Wednesday, June 16, 2010

DJ...That's My DJ


While neither of us will be manning the turntables at the wedding, a lot of our upcoming wedding guests have been sending us song requests. So today, we wanted to give you the opportunity to record your request on this blog.

In the comment section, feel free to let us know what you hope to hear at our wedding!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Are we there yet?

We are so excited to have guests traveling to Pittsburgh from all across the United States! In fact, we have guests coming to our wedding from 14 different states!

For those of you flying, the Sheraton Station Square is about 20 minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport.

Cabs or an airport shuttle are the best way to get to the hotel. Cab rides are approximately $33.00.

Here are some cab numbers, in case there are no cabs on hand when you arrive.
* Yellow Cab (412-321-8100)
* Checker Cab (412-664-5600
* People's Cab (412-441-3200)
For those of you making the drive – it’s easy! In fact, we just spent some good ole time on the Pennsylvania Turnpike a few weeks ago!

The entire drive takes about 6 hours without traffic. If you are planning to leave on Saturday morning, we would recommend leaving around 6:00 a.m. in order to make the boat! And don't forget some cash for the tolls!

Here are the Mapquest Directions for those driving out from South Jersey:
• Merge onto the Atlantic City Expressway W (39.9 miles) Portions Toll
• Atlantic City Expressway W becomes NJ-42 N (7.3 miles)
• NJ-42 N becomes 1-76 W (2.0 miles)
• Merge onto 1-676 N via Exit 2 towards 1-676 N / Camden / Ben Franklin Bridge (5.6 miles) Portions Toll – Crossing into Pennsylvania
• Merge onto US-30 W via the exit on the left toward central Pennsylvania (2.7 miles)
• Merge onto 1-76 W (387.9 miles) Portions Toll
• Merge onto 1-376 W / US-22 W via Exit 57 toward Pittsburgh (14.4 miles)
• Take the Grant Street exit, exit 71A on the left (.02 mile)
• Turn left onto Fort Pitt Blvd. (.1 mile)
• Turn left onto Smithfield Street (0.0 mile)
• Smithfield Street becomes Smithfield Street Bridge (.3 mile)
• Turn Right and you’re at Station Square!

If you have any questions about traveling to Pittsburgh, feel free to contact Brandi or Brady!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

What to do in the ‘Burgh


Brady and I are thrilled that so many of our out-of-town family and friends plan to make the trip to Pittsburgh for our wedding!

If you are planning to make your trip a mini-vacation, let me (Brandi*) be your personal tour guide! Here’s some things that you “must do” in The ‘Burgh.

• A must do right outside the Sheraton are the famous Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines. This is where you will get the best view of the Pittsburgh Skyline.

• Let’s face it – wedding weekends all diets go out the door. A visit to Primanti Brothers should be on your list.

• If you are looking for a good bar scene, the South Side is a strip of bars located down the street from The Sheraton Station Square

• For the sports fanatics, across the river is PNC Park and Heinz Field. While there isn’t a baseball game during our wedding weekend, the parks are still something to see. While visiting the North Shore, you can dine at 36 (Jerome Bettis’s steakhouse) and The Great Hall at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh is also home to the Western PA Sports Museum (located in the Strip District).

• Interested in art? Not only have Michael Keaton (a grad of Brandi’s High School), Christina Aguilera, Mister Rogers, Dennis Miller, Shirley Jones, Jeff Goldblum and Gene Kelly called Pittsburgh home, but it is also the birthplace of Andy Warhol. You can see some of his best works on display at the Andy Warhol museum (located near PNC Park).

• If you have a few extra days, a trip to Kennywood is recommended. One of America’s greatest old fashioned amusement parks, Kennywood is home to some of the oldest wooden roller coasters. Fun Fact: The Ferris Wheel was invented in Pittsburgh and then shipped to Chicago for the World’s Fair!

The beauty of our official hotel is that it is located in walking distance to a number of resturants and nightlife spots. For dining, the list includes The Melting Pot, Hard Rock Café, Bucco Di Beppo, Joe’s Crab Shack. For some adult beverages, we would recommend Bar Louie and for the younger set there is Saddle Ridge and Buckhead.

If any of our Pittsburgh readers have a "Must Do" for our out of town guests to share, feel free to include it in the comments!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Meet Ryan

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our wedding party on our blog. Before we get into our final entry, we just wanted to say that we wish we could’ve profiled all of our fantastic friends and family … but there probably isn’t enough time in the year to recall all of the great memories we have with you all. Here’s to making another big one on June 26th.

And now, a man that needs no introduction … especially if you’re in South Jersey (this guy has his own student-run Facebook fan page dedicated to him). Ladies and gentleman, he’s big and loud on the outside but a sweet little puppy dog on the inside – meet Brady’s brother and best man, Mr. Ryan Smith.

