Story
Autumn of 2016 in the woods, we spent hours in a dome full of pillows and strangers, and talked the night away. We still have not run out of things to talk about.
We laugh a lot. We work to both understand and support each other (communication is still key).
After moving in together in 2017 (and then again in 2021 but in a different house) we have seen what life together is/can be like and decided we don't want that to ever stop.
Tidbits
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
Will the ceremony and reception be socially distanced?
COVID is still a thing! And might be for a long long time, so we are going to try and have a gathering anyway.
The reception will be outdoors (for decreased transmission rates) and vaccination is required for attendance (fully vaccinated with mRNA vaccine booster between 2 weeks and 6 months before wedding).
Distancing is tricky with people moving around for things, but we still encourage you to take all the space needed to feel comfortable and will try to make sure seating provides that space as a default. We have long sticks you can use to push people who are invading your space if you want.
Are masks required? Will they be provided?
Wearing a mask is smart, and can also be fashionable and fun!
Since we will be outside and everyone will be fully vaccinated, we won't be requiring mask use at all times. During food things they are not as possible, but they are encouraged during the ceremony and while dancing. Masks are required indoors (in the bathrooms for example).
If things go well, we attractive masks will be provided. If poorly, boring masks will be provided. For more information on the infection rates for Westfield, please visit or ask Sophy for her spreadsheet (it has graphs!).
When is the RSVP deadline?
Please RSVP by *TBD*, so we can have an accurate headcount. :) (LOL we don't even have a date yet)
Can I bring a date?
Probably, just make sure you checked the +1 so we know how much food and chairs are needed.
Are kids welcome?
Kids are welcome! We don't have specific activities planned out for them yet, but maybe we will fix that.
(This is part of the reason for the vaccination requirement. Children under 5 will be present. Do not put them at risk.)
What will the weather be like?
Mass can have fairly unusual weather. Hopefully not raining, but there can easily be a 20 degree (F) swing between day and night.
Where should I park?
There is plenty of parking in a lot at Stanley Park, and many streets otherwise.
Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?
Yes, as of right now. However, the most direct path between the 2 locations is not. Escorts to help you enjoy the long way around will be provided.
What should I wear?
Things that make you happy. Seriously, if you do not smile looking at what you will wear please adjust things until you do (add jewelry, colors, sequins, etc. until you get a legit smile from it). Formal is nice, but the main thing is having you with us and sharing the joy.
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Outdoor all the way. Ceremony in the woods, reception in a pavilion.
What kind of shoes should/shouldn't I wear?
There are pathways that should be okay for heels, but stilettoes might have trouble during the ceremony. If you cannot dance in it, maybe think of something else.
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
Yes! We would love for you to take photos and share them widely!
However, please refrain from taking flash photography during the ceremony.
Whom should I call with questions?
Right now all we have are questions! Answers are for the future.
I am coming from out of town. Where should I stay?
When we know locations for events, we will post a few local places to stay in the Travel section of the website.
Will there be dancing?
Yes! Bring your dancing shoes!
Can we interact or give a toast via the livestream?
Yes! We are working on the details but will have more info for that soon.
Will last names be changing after the wedding?
Nope! This is a tradition that always seemed strange to Sophy, as she has her mother's last name (and her brother has their father's last name, and they both have the other name as a middle name - Sophia Naldrett Hartdegen and Zak Hartdegen Naldrett respectively). If that were not enough, she has been published (scientific publications/presentations) using her name and wants that to be easy for people to find without having to go by multiple names in official settings.
Will food be served?
Drinks and appetizers will be served, not a sit down diner. This allows for more types of food (making sure everyone gets something they like) and encourages less sitting in one place. Seats/tables are not reserved, so please feel free to visit with people you might not otherwise. We would love for you to meet people from different parts of our lives.
What is a handfasting ceremony?
This ceremony symbolizes and celebrates the blending of two lives into one. Traditionally it is done at the engagement, but the couple will be braiding the rope together at a smaller ceremony with hands bound together at the reception.
Who proposed to whom?
Sophy proposed and gifted John engagement jewelry (white gold band with inlay of his birthstone and a white gold chain to wear it on when he does not want to wear it). I know, feminists are so kooky ;)
In the front hall she got down on one knee and opened the ring box for him, and he rambled his way to a yes.
Wedding Party
Michael Naldrett
Father of the Bride
Lorenzo
Best Man
Cynthia Hartdegen
Mother of the Bride
Kate Deviny
Mother of the Bride
Cathy
Mother of the Groom
Schedule
Travel
Registry
Your presence is enough of a present to us! But for those of you who are stubborn, we've put together a wish-list to help you out, including two charities that are near and dear to our hearts.