Bailey & Ben
Wedding Party
Bailey Masser
Bride
Bailey was born on July 24, 1998, in Lewisburg, PA, and grew up on her family farmland in Dornsife, PA. She spent her childhood exploring, fishing, camping, and making memories with her dog, Day-zee, their horse Taunka, and the many farm kittens she fostered. In middle school, Bailey started playing field hockey and the French horn in concert band, which she continued throughout high school. She later joined the archery team and served as the wrestling team manager while working at Martz's Game Farm, where she worked for 9 years. In 2017, Bailey decided to attend Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, leading her to meet Ben. Their friendship turned into a relationship during Bailey's junior year, just before the start of the pandemic. During the lockdowns, Bailey and Ben spent time sharing their love of the outdoors, exploring Pittsburgh, hiking, and Geocaching. After graduating in 2021, Bailey moved to Ann Arbor, MI, for a Master’s in Human Genetics, where she adopted a bunny named Batty "Kody" Koda. After completing physical therapy school, Ben graciously joined Bailey in Ann Arbor, supporting her as she pursues her career goals. Ben proposed to Bailey in March of 2023, and saying "yes" was the easiest decision she ever made. Bailey is now in the third year of her PhD in Genetics and Genomics, aiming for a research career in genetic therapy development. Expanding on their little family and Bailey's love of animals, she and Ben rescued a second bunny together named Remy.
Ben Mitchell
Groom
Ben was born on February 21, 1998 in Bethesda, MD. The middle of his brothers Jacob and Sam, he grew up in a military family with his father, Chad, serving in the Navy for 20 years. Ben and his family moved around a lot growing up. He lived in: Maryland, Italy, Ohio, Maryland again, Washington, and finally, Maryland. His mother, Gretchen, made everywhere feel like home but Maryland has always had a special place in Ben’s heart. He attended Brunswick High School where he played soccer, winning two state championships. Ben and his family developed a love for the Washington Capitols. Watching hockey games with his family and friends remains some of Ben's fondest memories. After high school, Ben decided to branch out and pursue his Physical Therapy degree at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. He rushed TKE, leading him to many of his lifelong friends, and in his senior year, it led him to meet Bailey. Ben finished PT school and Bailey decided to pursue the next step in her career at the University of Michigan. After graduating from PT school, the choice was simple… Ben followed Bailey further into the midwest and they were engaged shortly thereafter. Since living in Ann Arbor, Ben and Bailey have moved into a house where they care for their two pet bunnies, Kody and Remy. Ben started practicing at a PT clinic in Livonia, MI in 2022 and was quickly promoted to clinic director at both Livonia and a new clinic in Ann Arbor at the start of this year.
Christina Masser
Mother of the Bride
Christina grew up in Dornsife, Pennsylvania, with her younger sister Holly and graduated from Line Mountain High School alongside Dennis. She pursued an education degree at Shippensburg University and, after student teaching, welcomed her first child, Brett. While raising him, she began her career in early education at Halifax Area School District and earned an MS from Bloomsburg University. After moving back to Dornsife, she reconnected with Dennis, and they married on August 9, 1997, welcoming Bailey the next summer. Christina and Bailey have cherished summer memories at the beach and grew closer through their spiritual journey, being baptized together when Bailey was 12. Christina supported Bailey’s field hockey passion, spending hours talking in the car on the way to tournaments. A dedicated teacher, she instilled a love for learning in Bailey. Though Bailey’s career took her farther from home, they bond over gardening, fashion, and crafting. Now retired after 33 years of teaching, Christina works in admissions at UPMC Shadyside Nursing School. She remains Bailey’s greatest role model as a strong mother, wife, and career woman.
Gretchen Mitchell
Mother of the Groom
Gretchen was born in Ohio and raised in West Virginia. She met Chad at Marshall University, in Huntington, WV while working on her degree to become a teacher which she would later finish at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus. Chad and Gretchen were married September 26th, 1992 in Wheeling, WV. Gretchen stayed home with her boys to help see the family through Chad's career in the Navy which included several deployments. Gretchen and Chad have settled in Hagerstown, MD and care for Ben's grandmother, Diana. Gretchen loves to spend time with her friends and family and is always working on the next event to bring people together. She has recently resumed her teaching career and just finished another school year with the pre-schoolers at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hagerstown, MD. Ben moving to Pittsburgh and then to Michigan has brought he and Gretchen closer together in many ways. They look forward to their phone calls where they discuss their day, work, religion, politics and their favorite Washington Capitals!
Dennis Masser
Father of the Bride
Dennis was born and raised in the Dornsife, PA valley known as "Schnee Dal" (Snowdale) in Pennsylvania Dutch. The second youngest of five, he inherited the family homestead and kept a horse named Taunka. After graduating from Line Mountain High School with Christina, he worked as a Ford mechanic and served as fire chief for the Klingerstown Fire Company. He and his brother Robert ran an archery target course on the farm. Dennis reconnected with Christina at the bar across from the garage, and they married on August 9, 1997, welcoming Bailey the next summer. He enjoys hunting, mountain biking, and camping at the family cabin, fostering Bailey’s love for the outdoors. She cherishes memories of playing in the garage, riding Taunka, and doing farm chores—often in princess dresses. Later, they worked together at Martz’s Game Farm, where he taught her to drive on their commutes. Dennis also coached Bailey in archery, buying her first bow. She admires his hard work, intelligence, and resourcefulness—traits she strives to embody in her career.
