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June 14, 2019
Houston, Texas
#PrayForSwain

Courtney & Matthew

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FAQs

Question

What is the Parking Situation Downtown?

Answer

There is a parking lot to the south of the church, nearly in front of the Minute Maid park entrance. This is the church's parking lot and you may park there. However, since there is an Astro's Game that evening, your vehicle must be moved at the conclusion of the ceremony or it will be towed or ticketed. Our venue is 1.8 Miles West of the church and there is plenty of free parking at the venue. If you would rather, you can park at the venue and take the light rail to the church. Please note that the light rail does have a small cost to it, but if you are worried about traffic, this is a good alternative. Please make sure to lock your vehicles/hide valuables as we are in downtown.

Question

How long is the Ceremony?

Answer

We are having a Catholic Mass with the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. The entire Mass and Ceremony will likely last between 50 and 80 minutes in total.

Question

How Formal is the wedding?

Answer

Semi-Formal - please dress conservatively while on church grounds. Please no jeans. Black tie optional is also acceptable.

Question

Can we use phones/ipads/laptops/tablets during the ceremony?

Answer

We are having an unplugged ceremony and mass out of respect for the church. Also, the church says this about devices: "Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices are to be turned OFF or placed on mute when inside the church. Taking phone calls or texting during the liturgy is entirely inappropriate and not permitted." We do encourage you to take pictures after exiting the church and at anytime during the reception. Our hashtag for social media is #PrayForSwain We have a photographer to capture all the pictures during mass and the ceremony and we will upload them here as soon as we receive them! So just relax and be present with us during our holy matrimony!

Question

What other kind of rules does the Church have?

Answer

From the church: "You should come reverently and modestly attired and prepared to fully participate, be on time and with as little distractions as possible. No loud or excessive talking by anyone. No running or playing around by children. Maintaining a safe environment for children must be a priority. Children must be supervised and with an adult at all times No food, drink, chewing gum, tobacco products, etc. are permitted on church property. Throwing flower petals, birdseed, rice, confetti, bubbles, releasing doves or other animals is also not permitted. There are to be NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES or ILLEGAL NARCOTICS anywhere on church property, including the parking lot. Anyone found with such substances will be asked to leave the property. Depending on the circumstances, the wedding could be cancelled on the spot. NO CONCEALED HANDGUNS or WEAPONS of any kind on church property, including the parking lot and other church-owned buildings."

Question

Why does the church have so many rules?

Answer

Annunciation Catholic Church is the oldest church in Houston in continuous use and they wish to remain so. The following is copied from the packet we were given. "Just as when we attend ball games, movies, theatres, or any other venue, there is a standard of behavior expected, so even truer is it for worship in a sacred place or gathering. Care and respect of the church as a sacred place for prayer and worship is to be observed at all times. A prayerful reverence should be reflected in speech and in actions before, during, and after the wedding rehearsal and the wedding liturgy. To ensure there are no misunderstandings, the couple must inform/educate their guests and the wedding party of the expected behavior in the church/and church property."

Question

How can I learn about what is going on during the mass if I am not Catholic?

Answer

There are many good websites that you can look over before the ceremony takes place if you so wish. we will also have a program for you to look at that tells you what is going on as well as what takes place next. What to expect from the Ceremony (without an explanation of the Mass) https://www.theknot.com/content/catholic-wedding-ceremony-rituals The Mass part (while this is an example, it may not be the exact words spoken) http://www.ourladyofmercy.info/img/newmass.pdf

Question

When can we use our phone?

Answer

We would love for you to take as many pictures as you'd like after exiting the church! When uploading your gorgeous/funny/awesome photos to social media, please use our hashtag #PrayForSwain so everyone can easily find them. We do ask that you not take pictures or use your phone/tablet during mass or at any part of the ceremony out of respect to both the church and our photographer.

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