FAQs
Question
WHEN SHOULD I RSVP BY?
Answer
Please RSVP by July 1, 2022. *please note: it is not necessary to RSVP for the ceremony, just the reception.
Question
IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
Answer
Semi-formal attire. For men, that would be a suit and tie. For women that can be floor length, short, or a flowy dress. Leave the white up to the bride!
Question
ARE KIDS WELCOME?
Answer
Kids are more than welcome, please RSVP for them so we know if it is their best interest to be with their age group or with parents.
Question
CAN I BRING A DATE/PLUS ONE?
Answer
While we love to spread the love, we do not have the capacity to allow for plus ones or dates. Of course you and your committed significant other are very welcome. However, if you find yourself newly single, we cannot accommodate a new love interest. If your significant other cannot make it, it does not mean you have an open invite to choose your own guest. We are confident you will not be lonely at our wedding. If you have any questions, please reach out to Stephanie or John.
Question
WHAT DOES "UNPLUGGED" MEAN?
Answer
It means we appreciate you not taking photos at the beginning of the wedding ceremony- relax, enjoy, and leave that up to the professionals! If you feel so compelled to snap a few shots, please wait until after the bride and groom have walked down the aisle.
Question
TRANSPORTATION?
Answer
The distance between the church and reception site is less than 15 minutes. We recommend playing it safe and either carpooling or using lyft or uber. There are plenty hotels in the area, so relax and party on!
Question
ARE YOU REGISTERED? WHERE?
Answer
As we cannot reasonably travel with gifts on our return to the East Coast, we appreciate monetary presents. This can be through CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle CashApp -- $hafzalla13 Venmo -- @hafzalla Zelle -- John's Phone (206) 714-7814
Question
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE CEREMONY?
Answer
The ceremony will be a traditional Coptic Orthodox ceremony. Holy matrimony is one of the seven sacraments of the church, and the service has maintained the same prayers, reading selections, hymns, and rituals for centuries. The ceremony will be performed in English and Arabic, with most hymns in the original Coptic. You may sit on either side of the church, with the exception of the front rows being reserved for immediate family. At times during the ceremony you will be sitting, at times you will be standing-just look around and follow what others are doing. There are not many 'do's' or 'don'ts', but a few things to consider while at church: Feel free to cross your legs at the ankles. However, crossing your legs at the knee is considered impolite/disrespectful. If you decide to have a saucy dress (more power to you!) go ahead and bring a shawl to keep all that sauce for the reception. Stephanie and John will NOT "kiss the bride" at the end. There is no romantic kissing in church.
Question
WHAT DOES COPTIC ORTHODOX MEAN?
Answer
Some big ideas are: The Coptic Church has deep and ancient roots in Egypt, founded by St. Mark. Coptic can refer to the language, people and/or religion. The Copts are the native inhabitants of Egypt, descending from the Pharaohs. The language uses Greek letters, and is the last stage of the ancient Egyptian language. You can also be Coptic Orthodox if you are baptized into the church and follow the church teachings and beliefs. Again, just reach out to John & Stephanie for questions or wonderings. Additional reading: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/archaeology-and-history/magazine/2019/03-04/coptic-christianity-ancient-egypt/ http://www.suscopts.org/coptic-orthodox/church/ http://www.copticcentre.com/the-coptic-orthodox-church/