If You Like It Then You Should Put a Ring On It

December 17th is our Engage-iversary aka the day we got engaged! What perfect timing to tell you all how it happened.

Brady is a bit busy this week, so I (Brandi) will tell you all how Brady put a ring on it (or how he proposed, for you non-Beoynce fans).

December gets a bit busy for us public relations people because we're wrapping up this year's programs and planning next year's. So on Dec. 17, 2008, I was working rather late to add the finishing touches to a client plan, when Brady said that he was picking up some food to make dinner. While that wasn’t out of the ordinary, I thought it was weird that when I asked what he was making, Brady said “a pasta dish.” Something just didn’t seem right. I even mentioned to my friend Brian that Brady was acting a bit strange.

When I got home, Brady was sitting on the couch and the apartment was super clean. I looked in the kitchen and saw that no food had been brewing. Brady said, “Before we eat, I bought you something.” He pulled out a six pack…of cupcakes from my favorite place – Swirlz.

I sort of suspected something was happening so rather than make things easy for Brady, I refused to look at the cupcakes until I had dinner! As you can imagine, Brady started to get a bit impatient and insisted that I open the box. I finally did and one cupcake was missing and in its place was a small box. When I asked what it was, Brady replied “a necklace.” I told him that if it was a necklace, he could shove it up his you know what. Hey, after six years of dating, you don’t give a girl a necklace in a surprise cupcake box.

Well most of you can image what happened next – Brady dropped down on one knee and asked me to marry him and of course I said yes!

The reason there was no dinner is because Brady made reservations at a famous Chicago restaurant – Spiaggia. As you can see from the photo, it has a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. Not only is Spiaggia the only Italian restaurant to receive 4 stars by the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Magazine, but it’s also a favorite of President Obama. In fact, the first couple dined at Spiaggia the night after the election! As Brady likes to say, that night we “partied like Michelle and Barack.”

(Photos from: Swirlz and Forbes.com)

Hello New Visitors!

Welcome to Brandi & Brady’s Wedding Blog! You probably stumbled across our little site after receiving a Save-the-Date card in the mail. We started this blog this past June and we do our best to update it on a regular basis with info about our wedding, bridal party, family and everyday adventures.

If you are visiting the site for the first time, we encourage you to catch up on previous posts by clicking on one of the "labels" on the right side of the web page. Here are some good frequently asked wedding-related questions you might want to know the answers to:

• What is this Web site and why should I visit it?

• So, where are you getting married?

• How did you guys meet?

• Who is this chick Brady is marrying?

• Brandi found a guy to put up with her non-stop talking? Who is this guy?



• Can I get more details on the hotel, ceremony and reception?
o The Sheraton Station Square is the official hotel of the Bonkowski/Smith Wedding. This is the site of our wedding reception and it's a stone's throw from the Gateway Clipper, the boat where our ceremony will take place on. We encourage you to book your hotel room as soon as possible to get our special wedding rate. In fact, the hotel created a handy little Web site for people to easily book rooms, here (we've also added a link on the right side of our blog). More travel tips and a listing of alternate to come in future blog posts.

o The most important thing to remember is if you plan on attending the ceremony, boarding begins at 2 p.m. sharp - so don't be late! The boat sets sail at 2:20 p.m., and we'll begin our voyage over to the point where Pittsburgh's infamous Three Rivers merge and exchange vowels with the skyline in the background.

• By the way, what's the deal with that oversized mirror you are staring at on the Save-the-Date?
o If you’ve been to Chicago and received the full Brandi & Brady tour, then you know all about The Bean - inexplicably one of the top tourist attractions in the Windy City.


o The Bean, which is formally known as “Cloud Gate,” is located in Millennium Park and has become a landmark in its few short years of existence. Designed by artist Anish Kapoor and constructed from 2004-06, the Bean is made from 168 stainless steel plates welded together, yet has no visible seams. Tourists love it because of the creative photos you can take (or at least, attempt to), with the sterling reflection of the Chicago Skyline in the background of each shot.

o We felt The Bean was the perfect way to show a little Chicago flair in our Save-the-Date. Brandi & Brady would also like to give a very special shout out to groomsman and photographer extraordinaire Jason Sacks for taking not one, but two rounds of our S.T.D. pictures. Mr. Sacks is now available for hire to photograph your save-the-dates, senior portraits, pets, and bah mitzvahs.

