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...
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
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.
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)
Today we get the distinct honor of introducing a legendary fellow – a man so famous among his peers that he has not one but TWO incredible nicknames (three if you count his initials – “KJ”). We could only be talking about one guy here … Mr. Kevin Jordan.
About KJ
* Kevin and Brady truly go way back – they first became friends in Mrs. Mattern’s 3rd grade class and have been laughing hysterically at each other ever since. Brady maintains to this day that Kevin is one of the funniest people he’s ever known.
* Kev’s nicknames stem from his prowess in pick-up basketball games. On the rough and tough courts of Egg Harbor Township (and Joey Carew’s backyard), he’s known as “Airmail” for his 3-point accuracy. His second nickname was coined after a teammate told him he played like Bulls sharpshooter Steve Kerr. Never one to hear people accurately, Kevin quipped back something to the effect of, “What? Street Curbs?” And thus the renowned moniker “StreetCurbs” was born.
* Simply put, Kevin is an unbelievable guitarist and musician (he plays a mean keyboard and cello too). He and Brady have always shared the same phenomenal taste in music, as they have attended dozens of concerts together throughout the years. Mr. Jordan has played in several bands and records new music frequently - you can check out his latest tunes here: http://www.myspace.com/aclavortex.
* KJ is in the Guinness Book of World Records for most Chicago visits out of all Brady’s friends at 5.
Q&A with Kevin
Who would play the lead role in a movie about your life? Morgan Freeman
Favorite memory with Brady Tough question ... maybe whispering sweet nothings to Marlene Stiteler in geometry class (he knows what I'm talking about).
Favorite thing about Brandi With her you always know what you’re gonna get ... she’s an incredibly likable and very cool girl.
What are you most famous for? My boyish good looks.
What’s your favorite adult beverage? Jameson on the rocks.
Better city – Boston, Chicago, Pittsburgh or Philadelphia? Why? Chi-town, cause that's where my favorite couple lives … awwww.
What was your first job? Dishwasher at The Clam Bar, I scrubbed casserole dishes for 5 years.
Who is your celebrity crush and why? Jennifer Love Hewitt... uh she has certain assets that I enjoy.
When you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grow up? I wanted to be one of the Beatles... In fact, I still do.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I am an expert swing dancer.
Who is the best guitarist of all time? Me since you asked ... nah I like Johnny Greenwood from Radiohead.
What are you most excited about Brandi & Brady’s wedding? Everything! I love weddings, mostly because I'm not the one getting married (kidding!)
Which one of your fellow groomsman has the best chance of falling off the riverboat at Brady/Brandi’s wedding? Hmmm ... my money is on Platt (editor’s note: that marks two votes out of two Q&As for Platt so far – starting to see a pattern here).
What song(s) do you hope to hear at Brandi & Brady’s wedding? "The Power of Love" on repeat, the whole time.
True or false: Brady Smith is a talented and underrated vocalist. Absolutely true... ask him to sing "Somewhere Out There"... it will make you cry.
In order to determine which bridesmaid would be featured next, I sent out a list of questions to the girls and said that I would post their profile in the order the returned questionnaire was delivered.
With 15 minutes, I received the answers from one Miss Dana Yingling. So today, meet Dana.
I first met Dana in fourth grade during Montour Little Spartans Cheerleading. While we were both in the same school district, we didn’t go to the same grade school.
Before I even met the legendary Dana Yingling, I knew of her. People would tell tales of her “heart shaped pool” (it’s really a “kidney stone”), her amazing wardrobe, bright blonde hair and her parents ridiculous, over-the-top Christmas light display. I knew this girl and I would totally get along.
Dana and I became really close in high school, especially during band. Yes, we were in the band and it was cool. Dana was a “Spartanette” which was the dance team and I twirled batons. We decided our senior year that we would not try out for captain so that we could “pre-game.” This involved sneaking adult beverages into Subway cups (they weren’t clear) and consuming them before the game. I believe we only attended two of the 10 games sober. Some fun facts about Dana: · Dana holds the record for the friend from home that visited me the most in college. Typically Dana would make the drive to Morgantown 1-2 times a semester. She's also been to Chicago more than any other friend! Dana visits each St. Patrick's Day for the party.
