DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Syracuse

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

It started back in 2014 when Lauren was working in Admissions at Syracuse Law with her friends Dana and Emily. Lauren was single at the time and they were both sick of hearing Lauren complain about being single and hating every guy she went on a date with. Dana kept telling Lauren that her sister Erica had a friend that they thought Lauren should meet. After multiple attempts at getting a group gathering together so Lauren and Kirk could "accidently" meet, Erica gave up and suggested she give Kirk Lauren's number and let him take it from there. Lauren reluctantly agreed and within the hour, Kirk texted Lauren asking her on a date the next night.At this point, Lauren was mildly impressed that he got right on it. They agreed to meet at Empire for drinks. To be honest, Lauren was not getting her hopes up at all for this date, but something in her did say this would be her last first date. Lauren planned on being fashionably late (what girl is on time for a date?) because she wanted to make Kirk sweat it out a little. When she arrived a whole 5 minutes past the expected arrival time (if you know Lauren, you would know that is SUPER late for her) she was greeted by the entire Sheftic family. Dana was chatting it up with Kirk and her mom and dad, Deb and Pete were elated. Pete kept saying "This is a great thing. This is going to work because you're two great people. We need Fireball shots." Lauren and Kirk had barely said hello to each other at this point, but there they were doing Fireball shots with the Sheftic's. They all left shortly after that, but Dana reassured them that they would be back to check on the "love birds" later. Just to let you know, they didn't let them down and did return to make sure it was still going well. After a couple drinks they decided to leave. It was apparently love at first sight for Kirk, but Lauren still needed some convincing. The next day, as Dana and Erica were texting Lauren for the full date scoop, Kirk was calling Lauren asking her to go to the SU game. Lauren was really confused because what guy calls the next day? Kirky does. Lauren was supposed to be going to the game with her dad (a die-hard SU fan), but her mom said Big Jim would be okay and insisted Lauren go with Kirk. Lauren was reluctant to go because SU games were her and Big Jim's thing since she was a little girl, and she didn't want to blow off her dad for a guy that probably wouldn't be around next week. Erica and her husband James chaperoned this date because apparently no one thought Lauren and Kirk could be left alone just yet. They ended up ditching Erica and James at the game and had a pretty good time. Little did they know, Kirk's mom was watching from home trying to catch a glimpse of Kirk's hot date. Why was everyone so worried??? True to form, Kirk had the next date planned right after that one ended. That Wednesday, Kirk picked Lauren up and they went for dinner at Dark Horse. A bottle of Bogle Pinor Noir (Lauren's fav) and a conversation discussing their retirement plans, it was a done deal for Lauren and Kirk. They both were impressed the other had it together and the rest is history. After going on countless vacations, attending numerous family events and friend's weddings, moving in together and adopting their dog Cassie, Lauren was starting to wonder if Kirk was ever going to pop the question. She spent about a year dropping numerous hints, including tagging him in every engagement ring photo on Instagram. Lauren suffered numerous false alarms and was starting to give up hope. Finally it was New Year's Eve and they had to go to Kirk's parents to celebrate Christmas. After that Christmas was over, Lauren thought it would be natural for them to go out and celebrate the New Year. After trying to make plans with everyone, all she kept getting was reasons why friends couldn't go to dinner, stay out late, etc. Finally, she convinced her friends and they agreed to meet at a bar for drinks to ring in the New Year, but everyone except Lauren knew much more was about to happen that night. Within an hour of being at the bar, Kirk started saying he wasn't feeling well. Lauren ignored him because she knew he would be fine. Like most men, the common cold is enough to put Kirk in his grave so Lauren basically told him to buck up because there were 40 minutes until the ball dropped. Kirk faked a trip to the bathroom and was begging Lauren to leave. He should've known, there was no way Lauren was leaving a bar, let alone on New Year's Eve. Finally, Kirk went outside to "get air and throw up". Lauren wasn't buying it. Eventually, her friend Emily said "Don't be a bitch like me and go home.", so she did. With about 20 minutes until the New Year, Kirk was flying home, which always makes Lauren nervous. When they got home, Kirk insisted on taking Cassie outside because "the air would be good for him" and Lauren insisted on opening a bottle of wine for herself. As Lauren was getting ready to ring in the New Year, Kirk said that she had to come look at the dog because she had something on her. Figuring it was snow and irritated she still didn't have a wine, Lauren went to go look at Cassie. Turns out, Cassie had a nice little jingle collar with a big bell that had a big ring inside. Her tag read "Dad has a question…" Ultimately, this lead to the whole family (Kirk, Lauren and Cassie) sitting on the kitchen floor screaming with excitement. Evidently, the excitement was a little too much for Cassie to handle because she had a little accident. With 12 seconds to spare until the ball dropped, the future Kwaczala's rang in the New Year with some new bling and a couple of Cassie's "Baby Ruth's" on the kitchen floor. It was perfect and they wouldn't have had it any other way. To celebrate, Lauren cried for 5 hours and they drank a bottle of wine Lauren bought while studying abroad in Italy that she was holding on to for a very special occasion. Needless to say, Lauren is really glad she decided to take that shot with Kirk. Lauren and Kirk could not be more excited to spend the rest of their lives together and are looking forward to sharing their special day and lives with all of you.

