FAQs

Question

Just so you know:

Answer

Madeleine was born with an autoimmune disease called Alopecia Universalis, which causes hair loss. She was bald through most of her childhood and adolescence/young adulthood. Two years ago, her hair grew back, but unfortunately she had a recurrence of the condition about five weeks before the wedding and has again lost all of her hair. We mention this as a means of explanation for those who didn’t know Madeleine growing up - please know that she is otherwise healthy and is not undergoing chemotherapy. For family members with invited children and for children in the bridal party, please note that kids often benefit from a heads-up in advance for visible differences that may be new to them. Please feel reach out to Julie or Cynthia with any questions or need for further explanation.

Question

What should I expect from a Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony?

Answer

Mitchell and Madeleine are both converts to Orthodoxy, which means that neither family comes from this faith tradition and you'll be in good company if this is newer to you as well. No worries! A few things to note about a Greek Orthodox ceremony - the order of operations will differ a bit from what you may be used to seeing, including crowns (stefana), candles, and prayers, and that bride and groom actually don't share public vows! Although it may look a bit different from a traditional Western wedding, it's a beautiful ceremony laden with symbolism and emotion. Below is a link for more info on what to expect! Our ceremony programs will have more detail to help everyone follow along! https://www.lemonandolives.com/overview-of-a-greek-orthodox-wedding/

Question

What do I wear?

Answer

We ask that guests wear cocktail / garden formal attire! While the Orthodox Church has no specific requirements for dress, we recommend erring on the slightly more modest side. Lastly, please refrain from wearing white! Thanks!

Question

Are kids invited?

Answer

We love all the sweet kids in our lives - and wow, there are so many of them! Because we’re planning for a more intimate guest list, we are only able to invite kids who are family and kids in/of the wedding party. If your save the date and invitation are addressed to “The ____ Family,” that includes the kids! If your envelope is addressed to specific names, we hope you will be able to come celebrate with us as a date night out. Thank you for understanding!

Question

Can I bring a guest?

Answer

We are so excited to celebrate with our nearest and dearest friends and family! Because we are having a smaller, more intimate wedding, we are only able to accommodate guests formally listed on invitations. If your guest’s name is listed on your invitation or you see a plus one option listed when you RSVP, then yes! Thank you for understanding!

Question

Are the venues accessible?

Answer

When the bride has a doctorate in occupational therapy, of course the venues will be accessible! St. Nick's has an elevator to the second floor where the ceremony will take place, a small ramp with which to enter through the front of the church, and accessible bathroom stalls. See parking FAQ for garage accessibility! The reception venue is accessible as well, with wide doors, a ramped entrance, accessible bathroom stalls, and a few quieter areas to take a break if needed.

Question

What’s the parking situation like?

Answer

Ceremony parking will be available in the Laclede Garage, a Central West End parking garage adjacent to the church and accessible from either the Laclede entrance on the North side or the Forest Park Parkway entrance on the South side. The parking garage accepts cash, credit, and debit cards and should be between $0-4 for the ceremony. The church may also have parking vouchers available! In the parking garage for church, accessible parking is available closest to the elevators on every level. Three elevators are available (as well as indoor/enclosed stairs), and then there is a short walk to the church entrance, either entirely on the paved sidewalk or through a somewhat paved parking lot to the paved sidewalk with a ramp to enter the church. Here are directions to the parking garage: https://shorturl.at/qvPU0 Parking at La Verona is easy! There's a lot directly next to the venue, as well as street parking just in front of it on a quieter, mostly residential street. Accessible parking available.

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony? What time for cocktail hour?

Answer

Doors at St Nick’s open for guests at 4pm for the 4:30 ceremony. Cocktail hour begins at 6pm at La Verona, followed by the bride/groom entrance and start of the reception at 7pm.

Question

I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?

Answer

Please let the bride or groom know ASAP if you will be attending and have a food allergy! It is important to us that everyone is safe to enjoy the evening! There is a place to fill this out when you RSVP.

Question

Why does the URL say 2025?

Answer

When Mitchell & Madeleine first got engaged, they planned on a February 2025 wedding to account for some scheduling logistics. However, about a month later, the schedule concerns cleared up and they were able to move the wedding up to July 2024! Ignore the URL and we'll see you in July of THIS year!

Question

When should I RSVP? What if I'm having difficulty RSVPing online?

Answer

If you’re able to RSVP as soon as you receive your invitation, that would be amazing and so helpful. We ask that all RSVPs are in by May 21 so we can provide an accurate list to our catering team and other vendors. We’ll follow up with anyone who hasn’t had a chance to respond by then to hopefully avoid having to mark folks as a “no” unnecessarily! Because of all the apartment-moving in the next few months, we decided to do online RSVPs to avoid any miscommunications, lost/unforwarded RSVP cards, etc. If the RSVP tab at the top of this page is giving you trouble, please text or call us to let us know whether or not you're able to join us for the wedding! We can always go in and add your response manually.

Question

Name change?

Answer

Yep! Madeleine is taking Mitchell's last name, so they'll be Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell and Madeleine Stevens.