Rachael & Matthew
Wedding Party
Rachael Nichol
Bride
Rachael, eldest daughter of Russ and Laurie Nichol, was raised in Marietta, Georgia alongside younger siblings Elyse and Randy. Rachael was active in swim team, lifeguarding, and color guard in high school. She attended the University of Kentucky where she majored in Political Science and was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. Upon graduation, Rachael moved back to Georgia where she began a career in marketing, specializing in copywriting. She has spent the last 2+ years as a Digital Content Specialist at DoMyOwn.com. Rachael also enjoys home renovations and has flipped 3 homes in the past 5 years. She is currently having fun decorating and renovating her home with Matt in Decatur, Georgia. They share their home with their dogs, Albus and Dexter.
Matthew Friedlander
Groom
Matthew, known as Matt, was raised in Evanston, Illinois alongside his older brother Joshua Friedlander, and later his older step-brothers, Matthew and Joshua Silverstein. He participated in debate in high school and attended several debate camps throughout his teenage years. He is a graduate of Emory University, where he majored in Philosophy, and the University of Illinois College of Law. Matt began his law career in Wisconsin before moving back to Georgia in 2014. He is currently an associate at Holland & Knight where he specializes in appellate law. Matt enjoys playing guitar and piano and has become a handy homeowner since purchasing his first home in March. He lives with Rachael and their dogs in Decatur, Georgia.
Elyse Hoff
Matron of Honor
Elyse Hoff (nee Nichol) is Rachael's youngest (and only) sister. Rachael served as Elyse's maid of honor is 2017, it's only fitting that Elyse stand up with Rachael on her big day. Elyse is a graduate of The University of the South. She works for Delta Air Lines as a data analyst and enjoys traveling. To date, Elyse has traveled to 38 countries and 5 continents! She lives in Mableton, Georgia with her husband Joe and their dog Reese. They are expecting their first child in April.
Joshua Friedlander
Best Man
Joshua Friedlander, known as Josh, is Matt's older brother. Matt served as Josh's best man in 2015, now Josh gets to stand up for Matt at his wedding! Josh is a graduate of The University of Colorado. He currently works for Groupon as a Manager of Data Engineering. Josh lives in Highland Park, Illinois with his wife Melissa and their children, daughter Liora and newborn son Max.
Liora Friedlander
Flower Girl
Liora Friedlander is Matt's first (and currently only) niece. She is the daughter of best man Josh Friedlander and mother Melissa Cannata. Liora, aged 2, enjoys trips to the playground, exploring the gardens near her home, and playing with toys. She lives in Highland Park, Illinois with her parents and her new baby brother.
Mia Rana
Flower Girl
Mia is the only daughter of Binny and Niraj Rana. Binny and Rachael met while both fresh out of college and bonded at their mutual workplace. Rachael soon met Binny's husband Niraj and later Mia upon her birth in 2016. Mia, aged 3, enjoys dinosaurs, coloring, and ice cream. She lives with her parents in Smyrna, Georgia.