Brady's Bachelor Bash

In late April 2010, Brady M. Smith and eight of his closest friends ventured down to the Caribbean for his bachelor party in Puerto Rico.

They came, they saw, and they conquered.

And that's all you need to know about that.

Mucho gusto.

Meet Amy

In life, it’s funny how you remember first meeting some of your friends.

I remember how I met Amy Merks. My dad and her mom were friends from high school and worked together for a number of years. Our parents told us that we should hang out, so it was about second grade when we started chatting with each other in Catholic Sunday School. From this moment, we became great friends.

Some things you should know about Amy:

· At the ripe age of about 9, I was a bridesmaid in Amy’s “first” wedding. You see, we were practicing the holy rights of passage and Amy was marrying her 4th grade boyfriend, so Bubba and I served as the wedding party. The next week we jumped in as the god parents to a lovely Cabbage Patch Kid. So, now, 20 years later, it’s only fitting that Amy returns the deed as a member of my bridal party!

· Amy and I enjoy doing "old lady" things together. We tend to write things in poem, we both played slow pitch softball and we excel at bowling. During high school and middle school, we LOVED to play Bingo. And, this one time, at Band Camp (Amy twirled flags), we won a Twist contest.

· One fateful night in high school, I formally introduced Amy to her current husband, Jon (FYI – that makes 4 marriages that I’ve arranged!). While they parted ways for a bit, they rekindled their romance at a party at my house during college...and the rest is history!

· A proud graduate of Penn State, Amy works in the advertising (media buying) industry in New York. Amy and Jon currently live in Hoboken, NJ and both work in the city. Amy is one very awesome tour guide and gives fantastic recommendations for things to do and eat in the city.

Let's get to know Amy a little better...

How did you meet Brandi/Brady?
Brandi and I first met in CCD (Sunday School), but became true friends when our elementary schools merged into the same middle school in 6th grade. I first met Brady at the Tonidale in Pittsburgh and he quickly labeled me “his favorite of all Brandi’s friends” ;)

Editors Note: Amy and I having all the same classes together brought together two gifted minds that created projects such as “The King of the Wind” rap to the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” theme song.

If you were in a beauty pageant, what category would you excel in and why?
Talent – I twirl a mean flag.

What’s your favorite beverage?
Starbucks Skinny Vanilla Latte

Name your favorite restaurant.
Charrito’s in Hoboken, NJ

If there was a movie made about your life, which actress would play the lead role?
Tea Leoni – A tourist in Times Square thought I was her once!

Editors Note: Amy recently found a conversation of former high school colleagues discussing how she looks like Kim Raver on Facebook!

What song do you look forward to hearing at Brandi & Brady’s Wedding?
Rihanna - Umbrella – after all my signature Umbrella routine was established in a Chicago bar while visiting Brandi and Brady! (see an action shot of this dance to the right)

If you could be on one reality show, what would it be and why?
MTV Real World/Road Rules Challenge! I am obsessed and like to discuss my personal strategies of how I would handle every challenge in annoying detail.

Who do you think will fall off the boat?
Possibly Steve

What was the first concert you attended?
“No Doubt” at Star Lake

Name three things you always have in your refrigerator.
Vitamin water, Diet Coke and hummus

If you were going to try out for American Idol, what song would you sing?
It doesn’t matter, I wouldn’t get past the first note before Simon gave me the ax – I’m that bad.

Makin' it Rain...Presents.

On April 10th, we officially kicked off our wedding festivities with a bridal shower given in Brandi's honor! Planned by some of the most fabulous party planners from across the U.S. - the fabulous bridesmaids and Brandi's awesome mom - the lunch at Ditka's included Bradytini's and Brandi Jo Cosmo's. Brady said, "It was a dream come true to have a cocktail named in my honor."

We selected Ditka's because the restaurant is located in Brandi's hometown and she and Iron Mike are both from Pittsburgh, but have spent some time living in Chicago. The menu included a selection of comfort food favorites like Iron Mike Meatloaf and Lake Michigan Tilapia.

No Brandi party is complete with out cupcakes! Guest were also able to mix a sweet treat from "Brandi's Candy Bar."

