FAQs

Question

Which Portland is it?

Answer

Oregon, not Maine, thank you!

Question

WILL THERE BE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE HOTEL(S)?

Answer

There will be transportation provided from The Hoxton/Embassy Suites to the ceremony site, from the ceremony site to the reception at The Evergeen, and back to The Hoxton/Embassy Suites at the end of the evening. If you are staying anywhere other than The Hoxton or Embassy Suites, please arrive at The Hoxton in time to take the bus. Times will be on the invitation and will be updated here closer to the event.

Question

Is there parking available at the hotel?

Answer

Embassy Suites Downtown has both self parking and valet parking. The Hoxton has valet parking available. Check their FAQs for rates. There are nearby paid parking lots with various rates, but they may not have availability. You may be able to reserve parking in advance. The Inn at Northrup Station does have free parking, but we will not be providing transportation to the wedding events from this location.

Question

Are kids invited?

Answer

We love your children, but unless they were included on the invitation or your invitation was addressed to the whole family, we’d appreciate you keeping them at home. We can help arrange for local childcare!

Question

CAN I BRING A DATE?

Answer

If your invitation says “and Guest,” then yes. If not, we would prefer if it was just you. Please contact us with any questions or concerns!

Question

WHAT’S THE DRESS CODE?

Answer

Cocktail, please. But we want you to feel comfortable (and remember, you're on the West Coast), so let loose and come dance with us! Importantly, the ground at the ceremony site is slightly uneven and the ceremony site is on grass; please plan your shoe choice accordingly.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

Despite its reputation for rain, Portland doesn't even make the top ten U.S. cities with the highest annual rainfall. However, Portland ranks third on the list of cities with the rainiest days in the country with 164 rainy days a year. So it's not that Portland gets a lot of rain, it just rains often. In the past 10 years, June 25th has ranged from 70 degrees to 95 degrees in Portland.

Question

Will there be any vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free/special diet options?

Answer

We plan to have vegetarian, Kosher, and dairy/gluten-free options available. Please let us know if you have any allergies, dietary preferences, or food sensitivities.

Question

When is the RSVP deadline? Do I need to mail back my RSVP or can I do it online?

Answer

More details when we get closer to the date! You will be asked to RSVP in 2023, upon receiving an invitation.

Question

What time should I arrive?

Answer

Depends on who you are! We will be signing the Ketubah prior to the ceremony. The wedding will begin around 4pm for all of our guests. There will be transportation provided to the ceremony site, from the ceremony site to the reception site, and back to the hotel at the end of the evening. Please be on time, so you don't miss the bus!

Question

Will the wedding be wheelchair accessible?

Answer

There is a ramp at the ceremony site and an elevator at the reception site. Transportation to the venue may not be wheelchair accessible. We can arrange for an alternate vehicle if you let us know ahead of time. You may need to go into the venue through a different door or up a few steps to access the elevator at the reception site. Please let us know how we can help you to celebrate with us!

Question

What makes a Jewish wedding special?

Answer

Ketubah Signing The ketubah is a symbolic Jewish marriage contract that outlines the groom's responsibilities to his bride. The ketubah is signed by the couple and two witnesses before the ceremony takes place, then is read to the guests during the ceremony. Bedeken During the ketubah signing, the groom approaches the bride for the bedeken, or veiling. He looks at her and then veils her face. This is a tradition stemming from the Bible when Jacob was tricked into marrying the sister of the woman he loved because she was wearing a veil. If the groom does the veiling himself, he won't be unpleasantly surprised! Vows Under the Chuppah A chuppah has four corners and a covered roof to symbolize the new home the bride and groom are building together. The canopy is made of a tallit, or prayer shawl, belonging to a member of the couple or their families. Dan and Allison will be using her father's tallis for their chuppah.

Question

What makes a Jewish wedding special?

Answer

Circling In the Ashkenazi tradition, the bride circles around her groom either three or seven times under the chuppah. Some people believe this creates a magical wall of protection from evil spirits, temptation, and the glances of other women. Others believe the bride is symbolically creating a new family circle. Sheva B'rachot: Seven Blessings The seven blessings, called the Sheva B'rachot, come from ancient teachings. They are often read in both Hebrew and English. The blessings focus on joy, celebration, and the power of love. They begin with the blessing over a cup wine, then progress to more grand and celebratory statements, ending with a blessing of joy, peace, companionship, and the opportunity for the bride and groom to rejoice together.

Question

What makes a Jewish wedding special?

Answer

Breaking of the Glass As the ceremony comes to an end, the groom steps on a glass to shatter it. Some say it represents the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Others say it demonstrates that marriage holds sorrow as well as joy and is a representation of the commitment to stand by one another even in hard times. The shards of glass are collected after the ceremony, and many couples choose to have it incorporated into some sort of memento of their wedding day. Yichud Following the ceremony, tradition dictates that the couple spend at least eight minutes in yichud (or seclusion). This wedding custom allows the newly married couple to reflect privately on their new relationship and allows them precious time alone to bond and rejoice. Hora The Hora is a celebratory dance at the reception where guests dance in a circle. The bride and groom are seated on chairs and lifted into the air while holding onto a handkerchief or cloth napkin.

Question

Is It safe in Portland?

Answer

Yes, Portland remains a safe city for visitors. Visitors to Portland should use the same caution as when traveling to any metropolitan destination. Among cities of comparable size, Portland generally experiences violent crime at somewhat lower rates. Data from the Portland Police Bureau show that the majority of crimes occur outside of areas where visitors stay and frequent. If you are walking (particularly downtown, at night) and feel unsafe, please keep to well trafficked streets and well lit areas. Most people will not bother you. The hotels have security measures and security staff to keep you protected.