Brady was Joaquin Phoenix from his appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman earlier this year, and Brandi was a cupcake!
Brandi*'s a fine girl and Brady's a Bunch of fun. These two kids got married on June 26, 2010. This blog documented the wedding and now features the happily ever after...
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
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!
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!
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!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
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!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
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.
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” – t
he 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)
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” – t
he 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!)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Once Upon a Time...
Chi Omega date party, April 2003August 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.
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.
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