Join us for Pink Martinis this Friday!

Round 4 of Chemo Complete!

We'll Drink to That!

GO JENNIFER!! (hi Dad!)

You might remember a few entries back I introduced you to my good friend Jennifer Kwiatek. She is my 26 year old sorority sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer this past January. Last week she successfully finished Round 4 of her chemo treatments. She said it was her "best by far!" In the optimistic spirit Jennifer clings to she simply sees it as "4 Down 2 to go.. Yay!". You can actually read her daily journal about this journey she's taking at such a young age on her webpage here. Learning she had breast cancer, having to shave her head, knowing she would lose both of her breasts... NOTHING has stopped Jennifer from LIVING her life and doing the things she loves. Here she is with some of our AOII sisters at our chapter's 30th anniversary at George Mason this month. Well it's time to raise our glasses to one of the strongest women I know! This Friday we're celebrating with Pink Martini's... and anyone can come have fun with us and show some support! Meanwhile, hear from Jen herself... she'll be on with Virginia local radio diva Parker Sunshine this Wednesday night at 7pm on WEBR Radio. She'll share her story, talk about being involved with local organization imtooyoungforthis.org and how you can help the fight against breast cancer by showing up for the local fundraiser! All the details you need to know are below.. for NO TCHOTCHKE fans.. this Friday we welcome guest blogger and sassy fashionista Tania Shammas. She's going to cover everything you need to flaunt your THINK PINK COUTURE! I just got Calvin Klein's punk pink number complete with a karate style belt! HI-YA!! Here's the skinny on this Friday's event..see ya at the door!

Pink Martini Night

Friday, May 2 8pm- throughout the night!

eighteenth and RED

2436 18th street nw DC

$10 Admission

Join us for a special evening to benefit Jennifer Kwiatek and her fight against breast cancer.

THAT'S MONEY! TRACK YOUR TAX REFUND HERE

Okay so you didn't hit the lotto but for a lot of us getting our tax refund is the next best thing! I just tracked my federal return by simply going: here I got the date I would hear those sweet two little words in my bank account: CHA! CHING! The IRS online tool is so easy..just enter your Social Security number, Filing Status (single, married etc) and EXACT refund amount shown on tax return. Almost 10 million people have already checked out their status. Just remember you can't do it until a week (7 days) after e-filing a return. For a paper return, check back between 4-6 weeks after mailing it! Good luck and happy shopping, bill paying, splurging, or saving... you know how ever you choose to throw the dough!

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My Fashion Weekly is Back: PICK MY NAIL POLISH

!VOTING ENDS THURSDAY 2 PM!

After taking a honeymoon from my weekly fashion friday write up... NO TCHOTCHKE is back. This time... we're enlisting your helping hand and preference for polish! When I use to do the news nail polish was never really an issue. At the anchor desk I was mostly shot from the shoulders up... in the field reporting I most likely would be on camera at most for a 10-15 second intro into my story. Plus- the previous places I worked unlike 9 NEWS NOW did not have the incredible visual power of broadcasting in HD. So to be honest... you couldn't really see them anyways. To me it was a waste of money. I remember thinking what a drag it must be to meet the demands of maintaining an immaculate manicure like so many of my other gal pals in broadcasting. They told me they had their 10 tips done like clockwork: same technician, every two weeks, acrylic or gel fill sometimes red, often french. Well, now that I do the traffic... I have to admit nails are a new obsession. So much so I have factored them into my monthly budget. I never miss an appointment. If one chips... it is fixed that same day. Why now? First off...maybe it's the climate change but I'm sick of my brittle nails constantly breaking. The second reason is more vain. I do at least a dozen on-air reports every morning. 90% of them in front a the big green chroma wall. The shot is somewhat tight and I am constantly pointing at cameras and maps. Liking to keep it natural for the longest time I stuck with clear polish or a classy french deal. Recently I had them painted a pale nudish... color. A viewer kindly asked that I undo the hue. She said the whitish tips all over the maps were distracting. I appreciate the feedback and always welcome it... but in this case I really liked the color so I kept it. But after a week or so, I'm bored and ready for a change.So here's the deal. Vote for your favorite from the colors below by leaving a comment on my blog. To post it the easiest way is to choose "NAME/URL" Type your name in and click post. Or you can always email me at agoff@wusa9.com Also, if there's a nail color you just can't live without feel free to share it along with why with our little community! The results will be tallied and a trip to my favorite local nail salon will be made! Here are the choices:

