Meet Platt

With almost a month to go until show time, we’re down to our last two groomsmen – Brady’s best men. As fate would have it, the two gentlemen are both gym, errr … physical education teachers at Egg Harbor Township High School and coach football together. Today’s post focuses on the man with the most contagious laugh in the room, who’s been Brady’s best friend for over 14 years. Ladies love him, men want to be him, high school kids get into stretching lines for him. Say hello to Ryan David Platt.

About Platt

* Whew, where to begin? From junior football to high school football, from endless concerts, beach trips and “social gatherings,” to four years spent dominating at West By God Virginia University … Mr. P and Brady have really been through it all together. Platt’s always been like another member of the family at the Smith house – he literally has his own stocking at Christmas time.

* If you’re not from EHT and see Platt at the wedding, you might be a bit surprised to know that he was an all-Cape Atlantic League defensive lineman in high school. Sometimes giving up over 100 pounds to his opponent, it was truly a sight to watch Platt wiggle his way through the offensive line to make tackle after tackle for the Silver Eagles.

* Aside from his love for the gridiron, Platt is an extremely passionate person who enjoys many of life’s finer offerings … including good music, surfing, snowboarding, chicken fingers, blue cheese and ketchup. Platt’s so passionate about the last two things that they often end up as a decoration on his face.

Q&A with Platt

Who would play the lead role in a movie about your life?
It would have to be somebody awesome...I'm going to go with Sylvester Stallone...he crushed Rocky.

Favorite memory with Brady
Very tough call...would have to go with watching Brady perform his best intoxicated "Apollo Creed" replication in my driveway during his sophomore year of high school.

Favorite thing about Brandi
Fun going personality and perfect complement to Brady

What’s your favorite adult beverage?
Ciclon and Vodka...she moves her body like a Ciclon

What was your first job?
Platt's Homefurnishings Outlet...your furniture store at the Jersey Shore

When you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grow up?
Professional football player for the New York Football Giants

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Well, if they weren't from South Jersey I would have to say that I played noseguard (defensive lineman) at 140 lbs in high school football.

What's your favorite football memory with Brady?
Lining up on the defensive line with Brady on Thanksgiving Day against Mainland his senior year. By the way...we kicked some ‘Stang ass that day.

What are you most excited about Brandi & Brady’s wedding?
Cutting the most ridiculous rug Pittsburgh has ever seen.

Which one of your fellow groomsman has the best chance of falling off the riverboat at Brady/Brandi’s wedding?
I would have to say it’s a two man race... but I'm going to go with Mr. Ryan...Smith. I'm probably in the running as well...

What song(s) do you hope to hear at Brandi & Brady’s wedding?
SHOUT!!! Are there any other important songs at a wedding???

What is Brady’s best snowboarding move when he’s shredding up the slopes?
"Smith-In-Flip". Some of tried, but only one has mastered...

What’s your favorite subject in health/P.E. to teach the kids?
Health: Everything...it’s an awesome time for life lessons in A201 with Mr. P
Physical Education: Kickball...I had a no hitter in 4th period last week.

What’s your favorite go-to defense to run on the football field?
Odd 2 baby...Cover 2 it up!

You get to make a speech at Brandi & Brady’s wedding … can you give us a sneak peak of what you’ll be telling the invitees?
Ahh...I really want to keep this in the bag. I'm going to provide some insight into the history of Brady Michael Smith and Brandi Jo Bonkowski.

Meet Melissa

Brady and I, being die hard West Virginia fans, hate everything about the University of Pittsburgh. Well just about everything. There is one thing (or person) that we do love and that is Mrs. Melissa (Koger) Kluchurosky - aka Melly or Meltini – our fifth & final bridesmaid!

• A human resources guru, Melissa is a graduate of Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, but now works at Pitt. While Melissa and I love all Pittsburgh professional sports, we spark a bit of a rivalry when it comes to college athletics.

• Melissa and I became great friends during middle school and became practically joined at the hip throughout high school. We participated in almost all the same activities – from student council officers to band, Melissa and I were always together. We were even band camp roommates twice and always sat together on bus trips (including two 24-hour trips to Disney - hence the happy face to the right)

• Throughout high school, I spent my spare time stalking Melissa’s younger brother, Bobby. I’d repeatedly ask him to become my boyfriend, but I was turned down on a daily basis. It wasn’t love – I just enjoyed embarrassing him in front of his underclassman friends!

• Never one to turn down a cold Miller Lite or a good appetizer, my parents LOVE it when Melissa comes over because she loves their cooking. My mom even makes special things just because “Melissa likes it” and my dad used to pack special lunches for her in high school!

• Melissa is married to one of the sweetest, nicest guys around – Mr. Brian Kluchurosky. I was fortunate enough to be a part of their bridal party and even read a little Colossians at the ceremony!

• Looking through old photos, I found this awesome picture (to the right) of Melly and I from our 8th Grade Dinner Dance - on the Gateway Clipper! The boat where Brady and I will marry in June!

Q & A with Melissa

• How did you meet Brandi/Brady? Brandi, in middle school. First memories with Brandi are from the 6th grade trip to Busch Gardens VA. (Editor's Note: Melissa met Brady at a Pitt/Virginia Tech tailgate - the same day he met my parents!)

• If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? Predict the lottery numbers so I could win the PA Powerball and retire from work at age 28!

• What’s your favorite beverage? Venti Unsweetened Shaken Green Tea/ Lemonade from Starbucks!

• Name your favorite restaurant. Overall best experience at a restaurant was at Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill @ Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

• If you could only shop in one store for the rest of your life, what would it be? TARGET or COSTCO…can’t decide but probably Costco because you can buy food, appliances, electronics, patio furniture, flowers, personal care products or a car in one shopping trip!

