FAQs
Question
Attire
Answer
Semi Formal, the ceremony is in a church but be ready to have a good time and dance at the farm after! The Bridesmaids will be in formal green dresses.
Question
5512 Access Request Form for USNA
Answer
Due to the turbulent nature of the current geopolitical climate, military bases are being more stringent on personnel access aboard installations. The Naval Academy is unfortunately under the same guidance. The good news is that the Access Team on The Yard has provided us with all the information needed and will assist in the process for entry on the base for the Wedding. Nick and I kindly request that all non-dod personnel 18+ fill out the 5512 access form submit to the access team by May 30th, 2026. Also, in addition to the base pass you will receive from this for you are required to have a REAL ID state issued, or a valid passport to get on to the base. The base passes will be ready a couple days prior to the event and will be picked up by an event coordinator and more information will be provided once they are ready to be distributed to the guests. If you don't hear back from USNA do not panic - no news is good news. You will only be contacted if you are denied entry. If you did not receive my email with the 5512 please let me know.
Question
Transportation/Shuttle
Answer
There will be buses for transportation to the Naval Academy Chapel and then to the Reception. Pick up will start at the Double Tree Hotel and make a quick stop at HGI. The Naval Academy is a military installation and requires either a CAC from military personnel or to have a visitors pass/be on event list and provide valid identification. The bus can help accommodate some of the stress that comes will driving onto the instillation for non military members. If you are staying at the HGI, you can walk to the chapel in ~10-20 minutes but can also take the bus if interested. The Shuttle will also transport off the Yard to the reception location and back to the hotels at the end of the night. Other transportation such as Uber/Lyft/Taxis are still available if you want to plan you own timeline. Please See Travel Tab for more information.
Question
Airport
Answer
There are two major airports near Annapolis if those traveling need to fly. BWI is about a 30 minute drive from Annapolis and DCA is about a 60 minute drive from Annapolis.
Question
Indoor/Outdoor
Answer
The ceremony will be inside the Chapel at the Naval Academy. The reception will take place outside at Hemlock Farm, however there will be a tent and the bar/food is inside a barn.
Question
Weather
Answer
In early June, Annapolis, Maryland, typically has very warm, pleasant weather, with average daily high temperatures in the range of 80-87°F (27-31°C) and lows in the low 70s°F (around 21°C). The city will be in full summer mode, with a busy harbor and outdoor dining, offering a great time to experience the city's atmosphere.
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Children
Answer
Your kids are Welcome! All we ask is that you be prepared and have a plan for them. The venue does not have height chairs.
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Food
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Mission BBQ will be catering our wedding. We will have Brisket and pulled chicken with mac and cheese and green beans as sides. There will also be salads and appetizers prior to the main meal. Dessert will be cookies and doughnuts! If you have any concerns about dietary restrictions or allergies please contact me separately.
Question
BAR
Answer
Will be have an "open bar", however we are buying all our own alcoholic beverages and liquor for the bar so if there is something you specifically want feel free to bring it!
Question
RSVP
Answer
All RSVPs will be online through our website. You will be able to RSVP for all of the events on the RSVP tab. Also, you will be asked if you would like transportation to the Naval Academy Chapel which can help our friends and family who are not military personnel. Please complete this NLT May 1st, 2026. Earlier is better.
Question
Wedding Shower!
Answer
Hello! I will have a wedding shower a couple weeks before the wedding in my hometown. It will be held a Wolf Creek Winery in Norton, Ohio. I understand we have a lot of guests from out of town so if travel so close together is not possible, I completely understand. I really wanted to offer a place for my family, especially ones that my might not be able to make the travel to Maryland a place to celebrate with me!
Question
5512 Cont.
Answer
Who Needs Access? All guests 18 and older need valid access credentials. If you have one of these IDs: -Military ID (Active Duty, Retired, or Dependent) -Common Access Card (CAC) You may enter using that ID. You may also escort up to 10 guests who do not have credentials. If you do NOT have one of those IDs: -You must complete the attached SECNAV 5512 Form. Important: All highlighted fields must be completed. -U.S. citizens are required to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) and a second form of identification. Forms submitted without this information cannot be processed. -Non-U.S. citizens are required to provide a valid passport from their country of citizenship, processing takes longer due to extra screening. **Send completed forms to nabsdaccess@usna.edu** Do not send forms to individual staff members. You may encrypt the PDF, as long as the password is included in your email. Deadlines Submit forms as early as possible. Processing may take up to 30 days. Forms submitted within 10 business days of the event will not be processed. If It Is Too Late: Guests may still enter if escorted by a CAC/Military ID holder (up to 10 guests). Status Updates You will only be contacted if a request is denied. Please do not request updates. Questions nabsdaccess@usna.edu Thank you, NABSD Access Team
Question
Contact
Answer
Kaila: 330-690-1794