Brunch on Sunday

Please join on Sunday at Margaret's parents house for a Memorial Day/Post Wedding Celebration BBQ. Directions will be provided at the reception on Saturday evening. The BBQ will start around 11 or 11:30AM. There will be Filipino food as well as the usual BBQ stand bys (hamburgers and hot dogs). Also I am sure we will fire up the karaoke as well!

We hope to see you there!

Meet the Bridal Party: Mark (Groomsman)

Margaret says:
Mark was one of my first friends at Carnegie Mellon. We both found yourselves in a pre-college program at CMU the summer before our freshman year. We were young, awkward, and not so wise on the world but neither of us would ever admit that... but through college and beyond we grew up together both as architects working on design projects as a team, and as people spending a good deal of time pondering the mysteries of the world late at night.

I cannot do justice here to the friendship that Eric and I have with Mark individually and as a collective unit given that it is the 11th hour. But just know that we feel very blessed to have Mark in our lives as we are certainly better people because of him. Mark challenges us to rethink what is possible for one man to accomplish. He instills in us the passion and hope that can only come from the magic that occurs when he assembles a group of people to work for a collective cause. Wise words, outrageous stories, and supportive gestures all make Mark our go-to guy. His presence in our lives reassures us that no matter what we will make it through and be better for it.

Mark and Margaret at Nick's wedding

Mark says:
So there was a fire escape balcony that clung to the side of this brutish brick studio building adjacent to panther hollow. It, not unlike, my new life in Pittsburgh in the summer of 1996 stood on the periphery, a hundred feet above solid earth, bolted, but seemingly unattached. It’s funny. I think about that time and the lifetime since and I recognize how important part of that metaphor has been to me.

A bolt.

A short, crazy, ridiculously strong bolt. That is Margaret. She was the first friend I made in Pittsburgh. No exaggeration; the absolute first one. And she kept me grounded. The same unyielding bond when times were up, and when times were down. In fact, the story of my time in the realm of the class of 2001 architecture anthologies will seem mercurial and distant, save the accounts of one small brown girl.

And for that experience, for that friendship, for that bolt, I am continually grateful.

The 30/36 Pennsylvania Ave Bus Route carves up the streetscape of the Nation's Capital in a tremendous cultural zigzag that connects old and young, wealthy and poor, first day new job rookies and office cubicle icons. It is as much a representation of the diversity of city as you are likely to find. In its almost brutal acceptance of people on their own terms, it reminds me of unabashed friendship, and of relentless loyalty.

And of Eric.

One part problem solver, one part co-conspirator. That is who he is. Appreciating the complexities of his character came long after college in the throws of underwhelming job descriptions, canal bike rides, bi-annual moving boxes, and impromptu do-it-yourselfisms. The funny part is that whether or not starting down some obscure path of internal or external growth was a good decision to begin with, Eric will see it through with you to the bitter end. Constantly reminding me that merit exists not in the duration of time you spend with someone but the quality of their presence.

And for that honesty, that trust, that friendly bus ride through life's peculiarities, I am continually grateful.

Meet the Birdal Party: Doug (Groomsman)

Eric says:
Aside from Doug being a Yankee fan and his general disdain for all sports teams starting with the name Pittsburgh, he is pretty much an all-around good guy. Doug is probably the most loyal person I have ever encountered, even to the point of working for places that don't pay him for periods of time that can be quantified in years. Yes, years. But it was this extreme loyalty (or unbelievable laziness, depending on who you talk to) that brought he and I together at a small firm outside of Washington DC (shout-out to Mangan Group) for a few glorious years. It was here that I believe Doug and I really matured as professionals, making the leap from being young, green interns to guys who genuinely contributed to the growth and development of a firm. This was in large part due to the management style of the firm's principal, but I also like to think that Doug and I inspired one another to become leaders in a firm that was then and is still today on the rise. This was a special time for us both, and Doug continues to be a major part of Mangan Group's successes.

Fortunately, our social maturity in no way paralleled this professional growth. And we continue to jab one another and anyone else within striking distance any chance we get. I can always count on Doug to call me out when I screw something up and knock me off my admittedly high horse when the situation calls for it. But much like the army, he will also build you back up. And together you may achieve small moments of greatness such as a concrete countertop or a 200+ bowling score. That is, if you're not first blinded by Doug's bright yellow Nike t-shirt. I'm sure it will make an appearance this weekend, so be on the lookout. That's Doug.

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.

Things to Do in the Vicinity of Philadelphia

Fountains at Longwood Gardens

Along the Rivers and Outside of town

Attractions
Bartram’s Gardens – America’s oldest botanical garden along the Schuylkill River

Adventure Aquarium – located in Camden along the Delaware waterfront, this aquarium offers glimpses of sharks, hippos, birds, and sea life!

Longwood Gardens – located in the Brandywine Valley, this is a premier horticultural display

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education – 360 acres of forest with 4 miles of hiking trails

Meet the Bridal Party: Christine (Bridesmaid)

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 Margaret

at Christine and Dave's wedding

Christine 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.

Getting Around Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Phlash Trolley in front of the Philadelphia Musuem of Art

Getting Around Philadelphia
Phlash trolley - Its a purple trolley so you can’t miss it. It stops at 21 locations in Philadelphia along a loop from Penn's Landing to Philadelphia Museum of Art. $2 for a single ride or $5 to ride it all day. It comes around about every 12 minutes and runs from 10-6pm.

SEPTA – Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority - includes buses, trains, and trolleys

Rent a bike - see the link below for Philadelphia Bike Tours where you can get guided tours or rent a bike and explore on your own.

On Foot - Philadelphia is a very walkable city and there is so much to see and do along the way! "Year after year, Philadelphia is rated as one of the best walking cities in the country... Colorful directional signs called "Walk! Philadelphia" have been added throughout Center City that will help you navigate even better."

Tours
Check out the Philadelphia Pass (212-977-7732) – All in one sightseeing pass; 30 top attractions for one price
Ride the Ducks – These are amphibious tour vehicles that will take you to all the attractions in town

Philadelphia Bike Tours (215-514-3124 or 215-334-0790)

Ghost Tours of Philadelphia (215-413-1997) - "Peer into the other side of Philadelphia history and folklore on this candlelight walking tour of America's most historic and most haunted city! Watch history come alive as we journey through Independence Park and Society Hill. Philly's most popular and unusual nighttime attraction."

Philadelphia Food Tasting Tour of Italian Market - "Visit venditori, go behind the scenes at an authentic salumeria (Italian grocery store), cheese shops, and a Sicilian pasticceria, sample Italian delicacies and go home with authentic Italian recipes and discount cards for shopping."

Wok 'N Walk Tour of Chinatown (215-928-9333) - "Chef Joseph Poon's team will serve full lunch or dinner, followed by a Tai Chi demonstration, a Chinese vegetable carving lesson and walking tour of the chef’s community including stops at a fortune cookie factory, Chinese herbal medicine shop, Chinese place of worship, a Chinese bakery, Asian grocery store, fish market and more."

Food Tour of Philadelphia (800-979-3370) - They offer different tours including a Center City Food Lovers Tour, Artisanal Beer and Food Tour, and Fine Wine and Food Tour

Reading Terminal Market Tours - "Every Wednesday & Saturday learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 114-year history of the vibrant Reading Terminal Market where they’re sold during this 75-minute, food-writer-led walking tour."

Things to Do Around St Agatha and St James Church

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