We were both left speechless at the amount of gifts from our guests. We can't express how thankful we are for the generosity of our family and friends. It really means a lot to us! Thank you all!

After the shower, all of the ladies met up for a serious girl's night out on the Double Dutch party bus. With an army of women ranging in age from 17 to 70, our bus driving didn't know what he was getting himself into! In true Bonkowski form, Big Joe packed coolers full of wine, beer, Jager Bombs and of course...JELLO SHOTS!

The first stop was Mt. Washington for some party pictures on a beautiful Pittsburgh night.

Brandi's wonderful party planners were full of surprises throughout the night and the Bachelorette Party was no exception. At Charlie Murdoch's, a piano bar in Pittsburgh, the VIP skybox was reserved for the ladies.

In one of the best ideas ever, each guest was asked to bring a wine or martini glass with a recipe. Let me just say, we now have one of the most AMAZING collections of glasses EVER! We will seriously save these for the rest of our lives. And not one was a duplicate! Don't worry - I'll be posting the recipes on my other blog soon!

After a crazy dance party on the bus ride home, complete with Miley & Madonna, the party met at the Cadillac Ranch where the Bonkowski sisters did take a spin on the mechanical bull!

We seriously cannot thank you all enough for traveling in for the weekend, for attending the parties and for your way too generous gifts!

Next Wedding Festivity? Look out - it's Brady's Bachelor Party!

(Special thanks to Miss Lauren Sprys & Miss Dana for being the group's resident photographer - even with some competition! I stole your photos!)

Get to Know Norbert

Sorry for the brief hiatus blog readers – Brandi and Brady have been busy with work, wedding planning, and watching the Mountaineers’ incredible Final Four run.

We’re back, and today’s post features a man who, like Brandi, will be joining the Smith family in the next 3 months. On May 30, 2010, this good looking fellow will be marrying Brady’s sister Amanda, thus forming an Irish-Cuban alliance that surely cannot be stopped.

Let’s all give a big round of applause for Miami’s finest … Mr. Norbert Ferro.


Fun Facts About Norbert

* A die-hard Miami Hurricanes and Miami Dolphins football fan, Norbert was a gridiron star himself at G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School before making the bold (some Floridians would say “insane”) move up north to play college football in frigid Minnesota. Mr. Ferro played quarterback and defensive back in high school against several future NFL stars in talent-rich South Florida – you can read more about that below.

* Norbert is an experienced DJ who spins records and emcees at various events in South Florida, from weddings to birthday parties to Bat Mitzvahs. We would’ve enlisted his services at our wedding but we need this guy on the dance floor – he’s got phenomenal moves just like his future brother-in-law does.

* Norbert is a professional restaurant inspector, making sure your food is prepared safely and in sanitary conditions at eateries in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and more. Perhaps the best perk of the job is the constant flow of free gift certificates and meals that restaurant owners give Norbert – you don’t want to tick off the guy who can shut you down!

Q&A with Norbert

Who would play the lead role in a movie about your life?
Al Pacino because he is really Cuban (right? Scarface?)

Favorite memory with Brady (so far)
Being Brady's pro trophy fish sponsor on Miami Beach. I made the catch, he got the glory and the picture.

Favorite thing about Brandi
She is full of facts. I think I would use her as a life line if I was ever on Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

What are you most famous for?
Most interceptions in one season. Miami 6A football, I threw 12 my sophomore year and picked 7 my senior year. Check the books.

What’s your favorite adult beverage?
Skip and Go Naked's!!! They're great.

What was your first job?
I worked at Lane Bryant - I was a stock boy, made my way up to cashier in one week. Don't ask how! I’ll never tell.

How cool of a future brother-in-law is Brady, on a scale of 1-10?
I give him a tennn!! A ten!! A f***** ten!

When you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grow up?
A flyer (AKA fighter pilot)............. thanks to TOP GUN.

Who is the best player in the history of Miami Hurricane football, in your opinion?
Hands down Sean Taylor – he was one of the greatest safeties of all time.

