Trevor and Shir

July 24, 2021

Welcome

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Due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the wedding has been rescheduled to July 24, 2021.

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Join us for a garden wedding to celebrate our marriage! We look forward to a night under the stars filled with love, tradition, good food, good music, and somewhat good dancing.

10421 River Road, Potomac, MD

Dress Attire: Garden Formal Attire

Events
Sat
Jul 24
2021

5:00 pm
TO 3:00 am

The Kaplan-Driscoll Residence
10421 River Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
United States

RSVP Instructions

Please RSVP through the Paperless Post email invitation.

Evening Itinerary

5:00-7:00 PM      Cocktails & Horderves

7:00-7:45 PM      Vow Renewal Ceremony

8:00-12:00 AM    Dinner & Live Music 

12:00-3:00 AM    Afterparty & DJ

Dress Code

Garden Formal Attire

A suit or formal dress with a lighter or brighter color palette.

Travel Notes

Shuttle:

A shuttle to and from the Springhill Suites in Gaithersburg will be provided. Please see the Hotel & Transportation section for more information.

Driving:

From 495, take exit 39 and travel west on River Road for approximately 3.5 miles. Pass the village center intersection and park at the Potomac Elementary School. The Venue (house) is the second mailbox on the right after the school. Please see the Hotel & Transportation section for more information. 

*Please be aware that there are speed cameras within a few miles of the house from both directions on River Road. We are excited to celebrate this happy occasion with you and care deeply about your safety, please drive safe!

Directions & Map
COVID-19 Precautions

In an effort to keep all our loved ones safe, we plan to take additional COVID-19 precautions. As the status of the pandemic evolves, we may make additional adjustments. We apologize for any last-minute changes that may occur, but we hope to keep you up to date on our plans. If any changes are made, we will indicate these changes below.


We will miss any guests who are unable to attend due to a heightened COVID-19 risk, but we absolutely understand the difficult decision you must make. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We hope to make our wedding day fun for us all while finding ways to stay safe and healthy!


General Precautions:
• The entire event will take place outdoors including cocktail hour, the ceremony, and the reception
• Sanitation stations will be placed in multiple locations at the site of the event
• We ask our unvaccinated guests to remain masked when not eating or drinking


Cocktail Hour Precautions:
• Food will be passed by servers during the cocktail hour to minimize congregation around the food
• Additional cocktail tables will be included during the cocktail hour to allow for our guests to socially distance while eating and drinking


Ceremony Precautions:
• Additional spacing will be used for the placement of chairs for our guests


Reception Precautions:

• An effort will be made to seat our guests according to their “social bubbles” and vaccination status
• Additional spacing will be used between tables
• A larger dance floor will be used to allow for greater distance between guests when dancing

• Buffet food will be served by servers to minimize potential contamination of food


Vendor Precautions:
• Catering staff will remain masked at all times except when eating or drinking
• Vendors in attendance will strive to maintain a safe distance from guests and will remain along the perimeters when possible
• All rental equipment will be thoroughly cleaned before the event
• Group portraits will be taken outside whenever possible
• A longer lens will be used by the videographer in order to maintain additional distance from guests

Stories
She met Him
He met Her
Our First Date
The Proposal
Wedding Party
The Bridesmaids
Sarah Mandel
Sarah Mandel
Maid of Honor

Sarah and I have been best friends since 5th grade Hebrew class. On the first day of class Sarah chose the desk next to me in hopes that I would help her in the class. It wasn't until after our first sleepover that I realized we were more than just friends. Since Sarah is a twin, I erroneously assumed that if I wanted to have a sleepover party with Sarah then I had to also invite her twin. So, I invited them both and made a slumber party out of a sleepover. After our first slumber party, Sarah and I had our first serious conversation. Sarah explained to me that I was her best friend, not Alaina's best friend. From that moment I understood that we were more than just friends. As proof, we even shared matching green bestie bracelets. Together, we have shared so many first moments, memories, and conversations. From childhood to adulthood Sarah has shaped the woman I am today. As I begin my married life, I am lucky to have a life long friend stand beside me as my Maid of Honor.

Chelsea Amos
Chelsea Amos
Matron of Honor

For those of you who do not know, people touching my knees gives me the heebie-jeebies. (I happen to think this is perfectly normal!) Early on in Trevor and I's relationship, Chelsea embraced her role as a future sister and took her job of teasing her sister-to-be very seriously by cornering me on the couch and poking my knees. Since then, I have known that Chelsea is not merely a friend but also a sister who is comfortable enough to point out my silly quirks. Over time, Chelsea and I have shared many memories and family holidays with one another. I have stood beside her as she married her life partner, shared in her excitement as she bought her first house, and spoiled my baby niece before she was even born. When I say I do to Trevor, I know that I am saying yes to so much more than a husband. I am saying yes to a family, yes to a sister, and yes to a lifelong friendship. As I begin my married life, I am lucky to have a new sister stand beside me as my Matron of Honor.

