Our Bridal Party

Greg and Michelle wanted to invite those who are nearest and dearest to us to stand under the Chuppah on our wedding day. These friends and family have never wavered and have been there for us in the best of times and in our moments of need. Thank you!

Michelle's parents: Aleksander and Sofia Shwarz





Greg's parents: Jeffrey and Sheila Bornstein





Maid of Honor: Erica Shwarz, Michelle's younger sister







This picture was taken at Erica's 21st birthday. It's a night we will not forget. It was Erica's first Mojito...which reminds us of our favorite Erica quote, "It's good, but I don't understand why did they put lettuce in my drink?" :-)

Thanks Erica, for the laughs, for the remote control in the refrigerator, for the looks in Stepp's class that only we understand, for the patience and the strength, for being the only one who understands where we come from, for letting me be your role model even when I didn't get it right, and for caring when I needed it most.


Best Man: Todd Bornstein, Greg's younger brother












Looking at these pictures brought back so many memories and stories. If I could have chosen any brother, I still would have picked Todd. Todd, thank you for helping me through all the rough times, for reminding me to follow my dreams as you have followed yours, for being my best friend, for being on the same team even if you didn't agree, for being my biggest cheerleader when I didn't believe in myself, and making sure I was never alone.

Bride's maid: Taryn Bornstein, Greg's younger sister



Greg and Taaaaahryn



Pre-gaming at Michelle and Greg's place.



She's definitely the cool sister, my sounding board and problem solver. It's a good thing girls mature faster than boys. Even today, when I look at you, I see the cute little girl with banana curls who loved strawberries. You were also the mischievous girl who managed to bang my head against Todd's and get us both in trouble. Taryn, those are still two sides of you I see and love today, the sweet and loving sister and the feisty, fiery woman you've become.


Groomsman/Bridesman: Yevgeny (aka Eugene) Kushnir, Michelle's dearest friend







Michelle met Eugene in 7th grade. They were 11. However, it was in college when they became very good friends and Eugene offered his friendship when everyone else was in Boston or elsewhere. Thanks for enjoying 2003 with me, listening when I need to vent, remembering that we'll be okay after the fallout, for watching me grow, for watching me fall when I grew too fast, and staying grounded. We're so glad you're in our lives and elated that you're now a dear friend to both of us.


Groomsman: Greg Berkowitz, Greg's leaning post





I met Greg at a Collaborative event- for those who have no idea what I'm talking about, it's a group in Philly that puts together social events for young Jewish professionals. As soon as we met, we hit it off, and it was the kind of thing where you meet someone and think they've always been in your life. He's like my brother when my brother can't be here. He's the first friend I call when I'm excited to tell someone the good news. Thanks for the good times, the "back door", Atlantic City, being my wingman, letting me be yours (I hope we find one soon for you), for being thrilled for my happiness, for your honesty, your brutal honesty, and being the other GB.

Groomsman: Derrick Zizelmann, Greg's partner in crime






My "bro"-- my friend, the unlikely friend, the friend who always leaves people asking how did you meet and how do I get his number? There is no one who brings more life to a party or joy to my day. Who would have expected that we could have traveled to Ohio, Vegas, Nashville, as different as we are, learning from each other, appreciating our differences, embracing our similiarities? D--your father still doesn't know, it's our secret forever. I'm happy to be part of your family as much as you have become part of mine.


More Pictures, just for the fun of it



The Bornstein children and their dog Buffy




OMG!! This picture is a result of Todd trying to be helpful to Mom and Dad by doing the dishes. Unfortunately, no one told him that you cannot put Dawn dishwashing liquid in the dishwasher. The result...a kitchen full of suds, side-splitting laugher, and an unforgetable Kodak moment. But it gets better. What happens when you try to flush suds down the toilet? You get more suds!



The Bornstein monkeys...I mean children

Growing up

Since most of you have only known either Michelle or Greg growing up or only have known them as adults, we decided to share with you our pictures from growing up. With much dedication and hard work from Greg's dad and a trip down memory lane with Michelle's folks, we bring you these photos.





























Michelle and her sister Erica



Greg and his brother Todd and his sister Taryn

Pictures of Michelle and Greg

Here are some of our favorite pictures. For more, become Michelle and Greg's friend on Facebook.



This was Greg's surprise party. We had a blast!




We love to travel. Greg was working in Florida for a while, Michelle had to come visit. Here we are at Universal Studios.



Greg's job gave us the opportunity to visit Niagra Falls.




Here's Michelle, Kyle, Taryn, Greg, and Todd in Nashville enjoying a Jedi shot and some fried pickles.



This time, Michelle had to work in Denver, Greg followed her all the way up Mt. Evans.



Aruba, Jamaica, oooh, I wanna take you to the Kokomo! That's where we were.




Horseback riding in the Rockies.



Amy Winehouse and her white trash entourage.



Moments after Greg proposed. Love this picture.




Dinner at Morimoto before the question.



Enjoying the Cherry Blossom Fest in DC.



The Caesar's Pier, Atlantic City.

All The Details: Dates, Hotels, and Parking

This is the post that you'll probably be visiting the most.

Here are the details for our wedding:

Attendance is requested by invitation only!

We regret that we cannot invite all of the great people in our lives, but we would love to share the information about us with anyone who wants to know more.

Date: July 17, 2010
Time: 7:00pm Sharp. If you arrive at 7:01, you will not be permitted into the ceremony. Sorry to the fashionably late...If it helps, tell yourself that the wedding is at 6:30.

Place: The Rittenhouse 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, Pa 19103
www.rittenhousehotel.com

Where should I stay?
We've reserved a block of rooms for you at the Rittenhouse Hotel at the rate of $199 per night. The Rittenhouse is considered one of the best hotels in America and is located in one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Philadelphia. It's a great choice if you want to pamper yourself. It's directly on the park and there are lots of shops and restaurants right outside the door.
To reserve your room, please call 800-635-1042 and mention the Shwarz/Bornstein wedding. www.rittenhousehotel.com


We also reserved a block of rooms at the Embassy Suites Hotel. It's located at 1776 Benjamin Franklin Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pa 19103. The nightly rate is $129.00 per night. For reservations, call 215-561-1776. Again, mention the Shwarz/Bornstein wedding. This hotel is located amidst some of the city's best museums. If you arrive early or decide to stay late, the Museum of Natural Sciences, The Franklin Institute, the Rodin Museum and the Philadelphia Art Museum are all a short walk away. Click here for their website.


More importantly, this hotel is located only half a mile from The Rittenhouse hotel. It's a lovely 15 minute walk or a 3 minute car ride. A taxi should cost approximately $6.00 from one hotel to the other.

You always have the option of staying at other hotels in Center City. We won't be offended if you'd like to find your own accommodations. We welcome questions about other hotels you might consider. Please do let us know if you are staying elsewhere so that we can make sure you are welcomed.

Parking: Parking is available at both hotels at approximately $30-$40 per day/night. If you'd like to park close by, there are two lots to consider within 2 minutes walking distance to the hotel. There is an open-air lot located on the southeast corner of 20th and Walnut Streets. There is also an indoor lot located on the southwest corner of 20th and Walnut Streets.