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James & Mary Are  
Crazy About Each Other!

Reach us!




 * Our Story
 * Itinerary, Event Map & Chicago Tips
 * RSVP!
 * Wedding Registry
 * For the Girls! - Wedding Details




~*~


WE ARE MARRIED!!! WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR GUESTS!!! 
WE WILL POST PHOTOS SOON!

WE ARE SO EXCITED 
TO HAVE TAKEN OUR BIG STEP! 
NOW WE DO! FOREVER & ALWAYS!

WE ARE BLESSED HAVE BEEN ABLE TO
CELEBRATE OUR VOWS WITH 
OUR FAMILY & FRIENDS 
SATURDAY 
JUNE 11TH 2016

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO JOINED US IN JUNE!
~*~


QUICK LINKS


RSVP to Our Wedding Online!


Maps, Directions, Parking, Details


Our Honeymoon Hike & Registry


For the Girls - Attire, Shower Details



SOME OF OUR ADVENTURES 




~*~ 
- OUR STORY - 
TOLD BY TWO CRAZY WORLD EXPLORERS


"HOW SHE TELLS IT!"
BEAUTIFUL BRIDE-TO-BE
MARY MEGAN MURTAUGH


Our Meet Cute
I kept catching a seriously sexy stranger staring at me during Springtime a year
before college graduation. His deep gaze made me wonder who he was. This
mysterious man must have been very shy, very taken or on a tight schedule since
we only caught eyes for weeks. I was running, 15 minutes late to a marketing
course at NIU in my red leather cowgirl boots and there he was in a suit, 15
minutes early waiting to start an accounting class. Those sea blue eyes caught
mine and I just knew, I had to turn around and say hello; introduce myself to my
mystery man. 

Our hands touched, it was like lightening! I mentioned my name as our eyes held
intensely, he introduced himself; “I’m James, James Farrelly”. That
introduction! Right out of a classic James Bond movie! My hand was still caught
in his. As I retrieved my hand, I felt myself blush red as my boots! I was so
flustered I wasn't sure exactly how our conversation ended but I did glimpse
behind me to see my Mr. Mysterious staring with a smile on his face! I rushed
off to class with a huge grin knowing I finally found a name to match the face,
and a name that had to be Irish to boot! James, James Farrelly! 

It wasn't until weeks later that we found each other for a very brief lunch
at Three Sons Cafe, Barsema's business students gathering spot. James was
outgoing; organizing and running 5k's with a seriously stressful course working
to become a CPA. I had my own elaborate educational goals. We laughed and hit it
off from the start but I knew deep down I had to keep this gorgeous guy at
arms length for a little bit longer! Just knowing how serious I felt about this
smooth blue eyed Irish guy; pure butterflies! Especially if I was going to
graduate! I decided if he was serious about me, he would make it happen, I
wasn't going to rush our romance! 

Our Big Romance
After graduation, we both came back to Northern Illinois University for our
Masters and what would soon be our first date! I worked in the
Marketing Department as a Graduate Research Aid. James ran into me this time
working at NIU too as an Accounting TA. We picked up as flirtatious friends
without missing a beat. When food arrived for the Finance Club, James would let
me sneak in the line and we would eat together halfway through our 7-9pm night
courses. James gave me serious hints about being interested. I decided to go out
on a limb and ask if he had plans for the next holiday. I had no idea what to
expect or if he would even want to spend an entire evening dressed up! 

Our first official date-date would be on All Hollows Eve, a costume party! I had
no idea how it would go, just that I was thrilled when a tie-dyed Rosta-Hippy
picked me up in a white Cadillac. I was a Bubble-Bee-Babe in black stilettos and
we danced all night! I think he must have felt as shell-shocked as I! Once again
I worried about graduating with this guy around distracting me, so I was
strictly back to the books. I went to Ireland visit family and study abroad just
before graduation. While I was away James graduated from NIU and took an
important job downtown Chicago at KPMG. 

I finished my MIS and MBA and went to work downtown Chicago. It wasn't long till
James gave me a call to see about another date. I was on my way back home one
night but after getting a text from James decided to see if he could meet me. Of
course, back then I was totally oblivious to the meaning of "tax season". So I
had no idea he was swamped in paperwork. James said yes but needed to "run an
errand" first which I've learned was really code for shower and shave. I waited
for him watching snow flurries outside, thinking I must have been stood up! Two
hours later, James strolls in with a huge grin looking like he had won the
lotto. He gave me the biggest hug! 

