Q: Is Nataliya taking Seth's last name?

A: No, she'll just share his last name for the next 50+ years or so.

Q: You have a few days to go before the wedding - are you still getting married?

A: Click for answer.

Q: How many parties will be on this boat with us?

A: The entire boat has been hired for only our reception.

Q: Where did you register?

A: We didn't. We have no plans to register. We have enough kitchen appliances (ie. toasters and mixers), dishes, silverware, knick-knacks, electronics, clothing, CDs and DVDs to last a very long time.

Q: Why are you going crazy with this web site?

A: Crazy? Far from it! It's actually a fairly simple site with a lot of information presented in a neat format.

Q: Why is this a two-day affair?

A: We always wanted a quiet wedding. We seriously considered eloping but chose this option instead because it was important to Nataliya to be married in Church.

Q: You're getting married on the 13th? Aren't you superstitious about the number 13?

A: Not only is it the 13th day of the month, but it will be at 13:00 (1 PM). Not only that, but the Church is about 13 miles from home. The zip code of the Church is 10003. Our last names start with 'M' which is the 13th letter of the English alphabet. It's also the 256th day of the year, and if you add 2+5+6, you also get 13. The time on our marriage licence is for the 13th hour. Anyway, to answer your question... in short, no.

UPDATE: Our son, David Meyer was born on March 10th. That's numerically written as 3/10 (or 10/3 depending on your location) which adds up to 13 (3 + 10)! He was born at the 58th minute after the hour... 5+8=13! When she was in labor, she was in room 369 at the hospital. After she gave birth, she was moved to room 356. 369 - 356 = 13! The pediatrician we chose for David is in Fort Lee which has a zip code of 07024... the numbers add to 13! The number is showing up everywhere! Coincidence... or merely the ramblings of an overactive mind?

Q: You said the reception is informal. What does that mean?

A: Slacks, button-down shirt or polo shirt, and shoes. No sneakers or jeans. You can leave the ties at home. Just keep in mind that in September, the average high/low temperatures in Manhattan is 76/60°F (25/16°C)

Q: How many people are you expecting at the reception?

A: We're keeping the guest list to under 30. Unfortunately, this meant that we couldn't invite everyone we wanted. All the guests will be over 21.

Q: Hey, why wasn't I invited to your wedding reception?

A: See answer above.

Q: Are you following either Jewish or Ukrainian wedding traditions during the reception?

A: We're planning to have a couple of Ukrainian food items available, but for the most part, the reception will be neutral. (Check out the traditions page for additional information.)

Q: So where are you going on your honeymoon?

A: That's a difficult question to answer. We actually planned our vacation prior to planning our wedding. In November, 2003, we are heading to Orlando, Florida, but we never intended this to be our honeymoon. Our actual "honeymoon" plans are still up in the air, but it may involve Europe, the Virgin Islands, or a cruise.

UPDATE: Europe (Paris & Amsterdam) trip was May 27, 2004 - Jun 07 2004. Cruise trip to Western Caribbean was December 2, 2005 - December 10, 2005. At some point during both vacations, Nataliya was in her first trimester... No more vacations!!      (Kidding!!)

Q: Hmmm... Such a short engagement... is Nataliya expecting?

A: No.

UPDATE: David Meyer was born on March 10th, 2005, 9:58 PM at Holy Name Hospital (Teaneck, NJ). He was about two weeks overdue but came out healthy and screaming, weighing 6 pounds, 12.8 ounces (3.084 kg) and 21 inches (53.34 cm) long! This was just 2 1/2 days shy of our 1.5 year anniversary!

Q: When are you planning to get yourself some kids?

A: As soon as we figure out how to make 'em!

Q: Nataliya's brother spelled her name without the "y" in the guestbook! Why did he misspell his own sister's name?

A: "y"? Because he likes to! :) (M - O - U - S - E...) When Nataliya received her foreign passport, the government spelled her name in English with the "y". Since this spelling is an estimation of the Ukrainian, this doesn't mean that "Nataliya" is a right or wrong spelling. The exact Ukrainian pronounciation cannot be accurately spelled in English, but a closer pronounciation is without the extra character. For this reason, Taras prefers to spell her name as "Natalia". You can spell it as either as she'll respond to both, or you can even call her "Nat" like Mr. Downey does (as does everyone at her work...)

Q: I'm happy for you, Seth, but let me be frank - what does she see in you?

A: Damned if I know! She's the first one that didn't run away screaming so I thought I'd better marry her!

Got a question? Mail them to nataliyaandseth@yahoo.com.