It started with a shot of Fireball...

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Jimmy is so lucky to have Lauren as his sister! Growing up, Lauren remembers thinking how lucky she was to have a brother for the sole purpose of never having to share her closet. Lauren and Jimmy were very close growing up. Granted, there were a few times when they might have tried kill each other. For example, there was the time Jimmy hit Lauren in the head with a garden hose and Lauren took a garden hoe to Jimmy's head. This is all very ironic since their dad grew up on a farm. Apparently the farming gene missed these two. Since the day he was born, Lauren has been very protective of Jimmy and has always wanted the best for him. Jimmy is one of the smartest, funniest guys Lauren knows. No matter how much she drives him crazy or how many bad decisions they've made, Jimmy has always been there for Lauren and vice versa. Lauren knows she has a friend for life in Jimmy and would want no one else by her side. Rumor has it, Jimmy is relieved to know Lauren is Kirk's problem now.

Jimmy Polak

Kirk and Kyle are your typical brothers. Being so close in age gave them a companion in everything they did growing up. This was most evident when it came to playing hockey. Kyle being a forward and Kirk a goalie allowed for the perfect opportunity for them to develop their skills, also teaching Kyle the life lesson of denial at a young age. Kidding aside, Kirk couldn't have asked for a better role model growing up. From the rink to the classroom, there were many aspirations in Kirk's life stemming directly from the ground work Kyle had laid down. This is no different today as Kirk continues to ask for Kyle's opinion with many of life's decisions. 

Kyle Kwaczala

Kirk and Kramer's relationship revolves around fun. From using the bunk beds as a jungle gym to video game marathons, they always knew how to have a good time as kids. Of course, this fun came at the expense of Kramer in some instances, he is the little brother after all. Using him as a human target with the water balloon launcher comes to mind. There is no doubt, however, these two have a special bond that has only strengthened into adulthood. There are countless influences that Kramer brings to Kirk's life, to which the importance can never be overstated. Along with this, they look out for each other in true brotherly fashion.

Kramer Kwaczala

Durkin. Mentos. Jurkin. This girl has a lot of names and rarely is it Danielle. This girl has always put on the "sweet, girl next door" image, but underneath it all, there is a wild, feisty and often raunchy side to this broad. Lauren absolutely loves the REAL side to "Danielle". In more recent years, Lauren and Danielle have made multiple attempts to: 1. Get Danielle married. 2. Get Lauren married. 3. To stay skinny. Good thing 2 of the 3 items seem to have been met, just don't ask which two. These two have definitely encouraged Jay and Kirk to put rings on, stay in shape, go on clean-eating diets, workout a lot and follow all of that up with copious amounts of wine. Lauren and Danielle get each other. They both so desperately want to live the good life and by the good life they mean, Jay and Kirk go to work, while they stay at home and be housewives. Does anyone else see a problem with this? They are always there to empathize each other when they are forced to be on a budget or diet, or God forbid their roots are showing and need to call Tabetha ASAP for a touch up. Manicures are also a regular thing for this duo. Lauren is so grateful that Danielle is a part of her life and is looking forward to the days when they can maybe become the Real Housewives of Syracuse. 

Danielle Durkin

Andrew is Kirk's cousin, but might as well be a 3rd brother. As kids, they would have sleepovers as often as their moms would allow, highlighted by mastering every Nintendo game ever made. As they grew older, going to different high schools only strengthened their relationship. There was twice the amount of parties! This also made for some very memorable Baldwinsville vs. Oswego hockey games. Throw in Myrtle Beach every spring break and camping in the Adirondacks every summer, these two didn't spend much time apart. You name it, they've done it.