#1: Blue Satin by CHANEL. Dark blues and greens are trendy this summer... lotsa stars have seen sportin the hues including Beyonce and Aretha at this year's Grammys.

#2: Teal the Cows Come Home (OPI). This is my "bright" option. It's fun and is a good cross between blue and green... but avoids appearing like "fungus" once it's on. #3: Lincoln Park after Dark (OPI) LOVE LOVE LOVE the name. They say in this little bottle midnight meets purple!
#4 Rainforest (OPI) This could either be HOT or make me look like I just stepped out of OZ as the wicked witch of the west. Hmmmm..... #5 Demi-Blanc (MAC) This is for the fans of something more neutral. It's a frosty gold beige with green pearls mixed in!

#6 The First Response Wild Card! The first person to comment suggested this reddish lacquer saying it's simply fabulous!It's also by OPI called "I am Not really a Waitress" Too Cute!

Before I sign off I could'n resist telling you about some great colors for your PETS! I saw it when I took Atticus to the doggy spa (he LOVES blueberry facials- i think because it smells like food). Pawlish for nails is for those with tails! With colors like Fire Hydrant Red and Mutt's New? I was tempted to try it... but as you would expect Atticus being the man dog he is put his paws down.blogOFF

Words from War: Meet My Pen Pal

Before introducing soldier SPC Shawn Wilson(left).... Some thoughts leading up to having to meet my pen pal: These days it seems Iraq-related talk is usually attached to the issue of a Presidential candidate's exit strategy or new grim numbers of troops killed in action. But despite the controversial issue, whether it's on a bumper sticker, in a sermon at church... or on a sign in a storefront window... the request to keep these men an women at war in your prayers remains everywhere.
Being a news reporter at this time... it is impossible to go untouched by the lives impacted by the ongoing conflict. Many of us have covered funerals of the fallen, shared amazing stories of communities pulling together to help families of soldiers... and captured irreplaceable moments that have turned to be some of my favorite assignments: the emotional reunions for those returning home. They are stories that I couldn't help feel some type of personal attachment to. I am from a family with strong military ties. I use to look at old pics of my loving grandfather Ray Goff and think-man that man is cool- he looks like Cracker Jack boy! But the handsome man in the middle was so much more. He was brave defender of a country he loves who flew missions in sub-chasers like this one during the Korean War (below). I also remember as a child, my dad (w/coffee), now a retired Military Intelligence officer also worked in places we were never allowed to go. My older sister Tricia (at podium) would successfully follow in his footsteps and become one of MI's best officers. I once had ARMY ambitions too.When I graduated from high school I ONLY applied to West Point. I had spent many successful HS years in ROTC... competing overseas in rifle competitions and the color guard. I had posters of former President Eisenhower and "Stormin' Norman" on my bedroom walls. I grew up loving the smell of boot polish and starched, crisp fatigues. I also remember as a child living with the fear that oneday my own father would be called to war. Luckily, I never experienced that. I like so many military brats just had to soldier through the frequent bouts of seperation while he reported to training exercises known as T-D-Ys. Sometimes he left for months at a time. As I got older I think like many people my age there I discovered a disconnect with my military roots.Recently, that reality hit home. While I was training for this TV job in Washington I had to drive by Walter Reed Hospital frequently. I couldn't help but stare and wonder about all the stories within those walls. The ones we never hear about. I decided I had to do something about it. I wanted to do more than tie a yellow ribbon. I called Walter Reed... and was put in touch with the Yellow Ribbon fund. It's an organization that helps injured service men and women while they recuperate at the hospital. With planning my recent wedding I must admit I have not had a chance to work hands on on the many selfless projects this group spearheads everyday. But through them I was able to "Adopt a Soldier". Meet Shawn Wilson to my left. He's 22, from Queens NY and is serving just south of Baghdad. His job: to watch over detainees at one of the prisons. Not knowing a thing about him or whether he'd actually ever know who I am... I sent him a "hello" care package filled with non-perishable things he could share with his comrades... 100 calorie packs, popcorn, crystal light, beef jerkey, wet wipes, toiletries and lotsa socks! A month would pass... and I finally got an email:

