Meet Steve!

It’s time to meet the last of the groomsmen.  While I can’t play favorites, we definitely ended on a high note.  After all, it’s not a competition, right Steve?

Steve B, also known as Big Smooth is our gang idol host, skillet cookie chef, Devils fan, Springsteen ticket holder and most importantly, 1/4 of the Benihana foursome.

1) How do you know DB?

I am primarily a friend of DB’s, dating back to our college days. In addition, I am a VIP at this wedding because DB owes his entire professional career to me – I got him his first job out of college as a budding researcher at CSTV. In hindsight, I think he and I both wish he could have those years back and pick a different way to enter the workforce.   I met DB while we were both working at our college newspaper, The Daily Pennsylvanian, likely back in 2003 although I don’t remember the exact moment.  I worked on the news side, and Mr. Burrick worked on the sports side, but he was a rising star during my tenure there, and it was clear he was destined for greatness.

2) Tell us about the first time you met DB-to-Be.  

I have no idea how we met.  I have literally no recollection of that moment.  But if you’d like, we can claim it was at Idol Night at my apartment.

3) Name a song you want the band to play.  Name a song you DON’T want the band to play.

I have a strict list of songs I dislike hearing at all weddings, including Don’t Stop Believing, I Gotta Feeling and Total Eclipse of the Heart (my 2nd least favorite song of all time).  However, all weddings should include Dynamite by Taio Cruz.  Everybody loves Dynamite.  It’s a fantastic song.  There’s no excuse for the band to skip that one.

4) What is your go-to wedding drink?  What is your favorite wedding food?

At my own wedding, I stuck with Jack & Coke to keep things simple, but at others’ weddings, I much prefer the highest end Scotch available at the bar.  So look for me at the bar sipping on some delicious Scotch in November.  And Beef Wellington, either in the miniature or traditional version, is the best food ever invented, so I’m crossing my fingers for that.

5) Finish this sentence. Love is ________________. 

Love is a sentiment that DB reserves for pan-fried chicken dishes in a lemon sauce served at the Cheesecake Factory.  Humans do not receive the same affection from DB’s heart as chain restaurant meals.

One of David’s three mobile uploads about the cheesecake factory.

Meet the Birthday Girl Rachel!

Second to last maid to go and it’s a good one.  It’s also her birthday!  Time to get to know Rachel O’Hollaaaaa.

get it? TIME to meet Rach?

1) How do you know DB-to-Be?

I met Rabin (and Roberta) during dorm move in freshman year. Actually, Rabin and I brag about the fact that we are the longest of the hooker friends because we talked on the phone a few months before move in. Since we were suite mates, Rabin was able to get my phone number and call me. We chatted for a while before ever meeting, exchanged AIM screen names, and the rest is history! Through the years after college together we’ve been through lots of moves, hooker parties, almost being decapitated, mystery $40 bar tabs, silly string attacks, and Belle Buoy visits. We’ve suffered through hours on the NJ Transit together, endured The Challenge Reunion, formed an Icing alliance, and consoled each other when we lost our beloved Banana. We’ve worn countless matching outfits and written many song parodies. It is crazy to think that 10 years after that phone call I would be one of her bridesmaids.

so college

one of many silly stringings

we survived decapitation. Lo, we would have really missed your head.

2) Tell us about the first time you met DB.

I don’t exactly remember the first time I met DB, but I know that right from the first weeks of meeting Rabin he was part of her life. Rabin and I would stay up late “studying” in her dorm but mostly gabbing about boys and our experiences. We all pretty much considered DB her boyfriend, even before The Daily Pennsylvanian outted them…

Live 8 in Philly, 2005

3) Name a song you want the band to play.  Name a song you DON’T want the band to play.

I am always a fan of the ever classic Shout to get the party started. Also, any classic hooker song like Take Me Home Tonight, Jessie’s Girl, Sweet Caroline, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now, Hold On, etc etc.   I am not a fan of organized dance songs like the electric slide…although I may not complain about Cotton Eye Joe since it takes us back to the Ray Street dorms.

4) What is your go-to wedding drink?  What is your favorite wedding food?

My go to drink is always 2 vodka tonics before I switch to Yuengling for the rest of the night. My favorite wedding food is always the hors d’oeuvres: shrimp cocktail, scallops, crab cakes, and really anything with bacon and or seafood.

This will be one of our many specialty beers, so you’re all set!

5) Finish this sentence. Love is _________.

All you need. Can’t argue with the Beatles.

Meet JB!

Second to last groomsman!  It’s time to meet JB.

just in case you forget his name.

1) How do you know DB?

