Mark and Margaret at Nick's wedding
Mark says:
Doug and Larry are wondering, "Where did they go?"
while taking in the rays in Hawaii.
Eric is documenting this meeting of the minds in the background.
Doug says:
Do any of us really remember our first time meeting another? Up until the time I met Eric I thought it wasn't possible. Well really it still holds true. Blame my foggy memory perhaps but it was a long time ago. Eric and I were in different crowds throughout most of college. Yeah we hung with the same peeps but usually not in the general vicinity of one another. But those times we were in the same place at the same time enjoying the same company, man there were some chuckles to be had - most of them at my expense. That sharp witted tongue and dry sarcasm were things I couldn't compete with. But it was something I wished I could master. I studied up. Just when I thought I was getting the hang of it,college ended and he soon jetted down to DC on one of many meandering across the country episodes of following Margaret. I remember telling my roommate at the time that Eric was one person I really wished I had known more.
As fate would have it, that time would come to fruition a few years later. I was out of a job at the time, and Eric had heard through the grapevine that things weren't going so swell on my end. Even though we weren't tight buds, he still put his neck out there for me to see about getting me a job at his firm. From that gracious offering, he opened the door for me being set up in a great spot. I am forever grateful to him for this. And besides I may be the only person in our gaggle of friends outside of Margaret who gets to say they were with him for eight hours a day every weekday for two or so years. A better time could not be had I would venture to say.
Now because of him I occasionally wear a belt. It might actually coordinate with my pants. I even wear nonfaded black socks if you can believe it. And best of all I can talk eloquently about how the Olympics are a perfect analogy to why grade inflation is perfectly alright when you're taking AP classes. It's amazing. He has turned my life around. But I still take my shoes off at work...
Eric's good people and at minimum the same can be said about Margaret. Two wonderful people I'm more than happy to call my good friends and proud that they've asked me to be a part of their great day.
Fountains at Longwood Gardens
Margaret says:
In high school, Christine and I shared many great experiences. Of particular significance in my life was sharing KAIROS with Chris in high school. KAIROS in this context means "time with God" but it is an ancient Greek word meaning "due measure" or "opportune time." It is also the name for a Jesuit retreat program that takes you through what I can only describe as an emotional roller coaster. I believe that the KAIROS experience is heightened by those that you share it with and I was fortunate to share my first retreat with Chris. A participant can take out of it as much or as little as they are willing to give and at the time I was on the search for meaning. It is an experience that will always be a part of who I have become as a person and as a result Chris will always hold a special place in my heart as well.
After college I traveled a good deal for work and found my way up to Boston quite often. I usually stayed with Chris when I was visiting Beantown and we had a many great adventures throughout the city (and to nearby states). I am still jealous to this day that she got to drive the duck boat on the Charles River. Lucky girl! Chris also came to visit me in Washington DC a couple of times and I had the great fortune of checking out a Redskins game from the 50 yard line with her (Troy Aikman was sitting behind us and we also got to go on the field!).
But all of these vivid memories cannot eclipse our close friendship. We have supported each other through all that life has dealt us. And I could not be happier that she will be there on my wedding day.
From L to R: The Notre Dame girls - Sandra, Heather, Christine, Erin, Bridgette, and MargaretChristine says:
I met Margaret 16 years ago when we were freshmen in high school. Some of my favorite memories include being in the same Kairos VII group, late nights at the Minella Diner, playing pool in Manyunk, and sharing Christmas dinner. My absolute favorite, though, was when we took a spur-of-the-moment weekend trip together to Bar Harbor, Maine. Our weekend began when we haphazardly ended up at a Lumberjack Show!!! It was one of the funniest shows I've ever experienced and something that I still recommend to anyone I know who's passing through Bar Harbor. We topped that off by waking up crazy early the next morning to drive up a mountain and be the first people in the US to see the sunrise in the freezing cold. Our weekend concluded with one of the best whale watching cruises I've been on. No matter what we've done together, we've always had a lot of fun...
I don't remember when I met Eric, but I remember that I always thought that Margaret and Eric were great together. Dave and I went down to DC to visit them a few years back. We spent our 4th of July watching A National Spelling Bee, stopping only briefly to run up to their roof deck to watch some fireworks. They offered some great perspective on the movie and helped us understand why the Spelling Bee is a televised sport on ESPN. For that, I will always be grateful. Since then, they've made their own fireworks, covering a lot of distance and time zones. I'm so glad that they're finally together in the same city (again) and that they'll soon be together forever.