Hey Angie how are you? This is SPC. Wilson, you sent me a care package. I'm just contacting you back to let you know that I did receive it about a week ago and i loved it... If you would like you can write back to let me know that you received this message and maybe i could tell you a little about myself..
It was so neat to finally "meet" Shawn. I didn't know if my package would ever make it. I know the average time it takes is about two weeks. Thanks to the internet soon after we were easily connected. In our next email exchange I learned more about my new friend. SPC Wilson has been deployed for 10 months and works about 12 hours a day.

I've been in the service since early 2006. Over here they have me working in a detainee holding facility which isn't the most exciting job but at least i'm not in harms way as much as others even though sometimes i wish i was to help out my comrades on the front line. I do go on missions though but mostly in the air which can be uncomfortable at times because you really can't defend yourself if something happens but i'm cool with it now. From what i've seen since i've been here, the hostility went down a lot which means we're making progress in this area which is just south of Baghdad.

In another email I asked more about his mission and how he's handling it.

... i fly out on a chopper most of the time a blackhawk and it can vary how frequently i go, it could be twice in a week or twice in a month it just matters how many detainees we have at the time and how many we are going to transfer. It can be very stressful at times working with these guys who hate us but i've gotten use to it and don't let much get to me anymore.

He has since told me they're staying safe and he even sent me a sweet wedding wish! I plan to send another care package his way here soon. If there are any thoughts or things you'd like me to pass along let me know. I'm gonna have updates on Shawn's tour on my blog. I'll even see if he'll wanna be a guest writer from the war zone. Til then ... I ask for something we can never get too much of at this time: to keep Shawn and all those serving with him deep in your thoughts.

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ps- if you're interested in adopting a soldier email Maritza Lima at:

maritza@yellowribbonfund.org

DESPERATE DISNEY HOUSEWIVES

WHICH ONE ARE YOU??

Now for an "Oh My GOFF" moment on the topic of relationships. Have you heard how South Korean men celebrate being single. It's called "Black Day" and it is an informal holiday set aside to commiserate their inability to find a mate. It was celebrated earlier this month and made headlines around the world. The idea is that those who were dateless on Valentine's Day or White Day get together, wear dark colors and indulge in one of my favorite Korean foods: Ja-jang-myeon. The dish is made up of white noodles smothered with a delicious pasty black bean sauce. And what is a holiday without being commercialized in some manner. Marketers have taken note on how to take advantage of the lonely hearts! This year major matchmaking services provided speed dating services... that ended with what else... sushi blackened by squid ink.
My advice: Don't forget an altoid.

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"Channel 9 Rocks!" -Curious George

Below hear it from the main monkey himself!

I wanna thank George and a dozen of his closest friends for showin' the love this weekend. I met this crew along with dozens of others at the 9th annual Bethesda Literary Festival. We had a grand old time at one of the children's book events sponsored by Bethesda Transportation Solutions. Curious George and I became good pals, sitting next to one another as I read one of our favorites to the crowd "Curious George Takes the Train". What happened afterwards blew me away! The young listeners were captivated about learning about one of my favorite subjects: transportation. Their ages ranged from 2-10 and collectively I was impressed to find them giving their full undivided attention as they learned about things like chemistry, emissions, ethanol and hydrogen. How does that happen you ask??? With the perfect ingredients:

