La Maquette Event Venue

Rehearsal Dinner

Cocktail Hour

Casa Loma, Toronto, ON, Canada

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Macho Tex Mex Radio Bar

Send Off Brunch

Our Wedding

Geoff and Kelley met during the summer of 2013 after Kelley's colleague and good friend, Michelle, invited her aboard Geoff's boat, the Slippery Wickets. We dated for a few months before Kelley left for Hong Kong in September, 2014. Lucky for Geoff, he's extremely tall compared to most in Hong Kong. We reconnected when she returned in January, 2014, and have been dating ever since.Geoff proposed in May, 2016 on the first "Chicago Summer" day of the year, aboard the same boat where the couple first met. To say Kelley was surprised would be an understatement.We love our friends, we love to travel, and we love to Gator up at Sully's House. We are moving into our new place together in January, 2017. We can't wait to celebrate with all of you. Love,Geoff and Kelley

Kelley & Geoff

Our Story

Details

Photos

Although we started out as mortal enemies over who was a better catcher in 3rd grade we turned into great friends when I got hurt and had to quit baseball.  Came out to ND every year to watch the Irish lose.  Would probably still be up for it today if the Irish actually had a football team anymore.  Lives in Cincinatti on Devil's Backbone.  Likes In-tendo....

Jeff Mann

Big sis, role model and eternal optimist. 

Amanda Blakewood Pascale

Best friend since pre-school. Recommended to spell her name the RIGHT way whenever possible. With an extra E. 

Kelly Davies

Good friends since 3rd grade.  Only other proud owner of a 12 year old Little League Championship Trophy that I know (ask Jeff where his is located!).  Loves Tecmo Bowl and Sweet Basil.  He's checking his wingspan against Michael Phelps above.

Mike Lentine

Casual acquaintance from his time in Chicago.  Now lives in Austin, TX, God's Country.  Hobbies includes Dabbitt.  He also likes Tennis.  He played college football for the Tulane Green Wave.  One time he saw Tim Meadows and froze like a deer in the headlights.  Not sure what he's doing in the picture above; he probably rode the pine that match.

Christian Merritt

Sarah Dethomasis

Business partners and friends for north of a decade now.  Proud father of six (yes, you read that correctly, six!).  He will likely bring Brian Kelly with him to the wedding he's such a huge fan.

Chris Brusznicki

BFF since middle school volleyball glory days. Always down to Gator UP

Hilary Waldo

Best friend and forever confidant. Long time princess turned New Yorker. 

Katie Kramer Weisz

Good friends since college.  I tried to find the photo of him trying to burn a house down as I thought it more appropriate than the one below (but, alas, I came up short).  Did attempt to burn down Boat Club at one time (or more).  Despite popular belief, he did NOT star in the Land Before Time.

Tom Alessi

The Boatman.  For those that know him, no introduction is necessary.  For those who don't, no introduction will suffice.

Kevin Schumm

Highschool teammate and BFF since. Known for her eidetic memory (she will look this up) and accuracy in recalling historical events. 

Courtney Kramer

Former roommates in Chicago.  Brian now lives in New York.  He's often sporting batting gloves as he gets "Hot Hands."  He's a crowd pleaser and loves to get other people drinks so if you see him at the wedding, just ask for one.  He'll be back toot-sweet for you.

Brian Conroy

College teammate and roommate of 4 years. Can recite Mean Girls better than Geoff Polk. 

Natalie Moore

Fellow Northwestern nerd and lover of all things finance. It was love at first sight, and yes, Stacy-Lynn is her real name. 

Stacy-Lynn Ptacek

I needed nine groomsman, so he made the cut.  "Friends" since college.  He likes Fashion.  I'm not sure what he's doing in this picture; he doesn't even know how to play Croquet.

Jeff Piposar

Random guy we met when going to the Cubs game.  He gave us tickets, so I just had to put him in the wedding.  Sometimes we wonder if he's Human or if he's Dancer.  At the wedding, hopefully he'll show us.

Trent Anderson

Coworker and partner in crime in Chicago. Will compete with Dethom for best dance solo at wedding. Most importantly, responsible for introducing us!

