Wedding Party
Stephanie Gayton
Maid of Honor
The one who’s delightfully chaotic, will fight a bear for me, and also brings snacks just in case. Always been my rock, my big sister, and my partner in crime. She’s also the reason I know how to rally. Fun fact: can simultaneously roll her eyes, cause chaos, and save the day.
Kourtnie Weatherbee
Maid of Honor
The one who didn’t like me in eighth grade but has been my best friend since freshman year of high school. Volleyball brought us together, and somehow we’ve survived all the nonsense since. She’s loyal, hilarious, and irreplaceable. Fun fact: has forgiven me for my teenage nonsense.
Danielle (Nelly) Gayton
Bridesmaid
The one who knows all my secrets and still somehow lets me live. My younger sister, my confidante, and my Shawn Mendes duet partner. Day-one energy, every day. Fun fact: can quote every Shawn Mendes song at 2am.
Lillian (Lily) Gayton
Bridesmaid
The one who’s spicy, loud, and will drag you into drama before defending you like a queen. My hilarious, fiery niece who keeps life interesting. Don’t cross her — or me. Fun fact: 10% sass, 90% loyalty.
Gabriela (Gabi) Moreno
Bridesmaid
The one who’s sweet, smart, and somehow my partner in every little adventure. From day one, she’s been like my best friend and chosen family. Fun fact: somehow manages to make every hangout 100% better.
Elizabeth (Liz) Simmons
Bridesmaid
The one who’s my person, makes all my dumbest ideas 1000% worse, and somehow it’s fun. Distance doesn’t matter — she gets me like no one else. Meredith to my Christina, always. Fun fact: the only person who can make my wild side look sophisticated.
Lauren Perry
Bridesmaid
The one who became my ride-or-die in record time and isn’t leaving my side. She’s the friend who just gets me, the one I can be my true self around. Life would be boring without her energy and loyalty. Fun fact: has a PhD in laughing at my chaos.
Sarah Banta (almost Carter!)
Bridesmaid
The one who’s espresso martini-obsessed, chaos-infused, and somehow a danger to everyone (in the cutest way). Our bond started at a Blue Origin Christmas party, and now she brings out my absolute wild side. In short: partner in crime, forever. Fun fact: I swear she’s the reason half my decisions are borderline illegal.
Anthony Mongelluzzo
Best Man
Anthony has been my best friend quite literally since the beginning—we’ve been friends since we were in the womb. From growing up together to navigating life side by side, he has always been there for me with unmatched loyalty, humor, and heart. He’s one of the funniest people I know, someone I deeply love and trust, and there was never a question that he’d stand by my side as my Best Man. Fun fact: we’ve been friends since the womb, so you’ve technically been committed to this role longer than I’ve known Rachael
Jared Holder
Groomsman
Jared has been one of my closest friends since elementary school, when we met back in fourth grade. He brings chaos in the best way, balanced by a genuinely big heart and unwavering loyalty. He’s been a constant in my life, and I couldn’t imagine celebrating this day without him by my side. Fun fact: we’ve been friends since fourth grade, and you’ve been causing just the right amount of chaos ever since.
Caleb Grabarz
Groomsman
Caleb is one of my most mature, reliable, and steady friends—someone I truly look up to. I was honored to stand in Caleb’s wedding and have loved watching him build a life with his wife, Elizabeth. His presence is grounding and supportive, and I’m incredibly grateful to have him standing with me on this day. Fun fact: you’re the most reliable person I know, which is why I trust you with literally anything—especially this
Carlos Gayton
Groomsman
Carlos is Rachael’s brother, but over time he’s become so much more to me—truly like two peas in a pod. Our friendship is effortless and full of laughs, respect, and genuine care for one another. I’m incredibly thankful for our bond and couldn’t imagine this moment without Carlos by my side. Fun fact: you were supposed to just be my future brother-in-law, but you somehow became one of my best friends instead.
Michael (Mike) LaBella
Groomsman
Mike and I met through our fraternity at Purdue and quickly formed a friendship rooted in kindness, loyalty, and a whole lot of fun. He’s incredibly good-hearted and caring, while also being the friend most likely to convince me to do something a little chaotic. His energy and support make him an essential part of this day. Fun fact: our fraternity gave me a lifelong friend and also someone who regularly convinces me to do chaotic things—thanks for both.
Ethan Miller
Groomsman
Ethan and I met during college at Purdue and he’s been a steady, dependable presence ever since. He’s caring, reliable, and someone I know I can always count on. Sharing this day with Ethan—who is also dating Rachael’s co–Maid of Honor, Kourtnie—makes it even more special. Fun fact: I met you at Purdue and quickly realized you’re one of the few people I can always count on (no matter what’s happening).
Jeffrey Garrett Jr.
Groomsman
Jeffrey is my cousin and one of my favorite people to be around. He’s hilarious, a great cook, and someone who brings joy wherever he goes. Having him stand with me means a lot, not just because we’re family, but because of the genuine friendship we share. Fun fact: you’re my cousin, one of my favorite people, and the reason I expect good food at every family gathering.
Emmanuel (Manny) Garrett
Groomsman
Emmanuel is another cousin and a lifelong source of playful teasing—always picking on me in the most loving way. We’ve even been told our baby pictures look like twins, which perfectly captures how close we’ve always been. His humor and heart make him an irreplaceable part of this day. Fun fact: people think our baby pictures look like twins, which explains why you’ve been roasting me my entire life.