LEARNING + ENTERTAINMENT = FUN

The work of a true MAD SCIENTIST from MAD SCIENCE used the analogy of a milkshake to show the power of chemistry. In one demonstration she asked for volunteers and let one wear the lab coat to explain with a bang how hydrogen in a balloon can combust with fire. A game with packing peanuts, a shovel and a bucket and four volunteers made it easy for a four year old to understand how taking the bus oppose to the car conserves energy. In the following video a lot of the youngin's were blown away by just getting inches off the ground:

The science experiements were a perfect addition to an event dedicated to learning. While there, I was actually interviewed by another media organization on my thoughts on this part of the festival. I have to say I wish more communities would adopt things like this that encourage the young to read and explore. With so many distractions (internet, video games) in this busy world I honestly know kids aren't poppin' open books as much as they use to. I remember as a child spending days at the local library, my body molded to a beanbag chair and mind lost in a good read. I can't remember ever having enough hands to carry all the books I checked out...that I could never read before they were due back. I paid a lot of fines. Looking back- it was some of the best money I've ever spent.

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The Honeymoon: PETER ISLAND & SB

THE HONEYMOON

aka

The Self Portrait Photo Shoot

Blog Entry Disclaimer: We are not vain or just plain lonely. This is what you get with two people, a secluded piece of land and one disposable camera.

Welcome to a private paradise. Welcome to Peter Island. Haven't heard of it? Good. I'd love to keep this little tranquil piece of the BVI hush-hush... a hideaway all to myself... but I know that's not possible. After my experience at the Caribbean resort it would be irresponsible for me not to rave about perhaps one of the most beautiful places in the world. We had one of the island's only 52 rooms. At full capacity along with the villas the resort can still only hold about 130 guests. Unlike some of my bridesmaids dresses... this place was all that was "advertised" and more. "Sugary sand beaches...whispering breezes... a retreat that surrounds guests with beauty and luxury.." I couldn't describe it any better. When the team and I talked about it on Tuesday during the Morning Buzz I said you know you have it good when you arrive and the receptionist tells you there's room service 24 hours a day AND in the morning just call for breakfast we'll make whatever you want. I still catch myself daydrooling over ambrosial Coconut Crusted French Toast. What made it more palatable was the unbelievable views from any angle you turned. The sense of "just you two" really won me over. It might be the reason Mick Jagger and Tommy Hilfiger own villas here and retreat often... or that Sienna Miller was seen making a secret getaway here with beau Rhys Ifan not long ago. Through an Island Insider Robert also found out that this place is like "The Hamptons" for reptilia...and that one commercially acclaimed lizard is a frequent guest. The island's logo is a hammock...and the threaded ropes of relaxation were everwhere strung between coconut trees. This was taken at the General Manager's Buffet at one of the island's two ocean front restaurants. We sipped Caribbean cocktails and enjoyed the sounds of a true and talented steel drum band. It was the perfect way to end a day of pure bliss by the beach. This was our private seaside Bohio at the 10,000 square foot immaculate spa. We had massages... enjoyed champagne all in the company of the breathtaking Big Reef Bay. Look closely and you'll see Robert in his spa robe walking around near the outside pool on the cliff overlooking the water. We loved the experience so much...we came back for more. On another day I indulged in a fresh coconut body scrub and wrap. I was embalmed with polish made of shreds of pure coconut, tumeric and other spices. Then I was wrapped up... had a facial massage... and by the time I was done could not believe how rejuvenated my skin looked and felt. Robert had a relaxing facial. This time we stayed in one of the spa's ocean front suites. Champagne and a cheese plate were delivered... we lounged on the private outdoor patio... read our new books... and soaked up some more rays. The pic of the both of us was taken at the top of the mountain at a place called the "Sunset Loop". The 10 minute trip up the mountain drops you off at a high point- the perfect spot to watch the sun start to set just after 6 o clock. We counted on our good friend "BUGS" to get us up there. He's the jolly man in the picture below. BUGS has been working on Peter Island for 29 years can you believe it! He lives on the island of Tortola and like most of the staff takes a 15 minute ferry over to the resort every day. BUGS is who picked us up from our ferry trip over and took us to our rooms. He gave us a tour of our ocean front loft and showed us how to work the DVD player (there are no tvs with cable in the rooms). During our time spent there BUGS became one of our pals. You would never see him without a smile. He represents what this place is all about. Pure happiness. The men and women here made you feel like a star. The treatment stands unmatched by any vacation experience I've had so far. Robert agrees. This is perhaps one of the biggest reasons we plan to go back at least once year from this point on. If you're coming from the East Coast plan to spend a day traveling to get there. We took four flights and a ferry ride to get there. This is the reason we decided to break up the travel time back with a little party at

