FAQs

Question

Why is the wedding hybrid (in-person and virtual)?

Answer

Unfortunately, due to the current situation, we are not able to invite all of you to celebrate with us in person. While we hope everyone can be vaccinated by the summer, it is impossible for us to assume that will be true. As we have family members who are elderly and thus more vulnerable to COVID, we hoped to protect them as much as possible in the context of celebrating our marriage. Please do not consider a lack of invitation to the in-person wedding to mean anything about how much you mean to us. We cannot wait until the pandemic is over to celebrate more with you in-person -- Is this all just an excuse to be able to celebrate multiple times? Maybe...

Question

Why didn't you wait until COVID is over to have the wedding?

Answer

While we certainly considered this possibility, we wanted to get married sooner rather than later - partially because, let's be honest, we're basically a married couple except for a legal document, but also because medical residency is tough and planning a wedding at the same time would be challenging. We just didn't want to wait another 3 years (especially after we've already known each other for 10).

Question

I was invited to the in-person wedding, but what about COVID???

Answer

While we hope that by the time June rolls around, most (if not all) of our guests will be vaccinated, this is simply something that is impossible to predict. Given that, we have done everything to plan our event to be as safe as possible in accordance with state guidelines. To start, we have limited our in-person attendance list to 25 people and the entire wedding will be held outdoors to allow for social distancing. During the reception, there will be 3 long tables and seating arrangements were grouped such that you will be seated with those most likely to be in your "COVID bubble" (i.e., the Yu family, the Li family, and beloved friends). Each table will have its own allocated portions of food as well as its own grill to minimize contact among the tables. All food will be handled by as few people as possible (primarily us and our wedding party). When not eating, we ask that everyone wear masks when interacting. Hand sanitizer will be provided as well.

Question

I will be traveling from out-of-state - what should I do before attending the wedding?

Answer

First, thank you so much for traveling to be with us on this special day! This post will be updated in May as we get closer to the wedding as we anticipate state travel guidelines and restrictions will change as more people get vaccinated.

Question

Where is the wedding?

Answer

If you'll be joining us in person, the address is 61 River Drive, Marlboro, NJ 07746. Google Maps will tell you the way but if you like fun cartoon icons of cars, Waze is pretty decent too. The entire event will be held in the backyard of Xiaoling's NJ home (plenty spacious for social distancing, we promise!). If you'll be joining us virtually, the Zoom link is:

Question

What is the schedule on the day of the wedding?

Answer

10:00-10:30 AM EST: Wedding Ceremony 10:30-12:00 PM EST: Time to Mingle (We will be spending most of our time with virtual guests) 12:00-2:00 PM EST: Lunch 2:00-5:00 PM EST: Time to chillax and enjoy (cake and dessert time included!)

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

If you'll be joining us in person, something comfortable, floral prints appreciated. Most of the backyard is grass so it could be a little damp depending on the day. If you'll be joining us virtually, fuzzy socks are mandatory. If it's too warm for fuzzy socks, we will accept a crazy hairdo. Also some food crumbs from the snacks you should be eating.

Question

What is the theme of the wedding?

Answer

Can't you tell? Flowers. Plants. More flowers. Oh, and purple.

Question

I know him as Alexander so why is his name written as Xander?

Answer

When we first met, Sarah and I (Xiaoling) decided there were too many "Alexander"s and "Alex"s. To be able to distinguish this special cookie from the rest, he became "Xander". His name has since evolved to "Xandy" but we thought that might be too much for everyone to stomach.

Question

Why is your email "chisquared4ever"?

Answer

Chi squared...like X^2...Because we're Xiaoling and Xander and he does statistics... We thought it was clever...