Wedding shut down by shut down? Bishop has an answer

Posted Oct 3, 2013
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[Episcopal Diocese of Washington] Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington has offered the expansive garden outside of the diocesan offices on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral to couples who were forced to cancel their weddings when the federal government shut down.

“The shutdown’s impact on people’s lives is incalculable, and we’re all struggling to find ways to support our neighbors,” said Bishop Budde. “As one modest gesture, we invite those whose outdoor wedding plans were unexpectedly changed to consider the Bishop’s Garden as an alternate site, and we offer it to them free of charge.”

Budde said she made the invitation after a member of the diocese proposed the idea after reading of the plight of Mike Cassesso and MaiLien Le, whose wedding was scheduled to be held on the west lawn of the Jefferson Memorial. Twenty-four weddings were scheduled to be held on the National Mall in October, according to the National Park Service.

Couples whose weddings are affected by the shutdown are invited to contact Cheryl Wilburn in the Bishop’s office by email or by calling 202-537-6543.