Ron, Groomsman

Ron (aka: Ronnie Berenguer, an obvious play off of the former Mets, Royals, Blue Jays, Tigers, Giants, Twins, Braves pitcher from the 80's).

Ron is one of my dearest and long time friends.  I remember first meeting Ron at a party in high school, and he repeatedly sang the phrase, "October 31st, that is my date of birth." Actually, it's not.  It's just a lyric from a Beastie Boys song. We've been buds ever since.

Ron is also one of the few close friends of mine to have known my mother, which is very important to me.  Like many of my close pals who will be standing up, Ron still hails from Chicago.  And while he's one of the few buddies of mine who doesn't communicate via the Internet, he never hesitates to send me a text message when the Steelers lose and the Bears win.  I think he still owes me a case of beer from a recent sporting wager.  But who's keeping score?

Invites (and Revised Times!!)

First and foremost, revised and finalized times for both the reception and ceremony (earlier posts have been edited):

Ceremony: 4:30 (sharp)

Reception: 6:00 - 11:00

That's correct. 4 hours just didn't seem long enough, especially with the addition of a band. Invites have been ordered and they will be going out within the next 3-4 weeks, I hope.  And the invites will show the corrected times.

Also...word on the streets is that people have started to book their hotel rooms.  If you should run into any problems, please let Jess or I know asap.  Thanks!!  Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Introducing: The Textbook Committee

Negotiating with the world's greatest Guided by Voices cover band to play your wedding can be challenging.  I suggest doing it over a couple of beers at a minor league baseball game.

Wait...back up. Some of you may be wondering what this "Guided by Voices" thingy is all about. Sorry to disappoint anyone, but Guided by Voices (GBV) is not a Christian rock band. GBV is this little indie rock band from Dayton that Jess and I love very dearly, led by the greatest and arguably most prolific song writer ever, Robert Pollard. Some of you may have heard us talk about them before :)

Mr. Pollard (Uncle Bob, Bob, Bobby Pop) has written something like 1500 songs, and The Textbook Committee has learned all of them, just for our collective enjoyment.  I hope they will play about half of these :)  And when I say "greatest" GBV cover band, your next question is probably, "there's more than one?"  To which the answer is a serious "yes."

In all seriousness, we could not be more excited that they're coming to Pittsburgh for this special occasion.  The negotiations weren't really that tough, and they're being incredibly gracious and generous (maybe it was the beers? :)  The Textbook Committee is from Chicago, and in addition to being GBV fanatics like ourselves, they're a real swell group of guys we're proud to be friends with.  So in addition to the world renown DJs (see below) that will be playing, everyone will get to rawk out to some of our favorite GBV nuggets from over the years.

The Textbook Committee is: Lil' Dave (as Bob), Andrew (geetar), Jim, (geeter), Brian (drums), and Chris (bass).  And if you're curious, the band name comes from the tune "Smothered in Hugs."  Singing along is encouraged, but optional.  Although hugs will definitely be required on this night.

So throw the switch, it's rock n' roll time...




"I am a lost soul, I shoot myself with rock n' roll..."




"...and I want to shout out our love to the world."

Flying to Pittsburgh?

We highly recommend Southwest Airlines, especially for those folks coming in from Chicago. Not only are they usually the lowest fairs flying in/out of the Burgh, but you'll also get some very friendly service, which we've always been real happy with. Departing out of Midway:

Non-stop flights from Chicago to Pitt (dept time / arrival time):

8:05am / 10:20am

11:20am / 1:35am

1:00pm / 3:15pm

4:10pm / 6:20pm

Non-stop flights from Pitt to Chicago (dept time / arrival time):

11:00am / 11:30pm

1:40pm / 2:05pm

3:45pm / 4:15pm

5:05pm / 5:35pm

Book early to get one of the "Wanna Get Away" deals.  And if you are staying at one of the hotels on University Blvd (see previous post), there should be a free shuttle to your hotel.

Meet Deb!

So, in January, roughly, both Gary and I were cordially invited to a colleague's house for drinks, hors oeuvres, and funsies by way of the board game (Apples to Apples was a blast, and Trivial Pursuit was epic, literally.). Gary and I were excited to attend from the get-go--though Gary was excited more-so when he heard the Penguins game WOULD, IN FACT, be on the television, that evening, amidst the other festivities.


