Wedding Weekend = Best.Party.Ever

Our wedding weekend was one of the best weekends of my entire life.  Looking back, I remember bits and pieces of it and want to document what I can remember before I forget every little detail.  So here goes... buckle up, this may be a long one...

Work was really really stressful the week before the wedding.  Like mental breakdown, Monica is a raging crazy person, almost crying in front of your boss kind of stressful.  I've never been so relieved for a vacation in my life.  I just had to get through the wedding and we were home free to the lovely St. Lucia.

Thursday started off with my last kickboxing workout pre-wedding.  I seriously think that kickboxing is what keeps me sane (and helped me to fit into my size-too-small wedding dress).  Bart and I finished up a bunch of errands and had a lovely dinner at Kai Zan - our favorite sushi restaurant.  Here is my last chance workout:

Friday we headed out to Grayslake to decorate.  I decided the only people I wanted to help that day was Mom, Joe and Bart - that way if I turned into a crazy lunatic bridezilla, the people that were around me would love me no matter what.  We got the entire barn decorated in about 4 hours.  Mom, Joe and Bart hung all the lights - Bart learned a couple of new things about how many lights you can string together and if you step on a bulb it will break.  I decorated all of the tables.  We had a few vendors stop in and all in all it went really smoothly.  We celebrated our decorating success with lunch and a couple drinks before we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the rehearsal.  Some decorating pics:

 The tables pre-flowers

 Our sweetheart table

Having a wedding in December, you always worry a little about the weather.  Our guests from Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois had no issues making it there.  However, the people from Texas and Missouri (all 5 of which were a part of the wedding) had trouble getting in.  So my cousins, brother, sister-in-law and nephew were a TBD.  Also, our vocalist, my sweet friend Leah had just finished her treatments the Monday before and was having a hard time finding a ride.  I wasn't sure who was all going to make it and who wasn't.  I'm really proud to say that the first ones to arrive were the GROOMSMEN - who knew?!?!  Also - we had a little time before everyone got there with our officiant and good friend, Izik, to work through the little details.  People started to arrive and we were ready to rehearse.  I was good going through the schedule and where everyone was supposed to be and when (don't worry I had binders or handouts for each person and extra copies for the rooms - I mean I would have tattooed the schedule on everyone's wrist if they would have let me).  

Then it came time to walk down the aisle.  My big brother was walking me down the aisle and if you were paying attention you would have noticed that he was still TBD.  I can't begin to explain the feeling of walking down that aisle alone at the rehearsal.  I know brides do it all the time, and you can call me weak, but walking down that aisle by myself was the worst feeling ever - I just kept thinking I can't do this tomorrow - Josh HAS to be here - what am I going to do - I can't do this myself.  On top of that I got a lot of "slow down, do it again, you have to stop here, pause there, etc etc etc.  Then my sweet friend Leah - how do I begin to explain this part of the story?  Leah has one of those voices that you hear and it immediately brings tears to your eyes.  And she sang... LORD did she sing... (oh did I mention that she made it?)  Knowing everything she has been through this year and what she went through to get there - it was sooo overwhelming.  So I headed towards the back for my second attempt down that aisle (I made my step dad, Joe, stand in this time) and I just lost it.  Uncontrollably crying, sobbing, can't stand up or breathe crying.  After that little meltdown - we finished and went to dinner.  Half way through dinner my brother, nephew and SIL walked in the door.  10,000 lbs of weight was lifted and I could breathe again.

We headed back to the hotel and my MOH Crissy and I spent the night in my room.  This is our little tradition - the night before her wedding we did the same thing.  Crissy is my forever friend.  We have been friends our whole lives and will be for the rest of our lives - she is the bestest friend I could ever have.

The morning of the wedding we got up and headed to the salon where we spent WAY too many hours getting our hair and make up done.  It was so great to have Mom, Crissy and Alice with me - they kept my champagne glass full and kept me entertained.  Everyone looked beautiful!

