FAQ

Question

Is there a hotel block?

Answer

Yes! See the "Travel & Parking" page. We have booked a hotel block at Delta Hotels Baltimore North. When booking, please mention our names or use the direct link on the "Travel & Parking" page. The hotel has asked that you book your rooms in the block by June 10th.

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

The dress code for our wedding reception is "cocktail attire." Please NO jeans, shorts, flip-flops, sneakers, mini dresses/skirts, or bared midriffs/cut-outs. If you are unsure what's appropriate, we are happy to answer any dress code questions! "Cocktail attire" is the dress code right below "formal attire." Therefore, when attending a "cocktail attire" wedding, think to yourself, "What is the most formal outfit I can wear that is NOT part of the 'formal attire' dress code?" That is how you should plan your outfit. For women: A safe option is a classy dress that is knee-length or longer. A fancy jumpsuit, paired with dressy heels or flats, may also be worn, if desired. For men: A safe option is a conservative suit and tie (typically in a medium-darker shade of blue or grey) with a nice pair of dress shoes. No tuxedos. No jeans, and preferably no "off-colored" blazers/sport coats, as these are a bit too casual for proper "cocktail attire."

Question

How should I dress to attend a Catholic Mass?

Answer

Our wedding ceremony is an act of worship before the Lord, and what we wear should reflect that. To that end, please dress modestly. If you are only attending the Mass and not the reception, please wear your Sunday Best. For those attending both, our reception dress code is "cocktail attire" - see above. We understand that it is summer, and therefore likely to be very hot (although the A/C in the Basilica can make it feel very cold inside!). Dresses that are sleeveless or have spaghetti straps, etc. are okay - but during the Mass, we ask that you please wear a shawl or cardigan to cover your shoulders. Clothing (for either gender) should not be too tight/form-fitting, and dresses should not be more than a couple of inches above your knee (we recommend longer dresses to eliminate any question!). Thank you for your understanding!

Question

What should I expect at a Catholic wedding Mass?

Answer

You should expect our ceremony to last somewhere from an hour to an hour and a half. Some parts will be in English, and others will be in Latin, the traditional language of the Church. We will have a program available with the music, Latin-to-English translations, and other explanations. Please do NOT use your cell phones for any reason during the Mass, even to take photos. Our photographers will be taking plenty of photos that we can share with you all later. The Mass is a sacred time for prayer, and so if you are unsure what to do... please pray for us. :)

Question

What should I do at Communion time?

Answer

Catholics believe that the Eucharist contains the Real Presence of Jesus - His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. If you are a practicing Catholic who is in a state of grace (have confessed all serious sin), you may come forward to receive Holy Communion. If you are no longer practicing the Catholic faith, have not confessed serious sin, or are not Catholic, you should not receive Communion, per the Church's teaching. If you would like to come up and receive a blessing from the priest at Communion time, you may indicate this by crossing your arms over your chest. It is more appropriate, however, to remain in your place and pray (as everyone will receive a blessing together at the end of Mass). Our program will contain a printed Act of Spiritual Communion for those who do not wish to receive.

Question

Are my children invited?

Answer

Yes! As we begin our own family together, it was very important to us to give all of our guests the opportunity to bring their children if they wanted to do so. Children under 2 do not "count" as guests, as we assume they can sit on laps/be held and are either bottle/breast-fed or can eat off Mom & Dad's plate. If you are opting to bring your kids and they are over age 2, please note this on your RSVP so we can have seats and food for them. For kids 10 and under, we will have a "kids' meal" available. We will also have a small table with activities to keep children occupied, and there are spaces in the seminary to step away for any kids who might get overwhelmed by loud noises.

Question

What if my children cry during the Mass?

Answer

We're not worried about that at all - we love the joyful noise of children! If you need a changing table, there is one in the restroom located at the front left of the church (this one will be the easiest to get to during the Mass). There is also one in the downstairs restroom, which can be accessed if you walk out the main entrance of the church and go down the steps immediately to your right in the vestibule. We also don't mind if you want to quietly walk around the edges of the church during the Mass with a kid who needs movement. Do whatever you need to do in order to keep them happy :)

Question

Where should I park at the Basilica?

Answer

See "Travel & Parking" page.

Question

Are you registered for gifts? Where?

Answer

Yes! You may purchase gifts through Zola on the "Registry" tab, or you can search us directly on the websites where we are registered: Target.com, Amazon.com, and CrateandBarrel.com.

Question

Can we send gifts to your home? What is your address?

Answer

We have set our registry to ship gifts to Peter's apartment, where the two of us will live after the wedding - so if you would like that option, it should already be built in. :) If you are sending something not on our registry, just reach out to one of us and we will happily send you our address.