Maid of Honor
Anna and Rachel went to the same high school, but never met until Anna secret shopped Rachel back in 2015. Since then, they've become best friends and Anna loves calling Rachel "her idiot"! Anna has become the sister that Rachel never had, and is someone that Rachel can fully trust with anything. They do, occasionally butt heads, but that's what sisters do. Anna played a key role in helping Cody propose, and helped him pick out Rachel's engagement ring. Anna is very important in both the bride and groom's lives, and we can't wait to have her celebrate with them.
Matron of Honor
Rachel and Kinsey met back in 2018, but did not become close until 2020. Kinsey was Rachel's assistant store manager, but they became more than just work partners. Kinsey is one of Rachel's closest friends over the years, and there is no end in sight. Kinsey has not only been there during the great times, but the bad times too for the couple. She was also a key figure in helping them move from CO to SD. Kinsey is very important in both the bride and groom's lives, and we are excited to have her as part of their special day!
Bridesmaid
Rachel and Betsy met back in 2018 right after Betsy moved to Colorado and was working for The Body Shop. Since then, Betsy has always been such an amazing and supportive friend for Rachel, and Rachel loves having Betsy by her side (especially in chaotic situations)! Betsy and Rachel have become so close over the last few years, and Rachel couldn't think of a more special thing than to have Betsy by her side when she tells Cody, "I do".
Bridesmaid
Talia and Rachel have known each other all their lives. Really. Talia is Rachel's cousin from Janet's side of the family, and was the first baby that Rachel ever held. Talia and Rachel have always been close, and chat every week about life, work and other things! When Cody proposed to Rachel, Rachel knew that Talia had to be a part of her bridal party. Talia, who currently lives in New Mexico and going to school to be a doctor, said, "YES OF COURSE!". Rachel's so excited that her cousin gets to be a part of her special day, just like her mom (Patty) was a bridesmaid for Rachel's mom (Janet) when she got married.
Bridesmaid
Casey and Rachel met when the bride and groom moved to SD from CO. She and Rachel have become close since then! She came to Rachel's 30th birthday party, as well as countless other events. The two of them are like two peas in a pod! Also, she and her husband, Jason, have made Rachel and Cody the Godparents of their son, Crue.
Best Man
Cody met Ryan way back in 2015. Ryan was Cody's neighbor in CO, and over the years, the two became close. Ryan is like the brother that Cody never had. When the two of them are together, the party never ends. Ryan has always had Cody's back on big life decisions, and was also a key player in Cody's proposal to Rachel. Rachel and Ryan also grew close over the years, and the friendship that Rachel and Cody share with Ryan is deeply important to them. Fact: Ryan use to travel for work, so Cody and Rachel would look after his kitty cat, Tut. Tut was the biggest reason as to why Cody and Rachel ended up getting Vlad (aka Moose).
Groomsman
Jason and Cody met in 2021, and Jason is the husband of Casey! Cody and Jason work together on different cases, and always have fun together outside of work. Jason is someone that both Cody and Rachel deeply respect, and enjoy spending time with. Jason and Casey welcomed Rachel and Cody to Belle Fourche with open arms, good food, humor and good times. Rachel and Cody both knew right away that they had to be part of this special day. Fact: Jason and Case have asked Cody and Rachel to be the Godparents of their son, Crue, who is also attending the wedding!
Groomsman
Dean is not only Rachel's uncle, but he is also Talia's dad. Dean and Cody became very close when Cody joined Westminster PD. At the time, Dean was a detective with the agency, and was a mentor to Cody. Cody has always appreciated the guidance that Dean has given him over the years, and Rachel loves how much Dean supports Cody. Rachel and Dean are also very close, and Dean has been there for Rachel through hard times. Dean was the first person Rachel recognized when she was hit by a car her freshmen year of high school. Because of this and other events, Dean is a confidant to the pair and loved by both.
Groomsman
Jakob is Rachel's very distant cousin from Steve's side of the family. When we say distant, we mean DISTANT. He will be traveling from Sweden to join Cody and Rachel on their special day. When Jakob wanted to join the Swedish Military, Cody and Rachel cheered him on from afar. When Jakob met Annie, Rachel and Cody were so excited for him! Of course, the time difference (9 hours) can make it hard for the three of them to chat, but they always make time for each other. Jakob has become very close with the two of them, and we can't wait to see him after a 5 year gap!
