Frequently Asked Questions

Our wedding will take place on December 6, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA.

Ceremony: 1:30 PM at St. Thomas of Villanova Church

Reception: Doors open at 5:30 PM at the Horticulture Center

We're asking for formal attire - think floor-length gowns and suit & tie.

Please avoid wearing white, and dress warmly for outdoor transitions since it's December in Philadelphia! The reception will be held in a heated greenhouse, so it will be warm indoors.

No, we have two different venues. The ceremony will be at St. Thomas of Villanova Church in Villanova, and the reception will be at the Horticulture Center in Philadelphia.

Don't worry about transportation - we'll have shuttles available between the hotel and reception venue!

Here's our schedule for December 6th:

• 1:30 PM — Ceremony Begins
• 5:30 PM — Guest Arrival at Reception
• 6:00 PM — Cocktail Hour
• 7:00 PM — Reception Opens
• 7:40 PM — First Course is Served
• ~8:00 PM onward — Dancing
• 11:00 PM — Reception Concludes

There may be an after-party for those interested!

We have room blocks at two connected hotels on Chestnut Street:

• W Philadelphia (1439 Chestnut St) - $249/night double queen, $229/night king - Group Code: GCAGCAE
• Element Philadelphia (1441 Chestnut St) - $199/night double queen, $179/night king - Group Code: GCAGCAH

Both hotels are connected, with 20 rooms available at each. Element guests can easily walk to the W for shuttle pickups. Book by November 1, 2025 using the group codes above.

Visit our Travel & Stay page for direct booking links and detailed information.

Philadelphia is easily accessible by plane, train, or car. The closest airport is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

From the airport: SEPTA Regional Rail (25 minutes, $6.75) or taxi/rideshare (20-30 minutes, $30-40).

For detailed transportation options, visit our Travel & Stay page.

Ceremony: Free parking available at St. Thomas of Villanova Church.

Reception: Parking is available at the Horticulture Center.

Guests should drive themselves to the ceremony - no shuttles will be provided to/from the ceremony venue.

Shuttles will be provided from the W Philadelphia to the reception venue at the beginning and end of the reception. Element guests can walk to the W for shuttle pickup since the hotels are connected.

If you're driving directly from the ceremony to the reception, parking is available at the reception venue.

Please RSVP by November 6, 2025 (subject to change). This helps us finalize catering numbers and seating arrangements.

You can RSVP online through this website!

If your invitation includes a guest, you'll see an option to add their information when you RSVP. If you're unsure whether your invitation includes a guest, please reach out to us at hello@mark-and-kristen.com.

We love your little ones, but we've decided to keep our wedding an adults-only celebration to allow everyone to relax and enjoy the evening. We hope you understand and can arrange childcare for the evening.

No problem! When you RSVP, there's a section where you can let us know about any dietary restrictions or food allergies. We'll work with our caterers to ensure you have delicious options to enjoy.

Yes! We'll have a full open bar with beer, wine, cocktails, and a signature drink upon arrival 🥂

Absolutely! We'll have dancing starting around 8:00 PM. We can't wait to celebrate with you all night long!

We'd prefer that you refrain from taking photos during the ceremony. Our professional photographer will capture all the special moments, and we'll share photos with everyone after the wedding.

We haven't created a traditional registry. Your presence is the best gift! If you'd like to contribute to our honeymoon or future together, we'd be grateful for a monetary gift.

No physical gifts, please! If you'd like to give us something, feel free to bring a card to the wedding. We're kindly asking for monetary contributions toward our future together.