· Now a Cali girl, Dana has lived in Los Angeles since 2004. She moved there to attend the Fashion Institute of Merchandising and Design.
· After an injury ended her gymnastics career, Dana joined the diving team in high school.
· Dana edited our high school year book. If you ever get a chance to look at it, you will see pictures of Dana and I on almost every page.
· More fun facts: Dana loves NASCAR, she scrapbooks, her dog's name is Tonka, she's been in a movie and her mom was my sister's pre-school teacher.
Here's a Q&A with Dana: · What’s your favorite beverage? Tejava Tea and we all know Stoli Raz ( if we're going the alcoholic route)
· 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? Soulja Boy of course
· Who do you think will fall off the boat? Steve or maybe myself, who knows, he's been taking care of me during drinking nights lately! Haha!
· If you were in the movie “Back to the Future,” what year would you visit? 1966 the year my parents were married. I think it'd be interesting to see what life was like that year.
· How many pairs of shoes do you own? About 80+ between heels, sneakers, flats, flip flops, wedges, boots, rain boots, sandals.
· Name three things you always have in your refrigerator. Tejava Tea, Jalapenos, and Red Bull Italian dressing
· If you were going to try out for American Idol, what song would you sing? "I came to have a party Open off the Bacardi Feeling so hot tamale Boy, I know you watching' me so what's it gonna be Purple taking me higher I'm lifted and I like it Boy, you got me inspired Baby, come and get it if you're really feeling me"
Mariah Carey- It's Like That--but please don't get any ideas I will not be singing at your wedding!
We are pleased to say that we had the opportunity to see many of our blog readers over the last two weeks on our trips to New Jersey & Pittsburgh. Here are some highlights from our trips.
On December 23rd, Brandi participated in her annual holiday gift exchange with her best friends from high school. It's amazing that we are able to get everyone together considering we live in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Cleveland and Pittsburgh! Bridesmaid Dana wasn't able to make it home, so we used Skype to have her join the party.
Next it was off to New Jersey where we spent some quality time with the Smith Family. We enjoyed a candlelit Christmas Eve Service and opened up a number of wonderful gifts in the morning.
Smith Family: (bottom) Amanda, Norbert & Sugar; Top: Brady, Brandi, Deb, Mike, Ryan
While we all enjoyed playing Super Mario Brothers on Wii, Brady's cousin Joey dominated Brandi in Toy Story 3D (shown here).
Uncle Jim, Jenna, Brandi, Joey and Norbert
After numerous petitions to "Save the Pearl," a local New Jersey Bar, it appears that this hometown favorite may be closing its doors to make room for a highway. Brandi & Brady were able to enjoy one final "Zombie," a famous Pearl beverage, before it closes.
Brady, Andy & Ryan enjoying Zombies at The Pearl
After enjoying some cheesesteaks from the famous "White House," on Tuesday we departed New Jersey for Pittsburgh in Brandi's sister's car (or as Brady calls it, the "J Bo-Mo-bile"). We enjoyed dinner at the most amazing BYOB in Western Pennsylvania, Sausalido, with Bridesmaid Melissa, her husband Brian and the Bonkowski parents. If you are a PA reader, you MUST eat here. Tell the owner, and future wedding guest, Nick that Brandi sent you (we go way back - he is a high school friend)!
Brian, Bridesmaid Melissa, Brandi & Brady
After fantastic dinner with family and friends at another BYOB (where we enjoyed bottles of Sangria brought back from the Renault Winery in New Jersey!), we rang in the New Year at the Bonkowski house. The party included lots of champagne, dancing and a slew of delicious appetizers!
The Bonkowski Family - Jillian, Lew (J Bo's man friend), Joe, Sue, Brady and Brandi
We are very excited for 2010! Not only will we finally be husband and wife, but the upcoming events will provide us with a number of opportunities to see our family and friends again soon!
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.”
