FAQs

Question

What about COVID-19?

Answer

As much as we wish it weren’t so, this is a COVID wedding, and we have to do things differently than we'd originally planned. First off - if you choose to attend, we are requiring proof of full vaccination. This means you received your final vaccine dose at least two weeks before arriving at our event. You'll find instructions for sending proof when you RSVP (see RSVP tab). Unless children under 12 become eligible for vaccination soon - and are fully vaccinated at least two weeks before the wedding - they will unfortunately not be able to attend. Because all who attend must be fully vaccinated, masks are optional. Finally, although our event is compliant with current guidelines (as of 7/20/21), things may change. If restrictions return in the fall and weddings of our size are no longer allowed, we will postpone. This pandemic will be with us for a while longer, and no gathering is without risk. We understand completely if the circumstances prevent anyone from joining us.

Question

Remind me where to send proof of vaccination?

Answer

Photos of vaccine cards (or screenshots of vaccine passports / NY State Excelsior passes) can be emailed to Jon+Wedding@JonNapolitano.org . Don't forget to send a photo or screenshot for each member of your party, if you choose to attend! You'll also find this email address when you RSVP.

Question

What is The Ashokan Center?

Answer

They're a super cool non-profit. They offer outdoor education, host folk music festivals, living history events, and more! They've also made a commitment to sustainability and preservation: Their electricity is 100% solar powered, they compost avidly, and their new housing buildings were constructed from the trees cleared to make room for them! Plus, our event fees help support their programming. For us, they're a perfect fit - building community and improving the world. Also, we have the whole place to ourselves all weekend! No curfew! Woohoo!

Question

Do I have to stay the whole weekend?

Answer

As much as we would love it if you did, we understand that not everyone can. If you'd like to come for the ceremony and reception and head home (or stay in a local hotel), that's fine! We want to get a chance to celebrate with you.

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?

Answer

Yes! There is a very large (unpaved) parking lot at The Ashokan Center for our use. It's at the top of the property, so there's a bit of a downhill walk to get to the facilities, but there's a space to unload at the level of the main buildings. Anyone with mobility concerns can be driven directly to their housing.

Question

What's the Night Mission all about?

Answer

We met through parkour. Physical challenge and play are a big part of our relationship, and we want to share that love with all of you. We'll be building a pop up parkour bar set on site, but we also wanted to share with you our practice of night missions. A night mission is a set of physical challenges undertaken by a group at night. They'll be scalable in difficulty, so you don't need to be an athlete. You just need to be comfortable walking about a mile in the woods in the dark. We hope you'll challenge yourself as well, but most of all we want you to have fun. (Also it may be a little spooky. It's two nights before Halloween, after all.)

Question

It's Halloween weekend - should I wear a costume?

Answer

Yes - if you want to! We love Halloween, we love costumes, and we encourage you to have some fun with them. Wear a costume any time during the weekend! FYI, Jon and Lauren will be in formalwear during the ceremony and reception, but don't let that stop you. We're also planning a Halloween-themed afterparty following the reception, if you prefer to break out your costume later in the evening.

Question

Ok, what should I wear to the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Whatever you like! If you're looking for more guidance, though, you can aim for a standard semi-formal. It's fun to have a reason to dress up sometimes - but don't stress about it. Jon won't be wearing a tie.

Question

How about food? What's the situation?

Answer

If you spend the weekend with us (from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon), there's lots of food in store for you! On Friday, we'll enjoy a welcome barbecue. On Saturday, we'll wake up and have brunch, followed by the cocktail hour and reception after the ceremony. It'll be a yummy served buffet! Dessert will follow dinner. On Sunday morning, we'll wrap up the party with a farewell brunch! If you get hungry in between meals, there's always fruit and coffee/tea in the Esopus lodge. When you RSVP, you'll be asked to share dietary restrictions - please do!

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

The seating area will open at 3:30, and we'll be starting the ceremony at 4:00 PM sharp. If you're coming from offsite, you're welcome to arrive before 3:30, there's lots to do at The Ashokan Center.