Groomsman
Logan and Cody are a lot like Rachel and Anna; they went to the same high school, but didn't know each other until later in life! Cody met Logan when they both joined Westminster PD, and have been close ever since. When Logan and Cody were in their young 20s, Cody introduced Logan to his now wife, Brittany! When Cody and Rachel lived in CO, they spent a lot of time with Logan and Brittany, and also attended their wedding. When Cody told Logan that he and Rachel would be moving to SD, Logan was sad that one of his best friends was moving, but super supportive of the couple! When Cody told Logan that he was going to propose, Logan's response was, "Well it's about time!". Logan and Brittany have played a large role in Cody and Rachel's lives, and the bride and groom can't wait to spend their special day with this amazing couple!
Mother of the Bride
Janet is the Mother of the Bride, and one of Rachel's biggest supporters. Growing up, she was always there to push Rachel to be her best, and try everything that she wanted to. Janet supported Rachel's dream of joining the Army (turned away due to medical issues), moving to SD, Westernaires, competitive bowling (12 years), Girl Scouts (13 years) and other countless things. Rachel and Janet have a great mother/daughter bond, and she loves her future son-in-law, Cody. Cody and Janet are so similar in so many ways, it almost funny. Rachel loves watching them interact, and we know that Janet is looking forward to many more holidays/birthdays with the bride and groom.
Mother of the Groom
Tamra is Cody's mom, and Rachel's mother-in-law. Tamra and Rachel have been very close since day 1, and that will never change. Growing up, Tamra was always super supportive of Cody's activities like playing guitar (piano too), becoming a police officer, ski patrol at Winter Park, Cub Scouts, and other activities. When Cody made the decision to propose, Tamra was there to help him find the location of where to get the ring, set up the proposal, and congratulate the happy couple. Then, when Cody and Rachel decided to make the move to SD, Tamra was in full support as well. Now, 3 years later, Cody and Rachel are trying to convince Tamra and Gary to move to SD to be closer. Rachel highly respects Tamra, and the relationship she has with her son. Rachel already feels like a daughter to Tamra, and can't wait to spend more time with growing their relationship with her!
Father of the Bride
Steve is the father of the bride, and has a great relationship with the groom! Rachel and Steve have always been close, and have a great father/daughter relationship. Steve helped to teach Rachel how to drive, bowl, photograph, make home repairs and so many other things! When Cody told Steve that he wanted to propose to Rachel, Steve was "over the moon" excited, and has always supported the relationship between Rachel and Cody. Steve respects what Cody does for a living, and how Cody has always supported Rachel in her choices. Cody loves spending time with his future father-in-law and sharing dad jokes together. Cody is an amazing addition to the Nelson family, and Steve is looking forward to the addition of another son.
Father of the Groom
Gary is the father of the groom, and is the one that taught Cody to work hard and always be do his best. With that in mind, Gary was able to help Cody grow in many fields. Not only did he get Cody involved in ski patrol at Winter Park, but he was also key in helping Cody become the Junior State Cycling Champion in Road Race and Time Trial. Gary was also the assistant head coach for Cody's football team who went to the Jefferson County Carnation Bowl 3 times; the first year, the team won it all! Gary also has a career in video editing, which inspired Cody to assist with creating the senior year video at his high school, Ralston Valley. To this day, Cody is still very involved in the digital world, and has even built his own computer. He contributes his hard working ideals to his father, and highly respects him as well. Rachel and Gary have a unique relationship, to say the least! Both have a strong affinity to hot sauce, as well as bacon, and have bonded over that. She also enjoys just sitting with him and watching golf (although she doesn't really understand it) and asking Gary the occasional question. Rachel is looking forward to growing her relationship with Gary, and test driving different types of hot sauces with him!
Honorary Bridesmaid
If you don't know who this little gal is, you should. She is Cody and Rachel's niece (Rachel's brother, Justin's daughter). Don't pass up a chance to ask her about her crystals, rocks and art supplies. And don't be surprised when she asks you to dance or to show off her amazing dance moves. When Cody proposed, Charlie didn't really understand what was going on. After Rachel told her about the wedding, Charlie responded with, "Well if I have to go, I want two pieces of cake!". She's the funniest little girl, and very special to the bride and groom.
Ring Bearer
Theo is the son of Abigail and Brandon Nelson, and they all reside in Rapid City. Brandon is Steve's cousin who Steve is close with. Theo is a vivacious little boy who loves to chat about his "ninja classes" and Spider Man (talk to him about them, we promise you'll love the chat). His mom, Abigail, is also very involved in the wedding; she is the hair stylist. She and Rachel have grown close over the past 3 years, and Rachel knew she wanted not only Theo, but all three family members to be involved on this special day!