Ramy Nammour – Groomsman and Friend of the Groom

Hello folks … today we bring you the second entry in our ongoing series to help you get to know the bridal party a little better.

The first strapping young male we’re going to profile is the one, the only … Mr. Ramy Nammour.

About Ramy

* Ramy and Brady have been close friends since high school, where Ramy was a shooting specialist for the EHT hoops team and sported arguably the greatest mustache in the history of high school ‘staches (more on that below).

* Mr. Nammour is a man of many fine qualities, but one of his most obvious attributes is his penchant for having a “friggen unbelievable” time at drinking establishments across the nation. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Atlantic City, Chicago, Vegas, or Pittsburgh … you’re bound to have a blast with Ram and his partner-in-crime, Pat Rone, wherever you are (Pat is our own pseudonym for Patron tequila, for those of you who don't know already).

* Ramy is an avid sports fan and likes most of the New York teams, like the Giants, the Mets and the Knicks. No really, I’m serious … he likes the Knicks. Stop laughing.

Q&A with the Ramdog

Who would play the lead role in a movie about your life? Carrot Top...We have similar hair

When you make a toast, what do you drink to? The only thing that really matters.... HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

Favorite memory with Brady? A memorable $5 dry cleaning donation. I'm not sure how much more in depth I can get than that.

** Editors note: Let’s just say it involved Brady feeling a little bad after he used Ram’s shoes/jeans for target practice in the middle of a Philly bar after one too many shots of tequila.

Favorite thing about Brandi? Her personality and of those brown cowboy boots....really hot!

What’s your favorite beverage? Unfortunately Red Bull Vodka and a cold refreshing bud light

On a scale of 1-10, how bad are the New York Knickerbockers? Define "bad"?

What town has the better cheesesteak – Philly or A.C.? Pleasantville

What was your first job? Tunnels of Fun … selling tokens on the side to little kids without the bosses knowing.

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old? A back up dancer for Vanilla Ice

Favorite Vegas hotel? The Green Monster

Which one of your fellow groomsman has the best chance of falling off the riverboat at Brandi & Brady’s wedding? That’s easy … Miiiiiiister P

What song do you hope to hear at Brandi & Brady’s wedding? Shout! If you look it up in the Guinness Book of World Records, I hold the record for getting the lowest. It’s something I take a lot of pride in.

What was the coolest thing you did in high school? Would have to be that I somehow was able to rock a solid mustache yet was still socially accepted. Kind of an impressive feat.

Jillian Bonkowski - The Maid of Honor

Today we begin the first in a series of posts where we will introduce our loyal readers to our bridal party. First, we will write a few words about our dear friends and then have each person answer a few questions.

Miss Jillian Catherine Bonkowski, Brandi's made of honor, has the honor of going first.

About Jillian

* Brandi*'s one and only sibling, Jillian is 21-years-old and resides in Pittsburgh where she works at a local spa. Jillian is a certified esthetician - give her a ring if you need a facial, wax or an amazing make-up job.

* Jillian has a series of nicknames. The family calls her Jin Jin, thanks to cousin Tyler who couldn't say Jillian. I call her J Bo, thanks to Jennifer Lopez. My mom also started the mash-up name thing before the celebrity tabloids back in 1995 when The Bonkowski Family joined AOL. Our family screen name was Branjill - which still exists today!

* J Bo was born with amazing strength. When she was 2, she would hang from the neighbor's tree and could do pull ups. She also can curl her toes under and walk on them. Ask her to show you - she can still do it!

