rachel & NIC
April 26, 2014

Stories
the meet cute
Friday, March 2, 2007
Some of my coworkers decided to hit a bar (Beerworks) and a movie (Reno 911! Miami ... really). One of them said "hey Nic, this is my girlfriend Rachel..."
I later heard she thought I was funny. And so the clock started...
the time line
5/22/2007 - first email exchange, ostensibly about sharing "Heroes" season 1 videos
5/30/2007 - first IM exchange, a followup on the "Heroes" videos request
6/16/2007 - first independent meet-up; "Forget the Girl" show
6/28/2007 - first karaoke
7/12/2007 - movie (not alone)
7/25/2007 - dinner (also not alone)
8/10/2007 - dinner FINALLY alone!
8/31/2007 - first "real" date (and first kiss)
9/16/2007 - "the talk"
10/13/2007 - first overnight trip together (bar crawl, "chaperoned" by Kenny B)
11/21/2008 - first vacation together (central Cali for the week)
11/24/2010 - finally finished meeting each others' parents (started 3 years earlier)
9/30/2011 - move-in
1/02/2012 - Zoë the cat
12/13/2012 - engaged!
Read on for the details and the rest...
the chaperone
July 2007
My good friend Laura unwittingly chaperoned a non-date. Two, actually:
July 12 - the movie "Once"
July 25 - dinner at Cambridge One
I made her join me so that Rachel wouldn't think it was a date. Twice.
the first non-date
Friday, August 10, 2007
Tasca restaurant on Comm Ave. Rachel agreed to dinner, but only because it wasn't "a date". I visited the tequila fairy before meeting her (in an attempt to subdue my hyper-activeness) and subsequently don't remember anything I said that night.
the first real date
Friday, August 31, 2007
Dinner was served by Nic's roommate/ chef in the backyard of his Brighton apartment where almost every surface was covered with Nic's signature tea light decor. An excellent evening (even with the 23 stitches in Nic's big toe) was punctuated by a first kiss on par with the dramatic, relationship-changing moment of your favorite rom-com.
the first bar crawl
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Nic helped me tick another state off my list (48/50 and counting) with a pub crawl in Providence, RI. Not-so-chaperoned by our friend Ken Bowers, I think we made it to all the bars...despite Nic's nasty fall. To add insult to injury, the local Burger King was closed by the time we finished. Regardless, it was the first of many eventful pub crawls.
the middle
We have a cat (Zoë) and a big TV and a lot of laughs, so obviously we should be married forever. Duh.
the engagement
Thursday, December 13th, 2012
My 30th birthday.
After an amazing day of art, architecture, and a little alcohol Nic surprised me with two last gifts. First, an iPad - not too surprising as he loves sharing the joy of Apple products. Second, the proposal etched on the back with a ring below. Amazing!
Events
Key People
Can we get a witness

Joshua Monk
Man of Honor, bro of bride
There are so many things only a sibling can understand.
BFF's since the official truce of 1997

Erika Tuttle
Best Maid, sis of groom
"gotta keep the ... PRACTICE up!"
Parental Guidance

Mary Ellen Cole
Mother of the Bride

Gary Monk
Father of the Bride

Alison Monk
Step-Mom of the Bride

DeAnna Tuttle
Mother of the Groom

Chuck Tuttle
Father of the Groom

Magdalene Cole
Grandmother of the Bride
VIPs

Amanda Tommell Sandy
The Bride's Right Hand
Keeping Rachel sane and tellin' it like it is since 2001. Amanda's unparalleled packing skills and boundless sarcasm will be in high demand for these nuptials!

Matthew Puhl
The Officiant
Childhood friend of Rachel (and fam) and current drinking buddy of Nic. We decided he should marry us, so that's happening.

Laura Betinis
The Go-to Gal
You down with LBP?? This gal will be on hand to let you know where to go, what to do, and how to laugh. Any questions? Ask Laura!

Anthony Healy
The Go-to Guy
Tone! Boston's best piano man and all-around groovy guy. He'll be helping Laura show you the ropes and making sure you know where the corn hole court is.

Melanie Armstrong
The Keeper of the Drink
This classy lady will keep the drinks available and Terri behaved during the cocktail hour. She's very important.

Terri Sly
The Drinker of the Keep
Where you find this fabulous femme fatal so too will you find Mel and the cocktails after the ceremony. If you ask nicely she'll share.

Gavin Sidebottom
The MC
Do we need a DJ? Not when we have a Gav. You'll be Gavin' a good time all night thanks to this charming fellow.

Cristina Healy
The Photobooth Master
This lovely lady will reveal the mysteries of our super-awesome DIY photo-booth. Step right up and don't be shy! She doesn't bite (hard).
Plum Island, MA
Gifts
Gallery
Nic & Rachel
Gallery