SOUTH BEACH

This is the legendary Beacon Hotel. The style tradition of Ocean Drive the mint green tile on the bathroom walls... cold marble floors... and bold use of black and white decor lived up to the art deco design this ocean strip is known for. My favorite part of staying here: People watching from it's sidewalk restaurant. When Robert and I do South Beach- it's like Ambush Miami Makeover! This cool whacked out tee my hubby is wearing was one of his beach buys at his favorite store on Lincoln called "The Shop". He goes there every year and caves. I found some splurges too and they sparkled! I nabbed the newest straight leg Rock & Republic jeans with pockets embellished with black swarovski crystals. I wore them one night and was hesitant to sit down! eeek! I also couldn't resist these sky high Sergio Zelcer traffic stoppers! Speaking of fashion..while in SB I felt like it was time my little Versace met his maker! Here we are... in front of the famous steps to the Italian designer's mansion where in 1997 he was fatally shot by spree killer Andrew Cunanan. After lingering around to see if Donatella would show up we hit the beach again! Once the sun was gone it was time to party South Beach style. We dined on fine Italian amid a diverse group of city goers at a neat little outdoor restaurant in the Shore City Hotel called AGO (AH-GO). Then it was of course off to the socially mesmerizing pampering theatrics of the great Delano. After some time there... we wanted to hit up new hot spot MYNT. This would be our last stop... and proved to be a killer conclusion! It was the perfect shebang to an adventure that began satisfyingly slow. In the end we survived some serious food hangovers, a crappy camera pulled through for us and we have one lousy postcard that's starting to curl to show for it all. That my friends, is what I call a picture perfect kinda time!

WEDDING:Our First Pictures & Results of B'maid Dress Dilemma

EVER AFTER...

Photographs above by High Contrast Studios * Columbia, SC

PS: Here are my loyal and loving b'maids Jennifer, Heather and Dana who graciously had the GRACE GOWN altered to reflect the "as advertised" dress

Here's the diagram showing what the dress use to look like (cumberbund and full A-line)

A Honeymooner's Hello + Wedding Shots!