Chad Mitchell
Father of the Groom
Chad was born and raised in McMechen, WV. He grew up with a love of music, passed down from his mother, Diana. Chad and his brother Brett played in several bands together over the years with Chad on the drums and Brett on guitar and vocals. Chad attended Marshall University pursuing a degree in Physics when he met Gretchen. Soon after, they were married and Chad would join the Navy. Chad, Gretchen and their young family got to see the world during his 20 years of service and Chad completed a PhD in Biomedical Engineering along the way. He has always been his sons biggest fan, encouraging them to work hard, study hard and play hard! Led by Chad, Ben and his brothers have been on a quest for "cultural literacy" which has involved watching old movies, reading classic books and listening to past music hits together. Ben looks up to his dad as a role model of how to be a great husband and father.
Joelle Snyder
Maid of Honor
Joelle has been Bailey's best friend and partner in crime since kindergarten. They have been "neighbors" their whole lives and grew up together riding four-wheelers or go-karts, playing in the creek, and running through the cow pastures. In true "tomboy" fashion, Joelle and Bailey went on to work at the pheasant farm together, making yucky, but unforgettable memories. They have truly been through the best and the worst together - from award-winning talent show performances to hitting a deer on the way to the movies and totaling Bailey's car. Despite moving apart for college, they can always pick up where they left off. Bailey knows she can always count on Jo to have a shoulder to lean on and stir up trouble.
Jacob Mitchell
Best Man
The oldest Mitchell brother, Ben has always looked up to his Big Bro. Moving around throughout their childhood, Ben and Jacob were one of the few constants in each other's lives. They shared a love for reading, adventure, and video games! In high school, Ben and Jacob teamed up as a formidable force in World of Warcraft, defeating some of the greatest foes Azeroth has ever seen. This helped them to stay connected through their college years and navigate life's challenges, even from a few hundred miles away. Jacob is one of Ben’s most trusted friends and role models.
Bre Ebright
Maid of Honor
Bre and Bailey met in elementary school through youth soccer and softball and became best friends in high school. When their high school boyfriends ditched them for senior prom, they made the best of the situation and attended together - matching dresses and all. They were pretty much inseparable until college, which took them both to western PA, only an hour apart from one another. Bre and Bailey continued to make memories during their undergraduate, taking weekend trips to visit one another and carpooling home for the holidays while sharing our favorite music. No matter the situation they find themselves in, Bailey can rely on Bre to support her and have a great time.
Sam Mitchell
Best Man
Sam is the youngest of the Mitchell brothers. Ben and Sam grew up sharing a love for sports and running around the neighborhood playing with their friends. Ben and Sam have similar personalities being both outgoing and social. The two really found their footing together in high school and college. Particularly, playing high school lacrosse together. Sam, the far better lacrosse player of the two, welcomed Ben to the team with open arms. Since then, Sam and Ben have looked to each other as peers, seeking advice and confiding in one another given their similar outlook on life.
Chelsea Feger
Bridesmaid
Chelsea is Bailey's sister-in-law. She and Brett met in high school and started dating while they were in college. Bailey loved having Chelsea to attend Brett's football games with. Following in Chelsea's footsteps, Bailey took an interest in medical science and played tuba in the school band. When she married Brett in 2013, Bailey was thrilled to have a sister in the family. She always looks forward to family gatherings with Chelsea, where they share laughter and keep their inside jokes running. Bailey admires Chelsea’s ambition and looks up to her as a successful mother and woman in medicine.
Brett Feger
Groomsman
Brett is Bailey’s older brother by 9.5 years. Some of her earliest memories include riding his go-kart, sledding, and playing computer games. She always wanted to tag along in her dress-up clothes during his adventures with friends. When Brett left for college, they kept in touch over AOL Instant Messenger. Bailey inherited his love for the Baltimore Ravens and The Office, and their friendly rivalry grew over Mario Kart and Xbox Kinect Wipeout during his visits home. Though she could never match his math skills, she has always admired his intellect, kindness, and, now, the way he parents his three boys. Ben and Brett met when Bailey brought Ben home to meet the family! They spend time together at holidays and family gatherings playing cards, building Legos, and watching movies, often with Brett and Chelseas’ boys. Ben admires Brett as a husband and father and is excited to have another older brother.
Sydney Musgrove
Bridesmaid
Sydney is Bailey’s “little” cousin and an essential part of her childhood. They were attached at the hip, spending summers together filled with adventure. Bailey cherishes their memories in Ocean City, MD—swimming for hours, playing in the sand, racing to the ice cream truck, and even boogie boarding down flooded streets during rainstorms. Every summer, they took turns hosting week-long visits, sharing their favorite activities. Bailey also joined Sydney on unforgettable trips to New York City, D.C., Turks and Caicos, and Punta Cana. No matter where they are, Bailey knows time with Sydney means fun and laughter. Bailey has always loved her authenticity, wit, and creativity.
