FAQs

Question

Is There a Dress Code?

Answer

We kindly ask guests to dress in semi-formal attire - think polished. Our ceremony will be outdoors and waterfront, and reception is a mix of indoor/outdoor. Tuxes and gowns are welcome and so are suits and cocktail dresses. Please avoid sneakers, crocs, flip flops or jeans. The bridal party will be dressed in a blue/grey/pink color palette, so feel free to complement (but not match) if you're looking for inspiration! Please steer clear of white, ivory, cream, eggshell, or anything that might be confused for bridal. Guests may want to dress with potential for waterfront winds. Additionally, the reception is on a yacht which is 3 levels with stairs; there is not an elevator on board. High-heel and dress wearers may want to keep this in mind as we want everyone to be comfortable!

Question

What Time Should I Arrive?

Answer

The ceremony will begin promptly at 6:00 PM. We kindly ask guests to arrive by 5:45 PM to allow time for valet parking and getting comfortably seated. Please plan your travel accordingly so you can relax and enjoy the celebration!

Question

Will Transportation Be Provided?

Answer

Valet parking will be available at the venue, but we are not providing additional transportation services. Our designated hotel blocks were selected for their convenient proximity, and there are plenty of other hotels and rental options nearby. For those arranging their own travel, rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber, as well as local taxis, are readily available in the area. We kindly ask that you plan ahead and travel safely and responsibly! ***Overnight parking is allowed at the venue if you choose to use alternate transportation at the end of the night, however any vehicles left overnight must be retrieved no later than 11:00am the following day.

Question

Is There Parking at the Venue?

Answer

There will be complimentary valet service at the venue for the evening! Guests will arrive at Jefferson Beach Marina located at 24400 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores, 48081. There is a sign at the entrance that reads "Safe Harbor Jefferson Beach Marina", and then after a short drive down the marina you will see a gate which will have an attendant to direct you the rest of the way. ***Overnight parking is allowed at the venue if you choose to use alternate transportation at the end of the night, however any vehicles left overnight must be retrieved no later than 11:00am the following day. *Please see Map #2 on the Gallery page for directions*

Question

What Food Will Be Served?

Answer

Food will be served strolling style. Menus will be displayed at each table, as well as marked at the food stations as follows: APPETIZERS Seasonal Fruit (V/GF/DF) Domestic Cheese (V) Savory Cheese Spreads with Flatbread (V/CS) Vegetables with Green Goddess Crème Fraiche (V/GF) Fire Roasted Vegetables (VG/GF/DF) Olive Baguette (V) Black Quinoa Salad (V/GF) MAIN COURSES: Strip Loin of Beef (GF) Lemon Thyme Chicken Potato Torta with Gorgonzola Cream (V/GF) Brioche Roll (V/CE/CSY) Green Beans (V/GF) Sonoma Salad (V/GF/CN) DESSERT: Petite Pastry Collection (V/CSY/CE)

Question

What If I Have a Food Allergy?

Answer

If you have a food allergy, please let us know on your RSVP so that we can notify our venue! V = Vegetarian VG = Vegan GF = Gluten Free CE = Contatins Egg CSY = Contains Soy CN = Contains Nuts CS = Contains Sesame

Question

Are Kids Invited?

Answer

We love your children and wish they could join in the festivities, however due to safety reasons and the limited space on the boat, we ask that children stay home. Come enjoy a date night out!

Question

Are the Ceremony Site and Reception Site at the Same Location?

Answer

Yes! The ceremony site is located on the water just a short distance from where the yacht is docked. The reception will take place on the yacht following the ceremony. In other words, once you arrive for the ceremony, you will be at the same location for the duration of the evening. *See Aerial View on the Gallery page for a visual of distance

Question

I Thought the Reception Was on the Infinity Yacht, and Now It Says Ovation?

Answer

We decided to upgrade our venue to The Ovation Yacht, which is a larger space and able to accommodate everyone we want to join us on our special day!

Question

I Am Concerned About My Attire with Unpredictable Weather

Answer

Unless there is inclement weather, the ceremony will be waterfront with potential of wind. We suggest that all dress accordingly - if not wearing sleeves you may want to bring something to cover your shoulders if you get cold. If you have long hair, you may want to wear it up. Additionally, the yacht has a mix of indoor and outdoor locations depending where you are. The first level with the food is completely indoors; the second level bar area is also indoors but does have an open door leading out to a deck. The third level with the dance floor is mostly uncovered, and completely open to the elements. All interior spots are temperature controlled.

