Introducing....MISSY!!!! The best MOH and sister a girl could ask for!

My Matron on Honor is my baby sister Melissa Smith, or Missy as I call her! She is my best friend in the whole world. She's the first person I call when I am happy, upset and even crabby. She always has a way to make me feel awesome. We are 18 months apart and have been close our whole lives. We actually looked like twins growing up...mainly because she grew at a normal pace and I was always just a little thing!

One of the best days of my life was when I was her Maid of Honor when she was married on February 17, 2007. She was the most beautiful bride on the face of the earth. Pretty soon, that day might be topped by the birth of her daughter (my niece) Eleanor Rose. Missy is due any day now and we are all so excited to meet little Eleanor.

Below are some pictures of my sister and I. Enjoy!

This picture was taken in the Florida Keys in '06 when we went on Spring Break together.

This picture was taken in Vegas in '07. We went there to celebrate my 30th birthday. For my sister and I, our birthdays are a big deal. We don't do Christmas presents to each other. We do big birthday presents. For the big birthdays, we try and do something really special. For 25 we got each other diamond earrings. For 30 we decided to take each other on a vacation. This year will be a little different because she will have Eleanor, but we will have a blast wherever we go!

This is a picture from Missy's wedding. Mom and I picked out her necklace. She trusted us so much that she let us buy it for her without her seeing it.

Another pic from her wedding!

This is the most recent picture I have of us. As you can see, Missy is full term in her pregnancy, but still looks adorable!

I want to publicly thank Missy for supporting me through all of this. At first it was kind of weird that she was the one leading the way as far as weddings and babies go. As the oldest, I was supposed to be helping her! However, she has been amazing. Her positive and beautiful attitude as a bride made me want to be that kind of bride...ya know, the relaxed one that just has FUN on her wedding day and doesn't sweat the small stuff--not a bridezilla! I know she will be an amazing mother and am so excited for her!

Love you Smel!

Introducing...The 'Maids

Here is a list of my bridesmaids and greatest friends in the whole world! I am thankful they agreed to be a part of our special day. There is nothing these ladies can't do. They have been there for me in good times and bad. I love them and would do anything for them!

Lisa Roberts- Lisa is a friend from my hometown who was destined to become my friend! She is very good friends with Michelle Brandon Tabnick (also a bridesmaid) and the three of us hung out after high school. Lisa and I also spent a lot of time together when I was home from college because our boyfriends at the time were in a band together! We spent many nights dancing our booties off and trying to be the best Circus Freaks out there! The picture is from Michelle's wedding in NYC.

Michelle Tabnick- Michelle and I went to the same high school, but it wasn't until AFTER she graduated that we became close. For our church mission trip, we went to Washington D.C. We walked around our nation's capital and talked...and talked...and talked. I think we went through both of our life stories on that trip. It was amazing how much we had in common. Michelle is a true kindred spirit. Michelle is the one in the middle and obviously the beautiful bride!

Lori Stovall- Lo Sto is one of my best friends. I met Lori when I was in methods classes for teaching. However, it wasn't until she happened to be in the same graduate program as me that we became close. We reunited (and it feels so good) and the rest is history. Lori is also my travel buddy. We spent 19 glorious days in Hawaii together in '05. In keeping with the wedding theme, this was taken at Lori's wedding on 7-7-07!

Tracy Pirkle- I met Tracy at the University of Cincinnati, where I got my graduate degree. We were both over-achievers with a wild side! Every Thursday, after class, we went to Woody's Bar and sat by the fireplace and tossed back some beers. I think I drank more in graduate school than undergrad! This picture was taken at my sister's baby shower. Tracy came to Akron with us and was a huge help to my family.

Megan Robbe- Megan is Nick's sister and someone who I grow closer to each time we hang out. From the first time we met, I felt a connection with Megan. It was like there was no "getting to know you phase" just straight into a friendship. I am sad Megan lives so far away and I don't get to see her much. I'm hoping that changes when she moves back to the 'Nati! This picture was taken at the lake house.

**Well that's the bridesmaids! The Maid of Honor (or MOH as I like to call her) is my sister Missy. Stay tuned...she's so special, she gets her very own post!

One year ago today we started talking!

So yesterday was the day that we started talking online. Nick saw my profile on Match.com and emailed me. His email was genuine, funny and I thought he was cute. I emailed him back and the rest is history!

I actually saved his original email...so without further ado...here's how it all started!



