Secret Ceremony info!!!

Hi friends.

Many of you have asked Sam and me, "When is your actual ceremony? We want to see you say vows and cry and the like!"

Now, we didn't include this information in our general party invitation, but they are indeed happening on the same day. Please come and watch us kiss on stage!  Our 5pm party is a concert with lots and lots of friends and a happening sing-song-y good time; a real celebratory dance party (not your traditional wedding fare with a three-course meal served by folks you don't know). We'll hoot and holler and munch on bahn-mi and popcorn and drink from kegs of local brews.

The intimate romantic part will happen just before high noon, in nearby Liberty Lands Park.  We'll only have seats for our close family (who are coming to a private lunch in between events), so please bring a picnic blanket / folding chair / parasol, etc if you want to sit down. The park is shaded on the periphery but full-sun in the middle, so be prepared! It's a public park, so there may be people there who aren't there for the wedding. There's a playground and picnic tables at the South end, also.

Sam will have everyone assembled and excited at 11a and I will arrive with my gaggle of girlies shortly thereafter, setting everything into motion. After the ceremony is complete; Sam and I will lead a parade of merry followers through the neighborhood to the Latvian Society, where our family will be waiting for us for lunch. (If you decide to come to the park, we can suggest an alternative lunch spot for you; there are lots of great places nearby!)

The WEDDING CEREMONY of Kate & Sam:

Sunday, July 29th, 2012
11am-12pm
Liberty Lands Park, 961 N. 3rd St. Ceremony will be on the stage at the north end.
featuring musical accompaniment by Mary Lattimore & Jesse Sparkhawk
officiated by Victor Allen Crawford (aka Lord Whimsy...)

***If you come to watch us wed at the park, please be aware that parking in this neighborhood is very limited! Locals; try to take the El or ride your bikes or walk. If you're driving in from out of town, there is a free parking lot at 2nd Street and Germantown Ave. The park is a short walk from there.***

Hotels

Hi friends and family.  Some of you may have noticed that Sam and I did not include information for a hotel in our invitation. Simply put, in a city with so many options, we couldn't fathom making that decision for you.

If you are planning on booking a hotel while you party with us, we're happy to help you choose one. Also, here is a handy link to the ten closest hotels to the Latvian Society. Since we live here, we don't have too much experience in hotels here, but can help you find one for your budget and comfort level.  If you ask me, I will probably tell you that Penns View Hotel seems like the coolest.  It's a small, independent hotel in the Historic District, and still not too far away.

If anyone coming to our wedding has already booked their hotel, or has stayed in Philly before and has a recommendation to make, or a hotel to avoid, please share your experience in the comments, so anyone can benefit.

Thanks!

Our Officiant

An interview with our officiant, who as he quotes, "accidentally talked to the press again."

In order to have the ceremony of our dreams, we're planning to obtain a Quaker wedding license, which allows us to marry without an ordained minister or judge, instead surrounded by only our friends and family. Thanks, Philly, for being full of Friends!