Question

Will Bar Service Be Provided?

Answer

You bet! We will have an open bar for the evening. Enjoy as much as you would like!

Question

What If I Don’t Secure a Spot for Food, Since the Meal Service is Strolling?

Answer

The reception will be a strolling style - this means that everyone is welcome to visit the food stations and find their own seat at their leisure. Once you are done with your meal, we kindly ask that you mingle and/or make your way to the second or third levels to allow someone else to enjoy a meal as well. Meal service will run for roughly 1 - 1 & 1/5 hours to ensure everyone has a chance to eat, however if guests are still actively visiting the food stations the meal service will continue. Additionally, hors devours will be served on the second level beginning at boarding; if you are someone who does not secure a seat for meal service first, please enjoy a snack while you wait!

Question

What If I Don’t Want to Miss the Speech(es) But I Don’t Secure a Seat on the First Level?

Answer

The speech(es) will be video recorded and played live on a screen on the second level by the first bar! If you are unable to find a spot on the first level - or if you simply prefer to watch from the second level while enjoying a refreshment - this is an option for you!

Question

What If I Get Motion Sickness?

Answer

If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing preventative medication such as antiemetics. A popular over-the-counter option that is non-drowsy is Dramamine. If you plan to enjoy the open bar, please check for any potential interactions with alcohol beforehand. For a natural alternative, ginger is widely recognized for its ability to reduce nausea and motion sickness. Ginger ale will be available at both bars aboard, and ginger candies will be stocked in the emergency kits located in the restrooms, along with other anti-nausea supplies.

Question

Can I Bring a Plus One?

Answer

Our venue does have a limit on the number of guests we can accommodate. While most invitations were extended to couples, a few were sent for individual guests. Since sending the invites, we have had space open up. Therefore, if you received an invite addressed only to you, you are welcome to bring a guest as long as you let us know in advance! *If you would like to add someone onto your party, please reach out to Amanda or Aaron by April 30th! Our venue requires an accurate head count by May 1st; this is to ensure there are enough seats at the ceremony and enough food and drinks at the reception*

Question

When Is the RSVP Deadline?

Answer

For anyone who received an invite prior to March 1st, we ask for RSVPs by March 31, 2026! For those who have received an invite after March 1st, please respond by April 30, 2026. No RSVPs will be accepted after April 30th; this is because our venue requires a final headcount by May 1st.

Question

Do I have to Send My RSVP Back Through the Mail, or Can I RSVP Online?

Answer

If you did get a physical invite, we’ve made mailing your response super easy. We’ve already stamped all RSVP envelopes for your convenience, so you can simply pop them in the mail. Online RSVPs are now open after we learned that some guests did not receive their invites! Please visit the RSVP page to share your response online.

Question

Can I Take Pictures During the Ceremony?

Answer

We kindly ask that you refrain from taking photos during the ceremony. We’ve hired a professional photographer and videographer to capture all the special moments, so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about your phone. Thank you for helping us keep the focus on the celebration!

Question

What Time Does the Reception End?

Answer

The reception is aboard the Ovation yacht and will be cruising for 3 hours starting at 7:00pm. There is also an additional 1 hour of dockside time - a half hour before we take off and a half hour after we return. Guests can end the night any time after docking at 10:00pm or are welcome to stay all the way until 10:30pm.

Question

What If I Am Unable to Make the Ceremony, But Still Want to Join for the Reception?

Answer

If you cannot make the ceremony but want to come for the reception, please arrive at 6:30pm when the ceremony ends to avoid disruptions of the ceremony. This is also when boarding begins for the reception, and the yacht will leave promptly at 7:00pm. Arriving at 6:30pm will give plenty of time to use valet, board the yacht, and begin the festivities with refreshments and hors d'evours!

Question

What If I Am Unable to Make the Reception, But Still Want to Join for the Ceremony?

Answer

If you’d like to join us for the ceremony only, please let us know on your RSVP or reach out to Amanda or Aaron by April 30th. This helps us share an accurate guest count with the venue and plan the food accordingly. Thank you so much for helping us make everything run smoothly!

Question

Is Smoking Allowed On Board?

Answer

The Michigan Smoking Ban prohibits food or beverage in any designated smoking areas, therefore we have decided to forgo a smoking section so that guests can have food and drinks wherever they please.