I have known David since he was born. We have been friends literally our whole lives.  He was wearing diapers, maybe. Or, I would hope he was wearing diapers. There is really no possibility I can actually remember it, we were both too young.

 2) Tell us about the first time you met DB-to-Be.

I met Danielle when she moved to Millburn in middle school. I do not remember too much about the early years, I was a good enough friend of Danielle’s to get the invite to her Bat Mitzvah. David, however, missed the cut and the village people. But maybe it makes more sense to also explain the first time I realized David and Danielle were an item. I was visiting David for Spring Fling at U-Penn and Danielle was also visiting. We had enough mutual friends at U-Penn that at first it was unclear who Danielle was visiting. When I realized David and Danielle were being a little too friendly, it clicked.

 3) Name a song you want the band to play.  Name a song you DON’T want the band to play.

A song the band should play is Everything by Michael Buble (Sophia’s pick).  A song the band should not play is the macarena.

Great choice Sophia!

4) What is your go-to wedding drink?  What is your favorite wedding food?

Go to wedding drink is bourbon and coke. My favorite wedding food is wrapped in bacon. Putting it all together, I think bacon smoked bourbon and coke would
suffice for the whole meal.

5) Finish this sentence. Love is ________________.

…sharing your life with your best friend.

Meet Kalen!

How amazing are my bridesmaids?  Are you getting sad that there are only three left to meet?  It’s time to meet my NYC partner in crime, board game companion, Latin-American loving, the fabulous Kalen Winter!

1) How do you know DB-to-Be?

Danielle and I have spent a glorious nine years together growing only closer each year. We have lived it up both at UD  and now the madness that is nyc.  We first fell in love in the Ray Street dorms during an innocent dance party of blue paper towels generously donated by Rachel (who little did i know would later become another one of my best friends as well – thanks rach!). We have been inseparable ever since.  (DB-to-Be NOTE: I could not find this picture for the life of me! I hope to find it soon and will notify everyone immediately!)

Kalen and I ran a 5K at the Bronx Zoo on engagement day last year! She kept everything a secret the whole day.

2) Tell us about the first time you met DB.  

I honestly cannot recall the first time I met DB, but I am sure of one thing – it was love at first sight!

hands off hooker!

3) Name a song you want the band to play.  Name a song you DON’T want the band to play.

I would like to request Spice Girls – Wannabe. And do NOT play that annoying song Take Me Home Tonight – so over it!

4) What is your go-to wedding drink?  What is your favorite wedding food?

My fave wedding drink is my drink of choice on every occasion – beer but only if it’s in a coozie. BUT if I’m feeling crazy I will switch it up to a vodka tonic with lime! Favorite food? They serve food at weddings?!

5) Finish this sentence. Love is________. 

“True love is your soul’s recognition of its counterpoint in another.” – Words to live by from Owen Wilson!

Meet Mark!

Are you enjoying meeting the bridal party as much as I’m enjoying sharing them with you?  It’s time to meet another groomsmen, Mark!

1. How do you know DB?

I grew up with both Dave and Danielle in Short Hills, but really became very good friends with Dave in college.  While I first met Dave at home, through fellow groomsman Mike Kimmel, we became close in college. In fact, I believe that I significantly swayed Dave to choose Penn over Brown (seriously what were you thinking!!!) when he visited Penn during my freshman year/Dave’s senior year in HS. I’m pretty sure the two cheeseteaks with whiz clinched the deal.

2.  Tell us about the first time you met DB-to-Be. 

I met Danielle many a times at Millburn High School, but really didn’t get to know her well until she visited Dave at Penn.

3.  Name a song you want the band to play.  Name a song you DON’T want the band to play.

In honor of the Penn Basketball team, who I shared season tickets with Dave every season, I would like the band to play “Hey Hey Hey Goodbye”. I don’t want to band to play Ice Ice Baby (please play!).

4.  What is your go-to wedding drink?  What is your favorite wedding food?

Go to wedding drink is obviously a chilled tequila (whatever you have I’ll take!) shot. Best food is definitely during cocktail hour. Love the sushi and meat stations!

5.  Finish this sentence. Love is ________________. 

Love is beating the Patriots twice in 5 years! Go Giants!

Meet Kate!

It’s time to meet the amazing bridesmaid who falls under the non-relative and non-hooker category!  She’s in a league all her own.

Meet Kate!

1) How do you know DB or DB-to-Be?

1. Danielle and I are fellow Blue Hens!  Danielle and I met freshman year of college.  She lived in Ray Street and I lived in Pencader so we had to head home in the same direction after our Spanish class.  We were stopped at a red light standing next to each other on the corner and she said “You’re in my class aren’t you?”.  She has been my dear friend (and life planner) ever since.