We couldn't stop talking or smiling at each other. I wasn't even miffed at how
late he was. Although, he did act very strange about where he had parked and
worried about getting a ticket? I think I heard him say another? So I said yes
I'll have another drink. It got to be so late I had missed my ride out of
town... several times. But I just didn't want to go and James seemed in no
hurry. I eyed the clock and James followed my eyes and gallantly offered to give
me a ride all the way back to my home town! 

I said yes and James held my hand for the entire dive home as Christmas songs
played on the radio. He walked me to the door and he gave even gave me a good
night kiss!!! My heart was crazy wild! He told me he wanted to see me on his two
week break for Christmas. I said I did too. I thought he would call since he
seemed to be so traditional, but he thought I would call since I was modern! 

Turns out that we both had each other pegged a little different! Two weeks went
by each of us waiting! Finally, I called. I learned that James was in Orlando
for work, but wanted to see me! He had been waiting for me to call! Oh boy! I
really wanted to see him and said I could fly down? I had no idea the next
morning he would call and say, "check your email, I got you a ticket, you leave
tonight!" What a rush! James was officially very, very serious about me!!

Our impulsive trip became romantic after a few flirtatious dinners out, goofing
off at Universal Studios, attending an Orlando Magic game and even loosing our
ID's at Cocoa Beach. When we touched down in Chicago, James was determined to
show me his new Chicago Apartment and introduce me to his family. That weekend
we had dinner at his parents home, where James was teased about being
so secretive about "his really good friend" flying down to see him! Next weekend
my family hosted dinner at our house and they all decided he was the best.
By Valentines day we were officially crazy about each other! 

James Big Proposal
It was a gorgeous sunny morning, we rented a car for a southern road trip
getaway down to Nashville. We cashed in all James Marriot Travel points for a
wild Honky Tonk night out. Next stop was Asheville, then Kentucky but I had
wanted to see Gatlinburg Tennessee. Our family celebrated my parents 25th
wedding anniversary in Gatlinburg. James thought it was a great idea and we
rerouted! 

We checked into the Historic Gatlinburg Inn. Before bringing the bags up - I had
the strangest feeling and suggested we go check out the view. James said we had
better gotten a mountain view since he requested one and threw open the curtains
to reveal two equally shocked vacationers traveling up the gondola!!! Our mouths
dropped, the other couple waved and as far as I could tell laughed at us for
landing such a high traffic room! 

We quickly requested a room switch and ended up with two balconies with rocking
chairs and both with epic smokey mountain views! We went for dinner at Cherokee
Grill & Steakhouse to celebrate our upgrade! At the Grill we spoke of wanting to
take a hike, we had only planned to stay one night but we were going to hike so
needed two! While discussing if we would be going on the hike James picked
"Charlies Bunion", we thankfully were overheard by a local hiking enthusiast
Amiee, who recommended Mt. LeConte via the Alum Cave Trail. Amiee told us it
would have the best interesting geological features, history, high adventure and
stunning views! Our adventure hinged on the sweet front desk women letting us
have the same room for a second night. Lucky for us the room was open! 

The next morning we woke up late and went for pancakes. James was very anxious
and wanted to get going! The day was beautiful so the hike was perfect. At 2.2
miles we reached Alum Cave, a concaved 80 tall foot bluff, roughly 500 feet
wide! From there to reach the 6593-foot summit of Mount LeConte we climbed 2763
feet and hiked 5.5 miles upwards with waterfalls and streams all along the way.


While hiking we ran into another couple coming down who told us not to stay too
long at the lodge but to keep going to Myrtle Point; it would be worth it! As we
went hikers headed down told us we were going the wrong way, and asked if we
were staying at the lodge since it was so late in the day? But we wanted
to reach the summit of Mount LeConte so we went another half-mile. People at the
lodge said we were crazy! It would be about 11 miles to the top and back down. A
round trip of 13.5 miles!!!

I was scared of black bears and the darkening sky! But James was
very determined to hike to that pretty picturesque point. I rushed after him
past the Trillium Gap Trail to High Top the highest point on the mountain. This
can be seen in the photos of us next to large cairn, aka pile of rocks, just off
the main trail. We rushed so fast we didn't even notice these on our way up or
the little survival lodge! James raced ahead to reach the promised outstanding
panoramic views of Myrtle Point. 


