FAQs

Question

What nods to the couple might I have missed at the wedding? [recap]

Answer

>> Music << Many of the songs played throughout the day came from our favorite games, artists, and media, either in their original form or as instrumental covers. Of note, the bridal song was "Zelda's Lullaby" (from Ocarina of Time) and the recessional song was "Slateport" (from Pokemon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire). "Littleroot Town" (also from Pokemon ORAS) preceded the processional song as well. Our first dance song was "Reprise" (from Ghibli's Spirited Away), and our cake cutting song was "Romance in the Air" (from Skyward Sword)...which was very appropriate given the 'cake in the air'. :p There were various videogame songs ("Rainbow Road" from Mario Kart, Majora's Mask, Final Fantasy XIV, and maybe even Ace Attorney!), as well as some (secretly added) Vocaloid songs to surprise the groom. >> Yuka << A cut-out of our beloved dog was perched on some of the counters/tables during the event, as she couldn't attend herself. >> Signature Drinks << Every year, we visit the Melting Pot (a fondue restaurant) in Madison to celebrate either our anniversary or one of our birthdays. At that restaurant, Rose never fails to get her favorite cocktail, the Love Martini, with its red hue and floating heart-shaped strawberries. We used their recipe for our "Love Blooms" signature drink as a nod to this annual tradition. "Garden Lights" is Aaron's father's recipe for Luces de Habana (Lights of Havana). Rose instantly loved it when she got to try it, the taste and green coloring reminding her of the relaxing outdoors. There's a fun story behind how Aaron's family discovered this drink as well! >> Crème brulée << Aaron adores crème brulée and has always vehemently refused to share it with anyone--that is, until Rose came along. On one of their trips visiting Aaron's family, Aaron had ordered crème brulée for dessert.... Rose asked if she could have some and he willingly shared it! That, they say, was how they instantly knew she was the one.

Question

What cultural nods might I have missed at the wedding? [recap]

Answer

<< Food >> Lee John's, our wonderful caterer, was able to re-create quintessential Vietnamese flavors (and dishes!) in a more modern style to suit everyone's tastes for our cocktail hour appetizers as well as for the reception dinner. Vietnamese food tends to have fresh flavors (thanks to the many herbs used) with savoriness added by Nước chấm (literally "dipping sauce"). Of note, the passed sliders (the bride's favorite) were made in the style of bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwiches) with thịt xá xíu (red BBQ pork), and Phở (the soup course) is often what first comes to mind when it comes to Vietnamese cuisine. << Lion Dance >> Lion Dances are performances many South East Asian cultures have for good luck, often showcasing the dancers' physical prowess and humor. They are often seen during Lunar New Year (Tết for the Vietnamese), new business ventures, and grand openings. Tangerines and lettuce, often used in these performances, are symbols of luck, fortune, and happiness. They say those hit by the lettuce the lions "spit up" are especially lucky! << Pink (Red) Envelopes >> Many South East Asian cultures, including the Vietnamese, employ the use of Red Envelopes to give well wishes and luck during special events like Lunar New Year, birthdays, and other special occasions (like weddings!). These are typically filled with some amount of money, and are handed to the recipient with verbal wishes for their health, happiness, and fortune. << Áo Dài (attire worn during the Welcome Party) >> Literally translated "long shirt", these are the traditional outfits for the Vietnamese. They typically have long flaps in the front and back with slits at the sides, and are worn with flowy pants in black, white, or a matching color. They can be plain (for everyday wear) or embroidered with designs, sparkles, and more flaps for fancier occasions. Oftentimes, you'll see dragons and/or (Phoenix-like) birds on these outfits, as symbols of strength, nobility, and fortune for the Vietnamese.

Question

What were in the Welcome/Favor Boxes? [recap]

Answer

Aaron and Rose are big on charcuterie and cheese, especially with jam and crackers, and what's a visit to Wisconsin without some award-winning cheese?! We partnered with Fromagination (in Madison) to include a Carr Valley (our favorite cheesemaker!) Mobay, Peach Chamomile jam, crisps, and some local chocolate truffles. The Mobay is sheep milk and goat milk cheeses separated by a layer of grape vine ash pressed together. We love experimenting with flavor profiles, so we hope essentially having two cheeses in one to mix and match brings you as much delight as it does us! A packet of seeds for wildflowers (mixed with something unique we love) was also included, as we also enjoy flowers and gardening. Please do send us photos of your blooms, and any guesses for what the mystery seed is!

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Question

What's the dress code for the wedding?

Answer

Formal--think suit and tie, mid-to-floor length gowns, fancy cocktail dresses, and dressy pantsuits. Please no jeans, khakis, polo shirts, or t-shirts.

Question

Are there any other events that I should know about surrounding the wedding?

Answer

Yes! We will be having a Welcome Party the night before at Onesto. Since it's a long holiday weekend, feel free to extend your stay and explore Wisconsin further! We will be traveling back to Madison on Saturday (8/31) and guests are welcome to hang out with us in our home city as well.

Question

What can I expect at the Welcome Party?

Answer

We will be serving Italian food, buffet-style, and alcohol will be available to order. Come meet the families, mingle, and say hi to the bride and groom before their big day! BIG thank you to Ken and Susan for hosting this! <3 Dress code is business casual for the Welcome Party, so feel free to show up in button-down shirts, polos, blouses, slacks, khakis, and so on.

Question

Do we need a car?

Answer

It is advisable to have a means of transportation, whether that's renting a car or using a ride-sharing app; most hotel options (and other attractions) will be downtown, while our venue is about 15 minutes from downtown. If you're planning on visiting Madison afterward, it's a ~1.5 hour drive away and you may want to consider flying back via the Madison airport.

Question

Where should we park for the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Feel free to use the school parking lot across the street from our venue! Street parking is also available around the block.

Question

Are children invited?

Answer

While we think your children are lovely, our event has not been planned with children in mind and it may not be the most enjoyable event for them. (Our venue requires children to be supervised at all times.) Please keep this in mind when determining attendance and what would work best for your family. We will have a few babies and a child or two in attendance; we are trusting their guardians to be thoughtful and responsible.

Question

Where's Yuka?

Answer

Our dog is celebrating in her home away from home at Ruffin' It Resort! She is eagerly anticipating greeting her humans when they return to Madison, away from all the new faces, smells, and noise.