The Philadelphia Phlash Trolley in front of the Philadelphia Musuem of Art
Greenline Cafe in West Philly
West Philly
Dining
Fatou & Fama's Restaurant (4002 Chestnut St; 215-386-0700)
Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant (229 S 45TH St on 45th and Locust; 215-387-2424 ) - a great option for vegetarians and cheap too
Vientiane Cafe (4728 Baltimore Ave between S 47th St & S 48th St; 215-726-1095) - a pan-asian place (BYOB) with good selection of vegetarian food
Rx (4443 Spruce St; 215-222-9590) - a BYO that uses organic local ingredients - it's a nice place for brunch with outside seating in nice weather
Greenline Cafe (4239 Baltimore Ave, 215-222-3431)
White Dog Cafe (3420 Sansom Street; 215-386-9224) - "The country's leading environmentally and community conscious restaurant"
Attractions
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)/ University of Pennsylvania – one of the leading museums in the country
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology - Ancient Egyptian, Mediterranean World, Asian, African, American exhibitions, shops
Here is a short list of some notable architecture in Philadelphia. There is certainly more architecture to see in Philadelphia than what is included on this list such as pattern book houses, the Philadelphia Art Museum, and Greek Revival and Victorian architecture from the 19th century. We encourage you to explore the city.
Cira Center - Pelli and Associates - University of Pennsylvania
Richards Medical Center - Louis Kahn - University of Pennsylvania
North Hall and Fountain - Michael Graves - Drexel University Campus, at the intersection of Race & North 33rd Streets
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts - Rafael Viñoly Architects - Avenue of the Arts
PSFS Building - George Howe and William Lescaze - 12 South 12th street (Market street & N 12th street) - First International Style building built in the United States
Society Hill Towers - IM Pei - 2nd and Locust Streets
Comcast Center - Robert A. M. Stern Architects - 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd - tallest building in Pennsylvania
Fisher Fine Arts Library - Frank Furness - University of Pennsylvania
Eastern State Penitentiary - John Haviland - N. 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue – Radical 19th-century prison designed to create social change
Guild House - Venturi, Scott Brown & Associates - Spring Garden St (between 6th and 7th)
Resources:
List of Buildings in Philadelphia
http://www.aviewoncities.com/buildings/philadelphia.htm
Buildings and Architecture of Philadelphia - History through the Centuries
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buildings_and_architecture_of_Philadelphia
Margaret says:
Growing up, my brother and I didn't always get along. We usually stayed to ourselves and did our own thing. But in high school our relationship changed. We started to hang out together (probably cause he had his drivers license) and I remember that our usual after school ritual was watching cartoons or Power Rangers then playing Tetris. We both were night owls and I often spent many late nights working on homework. Being the awesome brother that he is, Dave would go out to Taco Bell to pick me up a snack or bring me to Kinkos at midnight. That is probably when I realized that my big brother was an amazing guy (that and when he agreed to be the date to junior prom of four of my friends... seriously).
I knew early on that he was much smarter than me and it didn't help that he made it seem effortless. It was because of his example that I pushed myself to be the best that I could be in school... Nothing like a little family competition to motivate. Luckily he was not as high strung and neurotic as I was because his more laid back attitude gave me some necessary perspective through high school and life. Dave was always surrounded by friends and I don't know one of my friends that didn't love to hang out with my brother. I even remember that when I started school at CMU someone came up to me to ask if Dave was my brother... Apparently his fame spanned all of Pennsylvania (and probably New England as well). I always looked up to Dave because of his charm and wit. He could chat up anybody and seemed to be instantly adored by all.
It's funny that Dave is so protective of me when it comes to the guys I have dated since in all other circumstances he believes that I can hold my own. He is always standing up for me and supporting me in the choices I have made. And for that unconditional love and support, I am eternally grateful.
Margaret and Dave at HalloweenDave says:
I am Margaret’s brother… thanks, I appreciate all of your sympathy. Growing up with Margaret has been quite the adventure. I knew she would find the right guy in her life, but I honestly did not imagine that it would come so early and easily.
I describe Margaret as a universally concerned, perfectionist, loyal, academic. Her search for knowledge is apparent by her direction into a PhD program. She is loyal to a fault to everyone she believes in. She demands of herself excellence devoting as much of her time and more to deliver beyond expectations. And she concerns herself with everything of the heart. Where she finds an emotional connection, Margaret campaigns for change to make the world better, puts her energies into projects supporting causes such as Habitat for Humanity, and will fight for any political, environmental or personal causes she sees fit.
Eric I believe sees the same things I see in Margaret. I also see in Eric many similar qualities. They have been dating for nearly a decade, but not necessarily living in the same area for probably half of it. He has supported Margaret in her decisions to pursue education. Eric being just as loyal has followed Margaret from city-to-city in this pursuit. They support each other and know how to have fun together.
I met Eric early on in their relationship while they were at CMU. I remember talking to Eric at a party and letting him know what my expectations were of him while he was dating my sister. My sister didn’t quite appreciate what I had said. Looking back at it though, I didn’t have to say anything to Eric. I am happy that Eric has always known how to treat Margaret and also deal with her when she is being Margaret.
Welcome to the family Eric. Take good care of my sister. Margaret, I am very proud of you. Try to move together when the time comes to change cities again. I hope the two of you enjoy the “Big Adventure” you share together throughout your lives.
Philly Italian MarketMargaret says:
Gabby and I hung out with different groups of friends in high school, but thank goodness there was some overlap and that we ended up having lunch together every day junior year. But it really wasn't until one night when we found ourselves deep in conversation that I realized Gabby was such a wonderful person. It was her advice, patience, and listening that got me through high school. She provided me with a different perspective on life and a renewed sense of purpose.
