We hope you can make it to our wedding, and whether you will be dancing with us or there in spirit, please gift us a story. A story about Andrew, a story about Liz, or a story about both of us. You’ll notice that you can also comment on each others’ stories. We hope to have a collection by October 2013 that we will be excited to have for a lifetime as we continue to create new memories and share more stories together. You can post your story below, or email us at wedding@lizplusandrew.us.
11 Stories
How did I meet Andrew James Swartzell you ask? Well, I’ll tell you it was very much by chance with a dose of a joyful meeting of inclusive strangers that made it possible.
It was January of 2009, and at the time I had been going to many events, shows, art openings, and New Haven happenings on my own that winter. I was determined not to let the cold drive me into my apartment, and forcing myself to attend all the events I discovered in order to counter act the pull of warm blankets and my comfy couch on 98 Bishop St. Therefore I made it out to GPSCY – a grad student bar to see a local bland play. I got to the show and didn’t recognize anyone I knew, so I watched for a while and found myself standing next to an enthusiastic watcher, Ms. Leslie Hough, who clearly knew the band, and more importantly showed no fear of dancing in public, something I always admire. We stuck up a conversation and realized we were Bishop St. neighbors! Leslie, in her always inclusive approach to life, let me know there was a party she was going to around the corner from where we lived that weekend. The hosts name was Ashton Allan and he was trying to host a mixer type gathering so folks could meet new people – you were supposed to bring a friend who didn’t do what you do, and so she asked me to come. I didn’t know then that she herself had only met Ashton the week prior.
So two days later on a cold and icy Saturday night I carefully walked down my block to Ashton’s party knowing that I would know no one there as Leslie could not be there till 11pm. As I got close to where I thought the party was I noticed a person in front of the entrance to the apartment doing some strange stretches. To be honest, I got a little nervous, and I decided to head back to my apartment and took the treacherous icy walk back. “I don’t know these people, why was I going to this random party?” I asked myself. I came home, took off my boots, grabbed a beer, finished it, and convinced myself, “Nope, you need to just go. You always like meeting people. Just go!” So I went again down the icy sidewalk and up the stairs to Ashton’s apartment. I knocked on the door, and someone opened it saying, “Hello?” I explained, “Hi, I know Leslie.” Not knowing that no one really knew Leslie either – but in seconds, Ashton, the always gracious and welcoming host, said, “Hi, thanks for coming, and please come in!” I think he even said great to meet you – even though we had just seen each others’ faces for the first time.
Then it happened. The realization that I had brought a five-pack to the party of course! I didn’t want my host to see this, and tried to spot a quick clear path to the fridge that would allow me to slip it in without anyone noticing. But there, in front of the fridge was this tall handsome man with spiffy glasses. I remember first thinking, “He looks kind” and I then thought, “maybe he won’t judge me for my five pack.” I boldly stepped forward asking him if he wouldn’t mind putting my beer in the fridge, and to “please don’t tell anyone it’s a five pack.” He laughed, and I learned that he actually knew the host as they worked together at Pickard Chilton and apparently I was at a party of architects. I learned his name was Andrew, and he very graciously began to introduce me to the folks he knew at the party. I remember being very impressed that he stuck with me through every conversation as we met and talked with a variety of people the whole night. He was awesome, and I of course assumed he was dating someone, but I thought, “He’s great, perhaps he knows other great people I could meet.” We exchanged phone numbers at the end of the night, and the next day I had a call with a request to go to dinner and a movie – a bold choice – and the moment where I realized perhaps he isn’t dating someone, and actually wants to take me on a real date.
That first date was the best date I had ever had. It was one of those life moments where you feel like you remember everything and nothing, but never forget the fun and fabulous feelings. The conversation never halted and we actually never made it to the movie…It was wonderfully exciting and I’m forever grateful for the multiple chance meetings, inclusiveness, and a dash of courage that allowed me to enter into the life of Andrew James Swartzell!
Posted by Liz Hammond at 2:08 am on April 22, 2013 |
I remember helping Andy learn how to swim. 1986 in a motel pool in Ocean City, MD. Yes, he was using water wings. Rumor has it that he still uses them 🙂
How do I post the picture???
Posted by Ron Yoder at 12:18 am on August 6, 2013 |
Email it to me and I’ll put it up…
Posted by andrew at 1:08 am on August 6, 2013 |
Here they are!
Posted by andrew at 11:39 pm on August 8, 2013 |
Liz was the first baby I ever held. Betty and I came to the hospital, and Kathy and Gene trusted me to hold her. From that moment on, Liz has had a special place in my heart. I loved watching her grow both at home and at Maret. Her love of life came through in every concert, musical, class, and athletic event. After Liz went to Yale, I saw her less, but I enjoyed listening to her wisdom and expressions of life’s joys as she got older. I am so happy to see how happy Liz and Andrew are, and I am honored to be a witness to their wedding. My one advice to you is that no matter how busy your lives are, put aside some special, quiet time with each other everyday. I wish you the greatest happiness.
