But that's not the point of this post. I have been wanting to do a post on the bridal party for awhile now, but kept putting it off because I needed to gather pictures of everyone. That should have been easy, except Marcin's friend Andy, from college lived in Chicago for many years and now in Indianapolis and they don't get to see each other often at all. And not to mention they are guys, and guys do not take pictures. Then over the holidays Marcin, me and his sister, Nell were going through a big box of old family photos and we came across some college pictures of Marcin's. And now my bridal party post can happen!
Warning: It's a long one!
First I want to thank everyone for being a part of our special day. You are each, in your own way, been a HUGE part of Marcin and I's life together and we couldn't be more happy that you will be with us that day.
The Girls!
The Maids of Honor - yup there are 2! When my sister Kristy got married she didnt want to choose between Beth and I so she had us both. And the tradition continued, we were both Beth's Maids of Honor and now they will both be mine and I wouldn't have it any other way. My sisters are my best friends - we have all been there for each other through thick and thin - even if we are yelling at each other through it all :)
Bridesmaids:
Marcin's Sister, Nell - Nell and I have gotten along from the moment we met. Whether its shopping or manicures and pedicures we can always find something to do and laugh at! Usually Marcin will come along for the ride because he is making us stop for Coney Dogs at La Puma's!
Laurie was the very first person I met when we moved to Blackwood from Philly - she was at my bus stop on the first day of school! She and I have been through it all together - even when we grew apart at times through the years (3rd grade - Laurie, I'll leave it at that! haha) we always stuck by each other. It was a no brainer to me that when I got engaged she would be up there with me on my wedding day.
Jen and I became good friends towards the end of high school, probably after graduation even! She and I can always enjoy a glass of wine together and talk weddings :) It has been so much fun to share all of these "adult" experiences with her in both of our lives. I was honored to be with her on her wedding day and I am excited she will be there with me on mine!
Jen is in the middle, Laurie is on the right
(Funny side note - I think Marcin is asking Gregg to be in the wedding in the background!)
I met Kristine Freshman Year at Salisbury University where she lived down the hall from me. I think I probably met her like 20 minutes after I was crying that I wanted to go home because my roomate was crazy! She and I became inseparable almost immediately. The next 4 years were so much fun with her - we share some crazy and good times together. She knows too much - so I had to ask her to be in the wedding. haha Just Kidding! Well she does know a lot, but I know too much on her as well. We have shared good and bad times together and my wedding wouldn't be any different.
Michele and I met in one of our Marketing classes at SU. But she and I really became friends when we both went on the American Marketing Association's trip to New Orleans for the annual Collegiate Conference. After that she graduated the next semester and moved to New York. What really helped us stay good friends is our love of country music and country concerts! She is always willing to hop on the train to Philly for a good Kenny Chesney Concert. And she is the only friend who likes to put Marcin in his place with their sarcastic comments!
Flower Girl:
My niece, Reese, will be our flower girl! She is really excited, but unfortuantely she can't throw petals in the church, so we have to break that to her gently. Oh and she also wants to wear a purple dress on the day :)
The Guys!
I should probably have Marcin write this one, because the descriptions might be better, but oh well, I'll give it my best shot.
The Best Men - yup, he has 2 also!
Scott - Scott is partially to blame, um I mean thank ;-), for Marcin and I meeting. My friend Alissa and her husband Justin had a BBQ. Scott is married to Alissa's sister and he invited Marcin to come as well. Out of about 30 people at the BBQ, he and I were the only single ones! and the rest is history. Scott and Marcin met at work when they both worked at TD Banknorth. Marcin instantly became a permanent fixture in the Smith/Purcell family since he wasn't always able to get back to Michigan for holidays and such. Marcin has drunk countless beers in the basement with Scott and spent countless nights on the couch!
I just realized I dont think I have a picture of only Marcin and Scott.
Scott is on the left. Justin is in the middle.
Mike and Marcin met when they were just babies - their backyards backed up to one another. They were inseparable growing up and remained best friends even with Marcin moving far away. Mike and Marcin have shared both good times and bad together and Mike has all the funny stories to document it all! The funniest story I have heard from Mike is when they were laying on the floor watching tv one day when they were little. He got up to go to the bathroom and he stepped over Marcin. Now Marcin's mom is supersticious and she and Marcin started yelling at Mike to step back over Marcin. He looked at them like they were crazy and Marcin told him if you step over someone you will stunt their growth, so you have to step back over them to make sure that doesnt happen!!! It's much funnier when Mike tells the story in person of course, but looking at the picture below you will see why it's even funnier!
Gregg is my brother-in-law and sometimes it is scary how much he and Marcin get along. Usually at family parties if you can't find one of them, you know you will find them with the other either smoking cigars or drinking beer. I guess that's their way of dealing with our crazy family :)
Randy and Marcin have been friends for years through middle school and high school. Randy is also polish, which isn't that shocking where they grew up in Michigan - but the 2 of them really seem to bond over that connection :) In fact, here they are doing the polka together!
Sean and Marcin have also been friends for years through school in Michigan. Sean is Randy's brother as well - they have a great group of friends back in Michigan! Sean and Marcin have remained good friends despite both of them moving all over the place - Sean was in Vegas and now in CA. I found this picture while going through the box of pics with Marcin in Christmas - this is Marcin and Sean at the Tim McGraw concert! it was too good to pass up!
And here is a picture of all the Michigan guys since some of the ones above are dark.
Marcin and I with John and Melanie
Ben and Marcin met at...you guessed it, while working at TD Banknorth! Marcin and Ben were inseparable when I first met him. If he wasn't with me, that usually meant he was out with Ben and most likely at their old favorite bar Skinner's. This place was a dive, but they loved it! And rumor has it that one of the guys in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia just bought it. Ben has also been there for Marcin through it all and even me too!
PS Ben, you are making a weird face in every picture I have of you :)
Andy and Marcin were roomates and in the same Fraternity in College - SAE. If SAE was at your school, then that should just explain it all. I have heard countless stories of the parties they used to throw and the times where one of them was almost getting arrested! But despite not living close to one another after college they have remained good friends! Here are two pictures from college since the first one they are looking down.
That's Andy on the left.
And last but certainly not least - the Ring Bearer!
My nephew Cameron will be our Ring Bearer. I dont think he really knows that yet, or understands it, but hopefully by November he will get it! And perhpas we will let him wear his fireman's stuff if it gets him to walk down the aisle ;-)
I just looked at these pictures again and after weeks of trying, I can't resist laughing at how young Marcin looks in the last picture! PHENOMENAL. I hope everyone's practicing their dance moves so we can bust a move to Chris Brown's 'Forever' as we walk down the aisle!
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