Wedding Party
Katlynn Schlaeger
Matron of Honor
"As Natalie’s big sister, I’ve technically known her since she was still in the womb. Fun fact: I did ask my parents if she could go back to the hospital after they brought her home for the first time. I’ve since gotten over that and have been able to witness many of her milestones over the years, but I know this milestone will be the most special one, yet. I’m most excited to see how beautiful she’s going to look walking down the aisle but my eyes will be on Malik waiting for his reaction when he sees her walking towards him!"
Peter Archey
Best Man
"I met Malik in the dorms at the University of Kentucky when someone told me this kid could help me with my biology homework."
Kathleen Estill
Bridesmaid
"Natalie and I became friends during some hard times. What started as a study partnership in cadaver lab quickly grew into one of the most meaningful friendships of my life. She was my rock throughout PT school, and I truly wouldn’t have made it through without her. I’m so excited to watch her grow into the life she’s creating with Malik—and I hope he knows he has big shoes to fill."
Nick Walter
Groomsman
"Nick and Malik met in a dimly lit underground jazz bar where Nick played piano so often the keys legally recognized him as a tenant. Midway through his emotional, slightly overconfident rendition of Piano Man, Nick heard a voice so beautiful it stopped him cold—and nearly made him miss a chord. The voice belonged to Malik, who was singing from the other side of the bar like he’d been summoned by the music itself. The two spent the rest of the night belting out songs, harmonizing poorly at times but passionately at all times, and by last call had formed a short-lived musical duo called The Turtle Twins, which burned bright, confused several bartenders, and dissolved before anyone could record a demo."
Bridget Brown
Bridesmaid
"Nat and I became friends in PT school, spending long nights studying and of course having fun!! I’m most looking forward to seeing the life Nat and Malik create and getting to see how their love continues to grow! I love you both ♥️"
Colin Mowery
Groomsman
Met Malik in middle school, and lucky enough to keep being brothers despite the time and distance. When I met Natalie on a trip to Chicago, I was so excited for Malik to marry her that I went back and told my dad about them. Natalie and Malik are a great couple, and I’m excited to celebrate the love between them.
Sarah Byres
Bridesmaid
"Nat and I met through mutual friends in grad school and I quickly came to wonder how I survived that long without her. I am most looking forward to showing Natalie the love and support she has shown me since the day we met while I get the privilege of watching her marry her best friend!"
Tirth Patel
Groomsman
I’ve known Malik since 2019, my freshman year of undergrad. We met when I was rushing for our fraternity and we became friends over our shared interest in going to pharmacy school. Over the years we became close friends, roommates, and now brothers bonded over the adventures that we’ve been on these last few years.
Lucas Harten
Officiant
Natalie and I met in our freshman year of college, when she knocked on our door looking for a dog she’d heard about in our dorm. Unfortunately we didn’t have the dog, but from that we became and stayed close friends throughout college and after. Having remained in Lexington after college we became even closer during her time in PT school. She’s been such an incredible influence on my life, and I can comfortably say she’s one of the best friends I could ever ask for. Malik and I met going into UK, and became friends early in our time at freshman orientation just a few days into the year. I’m incredibly lucky to be able to say that we remained friends through college and our time in our fraternity, where I got to see the great man that Malik is with his kindness and willingness to help others whenever asked. I’m so excited to celebrate the great love Natalie and Malik share for one another and to see the beginning of the life they’ll build together from here on out!