Bel Air 1740

Rehearsal

Rehearsal Brunch/Lunch

Party Eve Open House

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Buffet Dinner

Reception

Fall

Welcome!

We are so glad you found your way here. Please click through the menus and peruse at your leisure! We are really excited to be hosting our loved ones as we celebrate our marriage in November. We hope our site helps you enjoy our big day through the info and stories you'll see here - from travel suggestions to details of the "Day of" and other gathering opportunities we are hosting that weekend. I can't express this enough times in enough places - your presence on our special day is the present. If you feel so inclined, we have options: we have a small registry, honeymoon fund or a donation to the Alexandria a Capella Collective is suggested.

Our Wedding

In March 2020, Norman and Heidi first met online. Norman likes to tell the story that Heidi ghosted him, and he's mostly right. While it's true that Heidi didn't respond for a few days, she eagerly wrote him back apologizing and hoping for a chance at a date. They met at Panera at Tyson's Corner - and as they walked in, Heidi looked up and announced, "Oh my god, your head is bleeding." Norman blushed and explained that in his rush to get to her clean shaven, he chopped a pretty hefty chunk of his scalp off. The gore obviously didn't deter Heidi - it might have even helped his case. They had a very lovely evening that ended with him asking if it was okay to kiss her, and of course she said "yes!" The next day, we received notices from our offices not to return to work and a remain in place advisory had gone out for Virginia, DC, and Maryland. There are silly details during the main shutdown of 2020, but the best part was June 3, 2020. Norman and Heidi had been connecting intermittently via text - but on June 3, Norman's eyes were assaulted with cell phone light when he laid down for bed and saw a text from Heidi - "Happy Birthday. FWIW, 50 is my favorite number. In a partner." It wasn't long before they were inseparable, traveling to cons, weekends with friends, meeting our families - we couldn't be without each other and there it remains for the next 5 years.

How it began...

The Proposal

Norman and Heidi both knew that their relationship began unconventionally, and Heidi didn't pause for a moment when she began writing a love letter to Norman, and realized at the end, she was really asking him to marry her. On their way home from Heidi's rehearsal in Alexandria, Heidi asked Norman to pull aside for a late night snack. There in the car, Heidi read the love letter to him, and ended with, "I eagerly await your response." Norman didn't take a moment to hesitate, and said, "yes!"

Our Story

Photos

Marina is the ultimate best friend to both the bride and groom, though they’re still arguing over who she loves more. Having had a front-row seat to their love story—and occasionally serving as referee—Marina is here to make sure their vows are heartfelt, their ceremony runs smoothly, and no one objects (seriously, don’t even think about it). Known for her quick wit and ability to make any herd of cats run smoothly (literally, she teaches 1st grade), Marina is honored to trade jokes for wisdom (mostly) as she guides these two lovebirds into their happily-ever-after.

Marina Fay

Because nothing this family does is traditional,  Heidi asked her "previous" mother-in-law to stand next to her while she marries Norman.  Previous is in quotation marks because while she is not legally Heidi's mother-in-law anymore, she has been an immense matriarchal figure in her life for over 20 years. Heidi was just 16 when she made a whirlwind of teenage craziness fly through Linda's house, and over the years, they became very good friends.   

From visits in Hawaii, to off the cuff visits while en route cross country, to silly Facetimes and life advice, Linda is exactly the human Heidi envisioned supporting her on her big day!  

If you have never met Linda, you are in for an incredible treat.  Norman often describes her as a "F*cking Delight," because... SHE REALLY IS.  We hope you embrace and love her as much as we do.

Linda Krukowski

Eric and Norman met just after Norman's third date with Heidi. Eric didn't like him. 

Over the years, that's changed and has so much more. When choosing a best man, Norman wanted someone with qualities of support, comradery, and a love of this family we've built and no one meets those values more than Eric.  

Eric Krukowski

Following our unconventional surprises, Jim is Heidi's escort.  Jim and Heidi also met 20 years ago when she was dating their son.  While he is also no longer legally her father-in-law, Jim has been a pillar in our family that we all have looked up to.  His patience, kindness, and his focused joy are all things he has engrained in his family (including Heidi).  He has taken friends and family into his life and arms and embraced them, filling in cracks where they need it.  He is a magnificent human, and Heidi is SO THANKFUL he said, "Yes" to escorting her down the aisle!

James Krukowski

Mary is a true force of nature and one of my closest chorus friends.  I first met her in Metro Voices, where her incredible bass voice and fierce passion for accuracy and community immediately caught my attention.  Since then, she has inspired me with her commitment to living life on her own terms.

Mary is not only a talented musician, but a fierce advocate for her beliefs.  With a heart full of kindness and a wit and mind that are sharp as a tack, Mary is a role model for many, including me.  I am so grateful to have her by my side on this special day!

Mary Cooper

Introducing Sean, the groom's oldest friend and a true mensch since 2004! Their friendship has grown over the years, starting from countless weekends spent working tournaments at various conventions to sharing laughs and epic moments that could fill a graphic novel. 

Not only is Sean a master strategist in the world of HeroClix, but he’s also known for his legendary cookie-baking skills that have won over the hearts (and taste buds) of Norman and their friends. His cookies are practically a superpower of their own! Beyond his culinary talents, Sean is an exceptional father and an all-around wonderful human being, always ready to lend a hand or an ear. 

As he stands by Norm's side on this special day, we celebrate not just a groomsman, but a lifelong friend who embodies kindness, laughter, and the spirit of adventure. Here’s to Sean, and the thousands of miles they have spent on the road together!

Sean Braunstein

Vera is not only a proud and loving mother but also one of the bride’s greatest friends and supporters. With her warm heart and wise guidance, she has been a great source of encouragement and inspiration throughout her daughter’s life. Her generosity, humor, and unshakable resilience have made her a cherished confidante and role model. Heidi is honored to have Vera as a special guest of honor on the day that we join families!

Vera Vogelsang

Wedding Party

Q + A

DCA is in Washington, DC and one of the two closest airports to our venue. (39 minutes)

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

IAD is in Dulles, VA and one of the two closest airports to our venue. (46 minutes)

Heidi & Norman

Heidi & Norman

Q + A

Where is the ceremony?

What is the "dress code?"

Can my small humans join us?

Can I have a +1/+2/+?