Sonali & Alex

Dear Family and Friends,

 

We are so looking forward to seeing you at the end of this week for our wedding celebrations. We’ve put together this “one-stop shop” email with details about our events, the ceremony, transportation, weather expectations, Covid safety, and things to do while you’re in Philadelphia.

 

Events

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Mehndi & Sangeet
6:00 - 9:30 PM Friday, September 27th, 2024
Attire: Semi-Formal. Patterns, Prints, & Multicolor. pinterest inspo
Fitler Club, S 24th St, Philadelphia

Valet parking is complimentary.
 

Wedding
6:30 PM - Midnight Saturday, September 28th, 2024
Attire: Black Tie Optional. Solid Colors. pinterest inspo
Philadelphia Museum of Art, West Entrance

Museum garage parking is complimentary.

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Please respect our ask for no photography during the ceremony. Any other photos you take can be uploaded here to share with attendees. Please be prompt - our events will start on time. On Saturday, tables and seats at tables will be assigned; there will be escort cards for you at the Museum.

 

Please consider reading this article prior to the Mehndi, especially if you are considering having henna applied (which we very much encourage for both men and women!).

 

Ceremony

 

Our ceremony combines elements of Sikhism, Judaism, and Quakerism, aspects of our heritage and culture that we are so excited to share with you.

 

Per both Sikhism and Judaism, we ask that everyone cover their heads for the ceremony. Please bring a dupatta, shawl, or scarf (traditionally worn by women) to cover your head. We will also have a limited number of rumaal and kippah (traditionally worn by men) available at the top of the stairs leading to the ceremony - please only take one.

 

In the Sikh Gurdwara (temple), attendees traditionally sit on the ground together, an indicator of equality under the universal energy that is in all of us. Those who are able, please prepare for ground seating with cushions for roughly 1 hour. We will have chairs available for those unable to sit on the floor or for those who are very unprepared for floor seating.

 

Lastly, the bulk of our ceremony is inspired by Quaker Meeting for Worship, the spirit of community and self-unity. We will sit together in silent meditation until those of you who are deeply moved to speak may choose to do so. After each speaker, please leave a respectful period of silence for reflection. Please note that this is not the place for pre-planned toasts, but rather for a message to be shared with us and our guests that has moved you in the moment. In the spirit of Meeting, any who choose to speak will be welcome to do so - we ask that you consider carefully and mindfully the moment and the message you might share - and note that listening is often as great a gift, if not greater, than speaking can be.

 

The ceremony will end when we are moved to share our vows with each other.

 

Transportation

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We kindly request that you please arrive on time for each event. On Saturday, we will have a small window of time within this beautiful museum, and programming will begin promptly at 6:30 PM. We look forward to your punctual presence at our ceremony and can’t wait to celebrate with you!

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On both days, a transportation hostess will be in the Hyatt lobby with a sign for the Singh-Kopelyan wedding. On September 28th, there is a parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the major route from Rittenhouse Square to the Museum, from noon to 7:00 PM. Please factor an additional 10-15 minutes into your transit time.

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Day 1: Mehndi & Sangeet Friday, September 27, 2024
Location: Fitler Club, 24 S 24th St, Philadelphia, PA 19108
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Transportation:

• Hotel Shuttle: A complimentary shuttle will run every half an hour from the Hyatt Centric starting at 5:45. After the party, the shuttle will depart every half an hour starting at 8:30 to transport guests back to the Hyatt.

• Ride-Share Services: Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout the city.

• Parking: Valet parking is complimentary at the venue for those who prefer to drive.

Day 2: Wedding Ceremony & Reception, Saturday, September 28, 2024
Location: Philadelphia Museum of Art (West Entrance), 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Time: 6:30 pm to 11:45 pm
Transportation:

• Hotel Shuttle: Complimentary shuttle services will be provided from the Hyatt Centric. The shuttles will depart from the hotel at 5:45 pm for the ceremony. After the reception, shuttles will be available to transport guests back to the Hyatt, beginning at 10:30 pm.

• Parking: The museum garage will have complimentary parking for our guests who are driving. The entrance is located on Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive. Parking Garage link https://philamuseum.org/visit/getting-here#parking

 

Weather

 

Late September in Philly tends to be in the mid to high 70°F during the daytime with light humidity. The evenings drop 15-20°F, while remaining warm due to the humidity.

 

We recommend being prepared for the possibility of rain and double-checking the forecast again before you leave home. 

 

Friday: High 78°F, Low 64°F. Chance of AM rain, afternoon clouds.

Saturday: High 76°F, Low 58°F. Partly cloudy.

Sunday: High 74°F, Low 56°F. Partly cloudy.

 

Covid Safety

 

We request that all our guests take a rapid test before traveling. Covid has been prominent this summer, and cases are steady heading into the fall. Please do be mindful of exposure leading up to our wedding, as we have our elderly and immunocompromised family and friends in attendance, and our events are indoors.

 

We suggest the following:

• Please take a rapid test before traveling

• If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with covid, take a rapid test before traveling & take a rapid test upon arrival (required)

• Wearing a mask in crowded areas (like airports) in the days prior

•  Getting the updated booster vaccination this week before traveling

 

 If you have questions or have symptoms, please contact one of us & we will be happy to consult with you regarding the next steps.

 

We are putting our trust in you and are so excited to see and spend time with you. Please communicate with us early and often as needed; we’re here to help.

 

Reach out to us if it would be helpful for you to pick up rapid tests from us on Thursday, Sept 26th

 

Things to Do

We’ve put together a comprehensive list of Things to Do in Philadelphia for you to peruse. We think there is something in there for everyone. Our favorites are asterisked - and feel free to contact us with questions or further recs!

• Walk the Mural Mile - did you know that Philadelphia has the most murals of any city in the world? Sonali worked with the Mural Arts program in high school. See how many of their murals (particularly their restorative justice murals) you can spot!

• Philly AIDS Thrift in the Gayborhood

• Elixr for a great cup of drip coffee, or La Colombe Rittenhouse for coffee on tap

• Jim’s on South St - the best cheesesteaks in town (and they have vegetarian and vegan options!). Pro-tip: you can order Jim’s from Milkboy across the street :)

• Tattooed Mom - artistic, grungy, fun, alternative bar/club on South St

• Tria - an upscale cafe/wine lounge in Rittenhouse Square

• Philadelphia’s Free Library - a huge library with a notable rare books section in a gorgeous historic building along Ben Franklin Parkway (hosting events like this free printmaking workshop at 1 pm on the 28th or their James Baldwin Love and Revolution exhibit)

• Carpenter’s Hall - the meeting place for the First Continental Congress, hosting free re-enactments to celebrate their 300th anniversary this year

• Elfreth’s Alley - the longest continuously inhabited street in America

• Germantown Friends Meeting - where the first written petition against slavery is still housed

 

Please reach out to us with any questions you may have. We are so thrilled to have you join us.

 

With all of our love,

Sonali & Alex