smashing the Glass, and Exploring Judaism.) Upon arriving at the venue, we'll ask male guests to put on a kippah/yarmulke (traditional round skullcap), which we'll provide. (But anyone of any gender identity may wear it, if they wish!)
Question
Are there any pre-wedding events I should know about?
Answer
The evening before the wedding: There will be an optional welcome happy hour at The Light Horse (715 King St, Alexandria, VA), a restaurant right around the corner from our wedding venue. All are welcome, whether you're local or traveling in from out of town! For timing and details, please see "Schedule." The morning of the wedding: Our bedeken (veiling) and ketubah signing will be an intimate moment reserved for our immediate family and our two ketubah witnesses. Thank you for your understanding — we can’t wait to celebrate with all of our guests at the ceremony and reception!
Question
When should I arrive at the ceremony?
Answer
Doors will open at 10:45 a.m., and our ceremony will begin promptly at 11:15 a.m. NOTE: During our 20-minute-long ceremony, the vast majority of guests will have a chair, but some standing is unavoidable due to fire code and capacity limits. Several friends have kindly volunteered to stand, so we’re confident there’ll be enough seating for everyone who wishes to sit. Nonetheless, we will reserve some chairs for older guests and for guests we know to have mobility needs (you’ll hear from us directly in the weeks leading up to the wedding). Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Question
What will happen after the ceremony? Will there be dancing?
Answer
After the ceremony, we’ll enjoy a cocktail hour with passed appetizers, we'll dance the hora, and then we'll sit down to a hearty brunch reception. (There won't be a formal dance floor or DJ, but if the mood arises, spontaneous boogying is absolutely welcome!)
Question
Are there stairs involved?
Answer
Yes — our venue has two short flights of stairs (10 steps each) that connect the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception spaces. Restrooms are located between these two flights of stairs. Venue staff will be on hand throughout the event to help anyone who would like support moving between floors.
Question
What if I have special dietary needs (e.g. allergies, vegetarian, vegan, kosher)?
Answer
We're happy to accommodate. When you RSVP on this website, there'll be a field where you can share your dietary requirements. Note about kashrut: While we won't be serving pork or shellfish, the meal itself will not be kosher (i.e., there will be treif chicken and beef present). Vegetarian options will be available, but if you need a certified-kosher meal, let us know on your RSVP.