Jordyn Seidman
Jordyn Seidman
Bridesmaid

Jordyn has embraced me as a sister from the moment we met but her acceptance was tested during our first family vacation. During the cruise, we shared not only a room but also a bed. I have always known that my dad is a sleep talker but I did not fully realize that I had inherited this trait. When I awoke one morning Jordy was gone. She later described the night's events. While asleep I had muttered some incoherent words. Unsure if I was awake Jordy asked if I was asleep. I replied by scratching and clawing at my pillow. At that moment I may have scared Jordy away from sharing a bed with me but I have not scared her away from sisterhood. In difficult and celebratory moments alike, Jordy has continued to stand beside me as a sister. As I begin my married life, I am lucky to have a sister to stand beside me as my Bridesmaid.

Sakshi Suri
Sakshi Suri
Bridesmaid

I have not always chosen to surround myself with the best the world has to offer when it comes to guys. Yet, Sakshi has always been there to tell me what others may not always want to tell me. When Sakshi finally met Trevor I prepared to hear the truth but she did not denounce my budding love. That was how I knew for certain that I had chosen the right boyfriend. Her blunt honesty guided me through highschool as we tackled overly ambitious school government projects and sauntered our way onto the dance team. In college we continued to dance, spending many evenings dancing the night away. I know that Sakshi will be beside me dancing the night away on my wedding night and for all life’s future celebrations. As I begin my married life, I am lucky to have a dance partner and an honest friend to stand beside me as my Bridesmaid.

Emma Hughes
Emma Hughes
Bridesmaid

I would like to say that I played soccer in high school because of some passion or talent that I have but really I just wanted to make some friends. Yet, I did not realize that tryouts began prior to the start of school. Despite missing the first week of soccer practice and my aimless kicking, Emma graciously welcomed me to the team. She has always supported me from the moment I met her even when my prospects of success were low. Through the next four years of highschool Emma and I challenged one another with thoughtful discussions and laughed at highschool mishaps (especially those mishaps involving boys!). Emma is one of the strongest women I know and I am lucky to be empowered by her support. Every girl needs a friend like Emma. As I begin my married life, I am lucky to have a strong supportive friend to stand beside me as my Bridesmaid.

Hadjira Ishaq
Hadjira Ishaq
Bridesmaid

Hadjira and I met for the first time during the summer before freshman year of college. During orientation I was paired with a disastrous roommate. Suddenly scared of ending up with a bad freshman roommate, I quickly decided that Hadjira seemed like a safe choice. Although our friendship began from a sudden fear of being assigned a bad roommate, I found Hadjira to be more than a "safe" choice. We shared our first year of college, we shared friends, and we shared a tiny white brick room. We even shared an igloo one winter. My "safe" choice ended up being my roommate for all four years of college. Hadjira was beside me as I chose my outfit for my first date with Trevor, talked about the challenges of a semi-long distance relationship, and fell in love with my life partner. As I begin my married life, I am lucky to have a true friend to stand beside me as my Bridesmaid.

The Groom's Crew
Tim Houck
Tim Houck
Best Man


Jack Geiger
Jack Geiger
Groomsman
Allie Lefever
Allie Lefever
Groomswoman


Ricky Lefever
Ricky Lefever
Groomsman
Grace Jones
Grace Jones
Groomswoman


Dean Kaplan
Dean Kaplan
Groomsperson


Bobby Amos
Bobby Amos
Groomsman


Ryan Schroeder
Ryan Schroeder
Groomsman


The Flower Girls
Hadley Driscoll
Hadley Driscoll
Flower Girl
Adi Shpaner
Adi Shpaner
Flower Girl
Jewish and Christian Wedding Traditions
Jewish and Christian Wedding Traditions
Mazal Tov

Shouting "Mazal Tov!" is one of the most well-known Jewish wedding rituals. Once the ceremony is over and the glass is broken, you will hear guests cheer "Mazal Tov!" Mazal Tov translates to “May you have good fortune!”

There's no better time to say "Mazal Tov" than at a wedding!

Kippah (aka yarmulke)

Kippah (ke-pa) is the Hebrew word for skullcap, also referred to in Yiddish as a yarmulke. Jewish law requires men to cover their heads as a sign of respect and reverence for G‑d when praying, studying Torah, saying a blessing or entering a synagogue. It is customary at weddings and other religious ceremonies as well. 