Michelle Malcolm

Business partner and friend since 2009.  Expectant father.  Loves him some Abba-Zabba.  He was NOT overserved at his 30th Birthday party a few weeks ago (picture above).

Wes Smithe

Friend, confidant, consigliere.  John will do it all including lighting fireworks off in your kitchen while you are upstairs suffering from food poisoning.  He will also get you a poster of James K. Polk for your Presidential suite and put it in a stark gilded frame (when the rest of yours are subdued brown) saying "I wanted it to match all the others."  Hey, at least it wasn't Trump or Barry.

John Sarson

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

Don't Forget… You will need your passport!!! When flying home you will clear US Customs and Immigration in Toronto, which means when your flight will arrive into the US as a domestic flight. It does lengthen the check in process in Toronto, so leave plenty of time. They do offer special lines for Global Entry.Currency Exchange: ATMs' and Currency Exchange kiosks are available at the airport. There are also several banks near the hotel. Most everywhere takes credit cards (especially Visa and MC). We try to use a credit card that has no foreign fee.Flying into Toronto, you can choose from two airports: Pearson International Airport ( YYZ ) is (16 mi) from downtown Toronto. It's by far the largest airport and has the most flight availability. Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport ( YTZ ) is 3 km from financial district, on the Toronto Islands, and is used by mainly by Porter Airline's. Several major cities in US offer flights into this airport (Chicago, Newark, etc.) Transportation from Pearson International Airport into the City:UP Express The Union Pearson Express (new as of June 2015) connects Union Station in downtown Toronto with Pearson International Airport.. Runs every 15 minutes from 5:30 am to 1 am. Trains have ample luggage space, free WiFi, and power ports at every seat.<table> <tbody><tr> <td> Travel Time: 25 minutes from the airport to Union Station, then a 9 minute walk to hotel (cabs available).One way tickets between Union and Pearson cost $12.00 CAD per adult. Fares can be purchased online or at ticket machines or service counters in the stations. <a href="http://www.upexpress.com">www.upexpress.com</a> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody></table><a name="OLE_LINK5">Ge</a>tting to the train:At the airport: From Terminal 1 follow signs for "Trains". From Terminal 3, take the Link train to Terminal 1, then follow signs for "Trains". From Union Station (downtown): follow the UP Express signs to the west end of the ground-floor Great Hall. The station is located with the SkyWalk, a little further west of the Tourism Information Centre.Taxi Follow sign to Taxi queue. Travel time:<a name="_GoBack"></a> 25 minutes or more depending on traffic. Costs about $55 CAD/$41 USD<table> <tbody><tr> <td> Toronto Transit Commission (public transit). 192 Airport Rocket Bus takes 60 to 90 minutes and cost $3.00 CAD. <a href="http://www.ttc.ca/">www.ttc.ca</a> You can catch the 192 Airport Rocket bus on the lowest level of either terminal (column R4 in terminal 1, columns C8-C12 in terminal 3).At Kipling subway station (the last stop on the bus), transfer to the eastbound Bloor/Danforth <a href="http://www3.ttc.ca/Subway/interactivemap.jsp" target="_blank" title="subway line">subway line</a>. Kipling has elevators and escalators. As Kipling is the end of the line, downtown trains leave from either side of the platform. For most downtown hotels, transfer to a southbound subway train at either <a href="http://www3.ttc.ca/Subway/Stations/St_George/station.jsp" target="_blank" title="St. George">St. George</a> or <a href="http://www3.ttc.ca/Subway/Stations/Bloor-Yonge/station.jsp" target="_blank" title="Yonge">Yonge</a> station. Elevators and escalators are available at both stations. Make sure you find out the closest stop to your hotel in advance. Note that not all subway stations have elevators or escalators, so you might have to climb a flight or two of stairs. </td> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Getting to King Edward Hotel from Toronto City Centre (Billy Bishop) Airport/ YTZ:To get between the island and the mainland …Walk through the Free Pedestrian Tunnel that connects the airport to Toronto's mainland. It takes under six minutes (moving walkways) from the airport to the mainland. ORThe ferry makes its very short run from the airport to Eireann Quay/ Bathurst Street <a href="http://www.torontoport.com/Airport/Getting-To/Ferry-Schedule.aspx" target="_blank" title="every 15 minutes">every 15 minutes</a>. (Note that this is not the same ferry as the city-operated Toronto Island ferries.) <a name="OLE_LINK11"> </a>Once on the "mainland", King Edward Hotel (37 King St East) is about 2 miles. You have several options for getting there. Taxi or Uber – less than 10 minutes Porter Airlines Shuttle Bus (free) will take you to Union Station, then a 9 minute walk to hotel or cabs available. Shuttle runs every 15 minutes. The <a href="http://www3.ttc.ca/Routes/509/Eastbound.jsp" target="_blank" title="509 Harbourfront">509 Harbourfront</a> streetcar or bus (the stop is at the intersection of Queens Quay Blvd and Bathurst St which is one block north of the lake) takes 10 minutes to get to Union Station, then a 9 minute walk or hotel (cabs available). $3.25 CAD - pay when you board (cash only – drivers don't make change)<table> <tbody><tr> <td> Getting around Toronto:Uber works great. Toronto Transit Commission (public transit) <a href="http://www.ttc.ca/">www.ttc.ca</a> has subways, trains, streetcars and buses that go all over the city. There is a subway stop ½ block from King Edward. The streetcar runs continuously along King Street. If it happens to rain, most of Downtown Toronto is connected by underground walkways. Rental cars are available at the airports and downtown. </td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td></td> </tr></tbody></table><h1> </h1>

