Kate & Eric

We can't wait to share our special day with you. This site should answer most questions, but, if not, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Saturday October 9, 2021

Grosse Ile, Michigan, USA

1326 days 8 hrs 40 mins ago

Story

In 2017, we met while both of us were stationed in Augusta, GA. Things started off conventionally with a dinner date on October 25th. On date #2, Kate had Eric carving his first pumpkin. Most of November and December were spent apart while we traveled for work and the holidays. By February, we were a couple. When Kate received orders to Germany, our bond was tested. During a picnic and long talk in Atlanta's Piedmont Park, Eric said it was better to stay together and give our relationship a shot than breakup due to distance and always wonder "what if". So, that's what we did! With Eric's work based out of California and Kate traveling most of Europe for hers, for two years, we were separated by as many as 7,000 miles and 11 time zones. Nonetheless, we found time to travel the world together, visited each other's families to share in important events, and kept in touch with frequent video chats. Kate returned to the states in July of 2020. Pandemic-imposed separation kept us mostly apart yet again, until the holiday break. During a lucky new year's escape to hit the slopes in Park City, Utah, Eric proposed to Kate on New Year's Eve. At approximately 00:15 on 1 Jan 2021, Eric told Kate he didn't want to start 2021 without her and asked her to be his wife. She said "yes"!

Tidbits

Who made the first move? How?

Eric sent Kate a message, but he erroneously pressed "send" when all he'd written was gibberish. She did not respond. A week later, he tried again. He said he'd like to take her out and she agreed.

What's your favorite activity together?

We love cooking together. Kate makes cocktails to kick things off, then Eric finds inventive ways to combine flavors into delicious healthy meals while Kate slowly cleans up behind him as he works.

Where are you going for your honeymoon?

We're looking at overwater bungalows - maybe the Maldives?!

A life goal of ours

To grow a healthy, happy family.

How long have you been together?

If you ask Eric, we have been an "us" since our first date in October 2017. Kate starts counting from the following February when we shared our first kiss and Eric asked her to go steady and "be his girlfriend". (seriously, he did! It was so cute.)

Who is the better cook?

Definitely Eric! But, Kate is really good at chopping and stirring what Eric tells her to.

Who is the better driver?

THAT is a matter of great debate (not really though, because it is Kate! shhh, don't tell Eric).

What makes you most compatible?

We're on the same page most of the important things, such as faith and family. Plus, our skill sets and personality traits compliment each other- filling in each other's gaps. At the same time, we share some key interests and abilities. For example, we both love to travel. For us, complicated trips in a short period of time and on short notice are pretty easy. That has helped us stay connected and find quality time.

Schedule

Travel

FAQ

For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please see below!

When is the RSVP deadline?

17 Sep 21

Can I bring a date?

Please check your invite for your +1! +1s will either be addressed by name or by "and guest" on your invitation.

Are kids welcome?

As much as we love your little ones, with the exception of immediate family, we will not be including children in the ceremony or reception. All individual invitees will be named on the formal invitation. However, we recognize that some of you may be traveling with your kids. We're working on assembling a babysitter referral list. If you're interested in receiving this, please email us at Together@Moreno-Mitroka.com.

What are your COVID precautions?

We kindly ask guests to use the hand sanitizers made available and help us to keep areas reasonably clean. We'll do our best to employ a food serving approach that mitigates concern. We're also exploring simple yet creative ways to help people feel comfortable at the reception (more information to follow).

We encourage our guests to explore vaccination options available to them. At this time, Michigan's mask requirements have been lifted for fully vaccinated individuals. Yet, for now, church mask and space restrictions remain.

We acknowledge there is simply a level of risk associated with an event like this. We understand people have different considerations that may make attending difficult. While we would love each of you to attend, it is most important attendees feel comfortable. There will be no judgement or hard feelings if the information laid out here regarding our approach doesn't meet your needs and you must regretfully decline.

What are Michigan's pandemic situation and restrictions?

Michigan's pandemic information can be found here: www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/.
Wayne county's COVID dashboard is available here: .

In the event Michigan restrictions cause us to move to a bigger space, we may use Sacred Heart Catholic Church as a back-up ceremony venue: goo.gl/maps/EDrsqFnBj3Hex4318. It is around the corner from the chapel. We pray that guest list restrictions will not be necessary. But, we thank you for your continued patience, flexibility, and understanding as we work to celebrate our union during these uncertain times. We recommend travel insurance.

Where should I park?