This practice has its roots in biblical times, when the priests in the Temple were instructed to cover their heads.

Traditionally, Jewish men and boys wear the kippah at all times, a symbol of their awareness of, and submission to, a higher entity.

*Kippahs will be available at the ceremony for guests who would like to wear one.

Bedeken

A Bedeken ceremony or "veiling of the bride" takes place before the wedding. The couple sees each other for the first time during the Bedeken, beforehand the bride and groom are separated. 

It also is a tradition stemming from the Bible wherein Jacob was tricked into marrying the sister of the woman he loved because the sister was veiled. If the groom does the veiling himself, such trickery can never happen.

A symbol of modesty, the veil expresses the idea that above physical appearance, the groom is drawn to his bride’s inner beauty. The groom and his male friends and relatives make a joyful processional to the bride, who sits surrounded by female loved ones. As guests sing and dance, the groom places a veil over the bride’s face.

Ketubah Signing

A traditional Ketubah (kuh-too-buh) is a Jewish religious document and a wedding contract that is signed by the bride, groom, and at least two witnesses prior to the wedding ceremony.

In ancient times, it was a legal document that detailed some of the rights and obligations of the bride and groom. It talked about property rights but never mentioned a word about a couple's love and commitment. 

Modern ketubot (plural) are typically spiritual covenants, not legal documents, that the bride and groom make with each other. Today, ketubot include the English and Hebrew date and place of the wedding as well as some expression of the couple's spiritual and emotional commitment to each other. In this way, the Ketubah is similar to the Christian tradition of exchanging verbal vows. Ketubot can also be works of art and are a visual testament to the love that the couple share.


The Chuppah (or Huppah)

A Huppah (hoop-ah) is a Jewish Wedding Canopy with four open sides. Jewish wedding ceremonies typically occur under a Huppah and the canopy is generally large enough to suggest a home or shelter.

It primarily symbolizes G-d's presence and the home the couple will create together. The sides of the canopy remain open, reminiscent of Abraham's hospitality, a symbol of the importance of the couple's involvement with their community and with their family and friends. 

Processional

In Christian wedding tradition, the processional begins with the grandparents, flows through the parents, groom, officiant, wedding party, flower girl, and ring bearer, and ends with the bride making her entrance escorted by her father.


In Jewish wedding tradition, the processional is a bit different. After the rabbi, the bride’s grandparents and the groom’s grandparents are escorted down the aisle, followed by the groomsmen and best man. The groom is then escorted by his parents down the aisle, followed by the bridesmaids and maid of honor. The bride is then escorted by both of her parents down the aisle.

Readings

Readings are common tradition in Christian weddings and can come from biblical or secular sources. They are usually quotes or passages selected by the couple that they find meaningful and have resonated with them in some way. For weddings the readings are generally about love and the relationship between the couple.

Christian weddings typically include two biblical readings, one from the Old Testament (aka the Tanakh or Hebrew Bible), and one from the New Testament. 

Sheva B'rachot

The Sheva B'rachot, translates to "The Seven Blessings", are based on ancient teachings, which begin with the blessing over the wine and ending with a communal expression of joy. The blessings are about the creation of the world, the creation of humankind, the unity of loving people, and the joy of marriage.

They are often read in both Hebrew and English, and performed by a variety of family members or friends, just as friends and family are invited to recite readings in christian ceremonies.

Foot Washing

The tradition of Foot Washing finds its roots in John 13:1-17 of the New Testament, wherein Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as a symbol of humility and submission in service to his followers. He then instructs them to do the same to others. 

I have always found the example that Jesus sets by washing his disciples feet to be both significant and meaningful. The core message is one that I strive to emulate and try to keep foremost in my mind while interacting with others.  I have found it to be especially relevant in the context of my relationship with Shir. At times, my strong feelings for Shir can make acts of submission and humility feel like the most easy and natural thing in the world, but at other times those same feelings can make it feel like the hardest thing I have ever done.

Submission and humility is not only challenging when you are the one doing the serving, but sometimes it can also be difficult to be the one served. Being vulnerable and allowing someone else to help you can be its own test in humility and submission. 

This is exemplified when Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, initially refuses to allow Jesus to wash his feet, but eventually consents after a gentle rebuke.

Exchanging Vows

The exchanging of vows is when the couple takes turns expressing a spiritual and emotional commitment to each other. In this way, vows are similar to a verbal version of the Jewish Ketubah. The bride and groom may choose to use traditional vows or to write and read their own personalized promises.

Breaking the Glass

There are several reasons why it is customary for a glass to be broken at the conclusion of a Jewish wedding ceremony.

