Q. The reception is at the Ben Franklin House? Is this where he actually lived? Will there be charred kites in the coat closet?
A. It's just a name. When the Benjamin Franklin Hotel opened in 1925, it was heralded by many observers as Horace Trumbauer's finest public building. The largest and most lavish of Philadelphia's grand hotels, "the Ben" hosted celebrities, royalty and world travelers for more than half a century.
In 1981, The Ben was named to the National Register of Historic Places. Today the building holds 400+ apartments in addition to the original Grand Ballroom. Its design is noteworthy for its fusion of modern Georgian and classical design.
Q. Hey, is that your wedding dress in the Web site picture? We aren't supposed to see that till your wedding day!
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Q. Will this event be anything like that delightful film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding?
A. You bet'cha. Beth and Drew are having a Greek Orthodox ceremony, conducted by a very Greek-sounding Father Demetrios.
Q. How long is the ceremony? Reception?
A. Ceremony will be around 45 minutes, a quickie by Greek Orthodox standards. Neat fact: An important part of the traditional ceremony includes the crowning -- the bride and groom wear crowns that are connected by a ribbon; Beth and Drew's crowns were worn 60 years ago by Popou and Yaya at their wedding.
The dinner reception will be five or six hours (TBD) -- a cocktail hour, dinner and some serious disco dancing. (Watch out, Traglias -- the Mayalls really cut a rug.) Check out the band's Web site.
Q. How formal is the wedding?
A. It is black-tie optional.
Q. I'm driving from Baltimore. How far is the ride to Philly?
A. About 90 minutes, straight up 95 North.
Q. I'm flying in. How far is the Philadelphia Airport from Center City Philadelphia?
A. A 20-minute ride. If your hotel is in the city, your best bet may be taking a cab rather than renting a car -- it's easy to get around Philly by taxi.
Q. What's the Center City Philadelphia neighborhood like?
A. Lots of gentrified areas with restaurants, antique shops and museums. Here are links to a few good Philly guides:
Philadelphia Inquirer's Visitors Guide
Conde Nast Traveler's Concierge.com Guide
Fodor's Philly Guide
Good ole Citysearch
Q. What will the weather be like?
A. Beth predicts rainy, as it was on her senior prom. (Her parents assure her this is good luck.) Average temperature in May is 55 to 72 degrees. Record high was 91 degrees in 1991. Record low was 28 degrees in 1966. Pack accordingly!
Q. Will I be able to take taxis around the city instead of renting a car or driving?
A. Sure, no problem.
Q. Who put this fabulous Web site together for you guys?
A. Our very dear and talented friend Jameson. (Hi, Jameson.) (Um, hi.)