Mandarin lemon-drop sunshine rays lit up through the final tree line. We rounded
to the peak and the welcoming warm sun seemed to brighten. A pair of seasoned
hikers were just leaving - the woman said to me smiling, "Oh you two will have
it all to yourselves for sunset - very romantic..." Her husband shot James a
huge grin and hustled after her. I was happy to have a few moments alone to
finally take a longer rest break. We kicked off our shoes and opened up the
Nashville Soul pie, James dug into his pecan and I into my chocolate moose. It
was pure bliss, just us and the silent serenity of nature's symphony. 

The gleaming sunshine hit all the spring buds, tall evergreens spread before us
like a quilt over the rocky mountain range. Amber evening skies filled with the
soft wisps of night clouds billowing in as that sun lit itself into an ember
glow. Lazing on the large rock that had been weather crafted into
natures love-seat. We smiled gazing into each others eyes, so proud of how very
far we had come on our very first hike together. It was a very special day for
us in many ways. Hand in hand, silently we watched plumes of smoke drift into
mountain dusk. We had brought a tiny flask with us, indulging in a small swing
each before a rustle was heard behind us. 

Out from the evergreen, we were joined by a stoic hiker, who quietly perched
himself on the wild 500 foot drop off for better views overlooking the
steep ravine. Part of me wondered about the meaning of this, was it an
unknown guardian angel? Watchful of the skyline, leaving us be but still there.
I wondered for a moment as I watched the sky shift- colors reminding us of the
darkness to come after 7:30. It was just approaching 5:22 and we both knew half
of the way down would be in the dark. Just us alone in deep dark woods with only
the luminous moonlight to guide us. 

James stood abruptly, offered his hand to me, I took it - rose and stared into
his eyes for a second questioning, but not saying a word. It was brief but he
had a serious look to him, one I did not see often, if ever. He had made up his
mind about something, what it was? I had not a clue. I had guessed that he was
ready to hike but perhaps wanted a kiss alone? I made a general comment about
the vast beauty of the mountains and inquired if the hiker was staying on the
mountain? 

The hiker mentioned he was camping at the survival shelter. I asked, would he
mind taking a photo of James and I? He said yes, gave us a slight smile as he
set down his camera to take my phone. James and I held hands smiling on the
higher safer side of the protruding rocks, just slightly down from where we had
been resting. The hiker seemed to know how to take a photos and ready
to indulge us. He suggested we stand where he was at, the views, were much
better. There were- epic on that side but much closer to costing one a the
ultimate price! 

We stood, hanging on to one another, I heard the camera click. James looked at
me with mischief and passion in his eyes. I felt myself blush a little. I turned
back for the next photo, I saw the hiking photographer step back a bit to
refocus then looking at me with wide eyes. I turned to James wondering what the
hiking photographers bright eyes had meant? James stood tall, sky blue eyes
locked on mine filled with hope. My own dark blue eyes went wide as saucers. His
hand held out - I could hear his low voice, everything melded together - time -
space - feeling, everything into this moment. His face smiled as he saw my
smile, my eyes with joyful tears, I reached for him and we passionately kissed
atop that gorgeous peak! We clung to each other, crazy in love with each other!
I just knew as I looked down. 

James eyes went large and he looked deep into my eyes? "Mary, will you Marry Me?
Mary?" I looked to James, then looked to the stone rock jutting down into a land
slide just beside us. The gorge of evergreen, the smokey blue sky, I smiled "Oh
James, but..." He read my mind - looking down where I had looked, quickly I said
"Oh, no- no - no. You really do not need to" it was far too dangerous of a move
to make! 

But there before my eyes, barefoot on the peek of Mount LeConte
at Myrtle Point... James knelt down, my hands grasping his shoulders so
terrified we would both tumble down! He held up his most precious possession to
me, his heart. Without a moments hesitation I took it! "Yes! Yes, James. I will
Marry You!" 

He slipped the most unique precious band of gemstones onto my tiny finger, it
glistened ice white blue in the rays of the sun. My whole heart swelled as he
looked into my eyes, rose and softly kissed me. 

We smiled, we had forgotten all about the hiker who had been clicking away. How
blessed we were he had come along to capture our smiles in this
most beautiful special moment, perfect stranger photography. He congratulated us
and we wholeheartedly thanked him as he hurried away to give us a last moment on
the mountain. We both sighed soaking in the early beginnings of sunset, wishing
we could stay longer basking in the glow of our beautiful promise to each
other. 