My colleague, Sheila, also an avid West Coast Swing dancer, invited along some dancing friends. And so the story goes, we met Deb Byrum--a friend of a friend. As the evening progressed, and we learned more about Deb, I knew that I had to ask a favor...because getting married by someone we knew and LIKED was truly important to both Gary and me! We asked Deb to officiate, and she gladly accepted.


Deb is a Lutheran pastor who was ordained in 1991. She also served as a missionary to Senegal, West Africa for eight years! (HOLY COW!) And as Deb put it to us at 61C Cafe, last Saturday in Squirrel Hill, she was "the type of missionary that helped people"--and it was one of the most rewarding experiences in which she could conceive. Deb was mostly focused upon the humanitarian work associated with being in Senegal; and she told us she helped build a lot of community buildings/ programs for many impoverished people. Connecting with locals on a most personal level was the most memorable, to her. She explained that it was very interesting to see people who had  nothing--not even food--but what they did have, they wanted to give to her. The sense of LOVE and community among the locals in Senegal was nothing she had ever experienced before.

Deb has three children, one of which was born in West Africa. And due to her children living such a diverse intercultural lifestyle, her daughter is now studying to receive her Ph.D. in Arabic!

Currently, she is a hospice chaplain at Aseracare Hospice (not a church pastor). But has conducted wedding ceremonies in the past. She is, VERY MUCH, looking forward to our celebration! YAY!

Meet Your DJs

DJ G - Smooth

DJ Jess E - Silk

Jess and I have, what might be described as, a "different" taste in music. Some might call it good taste, and we'll certainly champion that, but we do love the music that we love. We're simply not familiar with what many consider to be popular or mainstream (not that there's anything wrong with popular or mainstream). So who better to play the hits we wanna hear than us?

What we're saying is, you might not hear a lot of the prototypical wedding songs (not that there's anything wrong with prototypical wedding songs). You probably won't hear "YMCA", and we probably won't be busting out the "Macarena" (not that there's anything wrong with those songs). It's just simply not our style.  Belle & Sebastian is more likely to be heard than Lady Gaga.  We will probably opt for the Dirtbombs over the Jackson Five.  And the Ramones will be played in lieu of Bon Jovi.  Not that there's anything wrong with Lady Gaga, the Jackson Five, or Bon Jovi.

There is also no pre-established dance floor at the Warhol. But this does not mean we are anti-dance. You can dance wherever you please. Strike a pose, air guitar, sing to your hearts content. We strongly encourage this (just please watch your drink if you're playing air guitar). But there may not be any collaborative efforts such as the "Chicken Dance" or the "Electric Slide" (not there's anything wrong with those dances).   Additionally, the lack of a prefab dance floor means there will be a lack of guys standing awkwardly to the side of the dance floor hoping that no one asks them to said dance floor (I can sympathize with that guy).

While we can not guarantee everyone will be familiar with everything we play, we can guarantee everyone will have a rawkin good time.

And for those Guided by Voices fans on the guest list, we are working out a special treat for y'all. We will pass on the news once it is confirmed. For those asking themselves, "Who is Guided by Voices?", simply Google: "Greatest rock band of all-time."

Gary & Jess

engaged...

Aug 15th, 2008. First one to wise crack about this being 3 years ago gets it :)

HOTEL INFO

The original idea was to book a bunch of rooms on the North Shore, right near the Warhol. We tried the Residence Inn, Hyatt Place, and the Renaissance. But after getting prices of $275/night and up, we had a change of plans. The Residence Inn and Hyatt are both not taking reservations for room blocks due to a Pitt game that weekend (and possible Steeler game that Sunday). Having out-of-town guests fly into Pittsburgh, and asking them to fork over $600 for a 2-night stay in Pittsburgh seemed to be the wrong thing to do.

Instead, we booked a group of rooms at each hotel on University Blvd. There are 4 to choose from:

Hampton Inn Pittsburgh Airport

8514 University Blvd.
Moon Township, PA 15108
(412) 264-0020
$79/night - Doubles or Kings (non-smoking)
* Pets allowed
CUT-OFF DATE: 9/24/11

DoubleTree Hotel Pittsburgh Airport

8402 University Drive
Moon Township, PA 15108
(412) 329-1400
$82/night - Doubles or Singles
CUT-OFF DATE: 9/14/11 

Holiday Inn Pittsburgh Airport

8256 University Blvd.
Moon Township, PA 15108
(412) 262-3600
$99/night - Doubles or Kings
CUT-OFF DATE: 9/23/11

La Quinta Inn Pittsburgh Airport

8507 University Blvd.
Moon Township, PA 15108
(412) 269-0400
$75/night - 2 Fulls or Kings
CUT-OFF DATE: 9/23/11
  

When calling for reservations, please mention the Cooper-Smith Wedding Block on October 14-15.  If you have any problems with making these reservations, please contact us immediately.