Toronto, ON, Canada

We have reserved a room block at the historic King Edward Hotel in the heart of downtown Toronto.Group Name: Blakewood and Polk Wedding RoomsMicrosite: http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward/weddings/blakewood-polk-weddingGroup Online Booking Code: 1707BLAPOL <table class="m_-4264889271634273474MsoNormalTable"><tbody><tr><td>Room Type</td><td>Single Rate</td><td>Double Rate</td></tr><tr><td>Deluxe Room</td><td>$269.00</td><td>$269.00</td></tr><tr><td>Deluxe Suite</td><td>$369.00</td><td>$369.00</td></tr><tr><td>Luxury Suite</td><td>$419.00</td><td>$419.00</td></tr></tbody></table>Rates are quoted in Canadian funds (so with current exchange rate will be approximately 25% cheaper in USD) and are subject to current applicable taxes and fees, currently 13% HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) and 3% DMP (Destination Marketing Program)Info on the hotel:<h2>LUXURY REIMAGINED</h2><h3>Historic downtown Toronto hotel</h3>The first luxury hotel in Toronto, built in 1903, has been re-imagined for the 21st century. The focus of our $40 million renovation is to showcase the old-world charm and vibrancy of Toronto with a complete transformation of our spacious guest rooms, meeting space, lobby, restaurant and bar. While combining modern comfort and elegance, we are excited to have restored the legendary hotel to palace-like grandeur. The hotel is conveniently located in the financial, entertainment and shopping districts, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Sony Centre, The Distillery District, Eaton Centre and the St. Lawrence Farmers Market.Our 301 oversized guestrooms and suites have recently been renovated, combining sophistication with modern amenities. It truly redefines luxury for our most discerning travelers. Accommodations in this iconic hotel feature the finest in furnishings, custom bedding and vintage crown moldings, all with impeccably appointed marble bathrooms perfecting every aspect of the guest experience at this legendary destination.Both dining establishments, namely Victoria's Restaurant and Consort Bar, were included in the revitalization process at The Omni King Edward Hotel. Executive Chef Daniel Schick and his culinary team have updated the dining menus to include local, seasonal ingredients and classic cooking methods. The hotel's long-standing tradition of Afternoon Tea – a favourite activity of families and people-watchers since the turn of the 20th century - will continue Friday through Sunday.