Philly is more fun when you sleep over!

2) Tell us about the first time you met DB.  

While I can’t pinpoint the moment I met DB, I know that by the time I met him I felt like I knew him!  During walks home from college Spanish class David was a hot topic so when we met it was as though we were already friends.  I could not think of a better second half for my dear Danielle!

3) Name a song you want the band to play.  Name a song you DON’T want the band to play.

I would love to hear anything by Billy Joel or anything country to remind me of my farm roots (ha!). I will cringe if I hear “Devil Went Down To Georgia”.  For some reason I hate that song…

4) What is your go-to wedding drink?  What is your favorite wedding food?

I like a dirty vodka martini in moderation, but I’m also a big fan of a Makers Mark and Ginger Ale.  My favorite wedding food is any of the appetizers, especially if it includes shrimp or seafood.  During events I tend to strategically place myself near the buttered hors d’oeuvres:)

5) Finish this sentence. Love is ________________. 

  …Being inspired to be the best possible version of yourself; caring for someone unconditionally including and in spite of their faults.

Right after our engagement!

Love is also…giving someone the last bite of your dessert even though you really want it.

Yes, she gave me a bite 🙂

Meet Shafer!

I was really looking forward to Jeff’s q&a and I’m so glad that he actually participated in my activity.  It is my privilege to introduce you our resident trivia master, favorite red headed Montana native often mistaken for Conan O’Brien, Jeff.

1) How do you know DB?

Unlike most readers, I got to know DB by spending literally thousands of hours with him in a windowless office in the middle of the night. That is to say we were editors together at the Daily Pennsylvanian, notably in sports, the only section that matters. Thanks to our frequent travel to away games, I’m keenly aware of DB’s penchant for chain restaurants, slow driving and short temper at airports.

You could even say DB has started copying Shafer’s look.

2) Tell us about the first time you met DB-to-Be.  

I met DB-to-Be in lovely Newark, Delaware, when DB and I went to a football game at the U of D. Highlights include meeting Danielle, of course, DP Dough, tailgating, the Delaware student section called the Cockpit (get it, because it’s the Blue Hens) and plentiful tax-free shopping. Delaware’s got it all.

3) Name a song you want the band to play.  Name a song you DON’T want the band to play.

Can’t go wrong with any Van Morrison. Into the Mystic may be my all-time favorite, plus I’m told it’s a great wedding song in the movies. I would blackball anything from the soundtrack to Grease. Olivia Newton John is terrible.

Really? In my book she can do no wrong.

4) What is your go-to wedding drink?  What is your favorite wedding food?

Tom Collins in the summer, otherwise I’m an Old Fashioned man any time of year. As for food, three words: mini beef Wellington. It’s steak, it’s bread, it’s bite-size; what more could you want?

It is the house brown liquor.

5) Finish this sentence. Love is ________________. 

what it’s all about.

Meet Melissa!

You’ve been meeting lots of very special bridemaids, but there are still five more to go!  It’s time to meet my cousin Melissa.

1) How do you know DB-to-Be? 

My mom and DB-to-Be’s mom are sisters, making Danielle my first cousin.   Apparently, she was present at my birth on September 15 1992! (Great times)

Here is proof!  PS what am I wearing?

2) Tell us about the first time you met DB.

I think I met DB at Danielle’s house, the day of prom. He was looking dashing in his tux and I knew then and there that the two would hit it off at prom….which would lead to marriage several years later. Actually, not really…but it sounds romantic doesn’t it?

3) Name some songs you want the band to play.  

I realllllly hope the band plays Boogie Shoes by KC and the Sunshine Band. Its got such  a classic, funky groove. The love song I want to hear is Stand By Me by Ben E. King.

4) What is your go-to wedding drink?  What is your favorite wedding food?

Pigs in a Blanket are a must at every huge Jewish celebration. My go-to-drink is a VIRGIN strawberry daiquiri. Is this lame? Do people only drink these on Carribean vacations? Whatever! I still love ’em.

I’m not sure if The Mezzanine bar staff can pull this one off.

5) Finish this sentence. Love is ________________. 

Impossible to define!

Meet Andy!!

Wouldn’t you like to know this guy?

1) How do you know DB ?

I met DB at The Daily Pennsylvanian, our school newspaper.  He joined as a writer the year I was an editor.  DB was always handy with stories about musicals, Tannenwald, that he knew Anne Hathaway in high school, musicals, camp, musicals, and occasionally even wrote articles for the paper.  After I crashed a car with him in it, our friendship was basically secured.  Secure enough that he was barely upset by my second accident an hour later on the same drive.

2) Tell us about the first time you met DB-to-Be.

