FAQs

In case of any other questions/comments/concerns not covered on this site

Please contact Stefan Andreev +1(315)868-8019 via WhatsApp or text message.

Dress code

Please be mindful of the Russian Orthodox Church rules on dress attire inside the Chapel. See here for more information. "No one wearing shorts or dressed immodestly should enter the grounds [...] Women wishing to enter the church are kindly asked to wear a head covering and a skirt or dress which can be provided for upon request. Men should not be wearing t-shirts or short pants."

Parking

There are many places available to park at both the Church and the reception area. There is no need to worry about parking capacity.

When will the ceremony begin?

3pm on Sunday afternoon. It does not conflict with the regular Sunday Liturgy, since the marriage will happen after 12:00 noon eastern time.

What food options will there be?

We are planning on serving Mediterranean style dishes catered from local Utica restaurants, served buffet-style. The food distribution will be approximately 33% Vegetarian, 33% Pescatarian, and 33% Meat options. The final food choices have been selected based on the responses we received on the RSVP forms.

Will alcohol be served?

We are happy to invite all guests to bring their own alcohol to the reception. This will be a BYOB type situation. The only alcohol provided is champagne at each table for the wedding toast.

What about cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvre?

Yes! Both will happen before the lucky couple arrive at the reception (between 4:30-6:00pm). Mixed platters will be available as charcuterie treats at several stations in the venue. Mocktail ingredients will also be available along with non-alcoholic soft drinks such as water, juices, and sodas at the beverage stations.

Are children allowed?

Regrettably, we would like to keep the venues free from any distracting or disruptive behavior. Only adults and young-adults are invited, unfortunately.

What types of gifts are requested?

Any and all types of gifts are well appreciated. Your attendance is plenty already! If we had to choose anything specific, though, please contribute whatever amount you find, at your discretion, to the Registry (Gifts) header at the top of the page. This will help us partially recuperate the costs of hosting everybody.

What if I need transportation options from the Church to the reception area?

Please fill out the RSVP form and indicate that you would like to carpool. We will follow-up with you about shuttle options.

Will there be festivities? Dancing?

Yes and yes! There is a dance floor at the reception. Both outside and inside spaces are available for exploration, including a bonfire to light up the evening! Yard games will be open, such as corn hole, tic-tac-toe, giant jenga, limbo, wheel-of-fortune, etc. There is a photo-booth as well!

!MORE UPDATES COMING SOON!

Stay tuned in the weeks leading up to the date! An emailing list will send reminders about the day to everyone who signed up.

St. John of Kronstadt location in Utica, NY - where the wedding ceremony will take place.

Black Willows location in Frankfort, NY - where the reception will take place following the Church marriage. Only a 15min drive away from the chapel!