Q&A With The MOH

Who would play the lead role in a movie about your life? Megan Fox, Kim Kardashian or Eva Mendes

Favorite memory with Brady? When he imitates the sad dogs in the Human Society commercial (it's always on VH1 with the Sarah McLachlan)

What's your favorite beverage? Pinot Grigio

What do you order at Chipotle? Burrito Bowl – no beans, peppers, onions, shredded beef, hot sauce, sour cream, cheese, chips and two hot salsas

What are you most excited for about Brandi & Brady's wedding? The boat

What was your first job? Robinson Township Summer Recreation

If you were an animal, what would you be? A liger

What's your worst fashion mistake? A pink Arden B skirt that was super short and had ruffle-like things hanging off of it. A piece of it fell off in class and my teacher hung it on his bulletin board. I also got in trouble by the principal for it being too short.

Name three things that you must have in your refrigerator? Franks Red Hot Sauce, Ranch dressing and Cheese

What did you want to be when you were 12 years old? A mom

What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I broke my nose twice. The first time I fell face first on to the ground while rollerblading. The second, I got hit directly in the nose by a softball.

What reality TV show would you most want to be a contestant on? So You Think You Can Dance

What song do you hope to hear at Brandi & Brady's wedding? Lean Like a Cholo

What's your most embarrassing moment? Falling/rolling down the hill at a Toby Keith concert

Trick or Treat

Brady was Joaquin Phoenix from his appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman earlier this year, and Brandi was a cupcake!

October is a special month because...

two very important couples tied the knot in late October - our parents! We have a lot, and I mean a lot to thank our parents for. If these crazy kids never got married, we wouldn't be getting married!

Brandi's parents, Joe & Sue, were high school sweethearts who got married on October 21, 1978 in Pittsburgh, PA. When you meet the Bonkowski's, they instantly make sure that you have a cold beverage and food in your hand. Some of their favorite activities include tailgating, Saturday night bowling, making jello shots and of course, watching the Steelers!

One year and 8 days later, Debbie & Mike Smith were married on October 28, 1979 in Atlantic City, NJ. This year marks the Smith's 30-year wedding anniversary. The Smith's enjoy vacationing in Florida, visiting the Jersey shore in the summer, hanging out with friends in their new community and of course watching sports. Deb also makes a great breakfast that is worth an early morning visit to the Smith house!

Happy anniversary to both of our parents!

If you would like to get to know Sue & Debbie more, feel free to become their friends on Facebook!

The Brandi & Brady Bunch - Our Wedding PARTY!

Well, there you have it folks - The Brandi & Brady Wedding PARTY!

Over the next few months, we will introduce you to each one of these folks individually, but in the meantime, here are the people that will stand by us on our wedding day...

Brandi*'s Babes
Starting below Brandi, left to right
* Jillian Bonkowski - Sister of the Bride - Maid of Honor
* Dana Yingling
* Melissa (Koger) Kluchurosky
* Amy (Merks) Vojtecky
* Amanda Smith - Sister of the Groom


Brady's Bros
Starting below Brady, right to left
* Ryan Smith - Brother of the Groom - Best Man
* Ryan Platt - Best Man
* Ramy Nammour
* Jason Sacks
* Kevin Jordan
* Norbert Ferro - Future Brother-In-Law of the Groom

Stay tuned for the way we became the Brandi & Brady Bunch!

Summer Days...Drifting Away...

While Labor Day is the unofficial “last day of summer,” yesterday it was official.

Here’s what Brandi & Brady did on our summer vacation…or rather, while we weren’t working.

We celebrated our -1 year wedding anniversary on vacation with Brandi’s family in Myrtle Beach with 22 people staying in one house for a the week! Highlights of the trip included deep sea fishing (Fish Count: Brandi: 2, Brady: 1), sandcastle building, mermaid volleyball tournaments and family dinner nights.

Brandi’s sister Jillian (aka J Bo) finally turned 21. We cheered her ability to drink legally in Pittsburgh.

On July 3rd, Brandi was a bridesmaid (for the 6th or 7th time – she’s lost count) in her friend Pam’s wedding. Brandi & Pam met in Kindergarten and Brandi hooked Pam and the groom up in 6th grade. Pam’s dad got mad because he thought she was too young to date. They rekindled their romance in college!

