FAQs
Question
When should I RSVP by?
Answer
Please RSVP by August 1st through the RSVP tab on this website. Due to venue capacity, only guests listed on your invitation are invited. If you're bringing a guest, but don't see an option for them when RSVPing, please call or text Noelle. We love your little ones dearly, but ask this to be an adults-only celebration.
Question
Where is the wedding ceremony and reception?
Answer
Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, PA. Ceremony and reception will both be taking place here.
Question
Where should I stay?
Answer
Philadelphia has many great hotels and neighborhoods for you to stay. Please use the Travel tab on this website to find the two hotels -- the Notary and Aloft -- where we have specifically set aside rooms for you, our guests! They are in Center City Philadelphia and walking distance to great sites and food. This is also where the shuttle buses to and from the venue will pick and drop you off, day of the wedding. Booking deadline is August 13th, and room blocks should be under Smily-Byrd Wedding. You are also more than welcome to find a different hotel of your choosing or an AirBnb. If you have any questions about neighborhoods, please call or text Noelle or Robert. But please remember the shuttle buses will only be picking people up at the Notary/Aloft hotels in Center City. You can of course stay elsewhere and still take the shuttle, just make sure to be there on time!
Question
Is transportation provided?
Answer
We are providing shuttle buses to take all our guests from Center City Philadelphia to Fonthill Castle in Doylestown. The buses will meet by the hotels we have secured room blocks at -- The Notary/Aloft. Anyone is welcome to meet at the hotels and take the shuttle buses from there, wether you're staying at the hotel or not. The last shuttle will leave no later than 3:15pm on Sunday, as travel takes about an hour. Please allow plenty of time for driving, parking, or Ubering. You're also welcome to drive to Fonthill Castle. Parking is on site; use the Swamp Hill Road entrance to access the gravel parking lot. You can put Moravian Pottery & Tile Works Museum into your GPS for directions.
Question
What airports are near by?
Answer
Philadelphia International Airport is the closest airport, but Baltimore-Washington International and Newark Liberty International airports are also close with trains running directly from the airports to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Please use the Travel tab on this website for more information.
Question
Is there a welcome party?
Answer
Yes! We can't wait to welcome you all for the weekend to our city, Philadelphia! We'll be hosting our welcome party at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park on Friday, September 11th. Please see the Schedule and RSVP tabs for more information.
Question
What time should I arrive to the wedding?
Answer
Welcome drinks begin at 4:30pm. We recommend arriving no later than 4:45pm to allow time to find your seat. If you're taking the shuttle from the hotels, please arrive no later than 3pm for the shuttles. They will leave without you -- and we don't want that! Reception will end around 10pm and shuttles will be taking guests back to Center City.
Question
Will there be dietary accomadations?
Answer
Yes - please be sure to note any dietary needs in the RSVP to ensure your meal will be accommodated. There will be three options: Vegetarian, Fish, and Steak.
Question
What's the dress code?
Answer
We ask you to please dress in Black Tie Optional attire. Nice suits or tuxes, or long evening gowns. The entire ceremony will be outside in the grass, and some pathways and parking lots are gravel -- watch those heels! The cocktail hour will be partially in grass and in the museum itself, which can have uneven surfaces. The reception will take place under a tent with a wooden floor.
Question
What's the weather usually like?
Answer
September in Philadelphia is typically warm and pleasant, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and low 80s and cooler evenings -- think low 60s to high 50s. We recommend bringing a light jacket or wrap for nighttime, if you run a little cold.
Question
Is the venue accessible?
Answer
Most of the wedding will be taking place outside, sometimes on uneven grass or gravel. There is a small hill that guests will navigate between the ceremony and cocktail hour. Inside the castle is not ADA accessible. It has steep stairs and narrow, uneven passages. The bathroom is located in the Welcome Center and is fully accessible.
Question
What happens after the ceremony?
Answer
Immediately following the ceremony guests are invited to enjoy cocktail hour on the lawn and/or explore inside the castle! Please no drinks or food inside the castle.
Question
Can I take photos?
Answer
We are having an unplugged ceremony and kindly ask you to refrain from cellphone and camera usage during the ceremony. Afterwards, while you're welcome to take pictures, we really hope you can be in the moment and enjoy the celebration with us. We will have photographers capturing the day and a photo booth guests can enjoy!
Question
Where are you registered?
Answer
Your presence is the greatest gift, but if you'd like to celebrate with a gift, please check out the Registry tab on this website for all the information.
Question
What should I do in Philadelphia?
Answer
We know many of you are traveling from out of state and can't thank you enough for making the trip! As the wedding is on Sunday evening, we anticipate guests spending the weekend in the city. Please visit the Things To Do tab on this website for our favorite activities, shops, and restaurants!
Question
What is Fonthill Castle?
Answer
Henry Chapman Mercer, famed archaeologist and tile-maker, constructed and lived in this “Castle for the New World” from 1908 to 1912. Made of reinforced concrete, this castle is a mix of Medieval, Gothic, and Byzantine styles. Nowadays, it's the centerpiece of the “Mercer Mile” in Doylestown. Visitors come to Fonthill to see Mercer’s collection of art and architecture. These artifacts range from Moravian tiles of the Arts & Crafts movement, European prints from his travels, and even his personal collection of 6,000 annotated books.