For the ceremony, there is free parking in the small lot by the chapel, along the street (you can view the location here: goo.gl/maps/YJpqTw5XCfh9x1Bf8), and behind Sacred Heart Church (around the corner). There is also free parking at the Yacht Club for the reception. However, we anticipate parking in both locations will fill fast. We recommend you carpool to the extent practicable.

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

The wedding will take place indoors. The reception venue has both indoor and outdoor space. Dinner will occur indoors.

Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?

While, there is a small handicap-accessible parking lot on the south side adjacent to the chapel, the building dates to the 19th century and unfortunately has several stairs to navigate. We plan to have some strong ushers though who will be glad to lend a hand. The reception space is wheelchair accessible.

Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?

After a year of Zoom-overload, we're hoping for a more unplugged ceremony. During it, kindly keep the cell phones away and especially refrain from any flash photography. Please silence all devices (including the camera function). We will have two wedding photographers for the ceremony to capture all the best shots and we hope to be able to make photographs available later for guests' use.

For the reception, feel free capture moments joyfully!

What should/could I do between the ceremony and the reception?

Please see our "things to do" section in the travel tab of this website.

What if I have a dietary restriction?

Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate specific dietary restrictions at the reception. However, we will post the menu to our website shortly before the date, so check back for the specific details that should allow you to better plan your meals. Additionally, we will try to ensure common allergens that may be present in the food are listed.

Will there be food options for vegetarians/vegans?

At least one of the hor d'oeuvres during the cocktail hour will be vegetarian. The entree options will be a fish, a red-meat, and a vegetarian.

Will there be dancing?

Absolutely! Come ready to dance the night away!

What time will the reception end?

The reception is scheduled to last from 5pm to 10pm.

Is there transportation being provided between reception and hotels?

Unfortunately, we cannot provide for transportation between airport/reception/hotels. However, common ride-share apps work in our vicinity if you're looking for a designated driver. Take a look at uber.com and .

What will the weather be like?

Michigan is a fickle mistress. During the day, it could be as warm as 75 degrees, but it will likely get chilly at night. Rain is common and layers are key.

What should I wear?

The event is Cocktail/Semi-formal, so leave the tuxedos and ball gowns at home (sorry... another time maybe).
For Gents: A suit and tie or sport coat ensemble is perfect. A snappy button-down shirt (vest or sweater optional) will likewise fit in just fine.
For Ladies: Think cocktail dress, smart/dressy casual, or formal pantsuit. Long hems aren't required but welcome if you wish. Wear something that makes you feel pretty but in which you will feel comfortable both sitting in church and movin' & groovin'.
For Everyone: Be mindful of the weather. Jackets/sweaters are recommended.
For Sunday Brunch: Snappy casual but you'll be on the water in October, so definitely bring a jacket.

What kind of shoes should/shouldn't I wear?

Wear your dancing shoes!

I am coming from out of town. Where should I stay?

Please check our travel tab on this website for more information. We have room blocks at 3 hotels and have provided additional information to assist with lodging.

Will I get a chance to take professional photos with the couple?

After the ceremony, immediate family members and the wedding party will use the sanctuary space to take photos. At the reception however, our photographers will be working hard to capture it all. We hope to be able to make photos available afterwards for our guests' use.

Does your wedding have a theme?

While we don't necessarily have a theme per se, travel is a common interest and priority for both of us, so you may see one or two nods in that direction.

Is there a gifts registry?

We understand that travel to our wedding is already a dear expense. We're so grateful to those who have decided to join us; your presence is gift enough for us. However, if you would like to contribute a gift and are looking for ideas, please check out the registry tab on this website.

Will last names be changing after the wedding?

Nope. Eric will keep his and Kate will keep hers. Hopefully we will be blessed with children. Our plan is for them to take the surname Moreno.

What is the Sunday brunch plan?

We're hosting a Sunday brunch Detroit River cruise. Expect this event to last between approximately 10:30 and 1:30 on Sun, 10 Oct 21. All guests welcome (plus the kiddos).

Will the reception be live streamed?

We do not plan to live stream the ceremony or reception.

Whom should I call with questions?

Please call our our lovely maid of honor Mary Mitroka with questions at 734-365-1518 (please leave a voicemail if she is unable to answer right away). If she can't answer your question or solve the issue, we're also always available. You can reach us at Together@Moreno-Mitroka.com.

Wedding Party

Mary  Mitroka

Maid of Honor

Greg Mavity

Best Man

Father Alex Steinmiller

Priest

Noah Diaz

Ring Bearer

Registry

Your presence is enough of a present to us! But for those of you who are stubborn, we've put together a Honeyfund wish-list to help out: www.honeyfund.com/wedding/moreno-mitroka-10-09-2021.

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