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Shawn & JoeShawn & Joe

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The Wedding Website of Shawn Laurence Hersey and Joseph Matthew Messana
Question

When is the RSVP deadline?When is the RSVP deadline?

Answer

Please RSVP by April 1, 2025. We need to finalize our guest count, meal counts, etc. You can RSVP via mail or this website, whichever you prefer. We ask that you do not call or text us to RSVP, as we have a lot of details we're working on and do not want to accidentally forget to track your RSVP.

Question

What is the theme of the wedding?What is the theme of the wedding?

Answer

Putting it in the simplest terms, our theme is Timeless Love. We decided very early on that we wanted to share with you the things we enjoy as a couple. Being lovers of history, we knew that we wanted to take our guests on a journey to the past while celebrating our present and our future. Expect the unexpected, be prepared to be blown away, and don't be afraid if you learn something new about the past!

Question

What should I wear?What should I wear?

Answer

Our wedding dress code is black-tie optional. We would prefer guests to dress up but aren't requiring ultra-fancy attire - though we sure would love to see that!! We will be at a castle, after all! For women, this generally means a full-length silhouette or cocktail dress; hats/fascinators are welcomed and encouraged, but are not compulsory. For men, a tuxedo is not required but is definitely welcomed - especially if it has tails! Top hats are most enthusiastically encouraged. On wearing white - we are 2 guys ... neither of whom will be wearing a white dress. You may wear whatever color you would like. The ladies in the wedding party will be wearing various shades of blue, as they are our "something blue." At a heterosexual wedding, you're told to make sure that you don't upstage the bride. We don't have a bride ... so let's see some upstaging! We all want to be invited to a royal wedding, and this is the closest we're going to get - please take this opportunity to dress up! We want to see your fancy hats, your best attire, your version of "Dressing to the Nines." Please remember that the wedding is taking place outdoors (unless there's inclement weather) in early May in New Hampshire. We will try to update our site with the weather forecast the week of our big day.

Question

What is the weather going to be so I can plan to dress accordingly?What is the weather going to be so I can plan to dress accordingly?

Answer

We plan to update this answer the week of our wedding, once we see the forecast. The average weather forecast for Windham, New Hampshire for May 1st is: High Temp: 69 Average Temp: 47 Low Temp: 39 Sunset: 7:45 PM May 1, 2023: 51 degrees; overcast May 1, 2024: 54 degrees As of April 23, 2025, Accuweather.com is forecasting a partially sunny day with a high of 73 degrees and low of 48 degrees.

Question

Is there parking on the castle grounds?Is there parking on the castle grounds?

Answer

Yes. Parking is to the right of the fork in the road, please follow the signs to the main parking area. Parking is free. (For guests who have had a little too much to drink, you are allowed to leave your car overnight without fear of being towed.)

Question

May I bring a Plus-One?May I bring a Plus-One?

Answer

Please refer to the invitation you received regarding additional guests. We will have prepared for a set number of seats at the ceremony and meals at the reception. If you insist on bringing additional (uninvited) guests, please bring your company a lawn chair, a sandwich to eat, and a piece of cake for dessert.

Question

May I bring my child(ren)?May I bring my child(ren)?

Answer

No. Whereas we love them, we are having an adult-only ceremony and reception. This allows our guests to enjoy their time with us without having to worry about watching their child(ren). Our gift to you is a night off!

Question

Which side of the aisle do I sit on?Which side of the aisle do I sit on?

Answer

We will not have set sides for our guests. Please sit on either side, wherever you are comfortable. We are all one family, so whichever side your seat is on is perfect. We will be having reserved seats for our mothers and a few others who have a role in our ceremony (or their partners). Those seats are set up for their role, and not by a side set by tradition. We ask that you respect the "reserved seat" signs. The first 2 rows on each side are reserved seats. Please note that we will have special ushers on hand between 3:30 pm and 3:50 pm, as our ushers will need time to get ready for the start of the ceremony.

Question

Do you mind if I snap photographs during the ceremony? Are you having an "Unplugged Ceremony"?Do you mind if I snap photographs during the ceremony? Are you having an "Unplugged Ceremony"?

Answer

We wish to have an "unplugged ceremony". We hope for ourselves and our guests to be completely present during the ceremony. We ask that guests keep their phones, cameras, and other electronic devices away during the service. We have hired photographers and a videographer to capture these moments. Guests are welcomed and encouraged to capture as many moments as they wish before the ceremony, throughout cocktail hour, and the reception. The phone ban is only for the ceremony.

Question

May I go in the castle?May I go in the castle?

Answer

Yes! The first floor of the castle will be open for guests during our cocktail hour. You can get a drink at the cash bar, snack on hors d'ouveres, explore the first floor, and view photos of the happy couple! Please sign our guest book while you're there. There are bathrooms in the front of the castle, and those will remain available to guests throughout the evening. The second floor is limited to the wedding party.

Question

How do I get to the reception?How do I get to the reception?

Answer

Our reception is taking place at the same location as the ceremony. After the ceremony, we will have an hors d'ouever hour that will take place in the castle and courtyard. Following this, you will be allowed into the white tent for the reception.

Question

What if I have dietary restrictions?What if I have dietary restrictions?

Answer

Please let us know ASAP!!! We can accommodate dietary needs, as long as we have advanced notice. The sooner we are made aware, the easier we can resolve any potential issue. We will not be able to solve this on our wedding day ... so speak now or forever hold your peace!! We ask that you mark your needs on your RSVP Card, message us, or call us. If you RSVP using this website, you will be prompted to enter any dietary restrictions you may have. Please indicate the name of the guest with the dietary restriction to help us ensure we accommodate your specific need.

Question

Can I bring my gift to the wedding?Can I bring my gift to the wedding?

Answer

Your presence is present enough, but should you wish to bring a gift to the wedding, there will be a gift table for your convenience. There will also be a box for any cards.

Question

What happens in the event of inclement weather?What happens in the event of inclement weather?

Answer

Our outside wedding would move inside the castle. The wedding will still take place in any event.

Question

Are you having an open bar or a cash bar?Are you having an open bar or a cash bar?

Answer

We are having a cash bar. There will be 2 bars set up, 1 inside the castle for cocktail hour and the 2nd inside the tent for the reception. The bar accepts cash, credit or debit! Additionally, if you are over 21 and plan on drinking, please bring your ID.

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