Andrew Atutis

Smash! Lauren is partly responsible for Ashley's success in life. Lauren was on Ashley's hiring committee at the law school and insisted to her boss that Ashley should be hired. Thankfully, she listened and Lauren and Ashley sat next to each other driving Emily (see above) insane for 8 hours a day at the law school. They had so much fun as law school employees (probably too much) and they often carried the fun out after work too. Together they helped each other realize their ex-boyfriend's sucked, single life was okay and Pete and Kirk are awesome. Ashley is easily the most positive, easy-going, carefree person Lauren knows. Her positivity is contagious and she can always see the best in every situation, no matter what. Ashley's famous line to Lauren is always "Look at it this way, L…". L tries, Smash. Whatever you do, don't ask these two to sing their "Smashley and LDawg" jingle, think of witty hashtags or come up with new Beyoncé lyrics, because they will. Isn't that what everyone does when they're at work? Lauren knows Ashley will make both wedding planning and life fun, simple and relaxing.  Plus, as you can tell by the picture, Ashley is ALWAYS there for Lauren when she needs her most. What more could you ask for in a friend?

Ashley Hoffman

Morganne is also Kirk's cousin, sister of Andrew. Morganne is the only girl in the immediate family and had to put up with all of us boys growing up, even the dogs were male. As frustrating as it must have been to put up with our nonsense, I know she wouldn't have it any other way. The feeling is mutual. We needed Morganne to show us the ropes on how to treat a lady. She has a special gracefulness that Kirk has admired his whole life. This has all helped prepare Kirk to be the man that Lauren deserves.

Morganne Atutis

Where to begin with Allie? Allie has and always will be, Lauren's feisty red-headed friend. What Lauren loves most about Allie is her tell-it-like- it-is attitude (see photo). Has this gotten them both into trouble in the past? Absolutely. Has it also worked in their favor? For sure! Allie has been there by Lauren's side for some of the best times in her life and also the worst. Lauren and Allie also have a way of bringing each other back down to Earth, which is something you really need in a best friend. From drive-bys, clearing our stuff out from ex's apartments, dog anxiety questions and everything in-between, this pair has shared it all. Lauren is so excited to have Allie stand by her side not only today, but for many years to come. 

Allie Hudson

Kirk and Musky met around the age of 10 on the Lysander Lightning squirt travel hockey team. This coincided with Rusty (Kirk's dad) and Jimbo (Musky's dad) becoming friends, meaning numerous hockey road trips together. During these early times, the two quickly realized how much they had in common, and have been great friends ever since. There are far too many stories from the high school and college years, many of which shouldn't be repeated. Musky and his wife Erica were the link that set up Kirk and Lauren. The four continue to be very close friends, regularly meeting out at various Syracuse watering holes.

James Muscatello

AKA The Matchmaker. Lauren was introduced to Erica through her sister Dana, who Lauren worked with at Syracuse Law. As per "our story", Erica knew from the beginning that Lauren and Kirk were the perfect match, or "love birds" as she so fondly refers to them as. Lauren and Kirk are forever grateful for Erica's keen matchmaking skills and they think she might have a career in it someday. Ultimately, it could not have worked out any better because Lauren and Erica have a lot in common: wine, working out and escaping from the boys- although they usually end up calling them for a ride when they've had too much wine… Since the match of a lifetime was made, Lauren and Erica have shared a lot together. They even ran their first marathon together in Montreal, which neither of them could've done without the other. Lauren and Erica know that no matter what, they will be sharing many memories to come through the years. They would imagine it includes Christmas Eve parties, gentle runs through Radisson, lots of hockey games and probably a coffee mug or two of Malbec at the rink.

Erica Muscatello

Andi is Kirk's sister-in-law, but she has definitely paved the way for Lauren in the Kwaczala family. At first, Lauren never thought she could ever live up to Andi's legacy in the family. Andi has been around for a long time and knows the Kwaczala brothers well. She is easily one of the kindest and most genuine people Lauren has ever met, not to mention smart (hello, post doc @ YALE?!). Andi truly knows how to live in the moment and cherish every second, something Lauren wishes she could do more of! From the start, she has cared and supported Lauren and Kirk's relationship. Andi is always there to laugh, listen and even help Lauren rip on Kirk a little- hey, isn't that what sisters do?! Probably Lauren's favorite thing about Andi, is that she is now a strong, confident and dedicated mom to Oscar. Lauren feels lucky to have Andi in her life and is most looking forward to raising the next generation of Kwaczala boys together (let's be serious, they're not having girls). If they're anything like their fathers, we are accepting prayers NOW. 