Look who's kickin' it? The new Dr. and Mrs. Ellis! We just returned from a relaxing honeymoon that was more perfect than a storybook ending (that blog coming soon!). Afterall... this is only the beginning right? For all of you who keep asking for a picture of the mister... this is "The Robert!" Check out our cheesy smiles--- we couldn't help it.. this was just after we were made official! I love the rain drops on the '56 Rolls. I can't even recall if it was indeed raining. I just knew no matter what I wanted the windows down... I wanted the world to know I was experiencing the most wonderful moment in my life! I got a txt from my photographer who said there are SO MANY bloody pictures from the bash that it will still be a couple days before they are available for all to see! I promise to share the professionals as soon as I get my hands on em! However, upon arriving back from the honeymoon, within minutes of logging online again, I was able to relive the wonderful wedding weekend through pictures posted by dear friends on facebook and myspace. I hope they don't mind I've posted some here!I'll try to keep my writing tight. Here's me at the salon pre-wedding everything. No hair, no makeup... just a shirt I thought would be clever! My track suit jacket actually said "The Future Mrs. Ellis" on the left hand side. Over bottles of Pellegrino and a Chick-fil-A spread (thx Lisa!) my maids and I dolled it up with the help of lead stylist Tammy and her crew at Cline's Salon Vista. Check out how gorgeous they all looked (in off-white). This is seconds before my bouquet toss. Maid Jackie is applying the "box out" technique. It didn't work! My sorority sister Andie who hadn't yet dove into the flip-flop buckets on the floor still had the high- heel advantage and would end up with the symbolic arrangement. Prior to all of this, Robert and I danced our first dance to one of my most favorite modern love songs I first heard on a GAP commercial. "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson was more than fitting. It is amazing how a somewhat upbeat love song can at a moment like this be so powerful it brings tears to onlookers eyes. Then it was the father of the bride's turn to break it down. I didn't know my pops had moves like this. And where in the heck did he get that hat??? While all of this was going down Chef Hayden was firing things up on a raised stage in the true spirit of an iron chef! I hate to say it but I didn't even get to eat the Kimchi pancakes or Korean cuisine that was so entertainingly prepared for an audience with an appetite. I did however snag a couple hush puppies and fried green tomatos from the southern food serving line! Delcious!Regardless, there is NOTHING I love more to eat than WEDDING CAKE at any wedding!There is just something about it that is so heavenly. You can see Robert and I truly and extrovertly enjoyed our first meal together. A simple bite from the seven succulant slabs of chocolate, lemon and white cake. The icing so tempting I can't help but confess to a quick finger sweeping taste-test prior to the cutting! So the cake was cut...and now it was time to cut a rug! We tore the Sterling Block of Senate up! There were a couple points in the night when I felt like I was at the MTV Music Awards. An act no one will forget was a mind-blowing rap performance by Robert's good friend Del Rivers. His rendition of Ice Ice Baby rocked the house so hard even the band couldn't keep their composure. Here you see Del in the final leg of his performance- being escorted off stage with the help of buddy Scott Segui. The low-profile "creep off" stayed perfectly in sync with the music, and Del disappeared into the crowd leaving every human in the house wondering "WHO WAS THAT MAN?". Del's performance would soon be followed by a stunning blues performance dedicated to all the ladies by my very own sister and maid of honor Jenny. Here we are are at the rehearsal party the night before! Speaking of the rehearsal party- what a night! What a reunion!I had friends from all over come in town including so many of my TV gal pals! KOMO-TV anchor Natasha Curry from Seattle, Iowa TV queen Josie Koler, Jacksonville's sweet Kristen Cosby, hardhittin' Heather Brown from WCCO in Minneapolis, Jackie Faye from OK City (so proud of you!)...and of course DC's very own new bride-to-be... good pal Kim Martucci and lets not forget fiance' Ben! At the incredible get together put on by Robert's dear parents Bob and Judy... Robert and I look on as faithful groomsmen and bridesmaids in the true tradition of the event "roasted" the guests of honor. Speaking of honorable guests... here's a shout out to all my sorority sisters who came down to SC from DC... it meant so much to me to have them there to share in the moment. I was even serenaded by my sisters.. with the jazzy "Flamin' Alpha". It's been years since we've heard that... but those George Mason AOIIs still got it! Before all the fun and games started...I hope you had a chance to see Kim's blog about the ceremony at the church. We didn't have a videographer so bless her heart... the movie captured by her digital cam is the ONLY footage taken of the entire night. I'm so thankful for that. The entire honeymoon I couldn't recall the melody of Bach's Ariosa- the song I walked down to. It killed me! Now I have something to look at. It's brief... but here's the story behind that quick walk. I took the advice of so many friends and took a look around the church before stepping out with my father. Maybe it was the music... the candle light..the intense instant snapshot of so many faces of people I love surrounding me. Whatever it was... it was too powerful for me to take in. I wanted to ball, I started to cry, my lip uncontrollably quivered...as I embarked on my entrance I could hear the church director Mrs. Fancher saying... "press your tongue against the roof of your mouth!". I tried... my reflexes failed me terribly. I sniffled throughout the entire ceremony. But it didn't seem like anyone noticed. My one bridesmaid Erin told me the cadence, the ceremony, the singing, the vows were all something "out of a movie". She too was taken aback by the program. Others kept telling me it was perfect. It felt perfect. There was no other place I wanted to be. I never knew I could feel that way. Robert on the other hand was obviously nervous. It was adorable but he couldn't help but resort to "rockin' chair" mode. It was precious! It made me smile. His innocent behavior reminded me of another time. One under the stars... a sky messied with fireworks one breezy July night last year- the night Robert asked me to marry him. And in the spirit of where this whole whirlwind of an adventure began... it just seemed appropriate to illuminate this new life together with the helping hands of others. Amid sparklers and a crowd of smiles that shined just as bright ... we made our escape!

