Kindly RSVP by April 15th, 2026 via the QR code on the invitation. If you have any trouble, please reach out to Lauren.
Yes, our celebration calls for elegant, formal attire as we gather for this special evening. Guests are warmly encouraged to dress in elegant evening attire — dark suits with a tie for gentlemen, and formal gowns or sophisticated dresses for ladies. We envision a timeless, elevated look befitting a summer evening in a Spanish castle.
We kindly share that our wedding will be an adults-only celebration, and we so appreciate your understanding as we look forward to an evening of joy and elegance with you.
Yes, transportation will be provided for our international guests. The buses will arrive to the hotels at approximately 4:00PM to ensure all guests arrive to the church by 4:30PM. The pick-up point will be a centrally located area between both hotels. Due to local one-way streets, this location is within a five-minute walk of each hotel. We greatly appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for everyone. Exact bus pick up details will be provided soon.
To ensure a seamless and timely celebration, if you are driving or using a ride-share service, we kindly ask that all guests arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. Please note as our celebration takes place on a Friday, intend for traffic. For those staying at the hotel and using our arranged transportation, you’ll be right on schedule—shuttles will be timed to get you there accordingly. Your punctuality will help us create a smooth and memorable experience for everyone.
The welcome party will take place on Thursday, Friday June 25th at Doña Carmela which is approximately a 20 minute walk from the hotels or a 5 minute drive. For the welcome party, ladies are invited to wear a short or long dress, while gentlemen may opt for dress pants paired with a button-up shirt. Doña Carmela: P.º de la Castellana, 143, Tetuán, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Please note that transportation will not be provided for the welcome party. The venue will be located near our recommended hotels—making it easily accessible by common services such as Cabify, Uber, or taxi.
In Madrid, taxis and the metro are the most common and convenient ways to get around the city. While Uber is available, it can be limited at times. For a reliable alternative, we recommend downloading Cabify—a local ride-sharing app that offers a similar experience with excellent service throughout the city.
Spain is six hours ahead of the United States, and it’s customary for many establishments to begin closing around 4 PM to prepare for the evening service. Dinner reservations typically start around 8 PM, reflecting the country’s relaxed and leisurely approach to dining. The sun will not typically set until approximately 9:30 PM.
While Madrid is a vibrant and safe city, it’s wise to exercise discretion with high-end jewelry, watches, and designer bags, as tourists can still be targeted by opportunistic thieves such as pickpockets. Staying mindful of your belongings will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
When shopping in Spain, visitors from the United States may be eligible for a VAT (value-added tax) refund, commonly referred to as “tax free” shopping. To take advantage of this benefit, simply bring your passport with you and ask the store if they offer tax-free purchases. Many retailers will process the paperwork at the time of purchase, while others will provide a tax-free form or receipt to be finalized at a tax-free office. For convenience, El Corte Inglés Castellana, a large shopping center located near the hotels, has a dedicated tax-free office on its lowest level, where refunds can be processed. Before departing Spain, tax-free purchases must be validated at the airport. After checking your bags and before going through security, you will find self-service scanners labeled DIVA, located just behind the American Airlines check-in area. Simply scan each receipt’s tax-free barcode to validate your purchases. Once your receipts have been scanned, you are all set to proceed through security and continue your journey home.
Most international flights to Spain are overnight red-eye flights, typically providing both dinner and breakfast. Airlines will ask about dietary restrictions when booking, though myself, I prefer to bring a few favorite snacks and a meal from the airport onboard. Each passenger is provided with headphones for the in-flight entertainment, along with a small blanket and pillow. They do dim the cabin lights, but an eye mask and a sleep aid can also be helpful to ensure rest on the journey. Flights generally arrive early in the morning, allowing for a good night’s sleep in transit. On your first day in Spain, you may feel the urge to nap—if you do, set an alarm so your rest is brief, allowing you to enjoy an early night and wake refreshed.