Our shoes on, we flew down the mountain as if on the wings of an angel, the moon
shined brightly more brightly than normal. That night it was as if heaven was
closer, guiding us through the dark, down the cavern- along the overhangs,
ridges and across the wide water rushing bridges that hung over the deep streams
running down the rocks. We smiled at each other in the moonlight - knowing we
were together even though anything could be in those dark woods, we had
each-other no matter what happened. We prayed together we would make it out
together safely. Thankfully we made it back! 

I am so happy to be starting this adventure with James, he is the best to be
with!




"HOW HE TELLS IT!"
GORGEOUS GROOM-TO-BE
JAMES TIMOTHY FARRELLY


How I Met Mary
I’d been eyeing this girl floating about NIU’s College of Business for a few
weeks during the first spring semester of Junior year and had been caught
staring a time or two. Her glow shined across the halls awakening a passion
behind my cloudy eyes accompanied by illicit feelings elsewhere. The attraction
was undeniable for myself and seemed to be reflected with each spotted glance.
These brief encounters were moments of sunshine peeking through the overcast of
a dull class routine.

The semester continued on with nothing more than chanced eyes joining across the
campus. With semester’s end approaching I wandered to the hall for a short break
when the aforementioned ray of light came shining down the hall donned in red
leather cowboy boots moving briskly right past where I’d stood. Her head darted
around and pulled a 180 right back to me extending her delicate hand forward and
saying “Hi, I’m Mary Meagan Murtaugh”. I reached out and responded with my own
name and “Nice to meet you”, trying to play it cool. We made small talk about
our majors and then she was off to class.

Her porcelain skin, sandy brown hair bouncing about, and bright blue eyes
standing right there had me wishing to jilt my current stagnation. 
Unfortunately, some things are harder to end than start, so the real romance
would have to wait a while longer. 

Our Real Romance
A few semesters passed and I was back at NIU, but now as a graduate student. I’d
earned an opportunity to be a TA which meant I had to drag myself to the College
on Friday mornings to conduct recitation for the introductory accounting
course.  One particular day between TA hours, I bought a hotdog at the
cafeteria, grabbed some packaged condiments, and sat down at a table near the
register. As I prepared my meal with mustard and relish, the campus cutie from
undergrad cashes out with a dog of her own. Being in close proximity to the
checkout, she walked right up and asked to join me for lunch. Now unfettered by
previous constraints, I was unwilling to let the opportunity pass by. 

We made the usual conversation about graduate studies and our careers plans
after college. She had the same flawless skin, glowing eyes, and congenial
demeanor that I remembered. Despite the trivial conversation the flirtation was
palpable.  We both were smitten, but I might not have realized if she hadn’t
grabbed my cell phone and added her number before heading on her way. I picked
up my phone to look and there it was “Mary Meagan Murtaugh” listed in my
contacts. I wonder if any students noticed the glow that remained during my last
lecture that day.

A short time after the cafeteria encounter, I turned to Facebook and initiated a
friend request that was accepted in a timely manner. I sent a short follow up
message hoping to hang out some time and got a quick response. We flirted a
little bit and kept the conversation going. Halloween was just around the
corner, and Mary extended an invitation to a party she would be attending.

I put on the same Rastafarian garb that I’d worn for the past 2 years and
punched in the address I was given. The house was way out in DeKalb country
relative to my campus apartment. After taking a right by one of the many
cornfields, I found the little subdivision where the house was located. I pulled
up in Grandma’s Caddy, walked up to the door, and rang the bell. The door was
answered by Mary along with a grammar school girl who turned out to be the
daughter of the homeowner. Mary later explained that she was renting a room at
the house. She baked some cookies and mixed me a stiff drink that I imbibed
without hesitation.

The actual party was happening at a clubhouse on a local golf course. We arrived
to a crowd of people who were much further along in life than us. There were few
people in attendance that did not hire a babysitter for the night, which was
markedly different than any other parties I’d attended in DeKalb. Regardless of
the docile crowd, the drinks flowed unending. Soon we were dancing to someone’s
Halloween playlist each smiling ear to ear. We stepped outside for some fresh
air and exchanged a few drunken words before Mary looked up to give me a
long-awaited and much-appreciated first kiss. We went on few more dates before
Mary shipped across the Atlantic to study in Ireland. It would be several months
before our romance continued.

