FAQ
We know that pandemic weddings are a little untraditional and many of you have had questions about our day, so we curated a short list of frequently asked questions...
Why didn't we receive a paper invite?
The email you should have received at the end of July was the invitation. In an effort to streamline the RSVP process and minimize the carbon footprint from our wedding, we sent invitations via email. If you are reading this, but did not receive the invitation, please let us know as soon as possible! All of the information in the email and more is on this web site. We have also heard that some folks are having trouble navigating the web site. If you are accessing from a mobile device, please click on the three bars indicating the menu navigation to link to the various pages within the site including event details, Covid information, the registry, the livestream, and the RSVP page.
Where are you registered?
Please find our registry here
I'm afraid of catching COVID, should I come?
Even with precautions, there a significant risk of catching COVID at a wedding. We request in-person guests be fully vaccinated. That being said, if you have ANY concerns about yourself, other guests, or loved ones at home, please consider attending virtually via the livestream instead.
Will it hurt your feelings if I livestream and don't come to the physical ceremony?
Absolutely not! The livestream is there for everyone, it won't hurt anyone's feelings, we want everyone to participate in the way they feel comfortable. Here are a few good reasons to livestream:
Don't want to catch COVID? Livestream!
Don't want to travel? Livestream!
Don't want to dress up? Livestream!
Hungover? Livestream!
Can't find a babysitter? Livestream!
Don't want to get vaccinated? Livestream!
Are you in D.C. or Houston? When are you moving to D.C.? Is the wedding in D.C.?
Both Alan and Erika have jobs based in Washington D.C. Houston, TX. We plan to stay in Houston for the foreseeable future. If our work takes the couple out of Houston, it will not affect the wedding location, which will be in Houston.
Who is Erika McDonald?
Erika is a passionate appellate advocate for civil rights, immigration, and environmental law. She currently works as an enforcement attorney for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and, in her 'free time,' relives her journalism days as an adjunct professor of First Amendment and media law at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX. She loves to travel, especially cross-country road trips to national parks with her Alan and their dog Elmer Fudge.
Who is Alan Shultz?
Alan is a hermit who likes peace and quiet. He works as a cybersecurity auditor and the U.S. Department of Commerce office of inspector general and enjoys the detailed, investigative aspects of the job. Who among us can resist reading the enthralling reports he has worked on, such as "The U.S. Department of Commerce Needs to Improve Its System Security Assessment and Continuous Monitoring Program to Ensure Security Controls Are Consistently Implemented and Effective." Alan also loves road trips with Erika and their dog Elmer Fudge, killing houseplants, and woodworking.
How did you meet?
Alan and Erika met at an art show at Spring St. Studios in Houston, TX. They got to talking and Alan invited Erika to nearby Stanton's for lunch afterwards. Both ordered giant burgers they couldn't finish because they were so nervous. Their first date lasted 10 hours and it was two weeks before they were able finish a meal together.