Who is the best player you’ve ever played against while dominating on the football field in high school?
I would have to say Andre Johnson or Frank Gore.

What are you most excited about Brandi & Brady’s wedding?
The boat ride!!!

Which one of your fellow groomsman has the best chance of falling off the riverboat at Brady/Brandi’s wedding?
Mr. Ryan Platt’s going swimming. (Editor’s note: that’s three-for-three for Platt in the water)

Being a DJ yourself, what songs do you hope to hear at Brandi & Brady’s wedding?
Shout! and The Roof is on Fire!!!!



True or false: Brady Smith is an amazing salsa dancer and he will break out his moves for the world at both my own wedding and his wedding.
I HEAR HE HAS ALL THE "DANCING WITH THE STARS" PAST SEASONS' SALSA MOVES ON HIS DVR ... TRUE!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Each March, Chicago provides a green backdrop for one of America's craziest St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Some say its due to the large population of Irish people living in Chicago, while others say that Chicagoans just like to drink a lot of beer.

Well, since our family and friends like to drink beer, we've been blessed with visitors from across the country each March to join us in celebrating being Irish (or not) in Chicago. Bridesmaid Dana holds the record with four consecutive visits!

If you are lucky enough to make the trip, a typical St. Patrick's weekend in Chicago involves ...

* Watching the Chicago River turn green on Saturday morning - yes, they dye the river green!

* Lots of green beer

* Usually a visit to Chicago's famous Second City improv comedy show

* Shots of Jameson and/or Pat Rone

* A visit to The Bean

* Food! From Chicago pizza to Chicago hot dogs to Italian beef

* If you are really lucky, a late night CVS shopping trip with Brandi, Brady and Dana is pretty sweet!

Below you will see some highlights from our annual celebrations! We invite you all to make the trip in 2011!

Chicago River Dying - 2010

New Jersey + Dana - 2009

EHT Invades Chi-town - 2008

Finn McCools - 2007

The Bonkowski's, Aunt Michelle & Uncle Red, Bubba & Dana - 2007

Meet Amanda

The next member of our bridal party that we will feature is a very special young lady. Not only is she a bridesmaid, but she is also the groom's sister – Miss Amanda Smith! However, she won’t have that name for long.

When our wedding takes place in June, Mandy will be Mrs. Ferro! On May 30th, Mandy will marry Norbert Ferro (another groomsman who you’ll learn more about soon).

Some Fun Facts about Amanda
* The youngest of three children, Mandy had to deal with the protective wrath of her two big brothers growing up. As you can imagine, it must have been pretty intimidating for her high school boyfriends to have to impress such intense physical specimens as Brady and Ryan.

* Easily the best looking of the Smith siblings, Amanda's brothers had to constantly put up with ribbing from their friends, who were always quick to remind them how attractive their little sis was.

* Watch out for Mandy on the dance floor - she was an Egg Harbor Township cheerleader from first grade on through high school and competed in dozens of cheer & dance competitions. Brady was thrilled to attend several ballet/dance recitals when he was younger in support of his little sis.

* The Smiths would make frequent trips down to South Florida each year to visit their grandparents and other family members. Amanda had such a good time on those trips that after high school, she decided to head south and attend the Art Institute of Miami, where she was a double-major in Fashion Merchandising and Design. She now works as a buyer for the stores aboard some of Miami’s finest cruise ships!

* Amanda was quite the creative type even before fashion school called - she even designed her own clothing line in high school called "Angel Style." Even her friends proudly rocked her designs! Rumor has it that Brady's personal clothing line - "Brady Stizzzyle" - wasn't as successful.

Q&A with Amanda:

· If you were in a beauty pageant, what category would you excel in and why? Talent-Dance, I grew up dancing and even won a dance contest once.

· If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? To fly -so I could go back and forth from Miami to NJ anytime I wanted.

· If you were in the movie “Back to the Future,” what year would you visit? Sometime in the 1950s. Something about poodle skirts, diners, & drive-in’s sound fun!

· Name three things you always have in your refrigerator. Eggs, Ketchup, & Cheese (editors note: we hope it’s Heinz Ketchup!)