As mentioned in the previous posts, these hotels are minutes from the Chapel, and transportation will be arranged to the Chapel. We will also be working on round trip transportation for anyone staying here...to the reception and back. All 4 of these hotels are within a few hundred yards of one another. So the choice is yours. We will be staying at the Hampton.
 
You are also about a 5-10 minute ride to Pittsburgh International Airport. And all hotels have complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport.

Post reception and late-night activities will be taking place at either Jacksons Lounge at the DoubleTree or Primanti Brothers (across the street and right next to LaQuinta).

If you truly wish to stay downtown, we did block a set of rooms at the Renaissance.   Rates are $300/night.  They are located at 107 6th Street, Pittsburgh.  Phone: (412) 562-1200.

The Ceremony: Ann and Alvin Rogal Family Chapel

Yes...this is the chapel at Robert Morris University, here in referred to as RMU, Bobby Mo, The Bob, Big School.  Jess and I both met at RMU, so this made sense.  I was a big-time TV star on Moon Township's most popular sports show, Colonial Sportscenter.  She not only was a big fan of the show, but as a track star for the Colonials, she was looking to get more recognition in the highlights.

So we went out on a date, and that was that.  I insisted that my journalistic integrity made it impossible for me to put her in more highlights.  And we simply continued to date each other.

Moving on...

We originally thought of having an outdoor wedding. But being an October wedding and realizing that no one is a fan of wearing a wet suit to a reception, we opted for something indoors. Plus, the North Shore downtown was nixed after we realized there was a Pitt game that Saturday. So this was perfect.

DIRECTIONS:

The Ann and Alvin Rogal Family Chapel is located in Moon Township on the campus of Robert Morris University (duh).  For Google Maps directions, CLICK HERE.

Here's the address:

Robert Morris University
6001 University Boulevard, Moon Township, PA 15108
PHONE 800-762-0097

TRANSPORTATION:

For all of the out-of-towners who will be staying at one of the hotels we've booked (see forthcoming post on hotels), this is minutes from where you'll be staying.  We will secure transportation from these hotels to the Chapel, as well as round trip transportation to the Warhol downtown (and back).  More coming on that.

TIME:

5:00  4:30

The Reception: The Warhol

We looked around Pittsburgh at a few different places before deciding on The Warhol. Not only is it perfect for the type of wedding we're looking forward to, but there's some sentimental value, as Jess and I have frequently attended shows and film screenings at the Warhol over the years.

TIME: 

7:00pm - 11:00pm  6:00pm - 11:00pm

We will have access to the entire museum, so guests are encouraged to peruse as they wish.  But the main floor, or the entrance gallery as it's referred to, will be where most of the festivities go down.  We've both decided we wanted a less traditional reception (not that there's anything wrong with a traditional reception).  In lieu of a sit down dinner with assigned seating, we're opting for more of a "cocktail party" atmosphere.  Don't worry...you will be fed :)  And there will be seats.  There will be 3 different stations of food throughout the main floor, and guests will be able to eat as they wish.  Grub will include a variety of things, including: hors d'oeuvres, skewers (meats and veggies on a stick), an Italian station, and for our out-of-town guests craving some local fare...a "Pittsburgh station," including stuffed cabbages, pierogies, and other local treats.  

Boozers' Note: Bars will be open for the duration.  It just didn't make sense for us to have a "cocktail party" where the bars close :)

Also, we will have access to the theatre on the 1st floor.  We are pretty excited about this.  Not only will this be where the bridal party is introduced, but for the duration of the reception, there will be some choice videos played on the big screen for your enjoyment.  This video program will be covered in a separate post to be coming soon.

DIRECTIONS:

For directions and parking info, CLICK HERE.  If you'd prefer to utilize your own personal Google machine or GPS apparatus thingy, look up this addy:

The Andy Warhol Museum
117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5890
Phone: 412-237-8300
e-mail: information@warhol.org

There's a big day coming...

Yo La Tengo - Big Day Coming from City Slang on Vimeo.