FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
So, wait - how did you two meet? Where's that adorable/corny page with the photos of you, and the wonderful story of how you got engaged?
If you're asking these questions, it has been way too long since we caught up, and we probably miss you. Call us to reprimand us, and we'll fill you in on all the details! If you're invited to the wedding, it's definitely because one of us loves you, and we hope you'll join us to celebrate.
In the meantime, if you really like looking at corny photos, we actually dedicated a page to them (see the Gallery).
Why New Orleans?
We explained this a bit on our "New Orleans" page, but it's one of those places that we now think everyone should visit once in their lives, and it's off the beaten path enough that even some of our most well-traveled friends hadn't been - we thought we'd helpfully let you cross it off the list. ;-). If you've been once, and made it off Bourbon Street, then you know why we think you'd want to go again.
TRAVEL AND LOGISTICS
What's the closest airport?
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Will I need to rent a car?
We intentionally kept all of the events centralized in and around the French Quarter, so no car will be needed during your stay unless you want to venture out of the city. The taxi is probably the best way to get in from the airport. Pick up is on the lower level, outside the baggage claim area.
Where should I stay?
See the "Accommodations" page for selected discounted hotels... we picked these to make things easier for you, but there are a plethora of hotels, inns, and airbnb's to suit everyone's taste. As all the wedding events are in the French Quarter, we recommend staying in or near it to cut down on your taxi fares (get in touch if you need our help figuring out where it is!).
Are there other good hotels available besides those listed on this site?
Yes, there are many, many great hotels in the city...we can recommend some others, just drop us a line.
I want to make a little mini-vacation out of my trip. Can you recommend other things to do when I'm in town?
And how! We've listed a few things on our New Orleans page, and are also working with the Convention and Visitor's Bureau to have guidebooks sent to you... but in the meantime, we've become a wealth of information ourselves, so get in touch and we'll tell you all we know.
Events, schedule, and things
A Pharmacy Museum? Maison Montegut? Tell us more about these places!
We were enchanted by both of them. The Pharmacy Museum has one of the loveliest courtyards in the French Quarter - and we thought it was an incredible bonus that it just happens to be part of one of the oldest - if not the oldest - apothecary shops... Maison Montegut is a really classic old New Orleans home - the most beautiful home we looked at - with a gorgeous magnolia tree in the courtyard. We loved that you could walk/dance/parade to it from the ceremony, and (special bonus for June) it has air-conditioning!
What time should I arrive at the ceremony?
We're so glad you asked! The doors will open at 6pm. We recommend that you come close to then, so that you have time to explore the museum a little bit, have a cocktail, see the Sofreh Aghd, chat to some of the other guests, and find your seat. The ceremony will begin soon after 6:30.
Sofreh Aghd? What's that?
It's a Persian tradition, dating back to Zorastrian times but still seen in Persian weddings today, and is decorated with objects (each of which has a special meaning) meant to offer the bride and groom good fortune in their married life. Ours will be a little bit of a twist on the original, but hopefully authentic enough for the non-Persian among you to get the idea!
Speaking of cultural traditions, what is a second-line parade?
It's a New Orleans tradition, thought to have its origins in West African ritual processions ... with some French Creole and brass instruments acquired along the way. They exist for all sorts of occasions, but at weddings, a second-line signifies the start of the bride and groom's new life together.
Guests are led through the streets by a brass band (who, with the bride and groom leading the parade, are the 'Main Line') ... the fact that everyone who follows are known as the 'second line' gives the parade its name. The second line's job is to wave their hankies in the air, dance, hoot, and holler!
Are the ceremony and reception venues close to each other?
Yes - it would take less than five minutes to walk between them. Our second-line parade will last more like a half-hour though, so we'll be winding our way through lots of French Quarter streets. For that reason - ladies, we recommend bringing a spare pair of flats, just so you're comfortable.
Speaking of shoes, what's the dress code?
Dress in something that makes you feel fabulous, of course! We'll be (naturally) dressed to the nines... It's early summer in New Orleans, and while it's in the evening, it'll probably be warm enough for short-sleeved or sleeveless/strapless dresses for the women, and shirtsleeves for the men (or, if your taste runs to it, your favorite seersucker suit!). Eveningwear and jackets are encouraged, but definitely not required.
The ceremony will be outdoors, but it won't be too long. The reception venue will have both an outdoor courtyard and an indoor air-conditioned area.
One more note: In a nod to our English heritage, fascinators are encouraged. In a nod to our Persian heritage, if you're feeling bold, wear gold. In a nod to our Missouri heritage... we'll get back to you!
Are our kids invited?
If you had planned to use our wedding as an excuse to let them enjoy quality time with their grandparents while you enjoy a well-deserved getaway, we can all pretend that you never read this far down, but of course your kids are invited! Seriously though - of course we'd rather have you with your kids than not at all! Leave us a note when you RSVP , so that we can plan on them coming. And since the reception is in the evening, if you need help regarding babysitting or other arrangements, send us an email - we can talk to our wedding planners and ask them to help you out.
Final notes
This was a novel (I'd expect nothing less) and I read it all. But I still have questions. What should I do?
Just give one of us a call...or email us at: sophandchris2015@gmail.com