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ps: For those following the Copper Penny Bridal Bridesmaid Dress Disaster... the three girls were able to get their gowns totally reconstructed- but it was costly. The end product was beautiful- perfect just like the picture. Heather to the right is wearing the Grace gown minus the cumberbund and with an column skirt ! Bridesmaid Jennifer to the left is now a NEW MOM! She and hubby Alan welcomed Michael McCrory Wilson into the world April 11th at 4:01 pm! Congrats! Also, a special thank you to my savior Marcell and her assistant Alisha at Bella Vista Bridal! What would I have done without you???? XOXO

The Wedding Announcement

Ellis-Goff
Angie Goff wed Robert Haber Ellis III at 6 p.m. on April 5, 2008 at St. Martin’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Columbia, SC. Reverend Furman Buchanan officiated.
Angie, the daughter of William and Chin Goff of Herndon, VA, is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs Earl Ray Goff of Joanna and the late Mr. and Mrs. Yong Duk Yu of Seoul, Korea. Angie was given in marriage by her father. She wore an off-white gown made of pure chantilly lace designed exclusively for her by Bella Vista Bridal. It had scalloped cap sleeves, a highly trimmed jewel-neck and a softly constructed mermaid cut skirt that barely brushed the floor.The bride carried seven green orchids in memory of the couple’s late grandparents.
Patricia Goff Driscoll, sister of the bride, was matron of honor. Jenny Goff, also sister of the bride was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Erin Pauling Pare’, Jennifer Ann Caugh, Amy Marie Barry, Sarah Howard Lapcevic, Dana Jackson Barnes, Heather Moore Brown, Jennifer Anne Wilson, Jackie Michelle Reis, and Lisa Anne Hockenberry. The ladies wore variations of timeless off-white shantung silk gowns. Jr. bridesmaids were Dorian and Amelia Greene and Halie Haltiwanger. Honorary bridesmaids were Dr. Amy Ellis Green and Katherine Ellis Freeland. Flower baby was Caelyn Chin Driscoll.
Robert, the son of Dr. Robert and Judy Ellis of Columbia, is the grandson of the late Mr. Robert H. Ellis, Sr. of Georgetown, the late Mr. and Mrs. Emmette Groover and the late Mr. and Mrs. William McConnell Andrews, all of Columbia.
Best man was Dr. Robert Haber Ellis, Jr., father of the groom. Groomsmen were David Rembert, Jim Bowie, Steven Juk, Hank Sieling, Wade Douroux, Kerry Davis, Hobbs Goodwin, John Jordan, Dr. Ken Philbeck, Dr. John Jenkins, Dr. John Kleckley. Jr. usher was Tom Freeland. Ring bearers were Mac Freeland and Nettles Green.
After the ceremony guests enjoyed a southern style reception infused with asian flare at the Sterling Block of Senate along the Congaree River.
The bride, a graduate of George Mason University, is the traffic anchor for WUSA-TV in Washington, DC.
The groom, a graduate of the University of South Carolina, earned a Doctor of Dental medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He practices pediatric dentistry.
The couple is honeymooning at the secluded Peter Island.