Andi Kwaczala

Kirk and Steve met playing hockey at a young age (that is a common theme here if you haven't figured that out). They were friends from the beginning, and then Steve moved to the same high school as Kirk. Since then, their friendship has continued to grow. They went to college in the same area and lived with each other for a year. Not much school work got done that year, to say the least. After college, Steve moved to Charleston, SC, but that doesn't stop their friendship, as they still regularly get together out on the golf course.

Stephen Messina

Jenna has always been Lauren's "normal" friend. Jenna is probably the most rational person Lauren knows. She always seems to have it together and always appears stress-free. Lauren has always envied that quality about Jenna. While Jenna has always maintained a low-profile, she always has the scoop. Where does she get all her knowledge from? Jenna has kept Lauren calm and "informed" for almost 15 years now. What did Lauren do before her? As they've grown up and graduated from making burn books in Jenna's parent's basement, a lot has changed, but they've changed together. Jenna is now a proud and beautiful mom to everyone's favorite little boy, Luke aka Baby P and together, Lauren and Jenna have vowed that Luke will likely become the ultimate lax bro, but be nice to his girlfriends and proudly watch Fox News on the regular. Lauren cannot imagine getting married without her "voice of reason" beside her. 

Jenna Pritchett

Kirk and Dan met- you guessed it- playing hockey. The difference with Kirk and Dan compared to their other teammates, was that they both played goalie. As natural rivals fighting for playing time, Kirk had hated every goalie he played with. That is, until he played with Dan. The two got along so well off the ice that they could do nothing but root for each other on the ice, even though that meant one was sitting the bench. The two lived together for a couple years in Syracuse while Dan was in law school and Kirk was beginning his career as a pharmacist. Dan has since taken a job in NYC, but the two still remain very close.

Dan Neer

Kirk and Fravel have been friends since high school. Fravel moved into town from Boston and the two met while playing on the same hockey team (duh). He was reserved at first, but Kirk likes to think he broke him out of his shell. Once that happened the two were practically inseparable throughout high school. A graduation gift from Fravel's mother sums up their friendship perfectly- a sign that read "A good friend will come bail you out of jail, but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying 'Damn that was fun'." With Fravel now living in Denver, the two don't see each other as much as they'd like, but no matter how much time passes in between visits, they never miss a beat.

Tyler Fravel

Lil Em. So Emily really hated Lauren at first, but Emily usually hates everyone so Lauren does not take offense to it at all. Emily and Lauren met when Lauren started working at Syracuse Law. Emily is a no BS kind of girl. She can be brutal at times. She always tells Lauren what she needs to hear, even if it's not what wants to hear. Emily has been a very good friend to Lauren since they met. Emily gets Lauren to use her brain and Lauren gets Emily to drink. Win-win. Even though they have professionally gone separate ways now, they text each other all day because no one else would believe them if they told people what happens at work and then they obviously need to update each other on their workouts. Lauren and Emily are both a part of Migonis Multisport, which Emily roped… recruited Lauren into. They keep each other going on the worst of days and always celebrate the best of days too. Emily has become more like family to Lauren. Lauren is convinced Emily's mom wouldn't mind adopting her if Kathy ever got sick of dealing with her antics. Lauren cannot wait for Emily to stand by her side on her wedding day and knows she will be driving Emily insane for many years to come, while they swim, bike and run together, of course. 

Emily Zipprich

Hello, Baby O. This little guy will forever be our "Baby O." Oscar is the son of Kyle and Andi and we are so lucky he is our ring bearer. Oscar's passions in life include baths, trucks, puppies, his BMW, playing hockey, wearing stylish clothes and hanging with Aunt Lauren and Uncle Kirk. Aunt Lauren and Uncle Kirk might be bad influences because they did take him to a bar and winery all in one day, but they make up for it by buying him lots of books. Life is all about balance, right? Oscar is ready to rock the aisle on New Year's Eve! And yes, Oscar… we will work on the whole cousin thing someday…

Oscar Kwaczala

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

To reserve a room within our block, please call the DoubleTree directly and ask for the Polak/Kwaczala wedding or click on the link below. Rooms within the block should be available for $129 (plus tax) a night.<a href="https://tinyurl.com/huyyfz5">https://tinyurl.com/huyyfz5</a>

Lauren & Kirk

Lauren & Kirk

Travel

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Syracuse