• What song do you look forward to hearing at Brandi & Brady’s Wedding? Chicken Dance…Just kidding Brandl…I think I was on Team Brandi for “no” Chicken Dance at the wedding!

• If you could be on one reality show, what would it be and why? Cake Boss…Love those crazy Italians and would love to decorate one of those amazing cakes!

• Who do you think will fall off the boat? DANA!!!!!!!!!!

• What was the first concert you attended? Janet Jackson or Boyz II Men…Can’t remember which was first!

• If you were in the movie “Back to the Future,” what year would you visit? Early 1900’s so I could experience my grandparents coming from Italy to US and seeing what they were like growing up!

• How many pairs of shoes do you own? Too many to count…all included with sandals, boots, sneakers, heels, flats, probably over 50.

• Name three things you always have in your refrigerator. Milk, Apples, Bottled Water…pretty boring fridge!

Meet Sacks

We’re entering the home stretch, as far as Wedding Party Q&A’s go, and our next strapping young male is a popular one. He’s #22 in your program, #1 in your hearts … the pride of EHT, Syracuse, and Wrigleyville … meet Mr. Jason Sacks.

About Jason Sacks

* Sacks and Brady have been close friends for a long, long time. From Mrs. Mattern’s third grade class, through high school, college, and beyond – these two have experienced quite a bit together. Two years ago, Brady got the incredible news that Sacks would be joining him in Chicago – an event that has clearly changed the Windy City forever. Sacks is now more of a Chi-town regular than deep dish pizza, and has enjoyed dominating the social and intramural circuit with Brady and Co.

* Sacks has always been a relentless competitor and natural born leader – in athletics and the classroom. The dude even has his own honor society at EHTHS named after him (not joking) – which was established to recognize students with high achievement in journalism. Rumor has it that the society was supposed to be named after Brady, but he insisted Sacks receive the namesake honor because of his editorial work on the award-winning Class of 1999 Yearbook.

* A standout basketball, cross country, tennis, badminton and Marco Polo star in high school, Sacks parlayed that love of sports to college with his radio/broadcast journalism work at Syracuse University. He covered football, hoops, lacrosse and several other sports before coaching and studying NYU and then interning with the dreadful New York Knickerbockers (which, as a diehard Sixers fan, must have been a bittersweet experience for him).

* He is now a top executive for Positive Coaching Alliance, an awesome non-profit organization that conducts educational workshops for youth sports coaches, parents, organizational leaders and athletes across the nation. Brady has definitely caught the PCA fever from Sacks, and constantly references the organization’s catchy terminology, like “Double-Goal Coaches,” and “We fill emotional tanks.”


Q&A with Sacks

Who would play the lead role in a movie about your life?
If the movie focused mainly on my illustrious sports career, we'd need someone athletic, so I'd say Dodger first baseman, James Loney (I hope he can act) … but if we were to focus on how much I travel and how much I am Up in the Air - let's go George Clooney.

Favorite memory with Brady
Three-way tie between: striking him out in Little League in 5th grade, competing together in Mr. EHT, and representing NJ out in Chicago together for the past two years.

Major Editor’s Note: There is no known witness, documentation or feasible memory that proves Sacks actually struck out Brady in 5th grade. The editor feels this is a false claim and will await research of historical EHTYO scorecards by the FBI before reversing his stance.

Favorite thing about Brandi
Go Big or Go Home - Brandi always knows how to have a good time. Whether it is contributing with food and drinks at a small get together, making gold-chain NJ necklaces for Brady and me at the Jersey Shore party, or wanting to make a sign for the Stevie Wonder concert, she always is looking to have a good time.

What’s your favorite adult beverage?
Goose on the rocks, extra olives...and obviously Pat

What is your favorite intramural sport to play in Chicago?
Hands down the easiest question on the survey. Proud member of the greatest dodgeball team ever established - The Money$hotz.

What was your first job?
First paying job was a dishwasher at the Island Grill in Ocean City for one summer. I then got called up to the Big Leagues and enjoyed an eight-summer stint at Steve and Cookies By the Bay.

When you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grow up?
Sports Announcer...I basically wanted to be the next Bob Costas or Jim Nantz.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I made it to the quarterfinals of the TV show, “So You Think You Can Dance” ... and also had a short stint on tour with The Jabawockeez.

What are you most excited about Brandi & Brady’s wedding?
The fact that half of EHT will be making the trip to Pittsburgh to join forces with Brandi's friends and family, which will end up being one of the biggest parties the Steel City has ever seen (Super Bowl parades will look like middle school silent lunches compared to the wedding weekend).

Which one of your fellow groomsman has the best chance of falling off the riverboat at Brady/Brandi’s wedding?
I think everyone stays dry....but if Platt drinks any Ciclon within 24 hours of the wedding, all bets are off.

What song(s) do you hope to hear at Brandi & Brady’s wedding?
Any song with "Baby" in it, so we can turn it into a Brady song … and “How Low” by Ludacris.

Who will win the NFC East in 2010?
The New York Football Giants......and finishing second and getting the wild card will be the Syracuse-alum, Donovan McNabb-led Washington Redskins. In the basement will be the Philadelphia Eagles and their ungrateful fans, who will finish 4-12.

Who should the Sixers name as their next head coach?
Well I don't think I am ready to move back East yet, so I'm out of the picture. Heard rumors of Thunder Dan Majerle. Just give me someone who is not a recycled NBA coach...oh, and I'll take John Wall too.

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!!