 Before

 After

We got back to the hotel to get ready - our awesome photographer arrived and he took pictures of our dresses.  It was all pretty chill and I was surrounded by my Mom, bridesmaids and Lauren.  Everyone just wanted to take care of everything and make it easy.  People usually have one dramatic story from their wedding day - we really didn't.  Everyone was just kind of awesome.  And again...the groomsmen were exactly where they were supposed to be on time and sober!  

We had our "first look" coming off the elevator - its was kind of weird, at first I was really disappointed because it was supposed to be just us but then I saw Bart (who looked AMAZING) and he was completely tearing up.  It was adorable and again pretty weird b/c there were like 20 people staring at us.  I was really nervous about Bart liking my dress - we were watching TV one day and he goes "I hate those big poofy wedding dresses"... well.. mine was pretty large and in charge. But he said it was the perfect Monica dress so all was wonderful.  

The bridal party loaded into the limo and we drove around taking pictures.  Everyone was in good spirits - we got some good pictures, froze our asses off and make a stop to get some rumchatta for wedding party shots.  

We got to the barn and the bridal party went to line up - Josh and I stayed in the limo.  If you refer back to the day prior where I was a MESS walking down that aisle, this was the exact opposite.  We were laughing and making fun of people (not you I promise).  Walking down the aisle was fun and relaxed and exactly how I wanted it.  My big brother will never stop being there for me - it continued on my wedding day. 

The vows... oh the vows...  We had worked with Izik on our vows and they couldn't have been more perfect.  Izik had such a fun and calming demeanor that just made it so easy.  Sweet Anna did a great job with her reading.  I got to the last line of my last vow and Bart started tearing up again, then of course I started tearing up... I got that lump in my throat where anything you say next is going to come out weird - Izik handed us both tissues and we took a minute to compose ourselves.  As I got ready to speak all I could do is say "I'm going to squeak"  well I had a microphone in front of me so people found that a little humorous.  But it broke the ice so I could finish my "I promise to make you proud".  We kissed and were officially husband and wife.  Oh and Ms. Leah and her singing - I literally had to block her out to not cry.  My one regret - not getting someone to video the ceremony :-(.

The reception was amazing - the best party I've ever thrown.  My mom, MOH, Best man and FIL made speeches that were amazing - that's always my favorite part of the wedding b/c typically the best man crushes the speech, but ours did wonderful.  I danced all night long and shook my "bustle booty".  My friend James brought me a glass of wine every time he went and got a beer - I was soooo thirsty from all the dancing that they went down so easy... maybe too easy.  Lots of wine and not a lot of food make for an interesting combination.  The music was awesome - the photo booth was a big hit (I could write a blog on that alone), the only thing that pissed me off was the bartender (I could also write an entire blog on that).  

 Loved the last minute up-lighting decision!

This is my favorite picture of the cousins.  I'm so so so happy they all made it to celebrate with us.  These are some of my favorite people in the universe.

One of the best parts of the day was Bart and I went back to the hotel room and talked for about two hours and just rehashed every moment of the day.  I'm so freaking excited to have him as my husband and to be his wife.  He is my best friend and the man I want forever with.  I'm the lucky one!

I couldn't talk about our wedding day if I didn't mention my parents.  I can't even begin to thank Mom and Joe enough for everything they did for us.  The entire wedding wouldn't have been as special or fun or as amazing without them.  Everything from making signs, to making table runners. to decorating, planning every single detail, the family meetings over budgets, listening to me review every single detail again 100x until it felt like the right plate or candle or set of lights... Thank you Mom and Joe!  Best. Party. Ever.

Thanks for hanging in there until the end.  I'm sure I'll remember 100 little things that I wished I would have added.  Cheers to the next 75 years!!

