FAQs
Question
When should I RSVP by?
Answer
Please RSVP by June 20th, 2019. *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
We want everyone to relax and enjoy their night, kid-free. Kids are welcome to be parent-free. elsewhere :)
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 Renee or Neou.
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 ten 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
Yes, we are registered with Costco, Bed Bath Beyond, and Crate & Barrel. Our registry can be found at : https://www.myregistry.com/giftlist/reneeandneou
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. Neou and Renee will NOT "kiss the bride" at the end. There is no romantic kissing in church.
Question
What does Coptic Orthodox mean?
Answer
So glad you asked. If you would like to read more, I've copied a few links to some reading you can do at your leisure. 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 Renee for any questions or wonderings! (I'm a teacher, this is what I do!) 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/
Question
How did Renee and Neou meet?
Answer
If you've ever been in a room with Renee and Neou, you might ask yourself, "how did these two very different people meet, fall in love, and decide to spend forever together?" Its a story of mutual friends, mutual interests, and a chance meeting. It all started because Simon Chan was born. Renee and Simon had been friends since first grade, and after years of not seeing each other, Renee decided to show up solo at his birthday party at the Baltic Room on July 17, 2010. Neou was also friends with Simon and attending the same birthday party. See where this is heading? Renee caught Neou's eye, and was assisted by another mutual friend, Yien. Neou asked Yien to introduce him to her friend. Yien went one step further, exchanging their numbers for them in their phones-and the rest is history! Because of a birthday party and wingwoman assist, Neou and Renee have been adventuring together the last nine years, with a life time more to come.