Rehearsal Dinner

Rehearsal for the 'BIG DAY' was held at the Brandywine Country Club followed with delicious dinner at Brandywine Prime. Practice went well even with the long walk to the center of the aisle (I was careful not to fall) and Carmella, the wedding planner, was extremely helpful.

And, even though I don't eat meat (well, I really try to just stick with chicken and turkey), I decided on the Pork Chop at dinner because it was a favorite and something the restaurant was known for. I also learned during my meal that mushrooms are a specialty of the Brandywine Valley and the mushroom-esque menu options looked and tasted wonderful! Some people say rehearsals set the scene for the wedding day and I totally agree. Everyone was chatting and enjoying themselves the entire time.

Bridesmaids: Erica, Rachel, Lauren, Me, Sara, Eva (bride), Heather and Katie

 

Our table included Me, Lauren, Eva, Katie, Hassel, Rachel and Joe

Rachel was apoointed captain!

I had to include a picture of my porkchop...Rachel and I shared (she had the salmon).

Bridesmaids opening their gifts, well one of them...apparently I only have a couple of Rachel opening her gifts so I decided to take separate photos of my thoughtful, absolutely wonderful gifts from my BFF!

So, I should probably mention for those of you who don't know, Eva and I first met while pledging as 'special sisters' in ATA at LaSalle. It was during that second semester of my freshman year, her sophomore year, that the girl who lived down the hall became one of my best friends and has been ever since. I love her and was so glad to be standing next to her as maid of honor on her wedding day. 

Eva gave every one of her bridesmaids something symbolic of how/when/where they met. I received a mini paddle keychain (a set of two - she made a personalized one for each of us) complete with a roll of dimes. Opening this made me instantly crack up since it brought me back to a college AC Moore trip, in which we purchased paddles for our big sisters. Eva paid for her paddle in all coins (hence the roll of dimes). I also thought it was very sentimental and made me think of when we first became friends 10 years ago. 

Knowing I love Vera Bradley, she also was very generous in buying me a black and white large duffle and matching organizer. I love them and CANNOT wait to use them this summer! Thanks E!

Eat, Drink and Be Married!

Even though we are officially just a few days into summer, June has already been PACKED with lots of events, including Eva’s Bachelorette Party, celebrating Eva and Mike’s wedding, moving at work, enjoying a few sweltering Phillies games along with a couple movie screenings! But, this time around, I’m sticking to the main events even though a major Phillies blog is in the works (and probably will be for a while).

E’s (my shortened version of her name, not that it could be any shorter) friends, fellow bridesmaids, mom, Aunt Jean and Aunt Pat along with Peyton Peanut (Eva’s nephew, who was born on the morning of her surprise bridal shower!) celebrated the first part of her Atlantic City bachelorette party with dinner at Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern. The Italian cuisine must have been a popular choice for large groups since a few other bachelorette/bachelor parties also made the venue their first stop. As we enjoyed family style salad and sipped on cocktails, Eva opened up her teal bachelorette shirt her cousin Laura made for her special night while Peyton was being showered with some LOVE!    

After dinner, most of the bridesmaids and friends with Eva at the head walked to Trump Plaza for the legendary dueling pianos (lol). I have to say when I called the front desk earlier in the day with the request, they had no idea what I was talking about event though there was a huge electronic billboard in the front of the casino when entering Atlantic City! Shortly after arriving, we requested a tribute to Eva. Instead of playing “Going to the Chapel” as requested, the solo pianist (not sure if he should be given this title) decided to roast Eva first. Although mildly inappropriate, it was kind of funny and definitely unexpected! Our time at Jezebels was filled with playing some table games and sipping/gulping some adult beverages before the fun began at Bally's Wild West Casino! I’m not sure of the name of the bar so I'll just title it "the casino bar" because after ordering $2 beers upon our entrance, we landed upon a bar situated in the middle of the casino, which was quite happening. Once again, several other large groups were dancing to good music while dancers strutted their moves on the bar in the background. And, the drink prices couldn't be beat! I was very proud of Eva for using her shotglass necklace almost the whole night. Well, maybe it wasn't all her since people would fill it if they thought she wasn't drinking enough. That's what bachelorette parties are for, right? =) 

Katie and Eva before heading to dinner

The Dualing (ahem Solo) Piano Player Roasting Eva

The beautiful bride-to-be and her first shot! (Shots, shots, shots!)

That was my favorite line of the night!

The girls at Jezebels and Eva with her ticket.

ENTERING BALLY'S WILD WEST CASINO

Apparently, Eva was 'temporarily out of service.'