From: Nickademus222

To: kellydcinci

Date received: January 16, 2008

Subject: Hi!!



Finally, someone who loves 80's music as much as I do, lol!! That music kicks ass, I must say. I read your whole profile, & I like that you like football. And that you like Star Wars & mexican food...both personal favorites of mine. :) That's cool that you went to Miami...most students from there like the Steelers, b/c that's who Big Ben plays for now, but you like the Browns, which is cool. I hate the Steelers anyway. :) I think you should be looking for someone perfect, b/c anything less is settling, ya know? And by the way, you have a gorgeous smile. You really do. As for me, I love to read, it makes you a more rounded individual, I think, & I love getting lost in a good book. I love to spend time with my family, cuddle up to a good movie...stuff like that. I also like to spoil my lady: take her out to dinner, do nice things for her...it's just how I've always been.



Anyway, a bit more about me. My name's Nick, I just turned 28 right before Christmas, & I just recently moved into a new condo in Hyde Park...I am loving it, lol. ...i work off of Red Bank Road, at a hydraulic company. I work in accounting & receiving...sit at my cubicle all day & work hard, lol. I love the people I work with, & it pays well, but life is about more than money.



I went to Clemson, down in SC, for college, & loved it so much!! I was with my ex for 3 years, up until around October of '06...it was long distance, & it just got to be too much. I have dated here & there, but nothing serious...& I'm really looking for a great girl who will be fun to hang out with, to laugh with, & treats me right. (By the way, sorry this email is so long, I just always have alot to say, lol). I am Italian, so I'm very passionate, & I have never cheated on my GF's...I rarely get mad, & I'm just a happy person, lol.



Anyhow, I'd love to chat with you some more, if you want...you can text or call me at 513-919-2110, or email me at work, nrobbe@anchorfluidpower.com. But if you're not interested, that's ok too, & I can respect that. Have a great day, cutie!!



Nick

The Proposal

So the night started out being all about Nick's birthday. We went to J. Alexanders because it's one of our favorite restaurants AND the white death was upon us (regular snow for your Northerners!). We had a great meal and I thought we were headed back to my place for more presents and Wii time! Nick mentioned that he had something "fun" planned for when we got home.

What he actually had planned was a scavenger hunt. I was game for anything fun and really had no idea anything special was going on. I KNEW he wasn't going to propose on HIS birthday! So I decided to live in the moment and go with it.

My first clue told me to go to the place where Princess Leia barks but will not venture. I ran to the basement to find flowers!

The second clue led me upstairs, where my teddy bear Mr. Busheyskins was holding some Ghiradilli chocolate for me.

The third clue led me to the fridge. I found a heart shaped box with the inscription:

My Darling
My Angel
For All Time
12-16-08

The last clue was a series of questions about "us". I got all the questions right and my final gift was in a jewelers box. As you can see from the tears pouring down my face, I finally figured out that...THIS WAS IT!


















After I opened the box, Nick got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said YES! This picture was taken right after we sealed the deal with a big smooch!

Hope you enjoyed the story! We are SO lucky to have this wonderful event captured with pictures.

6 Month Pre-Anniversary!

So yesterday was officially 6 months until we get married. It's so exciting! There is still a lot to be done and a lot of decisions to be made...like the cake! Bring on the tastings!

Some of you have been asking for "our story". Since we are nearing our first year anniversary, I'm going to post some of it in "real time"....so be sure to check back often to see how our relationship progressed over the past year!

Honeymoon!

Thanks to my super duper Maid of Honor, sister, travel agent extraordinaire, Missy we can announce that we are going to.....

St. Martin/Sint Maarten! We are staying at a Hilton affiliated resort that has a casino and spa, not to mention the most gorgeous beach on the face of the earth! We are so excited about relaxing at the beach!

Much thanks to Matt and Melissa Smith for gifting us this stay at the resort. You two are simply the best!

The Date!!!

Get ready for the funnestdayever.com!!!



July 11, 2009

That's right, we're getting married on 7-11. Too much fun!

Oh What a Day!

Okay, so today we secured a church, the reception venue, a photographer and videographer AND have a date held with a DJ. Can you say productive??

Here are the details:

Church- St. Francis De Sales

Reception- Marriott in Union Centre

Photographer and Videographer- Cincinnati Digital

DJ- Rich Wells

It's been a crazy process, filled with ups and downs. But I finally feel like it's going to happen!