Dilworth United Methodist Church

Wedding Day

Wedding

Byron's South End

Reception

Our Wedding

Charlotte has given both Cris and me many gifts: a church family, lifelong friends, careers, and each other. I was in Charlotte for the summer at an internship when Cris and I met my first night out on the town. I was introduced to Skoggyclaus and the rest of our crew as the boys had just returned from "mancation," and we quickly became friends. Cris and I were friends for over a year before the stars aligned, and we were finally both single. On a friends trip to Asheville, we stayed up late, kissed over a card game, and friendship led to love. We found a church we call home, and became a part of each other's families. Two years later when we returned to Asheville, I had no idea how many surprises were in store.Cris took me to the Biltmore on December 6th, so I could FINALLY go on a tour of the historic estate. We went on a walk to get a good view and take some pictures, and before I knew it, he was down on one knee. I laughed, I screamed, I cried, and then I had a permagrin that just wouldn't go away. After all of the excitement, Cris still wanted to take me on the tour... Distracted by the rock on my left hand, I wasn't surprised when someone behind me complimented my ring. As I turned around to say thank you, all four of our were parents there to celebrate. More screaming. Our engagement weekend was perfect, and I was reminded how grateful I am that Cris would think to include our families, and how lucky we are that they support us and could be with us. Planning our wedding has been the time of my life, but I'm even more excited for what lies ahead.

Andrea's Story

I met Andrea when she was out with a group of our friends at Alive After Five. We were friends for some time before dating, which gave me time to get to know her. She was always so kindhearted and caring, always eager to lend a caring ear. After a while, I asked her out for sushi and was lucky enough to have her say yes. After dating for about a year, I was invited up to spend Christmas with her family in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was after that trip that I knew that I would ask her to marry me one day. Almost a year after that I did, and thanks to some trickery provided by Lenny, Diane, and Allie, I was actually able to make it a surprise.

Cris's Story

Our Story

Details

Photos

Allie and I have been practicing for our weddings from a young age. Our Great Aunt Joan gave us her wedding dress when we were little, and we've rehearsed how a wedding should go hundreds of times. I used to tease Allie that when my time came to walk down the aisle, I was going to make her wear a pant suit, to ensure she wouldn't outshine me (with her beautiful smile, she's a serious threat). Allie is my longest and dearest friend, she has a great sense of humor and a huge heart, and I'm so excited to have her as my maid of honor.

Allie Bartoszewicz

I was lucky from the day I was born that my older brother is such a good one.  I can talk to Jon for hours every day without a down second.  I have always  felt like he is a more responsible version of myself.  Although everyone is convinced he is the younger of the two of us, I will always look up to my older brother.  He was truly a blessing from the man upstairs.

Jon Areskog

J Palm and I went from competitors playing flute in band to best friends pretty quickly. We spent most of high school dressing like twins, we share a love of health care, and she has always made an effort to visit me once I moved to North Carolina. I'm so excited to have her back in Charlotte soon!

Jennifer Palm

Krish has been about as good of a friend as a guy could have.  We have traveled around the southeast to go to Georgia games and NASCAR tailgates.  Since we were roommates in '04, we have not missed a beat.  

Derek Krisher

Leah and I have been best friends since we joined Alpha Phi our first semester at UofM. We've shared bunk beds and memories for the past 9 years, and I stood up in her wedding last June. I'm so happy that Leah can do the same for me now!

Leah Bruder

I was friends with P before he sounded like a Midwesterner.  Now he rocks a heavy Wisconsin accent and despite the fact that he lives in the middle of nowhere (Ashland, WI), I am privileged that he thinks highly enough of me to always stay in touch.  He even drove 20 hours round trip just to go to a party to meet my future wife over Christmas last year.

Preston Mikula

Stone, likely the funniest guy I know.  Stone has always been a great friend, and took me under his wing to teach me how to win "stuffies" (stuffed animals from the crane game).  From that point on, I haven't looked back.  We both share the love of good pie (pizza for those not up to speed) and good lyrics.  

Ben Stone

Danielle and I met while we both lived on the same floor in the dorm at UofM. We eventually upgraded from the dorms, and shared the "Italian Cafe" 3rd floor 1102 with our friends. We used to make each other coffee in the mornings and leave love notes before big tests. Danielle is one of the best friends a girl could ask for and I can't wait to share our special day with her! 

Danielle Zohrob

After our annual guys trip one year, Clay asked me to go to see Chris Robinson Brotherhood with him at Neighborhood theater.  From then on we went to a ton of great concerts together, and he listens to me ramble about the Atlanta Hawks and Georgia Bulldogs more than anyone else on this planet. I talk to Clay almost every day and am looking forward to his triumphant return to America's Greatest Neighborhood, Plaza Midwood.   

Clay Jackob

Rachel and I lived together our junior year at UofM, both have dentist fathers, and have become even closer friends since college. Through multiple moves we've stayed close and I'm so grateful she will be a part of our wedding! 

Rachel Zurek

I met Pat about six months after I moved to Charlotte.  The first time I met him he bought me wings, and if you know me, that is something I likely will never forget.  We got to know each other and the city of Charlotte quite quickly.  Then he moved to San Francisco  and we got to know that city too.  Its been a fun ride since I met Pat, and the guy lives more of life in a day than many people do in a year.  

Pat McAuley

Genevieve and I were introduced through our friend Kate, and we lived together for more than two years in Charlotte. All of my first memories in Charlotte include Genevieve, and we have just as much fun having a movie marathon ordering pizza on the couch as we do out and about enjoying the city. I'm so happy that Genevieve will be with us to celebrate all of the festivities coming up!