Shots, shots, shots! with some additional adult beverages on the side.

Mike 'liked it and put a ring on it.'

Before and after shots of taking another shot! It looks sour!

I don't think Atlantic City is Atlantic City without random people popping up in a number of photos! Eva even compared muscles with one - let's just say I don't remember anyone's name so identifying incorrectly would be wrong.

We rode the jitney back to Harrah’s where we spent the night. We were supposed to hang out at The Pool for a while, but it was closed by the time we got back. So we had some fun in the room instead. All in all, it was definitely a memorable night and one I will never forget especially since we were celebrating Eva’s impending wedding the following week!

The bellhop at Harrah's recommended The Sunryser in Absecon, NJ for breakfast the next morning/early afternoon. The tasty home-cooked meals served at the quaint cottage and local hotspot were just what we needed after a fun night! 

Hands of Wax

Shortly after Gina and Mike's wedding - well, that night - I became a little sick, but was extremely excited for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend! It was filled with family and friend barbecues and some time at the shore. After taking care of some of Eva's wedding duties (well, bachelorette party prep) and attending a bbq, Joe and I headed down the shore because I was determined to soak up some sun for Eva’s wedding. Well, I ended up getting burnt in the process. 

On Sunday night, before heading home, Diane promised the kids (Olivia and Joseph) they would be able to make wax hand molds. Joseph picked the Flyers' colors, which was def. appropriate for the time of year and the playoffs. And Liv picked Italy's colors - nothing like celebrating our heritage with a hand mold!  

Joseph’s face was classic as the instructor dipped his hand in the hot liquid. Diane did warn him the night before that the temperatures would be both hot and cold since she did it a few years back. After he was done, it was Liv’s turn…Joseph informed his big sister it wasn’t so bad so she knew what to expect - too cute! 

Then it was Liva's turn, but I didn't have the best angle since she had it done immediately after Joseph!

Look at that face!

They were so excited to see the final outcome! Love them!

Mr. and Mrs. Parisi

So, it’s been a busy couple of weeks with Gina and Mike’s Wedding, Memorial Day and Eva’s Bachelorette party filling up the past few weekends! But, instead of honoring them all at once, I figured it might be better to write three separate shorter blogs packed with pictures of some of life's greatest moments.


I’ll start with Gina and Mike’s beautiful wedding.

I first met Gina during our summer GEMS (Girls Excelling in Math and Science) program at Goretti before the start of our freshman year. That summer, a handful of us would walk over to Gina's house to go swimming (this I remember) and stop at my house to mess up my mom's pillows just to see if she noticed! She did (lol). Soon, we all became great friends taking trips to Cosi and enjoying proms and our high school years together.

As some of us ventured off to the same college - La Salle of course - a few of us even lived together. It was during our senior year that Gina was introduced to Mike and they soon became friends. Fast forward several years and we were all delighted to celebrate their nuptials on May 21, 2010 at St. Richard's Church in South Philadelphia. A lavish reception filled with hours of mingling, eating, dancing and celebrating at the Ballroom at the Ben in Center City followed. 

Dating for the past four and a half years, I must say I enjoyed watching Gina and Mike's relationship grow. They are so very in love and such a great duo! It seems like just yesterday I was watching the first moments of their blossoming relationship at Finnigan’s Wake.


As the bridesmaids (dressed in a beautiful eggplant hue), junior bridesmaid and flower girls (so cute!) walked down the aisle, we were gearing up for the main attraction. Then came Gina with her dad in tow - she looked absolutely stunning and sooooo happy! 


After exchanging vows to become Mr. and Mrs., we all headed to center city for the next chapter of fun to begin.


The evening's cocktail hour looked over the dimly lit ballroom's tables adorned with a variety of bright flower arrangements. Before heading to our seats, we picked up our favors - small bottles of Verde champagne with matching labels from the bridal shower. I must say I had flashbacks of our fave beverage from the bachelorette party!  

At the end of night, I enjoyed every aspect of the evening from the announcing of the bridal party and Mr. and Mrs. Parisi to Erin's heartfelt speech and dancing into the wee hours with friends I love! Congratulations to Mike and Gina....I wish you both a wonderful and happy life together forever and always! 

The beautiful ballroom!

Goretti Girls!

Their first dance - so cute!

Dancing with her dad!

Apparently Joe and Michael were talking to each other while Joe was snapping the shot!

Moe and Mar capturing a moment - Joe's parents before the reception!

Cake time!

Centerpieces...one of several designs!

Such the happy couple!