FAQs

Question

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) is here and most functions are either being cancelled or postponed, will the wedding still go on?

Answer

We have decided to postpone the wedding to next year. The new date is July 17, 2021. Your health and safety is our primary concern. We pray and hope that by next year, this Coronavirus saga will be over and we can celebrate together.

Question

What should I wear? Is there a dress code?

Answer

Yes, there is a dress code for each event. We kindly ask our guests and patrons to wear African Attire for the Bridal Shower; Formal Attire (Suit & tie/bow for male and Dress for female) for the Wedding & Reception; and Casual for the Cookout.

Question

What will the weather be like this time of year?

Answer

Columbia, SC is famously known for being 'very hot' during the Summer. Since, July is in the Summer, we expect the weather to be very hot and humid.

Question

Where are the ceremony and the reception taking place?

Answer

The Wedding Ceremony will take place at The College Place United Methodist Church located at 4801 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203. We expect the ceremony to begin at 3:30 pm in the aftrernoon. The Reception will take place at the USC Alumni Center located at 900 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201. We expect the Hors D'oeuvres to begin at 5:30 pm while the actual reception to begin at 7 pm.

Question

Will the ceremony and reception be indoors or outdoors?

Answer

Both ceremony and reception are indoors.

Question

What happens after the ceremony?

Answer

After the ceremony, the bridal party will be taking pictures nearby for about an hour. Guests can head straight to the reception hall where Hors D'oeuvres and beverages will be served.

Question

Are there other wedding events I can attend?

Answer

Yes. There is a Bridal Shower on Friday, July 17th and Cookout on Sunday, July 19th. Please refer to the itinerary page for more details.

Question

What should I do if I can’t make it?

Answer

You will be missed! If you can not make it to the wedding, please let us know as soon as possible and RSVP “no,” so we can plan accordingly. However, if you RSVP "yes" and for some reason something comes up and you know you can not make it to the wedding, please also let us know as soon as your situation changes.

Question

Where should guests park? Is parking free?

Answer

Valet Service will be provided at the Reception Hall. However, there will be no valet service at the church. There is a parking lot adjacent and around the church where you can park for free.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

While we love your little ones, our wedding is going to be an adults-only event so that everyone can relax and enjoy the evening. We appreciate you making arrangements ahead of time and leaving the kids at home so you can celebrate with us.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

We have a strict guest list to stay on budget. Our wedding is strictly RSVP only. We will only able to accommodate those listed on your invitation.

Question

Do you have a hotel block for guests? Where do you recommend I stay?

Answer

Yes. We have reserved blocks of rooms at several hotels for guests. Please go to the accommodation page for more details.

Question

When is the RSVP deadline? Do I need to mail back my RSVP or can I do it online?

Answer

The RSVP deadline is April 30th, 2020. You do have RSVP cards in your invitation packet for you to RSVP and choose your meal preference. Because of this, we will appreciate if you will mail back the RSVP card. Another thing, we do realize that you are requested to RSVP in April and the wedding is in July. However, if for any reason, your situation changes and you cannot attend the wedding although you have already RSVP, please let us know immediately.

Question

Are the ceremony and reception location wheelchair accessible?

Answer

Yes. Both the ceremony and reception locations are wheelchair accessible.

Question

Will food and drinks be served at the reception? What kind of food?

Answer

Yes. Food and drinks will be served at the reception. We will have a cocktail hour from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm where both food and drinks will be served and guests can mingle. The reception begins at 7 pm and it is a sit down dinner where food and drinks will be served. At the reception, you will have to choose between Salmon and Chicken for the main course. Again, please include this on your RSVP.

Question

Will there be any vegan/vegetarian/gluten free/special diet options?

Answer

We have vegan/vegetarian or special meal option but we prefer that you let us know ahead of time so we can plan appropriately. Please let us know on your RSVP if you will need any special meal.

Question

Where are you registered?

Answer

We have gifts registry at Zola and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Please go to the Gift Registry page to see the registry.

Question

Will transportation be provided between to/from the hotel?

Answer

No. Guest will have to arrange their own transportation.

Question

Can I take and post pictures of the wedding on social media?

Answer

Yes, we encourage guests to post their own pictures onto their social media channels and tag each photo with our wedding hashtag #sampsonstrong2020 so we can keep track of all of your pictures. Our only request is that you do not post pictures of the Bride and Groom until our official pictures are posted! We also created a snap chat filter for our wedding that you can use for your snap chats.

Question

I still have questions, what is the best way to contact you?

Answer

If you still have any other questions, please call or send a text to 803-238-6445, 803-238-4094 or 803-463-2909.