The Omni King Edward Hotel

Travel

Things to Do and See in Toronto<h1>Check Out Toronto's Distillery District</h1>Located just a mile from the King Edward Hotel in Downtown Toronto, (20-minute walk or a short cab ride), Toronto's distillery district is a great way to pass some time. Get a taste of Toronto's best brews, walk the cobblestone streets while window shopping boutiques or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. <a href="http://thedistillerydistrict.com/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://thedistillerydistrict.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1500945745267000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEzw4H8w1q4NnjFyKM6fIglp62auA">thedistillerydistrict.com</a><h1>Rooftop Cocktails</h1>Take in the views and grab a cocktail at Lavelle restaurant and bar or lounge at the Thompson Pool &amp; Rooftop. Expert tip: both spots book up with private events, especially during peak hours, so check hours on the website or call ahead to confirm availability before you go. <a href="http://chezlavelle.com/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://chezlavelle.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1500945745268000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEiPv4Avtqj637cjIYVS7Ve_JYRXQ">chezlavelle.com</a>; <a href="http://thompsonhotels.com/toronto" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://thompsonhotels.com/toronto&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1500945745268000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFJ4-0GoZTwOl6gbfT1Fm6FDJf3Ng">thompsonhotels.com/toronto</a><h1>Day Trip to Niagara Falls:</h1>If you have an extra day in Toronto, take the 1.5-hour drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls and enjoy the scenery. Expert tip: book a driver or a tour and stop at some of the wineries located along the way. You can find great options with <a href="http://winetourstoronto.com/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://winetourstoronto.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1500945745268000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGTx8lPFuqVRsGqOu5P_7ziBH5Rjg">winetourstoronto.com</a> and several others<h1>Experience Yorkville</h1>Yorkville, Toronto's most prominent shopping district has it all from small boutiques to flagship designer stores. If you're looking for a bite to eat or a café to tryout, venture off the flagship strip of Bloor Street and head down Yorkville Ave. A few of our favorites: <a href="http://chabrolrestaurant.com/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://chabrolrestaurant.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1500945745268000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHTyRdYRUdTMbwSLbCp4C6-LbMbwQ">chabrolrestaurant.com</a>, <a href="http://sassafraz.com/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://sassafraz.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1500945745268000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHwK2mqTWWNf9ej33rGwb61fAbNHQ">sassafraz.com</a>, and <a href="http://cocoespressobar.com/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://cocoespressobar.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1500945745268000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGALPSYBNhrFEOpXtTXW0V7rXAREQ">cocoespressobar.com</a> If you're looking for your daily dose of culture, you can also check out the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) in the heart of Yorkville: <a href="http://rom.on.ca/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://rom.on.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1500945745268000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGjFvgn3hlE0qThixIFJCbPiQwnfw">rom.on.ca</a>Stroll the St Lawrence MarketJust a few blocks from the King Edward Hotel (93 Front Street E), the St. Lawrence market boasts 100+ local vendors, bakers, butchers and artisans. Open most days from 8 am to 6 pm, the St. Lawrence Market is a great place to pick up some souvenirs for the family and experience Canada's finest. Note: St. Lawrence Market closes at 5 pm on Saturday and is closed on Sundays. <a href="http://stlawrencemarket.com/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://stlawrencemarket.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1500945745268000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGbv-w58urPuRga0-kHYcJIt6rC2w">stlawrencemarket.com</a>Honorable Mention Things to Do &amp; SeeFerry to Toronto Islands, Toronto Festival of Beer (7/28-7/30), CN Tower, Kensington Market, Toronto Harborfront, see the city via the open-air bus, ride the street car down King Street, Beaches International Jazz Festival, Georgia O'Keeffe exhibit at The Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto Blue Jays Baseball gameHonorable Mention Restaurants:Mildred's Temple Kitchen (Brunch), Reyna, Brassaii, Le Papillon on Front, East Thirty-Six, Patria

We are pleased to announce that the Music Group, the Digs, will be playing at our Wedding! More details on them below!The Digs is a world class musical powerhouse. Featuring a collection of Toronto's finest musicians, The Digs make amazing music for an unforgettable night. While our specialty is funk, soul and R&amp;B party music in a large ensemble format, Digs Events can perform almost any music imaginable.Videos the band here: (https://www.digsevents.com/video).

Kelley & Geoffrey