· Name your favorite restaurant. Ra-sushi

· If there was a movie made about your life, which actress would play the lead role? Katherine Heigl, people say I resemble her.

· If you could only shop in one store for the rest of your life, what would it be? Target

· What song do you look forward to hearing at Brandi & Brady’s Wedding? Faith by George Michael/Limp Bizkit so I can see Brady do an encore performance of Mr. EHT.

· If you could be on one reality show, what would it be and why? Dancing with the Stars because you get to dress up in hot costumes, learn every type of dance, and get in shape at the same time.

· Who do you think will fall off the boat? Smitty?

· What was the first concert you attended? Q102, a local radio station hosted a big concert with multiple entertainers.

· How many pairs of shoes do you own? About 25, mostly sandals.

· What’s your favorite beverage? Vanilla Iced Lattes. Alcoholic-Three Olives Cherry Vodka & Cranberry.

I Did It All For The Cookies

When it comes to a Western Pennsylvania wedding, Pittsburghers don’t remember what the centerpiece looked like, what color the bridesmaids wore or even what they ate for dinner. They remember the cookie table.

In the next 120 days, we will begin blogging more regularly to prepare you for the celebrations surrounding our upcoming nuptials. So where else to start but with this thing Pittsburghers love – a wedding cookie table – written by the person who co-writes this blog and loves the Steel City ; )

A cookie table is basically a number of long tables that feature a variety of cookies that the bride’s family bakes in anticipation of the wedding. The cookies are displayed on trays and on dishes of different heights. It’s common to see about 2,000 cookies at a wedding for around 200 people. The tables are typically inside the reception room along a wall. This cookie table to the right is from good friend Pam’s Wedding (we go back to kindergarten) As a bridesmaid, I helped tray (and eat) these cookies the day before the wedding!

According to Wikipedia, the cookie table tradition began in Youngstown, Ohio – not too far from Pittsburgh. Some sources say that during the Depression, women in the bride’s family made cookies because they were cheaper than an elaborate wedding cake.

Just like Pittsburgh dominates football and hockey, this cookie phenomenon is sweeping the nation. The New York Times profiled the Pittsburgh Cookie Tradition in December of 2009. I’ve had some Chicago brides ask me to explain the tradition (Hi Courtney!) and want to incorporate it in their wedding. I told them to rev up their Kitchen Aid and get their family baking now!

You can read the full New York Times Story, “The Wedding? I’m Here for the Cookies” by clicking this link.

Here’s some things the New Jerseyians need to know before you approach the cookie table:

• There will be an enormous selection of cookies. This is your opportunity to pig out. If you want away from the cookie table(s) at our wedding with a plate of cookies, you didn’t do a good job. You need to fill up at least two boxes to take home.

• If you eat a dozen cookies at the wedding, no one will judge you. They will pat you on the back and tell you to eat more.

• If there is a cookie you are obsessed with, we can get you the recipe. Pittsburgh people share.

• There is an art to tray-ing the cookies. When you meet one of the bakers at the wedding, tell her that not only were the cookies unbelievable, but that you adored the display. That will score you some huge bonus points with the Blumling ladies (my mom’s sisters).

• For all those single people house, use the cookie table as a pick up line. It’s much more “sweeter” than saying “Let’s go do a shot.”

• Yes, we will still have a cake. In fact, the hotel has an exclusive contract with a prestigious Pittsburgh bakery. But if you don’t see anyone from Pittsburgh eating the cake, it’s because they are saving room for the cookies.

If you have a special recipe or cookie that you would like to feature, please let us know and we can certainly arrange for your signature cookie to be added to the spread!

Finally, I come from a family of bakers. When I got engaged, they really didn’t care about the proposal story or the ring or where the wedding will be. My mom and her four sisters drafted a list of cookies and assigned flavors. This cookie meeting took place in July 2009 – almost a year before the wedding. The baking began around Christmas and if you are wondering where all the cookies are being stored…my mom received a new freezer as a holiday gift to house her creations. As you will see below, the baking has begun!

(Sources: Wikipedia, New York Times; Photos: Pam’s Cookies from Bella Pictures)