Frequently Asked Questions
1: Where is the Wedding?
The wedding will be held in Syria, VA, 2 hours southwest of the Washington DC metro area. The wedding ceremony venue is Black Bear Cabin (5873 Old Blue Ridge Turnpike, Syria, VA 22743) and the wedding reception venue is Blue Quartz Winery (2585 S F T Valley Rd, Etlan, VA 22719).
2: How should guests travel to the wedding?
We recommend that out-of-town guests fly into a Washington DC airport (DAC, IAD, or BWI) and rent a car to travel to the wedding. Alternative transportation options like taxis and rideshare are not available in the area.
3: Is there cell phone reception available near the wedding venues?
The venues are in a remote area with limited cellphone reception. Other services like gas stations and restaurants are also limited. We recommended that guests download offline maps for navigation, fill up their gas tank, use the restroom, and purchase snacks prior to leaving urbanized areas.
4: What lodging accommodations are available for guests?
Lodging options are limited near Syria, VA. A handful of rooms are available at Graves Mountain Lodge as part of the wedding room block. More extensive lodging options are available in nearby towns like Culpepper, Warrenton, and Charlottesville which range from 30 minutes to 1 hour’s drive away from Syria.
5: Is parking available at the ceremony venue, Black Bear Cabin?
Parking will not be available at the ceremony venue. Guests will be shuttled from Graves Mountain Lodge (205 Graves Mountain Lane, Old Blue Ridge Turnpike, Syria, VA 22743) starting at 2:00 PM. Wedding guests are asked to arrive at Graves Mountain Lodge before this time to ensure everyone can be shuttled prior to the start of the wedding ceremony.
6: How will guests be transported from the ceremony to the reception?
After the wedding ceremony is over, guests will be shuttled back to their cars at Graves Mountain Lodge. From Graves Mountain Lodge, guests will need to drive themselves over to the wedding reception at Blue Quartz Winery. Shuttle transportation will not be provided between Graves Mountain Lodge and Blue Quartz Winery.
7: How should guests dress for the event?
The dress code for the event is “Mountain Semi-Casual”. Guests are asked to dress in a comfortable manner with a rustic appearance. This includes comfortable footwear that can be used to traverse uneven and variable terrain along with something warm to wear on a chilly mountain evening.
8: Are the ceremony and reception sites ADA accessible?
Accessing these sites may pose difficulties for guests with special needs. Guests requiring additional assistance should contact Eleanor or David in advance so proper accommodation can be arranged. (eleanorappolee@gmail.com, sandahl.david@gmail.com)
9: What food will be served and what if I have dietary restrictions?
We will be serving a German buffet at our reception. To the best of our abilities, we should have food options for our guests. Please review the menu here before attending so that you can make necessary meal plans if necessary.
11: Can I bring kids to the wedding?
Due to space constraints, we are limiting the amount of guests to adults and long-term partners. However, we understand that life is messy and you may need to bring your kids. Please reach out to Eleanor and David first, before bringing your kids. (eleanorappolee@gmail.com, sandahl.david@gmail.com)
12: When is the RSVP deadline?
August 15, 2024
13: Can I take pictures during the ceremony?
Yes! But please be mindful and respectful of other guests and that we have professional photographers who will need clean lines of sight, especially along the aisle. We look forward to your photos and you can share them here.
14: What time is the reception scheduled to end?
All festivities must be concluded by 11:00 p.m. (23:00)
15: If we have other questions that are not listed here, who should I contact?
Eleanor or David eleanorappolee@gmail.com, sandahl.david@gmail.com