We have a tradition at the DP of writing “roast” articles of our successors.  As Burrick succeeded me as senior sports editor, I was responsible for highlighting his funny quirks for publication.  I know, this was a pretty hard job with a guy as staid as Burrick, right?

But I made do.  I asked DB whether I could speak to his roommates, parents, and, if applicable, lady friend.  He referred me to Danielle.  We spoke on the phone for something like 20-30 minutes before we even knew each other, much of it laughing at Burrick and became fast friends when we actually met soon thereafter.  I have since been told that by referring to Danielle as his “girlfriend” in print was the first time anyone had defined the relationship.  You’re welcome DBandDBtobe.com readers.

3) Name a song you want the band to play.  Name a song you DON’T want the band to play.

Baby lock them doors is the answer to both.

4) What is your go-to wedding drink?  What is your favorite wedding food?

I love mini beef wellingtons more than liberty, equality, fraternity, 9 of the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution (do not even consider quartering soldiers in my home), 98% of my facebook friends, and 94% of my actual friends.  I think Burrick likes mini beef wellingtons more than I do; best that you don’t ask him to rank participants in the wedding against them.

5) Finish this sentence. Love is ________________. 

“Love is” the beginning of a sentence that I think was really meant to be completed by bridesmaids.  That said, watching Roy Halladay pitch is pretty magical.

A quick announcement for DB and DB-to-Be readers.  While you read this post about Andy, we wanted to let you know that we all refer to him at Drugs.  This nickname is by no way affiliated with illegal substances, but rather the main character (Drugs Delaney) in Outside Providence, a movie from the late 90’s.  We have trouble remember his name is not actually Drugs, so don’t be alarmed if you hear him referred to in this way.

xoxo db2be

Meet Laura!!

You’ve had the opportunity to meet three lovely ladies and one gent.  Luckily for this fabulous blog, there are plenty more people to meet.  And so I’d like to introduce you to the fabulous Laura.

1)    How do you know DB-to-Be? 

DB-to-Be and I met freshman year at UD. (MARNA!!)  Freshman year is a pretty big blur.  I vaguely remember 8 am math classes, trekking to the dining hall, a few basketball games, and our first spring break.  The biggest (and definitely most important) memory though is the friendships that were formed that year. I didn’t have a strong bond with my roommate and neither did DB-to-Be (shout out to Hey Woo and the flag/color guard!); so we were lucky to find each other.  We became fast friends; went to acapella shows, ‘tried’ to go to hardball with Chris Matthews, memorized theme songs, went sledding on trays, and formed The Shmos with Rachel.  One thing I took away from that first year of friendship was how DB-to-Be eats cheeseburgers so neatly.  To this day, after I build my burger, I put that top bun on and cut it in half, just like she taught me that day in the dining hall.  I’m proud and honored to still be so close to such an amazing person 10 years later.  I can’t wait to be there to support you as your BM and help you in this next chapter of your life!

2) Tell us about the first time you met DB. 

I can’t recall the first time I met DB but I remember DB-to-Be talking about him. Over winter break that year is when I think they officially “got together” and that’s when we visited him in Philly and he came to UD a lot.  He’s been a constant not only in DB-to-Be’s life, but in all the hookers as well.  He spent many nights at UD with us and became a part of our college memories.  I’m so incredibly over the moon that DB and DB-to-Be found each other and are getting married! I love you DB!

3) Name a song you want the band to play.  Name a song you DON’T want the band to play.

I would love if the band played “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” or “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips. Maybe they’ll surprise us and play both!

I would prefer if the band DID NOT play the Macarena or the YMCA. If you want a choreographed dance, just ask. I’m sure the hookers could whip something up!

4) What is your go-to wedding drink?  What is your favorite wedding food? 

I have two go-to wedding drinks.  My cocktail hour drink is the Dirty Martini.   After that, I tend to switch to a vodka club.  It truly is the perfect wedding drink.  Just as my fellow hooker Kristina wrote about her beloved G&T, the same applies with my VC.  It’s clear so when I do spill it on my dress it’s barely there! Also, if I happen to get some of my favorite wedding food on my garment, I just have to intentionally spill my drink on myself since the club soda will help get the food stain out!  Speaking of favorite wedding food, I’m giving a generic answer since I love almost every food.  I love bite-sized things.  So any cocktail hour food, appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, I’m in heaven.

a hand-made halloween costume!!

5) Finish this sentence. Love is…

“Never having to say you’re sorry” – it’s crazy that DB-to-Be also made me watch Love Story for the first time freshman year!!

Love to me is accepting and respecting another person wholly, good and bad.

I love you both, DB and DB-to-Be!