The Smith’s came to Pittsburgh to visit for the 4th of July. The Bonkowski family had a huge party, in honor of the Smith’s and America, which included a beer truck. Brandi’s softball team defeated Brady’s team after J Bo hit a two RBI double in the bottom of the 9th! Those Bonkowski girls really excel in slow pitch softball.


Brady was able to enjoy two summer weekends at the Jersey Shore. During first trip Brady saw his favorite band, Phish, play in Philly. On his second visit, Brady attended his 10-year class reunion!

We celebrated Brandi’s sorority sister Stef’s wedding in Pittsburgh. Stef married a Michigan fan, but we like Ryan and won’t hold it against her. The WVU grads totally out-partied the Michigan people. The Chi Omega girls love Brady. He takes care of us when we are tipsy.

In August, Brady was a groomsman his friend Jeff’s wedding. They played football together in high school and for Brandi’s sake, they kept the “Al-Bundy-Like” stories to a minimum.
In between all of the traveling, we found time to enjoy a summer Cubs game, Pearl Jam concert, dodgeball games and a few summer nights out in Chicago!

On to Philly, Back to Chicago

So after dating for two years across six states, the distance started to take its toll on our relationship. While we took a brief hiatus during the summer/fall of 2005, we eventually strategerized (Bush was still in office) a two-fold plan to try and make things work. Brandi would begin looking for jobs in Philadelphia and Brady would begin looking for jobs in Chicago. Whoever had a bite first would act on it. The second part was a pact that we make sure to see each other more.

While working in the athletic department at the University of Pennsylvania, Brady applied to some Chicago jobs and landed an interview with a Chicago PR firm, Hill & Knowlton. After a four-month wait, he finally got a call-back in April 2006 and was offered a position. Brady called Brandi with an ominous tone in his voice, pretending that the whole deal was over, and then cleverly asking her, “So, do you think we should live in Lincoln Park or Wrigleyville?”

When Brandi finally realized what that meant, she was obviously elated (she also didn’t believe Brady for about 10 minutes).

Yes, after seven jobs, six states, countless long-distance phone calls and almost three years, Brandi and Brady would finally be together in the same city!

The first year of our domestic bliss wasn’t easy. We lived in a studio apartment, which is basically one room plus a bathroom. We didn’t even have a couch for the first year! After some time, our apartment building was able to hook us up with the lovely one bedroom apartment that we currently reside in.

We absolutely love the city of Chicago (which we’ll get into much greater detail in some future posts). Oh, and don’t worry – we have TWO couches now.

Brandi* & Brady BC: Before Chicago

So from last post you learned that Brandi & Brady met eight years ago this week!

We’ve told you how the magic happened … now, here’s a quick snapshot of the past six years of our lives.

B.B.C. – Blacksburg and Before Chicago

After Brandi graduated from WVU in May of 2003, she decided to continue her pursuit of a career in sports media relations. It seemed that Brandi applied for every job and internship open in collegiate athletics. But after two call-backs from the University of Houston and Virginia Tech, Brandi decided that she could cross enemy lines and work for the Hokies. After all, it was only a 10-month internship.

So as Brandi moved to Blacksburg, Brady was moving back to Morgantown, W.Va., to finish his fifth and final year at WVU. After talking all summer and spending a weekend in Morgantown, Brandi went to visit Brady on August 22st on her way home to Pittsburgh. It was on this trip when B&B had “the talk” and decided we would officially be boyfriend and girlfriend…on “an item” as Brandi’s dad likes to say. We knew that the four-hour driving distance would be a challenge, but we were ready.

We’re just going to blunt – Blacksburg, Virginia sucks. Sure, it’s got some nice scenery, but the town is just in the middle of nowhere, forcing B&B to get creative during Brady’s visits. For one, we would hit up the local pizza shop on Thursday nights where the waiter would flip a coin when your check arrived, and if it favored your call – your pizza was free! (let’s just say we were batted over .500 on that deal). Afterwards, we’d head to the “Super Bowl” – the local bowling alley! We had some tight games, but Brandi would typically dominate. I know, I know – very exciting stuff.