Symbolically, the breaking of the glass reminds us of the fragile nature of life. The custom has also come to symbolize the shattering of the old and the beginning of the new. The breaking of the glass signifies the uniqueness of the moment that arises and passes away, a letting go of the past and looking toward the future.

This will be an interfaith ceremony, that brings together two people from different religious and cultural backgrounds. Therefore, this symbol can help us and our guests become especially mindful of the barriers that people erect between one another. We hope that with the breaking of the glass, together we will see a breaking down of the barriers between people and help create a world based on love, unity, peace, and understanding.

Lastly, the breaking of the glass is irrevocable and permanent; so, too, may this marriage last an infinity of time–as long as it would take to reassemble the broken pieces of this glass. The breaking of the glass represents a turning point in our lives as we pledge our love and make a new commitment to one another. 

Saying Grace

The meaning and purpose of "saying grace" before a meal is to acknowledge our dependence on G-d and to give thanks to Him for meeting our need for food and drink.  It is also sometimes called “saying the blessing”. Such prayers follow the examples of Jesus and the apostle Paul, both of whom “said grace” before meals.

In Christian tradition, expressing gratitude to G-d before a meal is an example of a broader belief that applies to all aspects of one's life as indicated in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of G-d."

"Blessing" does not mean that the food itself has changed in any physical or metaphysical manner. It is understood that the core purpose of the meal is to nourish our bodies and better equip ourselves to serve G-d. Matthew 15:11 explains the distinction, "It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”

Birkat Hamazon

Birkat Hamazon, is also known colloquially as “benching,” the English version of the Yiddish term bentshn, which means to bless. This blessing (which is actually a series of blessings) is mandated for use following any meal in which bread has been eaten, since according to Jewish law, eating bread officially constitutes a meal. Birkat Hamazon can be said sitting at the same table or in view of the same table where the meal was eaten. At weddings or Shabbat meals, it is often said communally.

The Hora

The Hora, is a highly energetic Israeli circle dance typically done to the music of the traditional Jewish song, Hava Nagila. During the dance, the bride and groom are hoisted into the air on chairs while friends and family dance in a circle around them.

Hotel & Transportation
Hotel & Transportation
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Gaithersburg

Location: 

Conveniently located within walking distance to the Rio Washingtonian boardwalk, stores, restaurants, and entertainment. (20 min to Wedding Venue)

Room Rate:

We reserved some rooms at this hotel and were able to lock-in lower rates than are typically normal. If you are interested in the lower rates, it is strongly recommended that you book your room ASAP. There are a limited number of room reservations and we cannot guarantee prices once they run out.

UPDATE: The discounted rate period has ended. If you missed out and decide to book a room for your stay at the Springhill Suites please add a comment to your booking to indicate that you are staying for the Smith-Kaplan Wedding. This helps us make arrangements for the shuttle and guest gift bags.

Room Types: 

Rooms are suite type rooms (living room, kitchen, bedroom) and can have a single King bed or two Doubles. All rooms include a Double-sized sleeper sofas. Connecting rooms are offered depending on availability. Call hotel for more details. Photos are available on the website.

Parking: 

Parking is free in lot surrounding hotel.

Food:

Free buffet style breakfast is included with room cost. There are several restaurants in close proximity (less than 10 min walking distance).

Booking Website: 

SpringHill Suites Directions & Map
Shuttle Schedule

Shuttle:

A 44-person shuttle will be provided to and from the Springhill Suites hotel in Gaithersburg. The drop off location for the wedding will be the Potomac Elementary School which is 0.1 miles from the house (aka the wedding venue). Please see the walking map below for directions. 

Shuttle Schedule:

---- Arrivals ----

4:40p departure from the Hotel  -  5:00p arrival to Venue

5:30p departure from the Hotel  -  5:50p arrival to Venue

6:30p departure from the Hotel  -  6:50p arrival to Venue

---- Returns ----

The shuttle will leave from the Potomac Elementary School back to the hotel once every hour starting at 10:00p. The final shuttle will leave at 3:15a with an additional 15 minutes to give guests time to close-out the party, collect their belongings, and say goodbyes. (The bride and groom will be taking the 3:15a shuttle to the hotel) 

The full shuttle departure list is as follows: 10:00p, 11:00p, 12:00a, 1:00a, 2:00a, and 3:15a.

Walking Map
Guest Parking

Parking Instructions:

Guests that would like the flexibility to drive themselves to the wedding venue are welcome, provided that they drink responsibly. We ask that you park at the Potomac Elementary School 0.1 miles from the house (aka the wedding venue). Please see the walking map above for directions.

Potomac Elementary School Address:

10311 River Rd, Potomac, MD 20854

Gallery
Registries