Logan Walser
Groomsman
Logan is one of Ben’s oldest friends going all the way back to Ms. Moat's 1st grade class at Brunswick Elementary School. They grew up together in their school years and spent countless hours with one another from playing pretend Army and Harry Potter, all the way up to playing high school soccer together at Brunswick. No matter how much time passes they always pick up where they left off.
Justine Rittle
Bridesmaid
Justine has been a lifelong family friend and a big-sister figure to Bailey. As a child, Bailey cherished beach days with Justine, who was often tasked with applying her sunscreen—giving them plenty of time to bond. As she grew older, Bailey turned to Justine for advice on high school drama and dating. Their connection remained constant through life’s milestones, from Bailey standing in Justine’s wedding and helping with her baby showers to Justine holding Bailey’s hair back on her 21st birthday. It was only fitting that Justine stood by Bailey’s side on her wedding day. Bailey has always aspired to embody Justine’s strength, honesty, and fun-loving spirit.
Zach Hood
Groomsman
Ben and Zach met in 5th grade, living in the same neighborhood in Point of Rocks, MD. Along with Logan, the trio's shared love for the Washington Capitals has continued to bring them together. On any given day through middle school Ben and Zach could be found together playing street hockey, floor hockey, knee hockey… you name it!
Joelle Leader
Bridesmaid
Joelle, Justine’s sister, is also a lifelong friend and found big sister to Bailey. Their bond grew during summers at the beach, where Joelle gave Bailey and Sydney the coolest Fourth of July hairstyles. Bailey fondly remembers the time Joelle colored her hair for the first time in the beach condo bathtub, finally giving her the "purple" lowlights she had dreamed of. Bailey has always admired Joelle’s creativity and artistic talent, cherishing the unique gifts she makes and the exciting activities she plans. She continues to look up to Joelle’s grace, optimism, and bright personality. Bailey couldn't imagine getting married without Joelle by her side, just as she had been for Joelle's wedding.
Alex Stephenson
Groomsman
Ben and Alex met at freshmen orientation in college. The duo instantly hit it off, both coming from small-town rural Maryland to the big city. They lived together in the dorms and off-campus in Pittsburgh’s Southside with their friend Turley. Navigating college life, Alex and Ben made some wild stories but more importantly, relied on their friendship to overcome the lows and celebrate the highs of their 6 years at Duquesne together.
Jen Shoop
Bridesmaid
Jen married Justine and Joelle’s older brother, Josh, and has been one of Bailey’s Shoop big sisters for as long as she can remember. Bailey was overjoyed when Jen asked her to in their wedding—her first time as a bridesmaid. They share a competitive spirit, and to this day, Jen remains Bailey’s favorite beer pong partner (sorry, Ben!). Some of Jen and Bailey's best memories are of them defeating Josh in their annual Fourth of July beer pong tournament. Beyond games, they share a love for science and Pittsburgh, as Jen also moved there to study Biology at the University of Pittsburgh. With their similar paths and interests, Bailey always looks forward to time with Jen and admires her confidence and strength as a mother, sister, and friend.
Andrew Horton
Groomsman
Ben and Andrew met in their freshmen year of college and ultimately joined the same fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon. They lived together in the infamous ‘Fratican’ and a townhouse in Southside. Early on Ben and Andrew set out on a quest to find the best happy hour deals at the MANY bars in Southside. They have become lifelong friends and never miss an opportunity for a good time at a hockey game, concert or just lounging on the couch.
Lily Midcap
Flower Girl
Lily is almost four years old and is the daughter of Ben's cousin Leah. Ben always looks forward to playing with Lily and seeing her adorable smile light up the room. When they get together, Lily shares her love of Play-Doh, playing house, and her impressive collection of Minnie Mouse toys that are always by her side.
Urijah Feger
Ring Bearer
Urijah is nine years old and is Bailey's oldest nephew. Being a first-time aunt, Bailey always looked forward to traveling to WV to visit Urijah when he was a baby. One of her favorite memories was sharing her love of the beach with Urijah for the first time. Today, they enjoy building Legos and playing games like Uno and Yahtzee together.
Elias Feger
Ring Bearer
Elias is seven years old and is the middle brother of Bailey's nephews. Elias and Bailey have a lot in common - their sweet tooth, love of crafting, and being fans of Harry Potter. During their visits, Elias and Bailey enjoy games like Uno and Guess Who and sneaking sweets from Nana's kitchen.
Beau Feger
Ring Bearer
Beau is four years old and is Bailey's youngest nephew. While the pandemic kept Bailey from meeting Beau during his first few months, Bailey immediately fell in love with his bubbly personality and infectious smile. Beau and Bailey both love puzzles and enjoy spending time with the bunnies during their visits. Whenever they are together, they are always giggling.