After finishing up school, I moved to Chicago to start  my professional career.
I was really missing Mary, so I started sending her texts. One day I got a text
while at work asking  to meet up in the city. Of course I wanted to, but needed
to run back home  to change my clothes. My shirt was  wrinkled with a big coffee
stain, and just looked bad in my opinion. I hopped on the El  to to my apartment
and quickly threw on something more comfortable and  presentable. I jumped in my
car to drive back to the loop catching a red-light ticket on the way. Mary had
been waiting for a long time and I felt slightly bad about it. I found her at a
table  and was elated to see her beautiful smile once again.  We ordered round
after round and I convinced Mary to take the later train back to the suburbs.
Eventually, she missed all the trains, so I offered her a ride back.

We held hands during the whole car ride and talked as if our college romance
never missed a beat. Upon arriving at Mary’s home, I was invited inside. We
walked downstairs and cuddled by the Christmas tree talking about plans to hang
out over the holidays. A second date during the holidays never materialized, and
I was off to Orlando to start my first busy season as an auditor. Mary sent a
text wondering what happened with getting together and wanting to plan something
during the new year. 

Unfortunately, I was 1000 miles away and would be for the next several weeks.
The ambitious girl said she would fly down to come visit me and I told her I
would think about it. I immediately bought a plane ticket and told her to check
her e-mail.

Mary jumped right on that plane to come see me. We had an incredible time going
to Universal Studios and Cocoa Beach. Everything felt so natural. I knew she was
the one for me ever since those days in the hall at NIU, but just now realized
it. One night during a serious conversation, I told her “I’m going to marry
you”. We have been inseparable ever since that trip to Orlando. 

Proposing to Mary

After a few years, I followed through with my intentions and proposed to Mary at
the top of Mt. Leconte in the Smokey Mountains! 

I just finished my first busy season as a senior auditor and started looking for
a new job right away hoping to find a better work-life balance.


I had several interviews and eventually received a job offer from a different
firm for a consulting position. After accepting, I put in my two weeks with the
old firm and was told my last day would be Friday which left me with a little
bit of time before starting the new gig.

I rented a car and told Mary to pack her bags for a road trip. A short time
later we were on the road heading south to Nashville. It was a blast hanging out
at the honky tonks and checking out the Johnny Cash museum. 

The whole time there’s a ring hiding in a sock buried in my bag which made me
really nervous that Mary would stumble across it. I had been holding on to this
ring for a few months waiting for the perfect time to pop the big question.

After two nights in Nashville, we headed towards Gatlinburg. We arrived in the
little mountain town that resembles the strip in the Dells. Later that night a
friendly local waitress suggested some hikes in the Smoky’s.

We woke up the next morning, feasted on some pancakes, and then hit the trail.
It was a beautiful and sunny spring morning. We hiked to Myrtle Point via the
Alum Cave Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail, and Boulevard Trail.

Along the way, we enjoyed the Alum Cave bluffs, creeks, waterfalls, and reached
the summit of Mt. LeConte (elev. 6,593 ft).

After a beautiful day of hiking the Smoky Mountains together, Mary and I arrived
at Myrtle Point. We kicked off our shoes, relaxed on the rock ledge, and enjoyed
a panoramic view with two slices of pie that we brought all the way from
Arnold’s Country Kitchen in Nashville.

As sunset approached, we were joined by a friendly hiker and asked him to take a
photo of us. 

While he was taking photos, I pulled the ring out of my pocket and asked Mary to
marry me?

She said YES! Afterward, we floated down the mountain and back to our car. We
hiked nearly 13 miles round-trip and finished beneath the moonlight. 

I am so thrilled to spend the rest of my life with Mary because she makes
everyday an adventure!

The first photo taken by our mystery hiker.
Right before I proposed, I had the ring in my hand.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




OUR FAMILY ENGAGEMENT  ANNOUNCEMENT 

We were so blessed to be able to gather our families together for a surprise
announcement dinner! We had told everyone we wanted to get together to
celebrate, tricky to not arise too much suspicion athough we are pretty sure
everyone had a guess! Especially since we had to keep quiet for a little while! 

It was so wonderful to have the whole family 👪 together for our announcement.
We were very glad to tell everyone we love dearly in person and all at once! It
was worth waiting for Mary's sister Emily's return from Europe!!! Three weeks of
keeping it to ourselves was very hard!

Everyone was pleased and shared in our joy!  




TELLING THE WORLD

We did our best to meet our friends in person right after, to share a toast with
those close to us and give a call on the phone to those far away before James
posted to Facebook after our a formal announcement to our families at dinner
that we were engaged! 

This is what James wrote to let the world know our great news! We are so
happy!!!



WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!
PLEASE RSVP - ASAP - CLICK TO RSVP NOW