Leonard
Posted by Leonard King at 10:20 am on August 6, 2013 |
When I first came to Maret, I heard that our annual musical was the hottest ticket around. That April, Mr. Erwin directed his first show, Sondheim’s Into the Woods. Liz was Little Red Riding Hood and her magical voice filled the stage. For the next five years, Liz was a star over and over again. On a number of occasions she shared the spot light with Mike, her brother, who was equally talented. It has been a wonderful thrill to watch Liz progress through high school, embrace the challenges of college and graduate school and embark in this next stage of life.
Posted by Marjo Talbott at 11:15 am on August 13, 2013 |
I met Liz in my freshman year at Maret High School. I was new to a group who had been together for years, very shy, and still trying to find my way. Liz and I ended up in the same English class and one day she passed me a note (a real handwritten note – these were the days before texting!). I have always been a very conscientious student, however, I ended up writing back and somehow we found time in that class to learn AND start to build a friendship! From that moment on, Liz included me in her circle of friends with open arms. We shared sleepovers, movie nights, the Chamber Choir trips, the musical, classes, and more together in high school. After high school, we traveled all around Europe together! Liz and I both managed to make it to see each other’s college campuses – even though she was in Connecticut and I was in California. Even in the years since, whenever we have managed to visit each other, we have shared amazing adventures. I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with her family in Cape Cod, riding in a horse drawn carriage in historical Philadelphia, spending a very cold and windy day at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, visiting Liz at some of her favorite New Haven haunts, baking Christmas cookies with her family, and more. Even though we don’t always get the chance to see each other as often as I would like, I am so honored to call Liz my friend. She is one of the most loyal, kind, understanding and generous people I have ever met, and I’m sure all her friends can attest to the fact that no matter how much time has passed, it’s clear that Liz holds all of her friends in a special place in her heart.
I haven’t had the chance to spend as much time as I would like with Andrew, but one story comes to mind that really speaks to the type of person he is. Liz and Andrew were in Philly, and I was planning on buying my first Mac computer in the near future. Andrew spent about an hour in the Mac store with Liz and I, patiently explaining every single one of my questions, even when I repeated myself over and over. I feel that story is a small testament to Andrew’s kind (and patient!) personality.
I’m so happy that Liz and Andrew have found each other, and I’m very excited to celebrate their wedding!
Posted by Julie at 3:04 pm on September 1, 2013 |
I could go on and on about Liz. She was my first friend at Yale, having arrived in that moment when I found myself alone in my freshman dorm room wondering whatever to do now. Over grinders at Yorkside, our friendship was sealed and I count her as one of the kindest, generous, most thoughtful and caring people I know. She has counseled me through triumphs and many a heart-break, and I was so honored to have her standing right beside me at my wedding.
While I had met Andrew on a few trips to New Haven, it was at that wedding two years ago that he demonstrated what an amazingly creative, stand-up guy he is. My husband and I live in Portland and had decided to get married on a farm, which was glorious except for the notable drawback of having limited bathrooms. With much hand-wringing from my mom, we decided to have porta-potties. Liz comforted me greatly by promising that this would be no big deal – we could decorate them with cute wedding stuff! – and I instantly felt better.
Flash forward to the day of the wedding. As the man with a rental car, Andrew graciously agreed to take my brother, the flowers, and some doilies to decorate the bathrooms up to the farm to get things set while Zach and I were still getting ready. While this had to be among the grosser design challenges Andrew ever accepted, he took the commission without complaint and totally nailed it – what was, from the outside, a mild-mannered portable toilet, on the inside had cascades of origami, doily art and what I think of as a kind of doily-chandelier. While the man is a genius with paper cut-outs, what struck me most was his willingness to do anything to help and his ability to make everything around him, no matter how mundane or just plain icky, beautiful.
In that way, he reminds me a lot of Liz – she, too, is good at making things around her beautiful, not only through her zesty decorating but by how she warms up a room just by being in it. They are so humble, up for anything, and both have such a great sense of humor that it’s no wonder they are so much fun to be around. I’m so thrilled these guys found each other and so happy to see what lies ahead for them.
P.S. I’m sending a picture of Liz and Andrew from the wedding that Andrew will hopefully post. In the lower right hand corner you’ll notice a wine bottle covered in post-its, which was part of Andrew’s dinner-time campaign to “put-a-bird-on” pretty much everything and everyone at our table. It was hilarious, a great way for our wedding party to bond, and just so very Andrew.
Posted by Ren at 4:18 pm on September 1, 2013 |
Thanks for the photo and gross exaggeration of my porta-potty decorating abilities!
Posted by andrew at 12:16 am on September 3, 2013 |
I remember all of the musicals and concert choir performances you were in – you radiated and glowed in all of them. I also recall, with a smile on my face, your senior concert. Liz, as with your entire family, you are such a beautiful person. I wish you and Andrew much love, much happiness and always music in your hearts. Wish Jim and I were able to attend in person – but know we are there in spirit. Look forward to the next time we see each other.
Posted by Donna Erwin at 12:08 pm on October 8, 2013 |
Liz — You got him with a “five-pack?” Andrew is such a cheap pick-up! Seriously, we enjoyed reading your story and those of your many friends. We are so excited and honored to be included in your wedding. And Andrew: Welcome to The Farm!!! Love, Mike & Patty
Posted by Mike McCauley at 9:24 pm on October 9, 2013 |