Our friendship was tested once by a long train trip to visit our siblings in New England. But overall that was a fun whirlwind trip to Middlebury, VT and Boston, MA in one weekend and definitely one to remember. And while it was certainly "easier" to meet up when I lived on the east coast, we have overcome distance and time to remain close friends. A trip to Philadelphia is never complete without meeting up with Gabby. She is a great friend and confidant.
Through many of the important moments of our lives, Gabby and I have been there to support each other. I could not imagine this special day without her and I know that our friendship will continue for a long time to come.
Gabby, Marian, Emily, Margaret and Chrissy 
Penn's Landing with the Ben Franklin Bridge in the background.
Hanging out at the University Center at Carnegie Mellon.
Independence HallMargaret says:
Nyssa and I met the first day of high school, but grew closer as friends in our sophomore year. We spent many nights at coffee shops and in her parents' kitchen discussing life or the ills of society... We were really cool in high school. It was in her parents' kitchen that I was introduced to the delicious world of soy products and vegan desserts. We had many adventures including a successful campaign bid in Junior State of America ("Fight the Power!"), an amazing service trip to Appalachia (pronounced App-a-latch-ah as Nyssa informed us all), and a couple of trips to visit me, each time marking the furthest west Nyssa has ever traveled.
Nyssa has always challenged me intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. Through our friendship I have grown tremendously. She has been and continues to be a model of perseverance, passion, and strength. Even though we are always in different cities, our friendship remains strong as we support and protect each other through the difficulties and blessings of life.
I am so happy to have Nyssa in my life... and I am pretty sure that Eric is glad that he didn't have to meet Nyssa's wrath (if he broke my heart). We felt honored to be there to celebrate Nyssa and Stephen's marriage and we are so fortunate that Nyssa will stand by our sides at our wedding.
Nyssa and Margaret at Nyssa's secret wedding reception.Eric says:
It’s hard to believe that Ron Polcawich and I were only in school together for one short year after I started as a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University. Ron was a senior and leader of both the cross country and track teams. He ran hard in practice and raced as one of the top guys on our team, but wasn’t above a good snowball or mud fight during a long run. Of course, I liked him immediately. He gained my respect as fast as anyone ever has, and we quickly became friends. Since then we’ve trained and done countless races together. We’ve also maintained a healthy level of shenanagans, usually to the disdain of his wife, also a Margaret. I guess Ron and I have more than a few things in common.
I credit Ron with getting me hooked on the steeplechase, a grueling 3000 meter track event that involves hurdling a total of 28 barriers including 7 water jumps. This event requires a great deal of coordination, skill, and grace. None of which Ron had. Nor did I. So I figured if he could get by on sheer stubbornness and determination, then so could I. I never was able to eclipse Ron’s best time in this event, but I do recall beating him the last two times in an infrequent grudge match race we have aptly deemed the Miracle Mile. Although I’m sure Ron will attribute these fluke losses to nagging injuries (usually at the hands of attacking curbs and uneven sidewalks).
Competitions aside I will always value my friendship with Ron (and Margaret) Polcawich, probably even more than they realize. They live in Maryland, and when I lived alone in Washington DC for two years I thought of them as my surrogate family. Living out west, I have missed seeing them as often. But I always know than when I do see Ron again, he will be the first one to join me in wearing his tie as headband. And both Margarets will be there to look on disapprovingly.
Eric and Ron at Ingram's wedding dancing like its 1999.
The Philadelphia Museum of ArtAfter you received the invitation, you might be wondering who are the principal and secondary sponsors and what is their role in the wedding.
Principal Sponsors
Like godparents at baptism, the role of the principal sponsors continues throughout the married life of the couple, helping and guiding. Their participation is symbolic of the wisdom & support they shall offer the new couple. They are, as in the early days of the Church, sponsors of the couple attesting to their readiness for marriage and freedom to marry. In the Philippines, they are the official witnesses of the state and they sign the marriage license. These are often aunts and uncles or close friends and relatives of the family. The male principal sponsors are called ninongs ("godfathers") and the female principal sponsors are called ninangs ("godmothers").
The number of sponsors can be just a single couple or numerous sponsors (as many as two dozen!). They are women and men whom the bride and groom respect and admire. The Principal sponsors are part of the bridal procession. At the nuptial blessing, they may also be invited to approach the celebrant and extend their right hands to join in the prayer of blessing.
Secondary Sponsors
The Secondary Sponsors are women and men whom the couple choose to involve in their ceremony because of their affinity or friendship. They are typically relatives or close friends. The Secondary Sponsors are the Veil Sponsors, Cord Sponsors, and Candle Sponsors.
At the beginning of the ceremony the Candle Sponsors will light two candles, one on each side of the Unity Candle. These will later be used by the bride and groom to light the Unity Candle to symbolize the union of the two families through the love of the married couple. The lighting of the Unity Candle is used to invoke the light of Christ in their married life. The Veil Sponsors will pin a veil to the to the shoulder of the groom and drape it over the bride's head. The veil is a symbol of their unity and shows that they are "clothed as one."
The Kimmel Center by Rafael Viñoly Architects
