Wedding Party
Kirsten Blakeslee
Maid of Honor
I am a Senior biology student at Houghton College minoring in chemistry and psychology. Post-graduation I will be attending Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mariah and I met on the Highlander Adventure Program. We became close our sophomore year when we both survived Organic Chemistry. I am blessed to have met such an amazing woman who shares many of my passions and who also challenges and encourages me spiritually. Through Mariah, I also became friends with Nathaniel. My favorite memory with Mariah was going to the rock wall directly after O. Chem help session to finish our lab notebooks and then decompress with some climbing. I enjoy being active which compliments my competitive spirit. Some activities I enjoy are hunting, fishing, cooking and anything sports-related.
Isaac Pixley
Best Man
For many years leading up to college, I was told that the best friends you would have would be at whatever school you chose. This idea seemed almost daunting as I thought that my friends from high school were the closest I would ever have. Within days of meeting Nathaniel and Mariah, I knew that the friendship that was formed would last a lifetime. Within the first weeks, Nathaniel and I grew very close as we shared a love of the martial arts. I began to regard both of these individuals with the same amount of love and compassion that I directed toward my siblings, and I grew to realize what a blessing it was to have these two wonderful people as my friends. They showed me what it truly meant to live a thoughtful and caring Christian relationship to the fullest extent.
Emily Allen
Bridesmaid of Honor
I am a junior at Houghton College studying Theology. Those who know me know I love cats, hiding people’s college IDs, when Pam wins the Last Lash, photoshop, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I first met Mariah and Nathaniel my freshman year. Nathaniel was my Highlander Wilderness Adventure leader, and soon I was attending his martial arts classes also. I spent time getting to know Mariah and her roommates; I remember how welcoming she always was to me as a little freshman! All of our friendships deepened through the pranks we played on each other and hours spent at meal times talking and laughing. I really look up to Mariah and Nathaniel for their wholehearted dedication to whatever they set their minds to, and the way that they love their friends and one another. I can’t wait for their big day!
Toby Forward
Groomsman
I met Nay Nay at an initiation for an institutionalized fraternity, that involved slightly ambiguous dihydrogen monoxide. I met Mariah as a result of knowing Nay Nay. I have shared many laughs and had many wonderful experiences with these two, and am excited for the future adventures I will get to share with them. A little bit about me: I am working towards getting a bachelor's degree in social/developmental psychology at Houghton College and am looking to go to graduate school for school psychology. I enjoy making people smile and laugh, so if you are in need of a laugh feel free to strike up a chat. Fun fact about me, I have the body chemistry similar to a second cousin of a toothpick.
Natalie "Nati" Meise
Bridesmaid
Hi! I’m Natalie! You have probably heard of me lovingly referred to as Nati. I met Mariah and Nathaniel about 3 years ago though Kirsten who was suffering through Organic Chemistry with the bride-to-be. I graduated from Houghton in December with my degree in International Development. Our crazy dinner conversations were one of my favorite parts of college and our group of friends. I am usually the go-to friend if you need a solid sarcastic comment or a good intimidating glare, but of course always out of love and support for my best friends. I am so excited for Mariah and Nathaniel to start out on their next big adventure!
Brian Winn
Groomsman
My name is Brian Winn, and I am a (hopefully by the time of the wedding) graduate of Houghton College, alongside Nathaniel, and I consider myself a Data Scientist. A good way to get me talking is to start talking about video games, particularly ones with a complete story arc. I am also a fan of baseball, and am an employee of both the Rochester Red Wings, and their Major League affiliate, the Minnesota Twins (bet nobody else can say that!) and work with both teams to keep games running and collect statistics about the players, so one might say that I like the numbers in the game. All in all, I would say that I am at least interesting to talk to, but you're more than welcome to come and form your own opinion.
Rachel Dee
Bridesmaid
Hi! I'm Nathaniel's younger sister, Rachel. I am currently a senior at New Fairfield High School. I hope to major in mechanical engineering during college, and pursue a career in the US Navy. I am in the high school marching band and chamber choir, and outside of school I love photography, reading, and running.
John Reiner
Groomsman
I'm John Reiner, commonly referred to as Rohn; I met Nay Nay (Nathaniel) in Middle School Band and we became good friends in High School where we led the trumpets. I currently work full time as the Warehouse Coordinator for Base technologies, a printer company. I march in parades across New York and Connecticut and like to ski.
Julia Chamberlain
Bridesmaid
Hello friends and family! I got to know Mariah and Nathaniel my Junior/Senior year at Houghton College. This last year I graduated with a Writing major; since then I have been doing missions work in Asia, and will do missions with YWAM this next Fall. I love researching travel opportunities, drinking tea and organizing. Mariah and I were neighbors and we bonded over our dorm’s black light tag, toasted coconut ice cream and our passion for learning. Our friend group encouraged each other in our studies, friendships and relationship with the Lord, along with having snowball fights, harmless prank wars and continual lunch jokes. Seeing Mariah and Nathaniel grow even more in their love and care for each other has been such a joy. Looking forward to celebrating this special day with you!
Ben Rosenblatt
Groomsman
My name is Ben Rosenblatt. I have known Nathaniel AKA "Nay Nay" since sophomore year of high school where we met through some mutual friends; most of which are groomsmen. We would spend many days after school together either hanging out by campfire with the rest of our friends, playing manhunt, or playing video games. Nowadays I study IT computer repair alongside my bakery job.
Grace Sommons
Bridesmaid
Hey everyone! This is a blurb about Grace (she couldn't write her own, since she is studying abroad in Kenya and has limited WiFi access). Grace and I (the bride) met during my sophomore year, as she was my next door neighbor on my floor. She tells amazing jokes and loves to go out and do crazy things. I remember one time when we went around campus on a long walk, where we tried to scare people going over the Rothenbuhler bridge and another time, we went waterfall jumping together! Another fun fact, she has a beautiful, folky singing voice and can play guitar. She is truly a remarkable human.
Robert Lindquist
Groomsman
Hi, I'm Rob. Nay Nay and I met in high school. I will never forget the time he arrived to a marching band competition just minutes after testing for his second degree black belt. He sprinted across the field, holding his trumpet above his head, and joined the band just as we started the show. These days I'm studying Digital Media & Design, with a concentration in game design, at the University of Connecticut.