Wedding Website of Joe Grossberg and Salem Pearce
Questions? Contact us.
Photo credit Melissa Nyman
We are happy to share this special occasion with our loved ones and hope you will find the information below helpful.
We'll be updating the site with more information, so check back often.
Salem and Joe watch Salem's beloved Astros take on the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 13, 2008.
When and Where
Photo credit Mr. T in DC
Sunday, October 25, 2009, 11:00 a.m.
Sixth & I Synagogue
600 I St NW
Washington, D.C.
(map)
Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown
Our Story
Salem and Joe announce their engagement to Salem's family in Raleigh, North Carolina, on December 24, 2008.
Joe and Salem met on JDate, an online Jewish dating site, in August 2006. Salem had been going on a lot of really bad first dates, so, even though Joe seemed like a nice guy, she decided that she wanted backup for her next outing. Their first date, then, was to watch the first Texas football game of the season at Rhodeside Grill in Arlington, Virginia, with her friends Brian Moulton and Austin Fulk — and a hundred or so burnt orange-clad members of the Washington, D.C. Texas Exes Association.
Joe was smitten from day one, but Salem was a bit more stubborn. On the way back from a trip to New York with her mother, Salem texted with her friend Larry Schooler about her new relationship. Larry made the outrageous suggestion that she tell Joe that she liked him. Salem, still uncertain about her readiness for romance, responded with the very mature, "I do not!" But she did, and she told Joe so. Salem soon fell in love with Joe — and his wonderful cats, Miju and Peeps.
Miju (L) and Peeps, being awesome.
In April 2008, they moved into their current downtown apartment, and Salem achieved her dream of living with Peeps. In December, Joe and Salem decided to get married.
October 25 will be not only the three-year anniversary of when we started dating, but also the seventh anniversary of our friends Brian and Austin, who accompanied us on that very first date.
Accommodations
All hotels listed below are within six blocks of the wedding venue. If you have any questions about accommodations, please contact the bride.
A note to our guests: Salem's brother is getting married this year as well, and Joe and Salem will be happy to see members of her family in Houston in September if you are unable to make both events.
We have reserved a block of 15 rooms at the Renaissance Washington hotel for three nights. Guests may check in on Friday, October 23 and depart on Monday, October 26. To reserve a room at our discounted rate of $189.00/night plus taxes, please call (202) 898-9000 before October 2 and tell them you are with the Pearce and Grossberg wedding.
Also, be sure to ask what other deals your hotel is offering — a friend says the Renaissance has a 20% discount for reservations made before September 24 — and Marriott rewards members get a further discount.
Rennaissance Washington
999 9th St NW
(202) 898-9000
Hotel Monaco
700 F St NW
(800) 649-1202
Hampton Inn
901 6th St NW
(202) 842-2500
Red Roof Inn
500 H St NW
(202) 289-5959
Grand Hyatt Washington
1000 H St NW
(202) 582-1234
Embassy Suites
900 10th St NW
(202) 739-2001
The Henley Park Hotel
926 Massachusetts Ave NW
(202) 638-5200
Courtyard Washington Convention Center
900 F St NW
(202) 638-4600
Schedule
Photo credit jeredb
We are still finalizing details, so some of the following schedule is approximate.
Saturday, October 24
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Open house at Salem and Joe's apartment, 1301 Massachusetts Ave NW, Apt. 506A. Stop by to see us and our cats, Miju and Peeps. (map)
6:00 p.m.
"Rehearsal" dinner (casual attire) at Logan Tavern, 1423 P St NW, for family visiting from out of town. There will be a shuttle from the Renaissance Hotel to the restaurant. (map)
Sunday, October 25
11:00 am
Wedding ceremony at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St NW. (map)
12:00 pm
A brunch reception will follow, in the synagogue's Moses Social Hall.
Registry and Charities
We do not have a traditional gift registry. Please read the note below and consider making a donation to a charity that is important to us.
An Important Note on Gifts: Salem and Joe are strong believers in Tzedakah (צדקה), a Hebrew word translated as "charity" and "justice." For this reason, we do not have a traditional gift registry and would prefer that, instead of purchasing us a gift, you donate to a worthy charity.
We are blessed to have financial peace in our home. However, there are millions of Americans who are not so fortunate. The recent economic downturn has hit charities doubly hard — their services are needed more than ever, while incoming donations have fallen. So, please, if you feel the need to commemorate the occasion, we would be doubly honored to have you send a modest donation to those in need instead of purchasing us a traditional wedding gift. Such a noble gesture would really mean a lot to us and will improve the lives of people who really need our support.
While You're In Town
Photo credit schodts
Looking for fun and interesting things to do before and after the wedding?
We defer to Destination DC's list of 100 free (or nearly free) things to do in DC.