Date-a-versary

Today is August 22.

It's a little known date in the BrandiBrady relationship. It's the date when we basically started offically dating, or as Brandi's dad says "going together." Boy, if we only knew where things would be "going" in the last eight years!

Anyways, I decided to pull some pictures out of the archives of our first "date." You see, from working together and then hanging out after work hours, we really didn't have a "first date." But I (Brandi) did ask Brady to the Chi Omega formal in April or May of 2003. Our co-workers knew about this little date, so they asked us to take a photojournal of the night.

The night started out with a pre-party at my college mansion - 408 Forest Ave. This is the house on a "good" day. Note that the camera angle is straight.

We participated in some drinking games as a warm up. I did my own hair and wore my sister's homecoming dress. Brady wore a suit and a blue shirt. Can you believe it! I blue shirt! (Note the cameo of Lynn Lai's buttox).

Then we headed to the famous Hotel Morgan (the neon letters are always burnt out and it reads "Hot Organ" LOL).

So there you have it. Our first "date." Eight years ago!

It's Your Anniversary, Isn't It?

On Sunday, June 26th, we celebrated our first wedding anniversary with what we like to call "Brandi* + Brady Day O' Fun."

We started the morning out with brunch at the Grand Concourse - the site of our rehersal dinner. This is a MUST DO in Pittsburgh. The food is delicious AND they have an antique doughnut machine that makes them fresh and $3.50 bloody mary's and mimosas!

After a glorious meal, we headed to the Pittsburgh Zoo. Going to the Zoo was one of our favorite things to do in Chicago, so it was great see some of our favorite animals.


Let's just say that our animal friends in Pittsburgh were feeling a little frisky during our trip. "Woodn't" you know that elephants eat wood?

Monkeys engaging in some romantic action.

We're keeping things PG here, but let's just say that this bear did a little "scratch n' sniff" twice while we were present.

In the words of Brady, "I like the Pittsburgh Penguins." - lol.

Bowling was next up on the schedule, but we found out that it wasn't open until 6. So we took our talents elsewhere - to the putt putt course. How fitting was it that the theme of this course was animals!

Lions and tigers and elephants, oh my!

After Brandi* pulled a Rory McIlroy and bombed the back five, Brady won by 4 strokes. Our golfing didn't stop there. We then went over to the driving range and hit some balls.

After a wonderful dinner at Ditka's, we then headed to the Bonkowski's to eat our wedding cake. Armed with our cake cutter, we opened the 365-day-old box to find...

Our cake. If you look close at the top, you will see a green streak that just may be mold. To the far right of that, you'll see where I dipped my finger in for a taste. Let's just say it was not good.

For all of those out there about to get married, see below for the directions on the proper way to freeze your cake!

Well there you have it! Our day-long celebration of our first year of marriage! We look forward to many more great years and many more great blog posts ; )

10...9...8...It's Smithkowski Anniversary Eve!

On the eve of our first wedding anniversary, we wanted to reflect about the weekend celebration that was.

It really was so great to see all of our friends and family in one room for the first and probably the last time all together. We loved seeing the New Jersey people become BFF with the Pittsburgh folk. We loved watching our aunts become instant friends. We loved hearing stories about all of the alcohol and cookies consumed. The battle wounds earned. The Patron shots shot.

But one story that we really loved and still love to this day is that of our dear friends, Lauren & Ramy.

Lauren is Brandi’s friend and Ramy is Brady’s friend – both friendships dating back to the early high school years. While Lauren doesn’t recall all the details, she met Ramy during our wedding weekend and immediately dubbed him her “fiancé.” Typically that would scare a dude away, but something sparked between these two and they’ve been dating ever since.

So cheers to you, Ramy & Lauren on your one-year meeting anniversary!

Here’s our favorite picture of your courtship.

B&B

This situation happens a lot. We are around a group of new people and we need to introduce ourselves. When we say our names are Brandi and Brady, it typically generates a response of "Awww...how cute." Or "Ha, really?"

Sometimes we encounter some funny situations. For instance, recently I (Brandi) forgot my gym pass and when I asked the guy to enter my name on the computer, he said "Brandy Smith just checked in." My response was "No, that was Brady, I'm Brandi." Confused, he finally let me enter.

Easter got a little confusing this past weekend when Aunt Michelle brought her dog to the festivities. His name is Brody, so Brandi, Brady and Brody were all in the same room.

On certain occasions, our friends will call us by the wrong name or misspell our names (BrandY or BradI), but I found this card too funny not to share. I referred Brady to my eye doctor (of 30 years) and she was kind enough to send a thank you card. See below.

Official Commemorative Smithkowski Wedding Memorabilia

In anticipation for the royal wedding later this month, we wanted to announce that similar to Prince William and Kate Middleton, The Smith’s officially announce the sale of memorabilia from our wedding. Now you can purchase your very own necklaces, mouse pads, mugs, waterbottles, t-shirts, business card holders, tote bags and much, much more!

Order now and we'll throw in a mini bottle of Patron for all those customers 21 and over. Awww heck, we'll throw it in anyways! Disclaimer: I hope that you noticed the date on this post. Happy April Fool’s Day Everyone ; )

All images from KodakGallery

Reader Challenge: Top This

While reading the quarterly Chi Omega newsletter (Brandi’s sorority), we spotted this:

We aren’t quite sure where the newsletter got this information, but it makes us sound like a pair of HUGE dorks. So we wanted to challenge you all. Can you write it better? Now’s your chance. Submit your revision to the announcement in the comments section below.

The winner, selected by Brandi & Brady, gets a $10 Starbucks gift card!

Oh and NOTE: Brandi is not a cougar or some child genius. I graduated WVU in 2003. The 2000 year referenced was the year I was initiated Chi Omega. Fun Fact: I was the first initiate of the new millennium!

Since you last saw us…

The Steelers lost the Super Bowl (Bubba comforted Brady during the loss)

We had visitors from across the U.S. that included Kevin, The Smith’s and Spieler.

Brandi turned 30

We made a triumphant return to Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day

I don’t know about you, but we can’t wait for spring!