Showered with love

Months ago my MOH asked me what I wanted to do for my bridal shower and bachelorette party, I think I responded with "Chicago" and "wine".  The shower concept is kind of weird to me - I mean isn't the wedding enough of people showering us with gifts and attention?  Do I really deserve another entire day?  I was cautiously optimistic about the whole concept but it felt weird.  I like to be the one planning and executing, I like to do this stuff for others and the thought of others doing it for me made me frankly a little uncomfortable.  I obviously had zero idea of how absolutely amazing the weekend would be... be ready for some exclamation marks and gushing because it was one weekend I will never ever forget!

Mom, Crissy and Alice came to Chicago on Friday.  We started on the wedding seating chart, did a little shopping, watched a movie and went to dinner.  They surprised me with a book they made for me where my family/wedding party wrote letters to me and submitted pictures - Oh man was I a big pile of emotions reading that!  What a beautiful surprise!

 With my wonderful friend and Maid of Honor - Crissy.

 Mom and I.

With my sister in law, Alice.

Dinner was wonderful and we got to catch up and spend some time together.  Saturday morning we got ready, went for brunch and headed over to prepare for the shower.

My friend Allison offered to host the shower at her house.  Between the decorations and treats and food and wine, it was my kind of party!  Allison was even sweet enough to hire Cory, he was there to educate us about wine and keep our glasses full.  He was a wonderful surprise!  Every put in so much time and effort and made this day so special!  I know more people helped than I even know about - so thank you to you all!!

 My family traveled from Iowa and Missouri to be there.  I really appreciate them so much!

Aunt Shelley, Aunt Kelly, Grandma Rosie, Mom and Alice.

 Have I mentioned how much I love my momma?  Isn't she so pretty? 

 The wine set up... or as I like to call it... HEAVEN

 The family listening to Cory talk about wine... more heaven!

 Ok I LOVE LOVE LOVE me a monogram!!  Courtland made these cookies - so ADORABLE!

 Allison and Crissy - I think between these two girls - they could run the world!  I really appreciate you Crissy for all your planning and everything you did for the weekend - BEST MOH EVER!  Allison - thank you for making this such a memorable day!

 So for Crissy's shower I made her play a game where I asked Jeff 10 questions and then asked them to Crissy, for every one she got wrong she had to put a piece of bubble gum in and chew it - like not a stick of gum, those BIG chunks... well it was pay back!!  Thank GOD I only got 3 wrong! 

 Bart's cousin got me this hat - it says "I love my polish husband"!  It is so freaking cute!  I love that girl!  Oh and Bart loves this picture even though I look like a chunky monkey!!

 Stephanie, Elvin and Crystal.  I loved seeing friends who didn't know many people meeting new people and making new friends.  This is going to be even more fun for the wedding!

 Kristine and Cristie :-)

 My future MIL :-).  My soon to be aunt was also in attendance but I missed a photo op with her :-(.  They also traveled to be there!

 Sweet Chelsea!  I told the story at my shower but it's funny because Chelsea is one of Bart's friends and you never know when you meet your man's female friends - but Chelsea and her husband and babies have been so welcoming and great to us!

Nancy and Jenn - these are two of the funnest girls I know - both laugh and have so much fun all the time!  Just being around them makes me happy. 

As I was opening gifts, I kept thinking how lucky I was.  All of these people that I love in one room, here for me.  People traveled and took time away from their families just to make my day special.  I don't think you really realize the overwhelming feeling until you're in that situation.  I was not prepared for the emotion of it all but I will tell you it made me even 100x more excited for the wedding.  The shower went by so fast I don't know if I talked to everyone or got pictures with everyone but it's a good reminder for the wedding day and that it's going to go so fast and I need to take that same moment to just feel - feel the emotion, feel the love and just remember every second of it.

Next, a quick wardrobe change and off to the bachelorette party... (sappy time over)...

 Dinner at Mastros

 I think I drank the equivelant of all those bottles of champs combined :-( :-( :-(

 This pic is amazing

 Amazing pic of Elvin - terrible of yours truly 

 At red head piano bar - got the VP area - it was so so so fun!!  

