Rachel & Tyler's Wedding
Wedding Party
Ian Clarke
Officiant
Tyler's younger brother and best friend. Currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Seminary, Ian is a beacon of good will, humor, and selfless presence in the lives of all who have the good fortune to know him.
Dana Kusak
Maid of Honor
The bride's childhood best friend. Dana and Rachel met at St. Louis elementary, helping ladybugs find a good home during recess, then grew up alongside each other the next 27+years. A Fordham graduate, Dana lived in NYC for 5 years before relocating to Miami FL. She enjoys year-round sunshine and runs with her fiance Frank. Dana is a fiercely loyal friend who keeps you laughing, and while Rachel does not have a sister, this 90s friendship is as close as it gets.
John Gary
Best Man
Tyler's former roommate and dear friend. John and Tyler met during Army training and bonded over their love of the outdoors, good coffee, and partners named Rachel. John recently earned his Master of Business Administration (data analytics concentration) degree from the University of the Incarnate Word, and is (probably) at this very moment running a 50-100k race somewhere and/or building a house from scratch. The force is strong with him.
DJ Civiletti
Man of Honor
DJ and Rachel met as teenagers rowing out of the same boat house and from his fake dragon tattoo to late night neighborhood walks, the rest is history. DJ and Rachel both attended Pitt, where he later started his professional rowing career. DJ is currently Head Coach of Rowing at the University of Rochester, balancing life with his lovely partner Carol and two silly cats. Deej is a forever friend—carrying the perfect combination of grounded floor-sit supportive energy and always ready to see where our next adventure takes us.
Rachel Gary
Groomswoman
The other half of the beloved Gary duo, Rachel began living with John around the same time Tyler moved in. Rachel and Tyler bonded over their shared love of hot yoga, deep conversations, and of course John. An attuned goddess of wellness, Rachel is a skilled dietician in the final stretch of her master of science graduate program focused on functional medicine and human nutrition. Loving dog mother to Huck & Finn, and plant mother to a small arboretum's worth of greenery, Rachel cultivates goodness in the lives of around her.
Kimberly Bader
Bridesmaid
Kimmy and Rachel met through the Duke DPT program, bonding not over our studies but wine and cheese, our love for helping people, and the never ending string of laughter. Kimmy is currently a PT at UNC, specializing in neuro and vestibular disorders. She has the biggest heart, the quickest wit, and is the best godmother Mowgli could ever ask for.
Wesley Andrewski
Groomsman
One of Tyler's best and oldest friends, Wes was a fellow Northern Illinois University Huskie Battalion ROTC cadet and Tyler's college roommate. Bonding through field exercises in subzero temperatures, late night ihop dates, and LOTR movie marathons, the two share a unique bromance which has prompted eye rolls from Wes's lovely wife Justina for over a decade now. Wes is an outstanding officer, a wonderful husband & father, and a friend for life.
Lena Ali
Bridesmaid
Lena is a dear friend, bridesmaid, our planner, and designated emotional support being of this wedding. After meeting at a yoga inversion workshop, Lena and Rachel hiked 30+ miles in 3 national parks in Washington. All the falls have been well worth it. Lena works in Raleigh planning events aside from this, balancing being a fellow plant mom, magical yoga instructor, taking in woodland creatures, and connecting with every person lucky enough to cross her path. We can't thank you enough.
Amy Goodrich
Groomswoman
Amy and Tyler bonded through the shared adversities of staff officership while serving in the same unit together, and have been close friends since. She is one of the kindest, funniest, and most capable comrades you could hope to find. Amy recently earned her Master of International Studies degree from NC State University, all while also being an awesome mom to Lily (who we love!)
Rachel Lewis
Bridesmaid
Rachel (her) and Rachel (me) met as young spry 18-year-olds starting at University of Pittsburgh, thanks to the serendipitous proximity of our room assignment. Over the years of being roommates with sunday family dinners, the friendship grew into family. Rachel is now a practicing archaeologist, recently relocating to Indiana with her fiance Tim. She brings such a sense of gratitude, thoughtfulness, and a love for history and felines everywhere she goes.
Caleb Mere
Bridesman
Caleb and Rachel met in rural Jamaica volunteering for a neuro-stroke camp, despite previously living 45minutes from each other. After the global service trip, Caleb went on to add three letters to his name and join the club of making people sweat on purpose, sometimes even being thanked for it. He currently resides in CT, but who knows where life will take him. Caleb is a talented climber (both the straight up mountains and of plastic variety), a brilliant clinician, hydrated, and a dear friend. He makes the world a brighter, kinder, weirder place. What a guy.