Upon graduation in 2004, Brady received an internship offer he could not refuse – the opportunity to work with the Denver Broncos! Brandi moved back to Pittsburgh where she began an internship at Ketchum, but they decided to keep the relationship going despite the long-distance. Brandi even came out to visit Brady in the Mile High City twice – we traveled all over Denver, visited the zoo, the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, and of course the magical Coors factory!

Reader’s Note: If you are keeping track, the B&B relationship state count is now at four (WV, VA, PA, CO).

In November of 2004, Brandi received a full-time job offer from Ketchum, but it would require her moving to Chicago. Having heard amazing things about the Windy City, Brandi decided to give it a shot and on January 1, 2005, Brandi became an Illinois resident.

After leaving Denver in January of 2005, Brady briefly stayed in Chicago as he continued his full-time job search, but couldn’t find any work and opted to do another internship at a small PR firm in Philadelphia while commuting from his home in New Jersey.

State Count: Six. (WV, VA, PA, CO, IL, NJ)

Check back next week to find out what happened next in the travels and tribulations of B&B (you obviously know the ending to this story, but check back anyway!)

Once Upon a Time...

Chi Omega date party, April 2003

August is a special month for us – it’s when we first met and first started “dating.” This month, we’ll divide our posts into three topics – How we met, and B.C. and A.C. (Before Chicago and After Chicago).

And this folks is how the magic happened…

Once upon a time it was August 20, 2001. West Virginia University had just started its fall semester. Blues Traveler was headlining the ever popular Fall Fest concert and Rich Rodriquez was about to begin his first season as the head football coach for the Mountaineers.

This was the day that we first met in the Walt Babcock Room of the Coliseum – the spaceship-looking concrete structure that houses the WVU hoops teams and athletic department offices. Both of us were starting our first year as student interns in the Sports Communications department.

During the 2001-02 school year, we maintained a working relationship and witnessed a lot of interesting things at work, including:

· Brandi & Brady were both in the office when the tragic events of September 11th took place. In fact, Brandi didn’t have a car at school at that time, so Brady drove her home after office hours.

· On Brady’s 21st birthday, he received a shout out on the big screen at Mountaineer Field where the WVU Football team beat Rutgers 80-7. Brandi remembers this day because she was really, really hungover and the game seemed to last really, really long. Richy Rod led the Mountaineers to a 3-8 overall season (1-6 in the BIG EAST).

· We witness Gale Catlett’s last year as head basketball coach. The school then hired Dan D., which lasted two days, but Brady can say he was at that press conference (Brandi had class).

Brandi & Brady both returned to the Sports Communications department for a second year in 2002-03. This would be Brandi’s last, as she miraculously made it through WVU in four years – (Brady, not wanting to leave the party too early, was on the five-year plan in Motown). This is the year the “magic” happened.

Brandi Describes the Magic
I never really looked at Brady as more than a co-worker. My roommates will tell you different because I would always come home and the conversation would be “Brady did this today” or “Brady said this.” They suspected a crush, but other than Megan, a fellow sports comm intern and Chi-Omega sister, none of the roommies had met Brady.

I really can’t explain how Brady and I got together. He likes to say that I couldn’t resist his tan from his spring break trip to Jamaica, but anyone who knows Brady well, knows that he doesn’t tan, therefore, it wasn’t the tan.

One day at work, Brady asked what I was doing that night and I told him that we would eventually end up at Bent Willy’s because…well, that’s what we did every night. Brady met me out at the bar and we realized that we knew some of each other’s friends. I lived in the same dorm as Gene and Hiles from Mainland and Brady knew my best friend Bubba. After one too many Coors Lights, we invited the New Jersey boys back to 408 Forrest (above) and the rest is history.

So for me, the magic was Coors Light.