About Ryan

* Brady and Ryan go way back … 26 years to be exact. About three months after Brady’s third birthday, he welcomed home his first sibling and they’ve been arguing with each other ever since. Nooo - just kidding of course. While the two have had their fair share of infamous verbal disagreements – it’s all in good fun. Let’s just say Ryan is the more aggressive and intense of the two brothers, but when you really get down to it – there are much more similarities then differences.

* Brady and his family are probably the only people on Earth that call him “Ryan.” To all others, he is affectionately known as “Smitty,” a common nickname given to those with the surname Smith – but one that he has certainly made his own. Brady’s theory is that “Smitty” never caught on to him as a nickname because his first name is just so damn cool.

* Mr. Smitty was an All-South Jersey offensive center and defensive end in high school for the EHT Silver Eagles football team, which he now is an assistant coach for. Ryan was a superior athlete in just about every sport he played, including baseball, hockey, and weight lifting. Brady always schooled him in pick-up basketball, though. You might also be surprised to know that big Ryan was actually a running back in his earlier youth football years – needless to say, he grew out of that phase.

* Brady was thrilled when Ryan announced he’d be attending West Virginia University with him, giving Brady another shot at teaching him the ropes (Brady was also a senior when Ryan was a freshman in high school). Ryan spent two years at WVU, and while he ended up transferring to Rowan University for its physical education major, Brady is proud to note that Ryan earned a 3.2 GPA his last semester as a Mountaineer, going out on top. In fact, Ryan made the Dean’s List while at Rowan, something his wiser older brother never accomplished before.

* For those who don’t know Ryan well yet, he’s a Nike fanatic – and that’s putting it modestly. He’s probably paid for one of Phil Knight’s mansions all by himself. And of course, another of Smitty’s famous quirks is his disdain for long pants. He wears shorts every single day, no matter what season it is, and often moans and whines like a little girl when he has to act like a normal person and wear pants to a wedding or even jeans to a nice club.


Q&A with Ryan

Who would play the lead role in a movie about your life?
The black girls in school say I look a lot like rapper Bubba Sparxxx but I think the nod would have to go to actor Kevin James. I think we have a lot of similarities in our XXL athletic build, tremendous sense of humor, and love for Nike and beautiful women.

Favorite memory with Brady
Aside from all the big parties and concerts in high school as well as the shit show we call WVU, I'd have to say being on the field pregame at the Dolphins-Broncos game in Denver and the whole weekend in Denver, CO.

Favorite thing about Brandi
Her and her family’s love for partying.

What’s your favorite adult beverage?
OK let’s go in reverse chronological order:

Now = Citrus Vodka with a splash of water and of course Pat-Ron
Post college = Bud Light
College = Anything
High School = Keg

What was your first job?
Fellow groomsman Ramy tricked me into working at this beat ass restaurant because there were a few good looking broads that worked there. It ended up that my job was washing dishes in a 4x4 ft room in the middle of the summer. Let’s just say I didn't make it past two days of employment there. First real job was the BOX!!!! (Chatterbox Restaurant in Ocean City)

When you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grow up?
Bartender/Professional Football Player

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I have over 20 pairs of Nike’s and I color code my closet and drawers.

What are you most excited about Brandi & Brady’s wedding?
Refer to groomsman Jason Sacks' question below … and seeing my brother on hopefully one of the happiest days of his life not worry about anything and have fun with the people that he cares about.

Which one of your fellow groomsman has the best chance of falling off the riverboat at Brady/Brandi’s wedding?
Hands down Ryaaann Daaaaviiidd Plllaaat.

Editor’s Note: Ryan submitted a nice little story about Mr. Platt, who, by the way, has officially now taken the “Most Likely To Fall Off The Boat Award.” The story is about a time when Mr. P actually did fall off a boat and Ryan came to his rescue. The details are slightly too risqué for this blog though, so if you want to hear the whole story, ask him at the wedding.

What song(s) do you hope to hear at Brandi & Brady’s wedding?
"Live Your Life” by T.I. ft. Rhianna and............. JUICY!!

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?
First of all let’s just say that I hope I don't offend anyone because I am not going to sensor any of it. My speech is going to have a lot of humor to it about my life as I know it with Brady Michael Smith with a touch of some real brotherly love.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your older brother?
There's too much to include in this Q&A, but if I had to pick something it would be that he taught me it’s OK to be a kind person with a good heart.

What’s your favorite subject in health/P.E. to teach the kids?
Health = Sex Ed … kidding that’s just OK to teach. Drivers Education is my favorite. Volleyball is my favorite to teach in P.E.

If you had to call one offensive football play with the game on the line, what would it be?
First of all there is not nearly enough information in this question that I need to make a good call. I need to know how much we are down by, where are we located on the field, how much time is left, weather conditions, if our kicker is a bitch, time of day, and who we are playing. Without all of that information above, I would go with a sprint out pass to get the Q outside the pocket with a good set of routes and a chance to take it on his own for the game. Let’s call it Trio Rt. 411 Flood Switch w/ a BS Post.

Monday, May 24, 2010

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.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

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!




Sunday, May 9, 2010

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.