Genevieve Jooste

It's everyone's old pal Lew-Bone.  Ryan and I didn't exactly hit it off immediately, but after we took the blinders off we realized we have a ton in common.  Ryan and I often talk sports so seriously on the phone, Andrea thinks that I am on a work call.  Ryan thought so highly of our friendship, he left Charlotte to go work in the hospital I was born in to try and understand me better.  I really do respect that level of friendship, but look forward to his heralded return to the QC when he and his wife Amy move back this spring.

Ryan Lewis

Mike was the first good friend I had in Charlotte.  The way I picked him up at Corner Pub was more than awkward, but I am forever grateful that he thought enough of me to invite me over for the Super Bowl shortly thereafter.  We have been friends ever since and I don't see any chance that will change.  

Mike Karaffa

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

The Omni Charlotte is holding rooms under the Bartoszewicz-Areskog wedding for $149 per night. The Omni Charlotte is located in the center of uptown with a rooftop pool, only 15 minutes from the airport, and valet parking is $20 per night. Andrea and Cris will be staying at this hotel the weekend of the wedding. The link below will take you to directly make reservations in our block.

Omni Charlotte Hotel

The Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown is located near all of the action. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool. The hotel has a shuttle that will take you or pick you up from anywhere within a 3 mile radius which includes our church and reception. The block is listed under Bartoszewicz-Areskog wedding and is offering rooms at $129/night. You can click on the link below to be directed straight to our block.

Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown

Travel

We are looking forward to seeing everyone out for a drink after the rehearsal dinner the night before our wedding. The upstairs room at Connolly's on 5th has been reserved from 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM. Mention at the door that you are here for the Bartoszewicz-Areskog wedding. The wedding party should arrive around 9:00 PM.

Evening before the wedding

Hike at Crowder's Mountain The mountain is about 30 minutes away, and is roundtrip about a 2 hour hike. It starts out pretty easy, and the last 10-15 minutes are pretty strenuous, but the view is awesome. On a clear day, you can see the city skyline from the top! <a href="http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/crmo/main.php">http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/crmo/main.php</a>Carowind's Amusement Park We do have an amusement park if that's up your alley! There are a lot of fun rides if you're a fan of roller coasters! <a href="https://www.carowinds.com/">https://www.carowinds.com/</a>US National White Water Center The white water center is this huge outdoor area to hang out. You can get a day pass and do everything, or only sign up for a few activities. We've gone paddle boarding and had a blast, you can rent bikes, there's a high ropes course, and of course white water rafting. There's also some food there, and sometimes live music at night. <a href="http://usnwc.org/">http://usnwc.org/</a>Freedom Park Freedom Park is right near our church and is a beautiful place to spend time outside. If you can pack any sort of outdoor game, it's fun to be there, but you can also walk around and hang out. <a href="http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/Parks/ParksByRegion/CentralRegion/Pages/Freedom.aspx">http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/Parks/ParksByRegion/CentralRegion/Pages/Freedom.aspx</a>Charlotte Bikes We have a city program where you can rent bikes and go all around town. Its a great way to get through the city, or check out a new neighborhood. We've sometimes picked them up in the morning, gone around and stopped for lunch and then enjoyed the afternoon too. You can ride them to the park, or pick them up there! <a href="https://charlotte.bcycle.com/">https://charlotte.bcycle.com/</a>Mint Museum Art museum that is a nice option if it is rainy or hot <a href="http://www.mintmuseum.org/">www.mintmuseum.org/</a>SouthPark Mall Plenty of shopping if you want to make a few purchases while in Charlotte

Our Favorite Charlotte Activities

Mac's Speedshop Best BBQ in CharlotteAlexander Michael's Try the "What it is"Cowfish Sushi, burgers, burgushi!Bakersfield Tacos, tequila, whiskey300 East Great local food in a quaint old homeNan &amp; Byron's Southern cuisine in a trendy spotTupelo Honey Awesome brunch option - try the Super Southern Breakfast Bowl and Moonswine MarySoul Gastrolounge Unique tapas - great if you're not in a rush because there's usually a wait. There's a bar/art gallery below if you want to get a drink while you wait.Flemming's Our favorite steak in CharlotteFahrenheit Best view, trendy and upscale. Also fun for a cocktail to start the night off at the outdoor barCajun Queen New Orleans style Cajun! Usually has live musicMayoBird 20 types of chicken salad, served any way you want it. We know most of the people who work here by nameThe Summit Room MayoBird turns into a farm-to-table restaurant at night with great food and an outdoor patioWolfgang Puck Delicious and unique thin crust pizzas near our mallHawthorne's Pizza NY style pizzaIntermezzo Great Italian, and also pizzaBad Daddy's Best burger in townCabo Fish Taco Unique tacos and there are several breweries and bars in walking distance

Our Favorite Charlotte Restaurants

VBGB This beer garden is known for lots of choices of beer on tap as well as its plethora of outdoor and board games Sycamore Brewery This is a pretty happening spot to have a cold beer outsideTriple C Brewery Great beers, and family friendlyNoDa and Birdsong Brewery These are both next door to each other. If you're at NoDa, try the Jam Session or Hop Drop n' Rolle – those are our favorites! Fahrenheit Best view in Charlotte on the 21st floor above Skye CondosConnolly's on 5th Traditional Irish pub with an outdoor patio

Andrea & Cris

Andrea & Cris

Photos