8.13.11 - 3rd St. Polish Falcon's Nest - Erie, PA

Saturday couldn't have been more perfect for a truly perfect couple! It was the wedding day for Nicole and Marky. Even though the forecast had predicted rain, it was abundant sunshine that greeted family members and friends for the ceremony at the Perry Monument, officiated by Robert Smith with violin music provided by Courtney Tome. After the ceremony was complete, everyone headed to the Polish Falcons Nest on 3rd St. for the wedding reception.

As everyone began to arrive, they had cookies and drinks to enjoy along with great conversation. wonderful violin music from Courtney Tome. The excitement began to build as the bridal party arrived just before 7pm. Photographer Mary Goss from Come and Get Shot and the videographers, the Dougherty's, were in place to capture the entrance of this very animated and outgoing group, including parents! Nicole and Marky had worked hard in helping to create some amazing musical memories on Saturday, including the choosing of the songs for the custom introductions! What a fun, memorable entrance by everyone, including the couple of the day, Nicole and Marky! They made their way to the dance floor for the first of TWO first dances of the evening, Marky's choice, "Three Times A Lady" from the Commodores.

Once toasts from the head table from the bride's brother-in-law, Mike, Best Man, Henry C. and the bride's sister, Monica, and a welcome and prayer from Nicole and Monica's Dad, Jim, were complete, guests then made their way through the buffet line, enjoying a wonderful meal prepared by Lisa and the staff at the Falcon's Nest. Keep in mind, this was a very interactive event! During the meal, to get Nicole and Marky to kiss, Nicole and Monica's Mom had a surprise! It was a Pittsburgh Steelers COWBELL, that was rung by various guests. I think at one point the cowbell was held captive by guets when they thought it was enough cowbell!

After dinner, it was a humorous round of the always funny Shoe Game, the cake cutting (complete with boxing gloves to the music from "Rocky), then the SECOND first dance , this time Nicole's choice, "Marry Me" from Train. After some open dancing, this was followed by the garter removal where Nicole and the Bridesmaids had a surprise for Marky! The removal song, "Legs", was suddenly interrupted by a choreographed dance to "Baby Got Back!" Nicole had Marky take a seat as the ladies danced! This was based on a comment years ago that Marky thought Nicole had an "onion booty!" Following applause at the completion of the dance, Nicole then took a seat as Marky removed the garter. But, wait! Another surprise! Not only did he remove the normal garter, but he also discovered a Penn State Garter and a Pittsburgh Steelers garter too! How fun! Then, it was the bouquet toss and the tossing of the garter.

At this point, more open dancing to finish out a truly memorable and fun evening for everyone in attendance! Nicole and Marky are very blessed to have wonderful family members and friends that love to celebrate! It was also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Monica and Mike, whose wedding reception I had their pleasure of doing in 2009. And, it was a chance to meet their infant son, Jack! A dedication of Katy Perry's "Firework" was made to Jack before he retired for the evening. And, the entire reception was dedicated to Marky's late grandfather, Albert Russell Milburn, whom Marky owes his life too.

Many thanks to an amazing dream team on Saturday...Robert Smith, Courtney Tome, Mary Goss, the Dougherty's, Extraordinary Weddings, Lisa and the Polish Falcons Nest, the Fedei's, the Nichols and Milburn families and, of course, Nicole and Marky! It was an extreme pleasure to be a part of such a well organized and truly FUN event. Thank you for choosing me as your entertainment host!