5 Days and Counting: I can't turn off the "FREAK SWITCH"

So everyone warned me it would happen.!THE FREAK OUT! I can't explain the feeling. All I know is that I'm flippin' out on such little things. I hung up on my father yesterday. I can't sleep. I'm avoiding what seems like a sea of phone calls from family and friends (no hard feelings). I hit moments where I feel like I'm going to combust.I'm not alone. My fiance' for the first time admitted to me that yesterday was the most "stressful" day of his entire life. It appears work, wedding stuff, along with his other personal obligations hit him like a MACK truck. What's this I hear??? With our wedding five days away... this is suppose to be NORMAL. If so ...NOT FAIR! I so badly want to enjoy this last week before the perfect plunge but I can't help but be on edge. I am spontaneously second guessing every decision I've made in the last 7 months. No joke: I just ordered ANOTHER PAIR of wedding shoes and can only hope they come in on time! (I had put off buying the Louboutin's... and realized I MUST HAVE THEM!) I already hate my wedding day picnic outfit. My bridal portraits came out great...but I still find myself analyzing every pixel, dot, stray hair.... is my makeup too much? At 8 am tuesday morning all of sudden I think "When am I gonna have time to upload pix for this blog post?". Forgive me now for the lack of eye candy with this entry. My creativity bug ain't bitin. So I fly south this evening. I still haven't packed. What am I suppose to bring? I haven't even thought about the honeymoon! These little thoughts are eatin' me up big time. In all reality as I sit her and put them on paper... or I guess type them out I feel a little stupid. I mean in all reality, none of this really matters..right? In this moment of rationalization I can't help but think of this:

That's right. It's RAIN!!! We got 40% chance of having it on my wedding day! Why oh why???? I know legend has it it means good luck... but I was born on St. Patrick's day- I don't need another rabbit's foot. Not Now! I sent a note to good friend meteorologist Brooks Garner (on the left- then there's former TV colleagues I look forward to seeing Dan C and Hannah & husband Joseph Horne!) down in Columbia and pleaded for his mercy! He's coming to the big event... so I trust he'll do everything in his weather making power to clear things up! If not... hey Katie Holmes got through a wet wedding... and I don't doubt Mr. Cruise with all his superhuman powers did everything he could to keep it dry. But speaking of the need for sunshine, as the day draws closer I recently received some very uplifting advice from old friends and new: The beautiful Roshanda Pratt (to the right) sent me this message: "... before you walk down the aisle, take a deep breath, stay in the doorway for a minute, survey the crowd, all the friends, family and loved ones there then start your journey down the aisle. It's such a good time to just reflect.. plus, it gives people move time to check you out.lol. Seriously, this is a new season you are about to enter in.. so walk in it with joy. The best is yet to come."Here at 9 News Now... Graceful Lori Adams who runs our audio on the morning show stopped by my desk to wish me well and told me that the moment I get ready to walk down the aisle... take a deep breath and let everything leading up to the moment- go. She told me about friends of hers who can't even remember taking the quick trip to the alter because they were so stressed out. She recalls every face she saw along the way... the people who came to share in her marvelous moment. Thank you Lori for the advice...and always making sure my mic has batteries -- now if I can just remember to keep it on!Then there's the comments from the youngins like Jackie Faye (w/Coop Man): One week until showtime....ekk!! Today during the morning show BUZZ segment Andrea presented me with this interactive card... signed by the am crew! So sweet! They are just a few of the emails, calls and txt messages I have received from dear friends and loved ones...and they are all that I am taking to heart! I really can't wait just to be with the hubby-to-be...honeymooning on the secluded Peter Island... and eventually conga linin' it up in South Beach before returning to DC. As you would expect... I can't make any promises when it comes to bloggin' from the island... but I will try! Rain or shine I definitely will post some pictures up as soon as possible! Til then...safe driving to all and see you in two weeks! Yours Truly,The Bride-to-Be-soon-to-be-honeymooner!