And change your pose...

By far one of the best days of my life.  I cannot thank everyone enough for making the weekend so wonderful!  From the traveling to decorating to planning to baking to appetizer making to showering me with love - a weekend I will never forget.  

I love all you ladies so much - can't wait for the wedding!!!

Today's thoughts on this crazy life :-)

I haven't blogged in a little while, I feel like so much is going on that this is the last thing on my mind.  Let's see what first?  Wedding planning... well we are 55 days away.  That feels really surreal, like is this actually happening.  We've been planning and planning and it's almost here and I still don't know if I really believe it's going to happen.  The majority of the planning has been pretty easy, I started kind of panicking a bit ago so I started a task list, assigned owners and due dates and take it one step at a time.  I also made Bart read it, step by step... afterwards he thanked me over and over again for everything I've done for the wedding. :-)  Oh, I also started having really weird irrational fears... what if I planned this entire thing and no one comes?  What if everyone hates it?  What if I go to try on my dress and I hate it?  Or it doesn't fit?  What if I forget to pick up my dress?  Such random and dumb little fears but I still have them.  So far out of 180 people, we only have 67 people coming - EEKS!  Oh and then I found out that a lot of my mail is being returned to sender randomly, I have a case open against my mail carrier but it's just ridiculous.  DELIVER MY DAMN MAIL!!

In other news, I'm still teaching kickboxing.  I really love it except they have a new theory where they want us to teach the exact same class every single class... not sure how long I'll last with this new theory but I will try it first.  I still love it and think it's one of the best work outs ever.  I did start the Advocare 24 day challenge the beginning of the month.  I'm not doing nearly as good as I did last time - I need to kick this up into high gear.

I also accepted a new position at work.  I'm really excited to get back into leadership and take on a new challenge.  It was really weird when they sent out the announcement, I got so many emails that said it was a much deserved promotion - I think that is maybe the best compliment ever!  I mean I know that I work my butt off and do my best but I didn't know other people saw that too.  It's a really good feeling to work hard for something, have it pay off, and have other people notice - it doesn't always work out that way, I feel very very lucky.  I also feel really lucky to have the mentors and support system that I have.  I may have driven a couple of you crazy while I was making this decision but your guidance and advice is so so so appreciated!!!  Of course my babe made sure that I felt very special and let me know how proud he was of me.  He's just the best man ever!  

Of course only I plan a wedding, begin instructing kickboxing, and take on a new job all at the same time.  Let's see how many life changes can happen at once!  I mean, if you're going to do it, do it right?  A friend of mine at work told me her perspective of me and how I will never be happy or satisfied just "living" I always need new challenges to keep me excited and motivated and going.  This conversation opened my eyes because it's true - I don't like to let things happen to me or sit around waiting, I prefer to make things happen.  Ok - enough of this "I am woman hear me roar" crap. :-)

Next up is my shower and bachelorette party, everything is going to move along so fast.  I can't wait!!  LOVE YOU ALL :-)

The Number After 29

Well it's official... I'm that number after 29.  I don't know what it is about that number that I don't love but I will continue to refer to it as "the number after 29."  I wanted to be far far away on that day so that no one would even mention that number.  Some friends of ours got a really great deal in Myrtle Beach so we followed suit and planned a long weekend getaway.  Work has been a little hectic lately, add wedding planning and people's drama to the list and we needed to get away.  We spent a lot of time on the beach.  I did learn that my version of "relax" and Bart's version of "relax" is a bit different.  We did purchase him a boogie board and it was the best damn $14.99 we ever spent, kept him entertained for HOURS :-). 

Some pics from our trip...

When I got home there was birthday surprise after birthday surprise.  My wonderful co-workers got me new kickboxing gloves.  My mom and Joe celebrated birth week and send me something new every single day!  My brother, sister, nephew got me my first ever lululemon - an awesome jacket.  I have a feeling this will be a new obsession.  The cards and birthday wishes and bottles of wine were so appreciated.  My friends and family are the BEST and I'm so grateful to have you all in my life.