Brady Describes The Magic
First of all – I was definitely tan and yes, she dug it. A lot.

But Brandi’s right, this was certainly not a “love at first sight” affair. We had worked together and I thought Brandi was just another sorority girl obsessed with frat dudes and “date parties.” That spring semester though, I talked to Brandi a lot more at work and started to realize that there was more substance to her than I expected. Funny enough – and this is a memory I’m sure of but she doesn’t recall – I even alluded to one day marrying her, jokingly, a few times at work. Who knew I was such a Nostradamus?

I won’t get into too many details of that fateful spring evening at Bent Willey’s because, well, quite frankly I don’t remember much.

So – in review, I think the initial “magic” was a combination of several factors … my undeniable charm … a couple years of getting to know each other at work … beer, lots of beer … a little egging on from my friends and Brandi’s roommates. But, it was probably just my tan.

Brandi's a Fine Girl

This week’s post is all about a little girl from Pittsburgh named Brandi.

· Brandi Jo Bonkowski was born at the Ohio Valley General Hospital, to proud parents Joe and Sue Bonkowski.

· Brandi has one younger sister named Jillian, who recently turned 21.

· In high school, Brandi was a majorette for the Montour Spartans marching band, which as she will tell you, was the cool thing to do at Montour.

· She is a diehard Pittsburgh sports fan – she even wears her Pirates hat to Cubs games (the Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball team, for those who weren’t sure if they had a team anymore).

· Brandi was a very busy girl in college, as she balanced planning social events for her beloved sorority, Chi Omega, with covering three sports for the WVU Sports Communications department. This is also where she met her super-stud fiancée.

· While working for the athletic department, both Brandi and Brady covered the WVU men’s and women’s tennis squads. To demonstrate their affinity for their teams, they decided to square off in a one-on-one tennis match in Morgantown. Brandi played valiantly but in the end, she couldn’t withstand the raw athleticism her future fiancée possessed. After losing the match, Brandi threatened never to date Brady again but, I think we all know how that turned out.

· Following her tenure at WVU, Brandi pulled a Benedict Arnold and took a full-year internship with the Virginia Tech Hokies.

· Brandi has been living and working in Chicago for four years, and has worked for the same public relations firm, Ketchum, for a total of five years (which equals about 25 years in the PR world).

· Miss Bonkowski has many favorite things in life, which include but are not limited to: her cats, Harry Potter, Hello Kitty, scrapbooking, blogging, wedding planning, reading and crafting.

· She dedicates a good amount of time into writing her blog, ShotofBrandi.blogspot.com, although she only has about 10 dedicated readers because she is shy about it. Her fiancée thinks that you should pass this blog along to your friends, so more people can read her insightful tips.

· She forms the second half of the legendary Guitar Hero band, “The Jag-offs” (named after an infamous Pittsburgh saying.


If you REALLY know Brandi, you know that:

· She has an uncanny ability to relate any statement into a full-fledged 5-minute story about something that she’s witnessed in her life. For example: You say – “Michael Phelps is cool.” Brandi would say – “Well, did you know that in high school, my friend Bubba … we’ve been best friends since kindergarten, he sat next to me ... well one time Bubba was at a party and he came out and told everyone he was Mark Spitz and dove into the pool wearing a speedo!”

· She spends hours each week perusing her Google Reader for the most recent trends on fashion, weddings, PR, etc.

· Her grandma Nun used to sneak her to McDonald’s against the wishes of her parents. And if you really know her, you’ve heard that story a minimum of 30 times.

· Brandi broke her finger while playing 16-inch softball – she was pitching and the umpire threw the ball back a little too hard after one pitch, jamming her finger and putting her out of commission for the rest of the season. She did, however, finish the entire rest of the game with her broken finger.

· If you threaten to whoop her butt, she will say, “I’ll tell my dad,” like a little 5-year-old.

· If there is a working jukebox in the bar or restaurant you’re attending with Brandi, there’s a 99.9% chance she will pick out and play at least 2-3 songs.