FAQs
Question
I thought Alex and Sarah were already married?
Answer
Yes they are! Alex and Sarah were civilly married on June 10th, 2017 in Black Earth, WI. Sarah then took the proper steps to becoming Catholic, which now includes a convalidation ceremony for her and Alex.
Question
What is a Convalidation Ceremony?
Answer
A convalidation ceremony is a Catholic religious ceremony that validates a marriage that was performed outside of the Catholic Church. The word "convalidation" comes from the Latin words con and validare, which mean "to firm up" or "to strengthen" and "getting married with validity" respectively.
Question
I am not Catholic. What can I expect during this convalidation ceremony?
Answer
This ceremony will look like a traditional wedding ceremony in a lot of ways. This ceremony will also be celebrated within a full Catholic Mass. Because of this, there will be communion. Please only receive the eucharist if you are Baptized and Confirmed in the Catholic Church. Mass, exchanging of vows, hymns, Scripture readings, the priest's homily....it is a lot to take in, but it will be a remarkable and joyous occasion! UPDATE: This ceremony was originally going to include Sarah's First Communion. However, this will now be celebrated separately on Sunday, January 5th!
Question
Can I RSVP online or do I have to mail in an RSVP card?
Answer
We invite you to RSVP online here https://www.zola.com/wedding/sarahandalex2025/rsvp or by mailing in the RSVP card sent with the invitation.
Question
What date should I RSVP by?
Answer
Please let us know your plans by December 15, 2024.
Question
What are the addresses of the ceremony and reception venues?
Answer
Ceremony - 5101 Schofield St, Monona, WI 53716 Reception - 6308 Inland Wy, Monona, WI 53713 Please see the Schedule tab for a Google Map link and directions for both locations.
Question
Is there parking available near your venue(s)?
Answer
Parking for the ceremony includes street parking in front of the church (on Schofield St.) or the large parking lot behind the church. Parking for the reception includes limited vacancies at the venue itself. There is street parking stalls at the entrance of Inland Way, as well as a parking lot at the corner of W Broadway and Inland Way. Businesses in this area include Buck & Honey's and Tasting Room.
Question
Will your ceremony be indoors or outdoors?
Answer
The ceremony, cocktail hour and reception will all be indoors.
Question
What should I wear?
Answer
Formal attire is not required. Although we do ask that you wear your Sunday best, please dress comfortably for a Wisconsin Winter!
Question
Am I allowed to bring a plus one?
Answer
You are welcome to bring a guest to our ceremony and reception. We kindly ask you include this in your RSVP response.
Question
Am I allowed to bring my children?
Answer
Your children are a welcome addition to our special day. We kindly ask you include this in your RSVP response. Please note, there will be no childcare services provided. However, we will do our best to provide appropriate meal options.
Question
What type of food will be served at your wedding?
Answer
We'll be serving hors d'oeuvres at cocktail hour followed by a buffet style dinner with choice of entree. Please see below for the menu we will be offering. Hors d'oeuvre options include: - Assorted Vegetables w/ Dip - Cheese, Sausage and Crackers - Taco Dip w/ Tortilla Chips - Queso Cheese and Chips - Vegetable Egg Rolls Dinner options include: - Dinner Salad - Dinner Rolls and butter - Potatoes Au Gratin - Honey Glazed Baby Carrots - Sliced Roast Beef in Au Jus - Chicken Cordon Bleu
Question
Will there be an open bar?
Answer
We will have a bar and bartender available for drink options. We are offering free soda and water to our guests throughout the evening. A cash bar is available for all alcoholic drinks.
Question
Where are you registered?
Answer
Your presence at our ceremony is the greatest gift we could ask for. We are not accepting gifts, thank you.
Question
What is the itinerary for ceremony day?
Answer
Ceremony at 2pm with pictures to follow. Cocktail hour at 4:00pm. Dinner at 5:30pm with dancing to follow.
Question
What time will your reception end?
Answer
We have the banquet room and DJ reserved until 10pm.
Question
Will there be a time gap between your ceremony and reception?
Answer
Yes, the ceremony is expected to last around an hour and a half. Family and the wedding party will remain at the church for photos, while all other guests are invited to head to the reception at Breakwater for cocktail hour at 4pm.
Question
Am I allowed to take photos at your ceremony?
Answer
We ask that you kindly refrain from taking any photos during our ceremony and allow our photographer to capture the moments. But please feel free to take as many as you would like during the reception!
Question
Will there be hotel accommodations for those travelling from out of town?
Answer
We will have a block of rooms set aside for our out of town guests. Please visit the Travel tab to learn more and to reserve a room!
Question
I have more questions, who can I contact?
Answer
You can direct any other questions you may have to Sarah Dorr. Feel free to call or send a text to (608) 217-9157 or via email at Dorr.SarahL@gmail.com.