So I know that the year after the number 29 will be a great one.  I know there is so much to look forward to.  I get to marry the love of my life and experience all the firsts of being a newlywed.  I get to go on our honeymoon to the beautiful St. Lucia.  This year is going to be truly amazing, I know it... not going to lie, I still don't really love that number.

My Latest Obsession - KICKBOXING

I remember when I was young, I hated that my parents had me in softball because I hated to sweat. My mom still tells people that to this day. I think it was more the fact that I sucked at it and when you have a brother that grew up to be a professional baseball player, you find something else to do that you’re good at… I mean come on, how do you compete with that? I got really into dance when I was little because of my best friend, Crissy. I loved dance class. Throughout high school I was really into cheerleading and running. I loved to run, I was terrible at it but didn’t care – I just loved it. Over the last few years I’ve tried a number of new regiments such as spinning, boot camp and most recently kickboxing.


I’ve been kickboxing since about last October, so for about 10 months now. It is my new obsession. You get that cardio/boot camp stuff – we run and do jumping jacks, push up , burpies (if you don’t know what burpies are call me – everyone should have to endure this kind of pain) and you also get out some aggression with hitting and kicking and punching and yelling – it’s pretty awesome! I mean not that I’m going through anything stressful right now that I would need to get aggression out (like planning a wedding, or being on 28 projects so far this year).

I go to a martial art’s studio for kickboxing. To me the benefit to this is you are surrounded by trained martial artists who know about form and technique. I feel like kickboxing at a lot of gyms isn’t a whole lot different than a boot camp or aerobics class. I also love that we have the actual bags to train on. Master Lanre at my school thinks of it as more of a pre-Tae Kwon Do class (with burpies).

A couple of months ago, one of my instructors told me I should teach class and I jokingly said let me know when you have an open position. He brought me up to Master Lanre after class and said “talk to him”. Since then I’ve been working with Master Lanre to train and improve my instructing skills. This started off with teaching portions of the kickboxing class to the Black Belt class. Talk about INTIMIDATING! The first class I had a little mouse voice and was shaking like a leaf, come to find out they don’t do these basic steps much anymore and by the end of 15 minutes, they were sweating all over the place and absolutely exhausted (Monica – 1, Black Belts - 0).

In addition to the instructor training sessions, I’ve also been taking some Tae Kwon Do classes. It is an interesting experience to go from practicing being in front of the class and the “expert” to going to the back of the class where I know NOTHING. It is much more difficult than I anticipated. I love the fact that I’m learning the “right” way to do the kicks and punches but the forms are SO CONFUSING – I feel like I’m just flailing my arms and legs hoping that I’m faced the same direction as the rest of the class. As dumb as it may sound – the hardest part for me is the “yes sir” aspect. Now, my mother raised me right, I say Mr. and Mrs., even a sir or ma’am every now and again. But having to say “yes sir” after every command makes me feel weird. It makes me feel like it is years ago before women’s rights and when men ruled the world or something. I believe in respect and understand that you show respect to those higher than you so I’ll go with it, still feels weird.

So far I’ve taught about 20 minutes of the Black Belt class 4 times and about 3/4 of the kickboxing class that I take. I’m really excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to grow my skills, so much to learn and practice. I also hope I can help people achieve their fitness goals – the part I’m most excited about is to start with a new class and watch them transform over time, giving them motivation and support. I’ll keep you posted on the progress.



A few months ago, we had a class outside on the street.  Bart came and snapped some shots, thanks to Crystal for coming and trying it out with me!  

These bags are my favorite and kicking is my favorite

This is a front block.  The man in front in all white is Master Lanre. 

This is a front jab.  Make sure you are hitting with your first two knuckles, keep you arm straight out but don't lock your elbows. 

Keep your arms up to protect your face :-)