Wedding Party
Michael Schmidt
Officiant
When deciding who would officiate their big day, it was a no brainer. Rachael’s big brother, Michael, has been a constant supporter and cheerleader for her since she was a little girl. When Michael met Matt, he considered him a brother from the very beginning. The bride & groom feel so fortunate that Michael will have such an important role on their big day.
Emily Schmidt
Maid of Honor
The bride's favorite sister! Rachael & Emily are the only girls in their family, sharing a close bond and often finishing each other's sentences, followed by them saying, "Are you my sister!?" Rachael was Emily's shadow when they were younger, and their relationship has become stronger than ever in adulthood. Emily is the mama to the adorable flower girl, Peyton. Rachael truly can't imagine saying "I do" without either of them by her side.
Meghan Farrell
Bridesmaid
Meg grew up in the same neighborhood as the beautiful & sweet bride Rach, and now lives in Northern Virginia. Meg and Rach have been best friends for over 20 years now (wow!) and are proud members of the original crew. Her interests include kickball, traveling, being silly, and taking long walks while talking to Rachael on the phone. Meg loves to visit Cuse to hangout with her mom & dad, and of course her favorite couple - Rachael and Matt. She can't wait for their wedding and is so excited to celebrate such a wonderful pair.
Kathryn Barry
Bridesmaid
Katie is another member of the Original Crew. She’s known the bride since they were little girls. They spent a lot of their summers tubing on Skaneateles Lake at Katie’s family home. Katie now works as a travel ICU RN, exploring cities all around the country in her RV! She loves spending time outdoors, riding her bike, and hiking. She is so excited for the bride and groom and can’t wait to be apart of their big day!
Emma O'Grady
Bridesmaid
Rachael & Emma have known each other since they were little girls. They became close friends in high school and have been good friends ever since. Emma and her husband, Nate, have become the perfect double-date couple for Rachael & Matt. The four of them enjoy sporting events together, Friendsgiving, and celebrating each other's milestones. From weddings to birthdays to babies, these two are forever friends.
Emily Squadrito
Bridesmaid
Rachael and Emily met in nursing school, and it was an instant connection! Emily quickly became a part of the Schmidt family. Their lives were wildly similar; meeting each other seemed like it was meant to be. Emily is loyal and fun and adventurous and so happy to be on this ride with the bride and groom!
Aalena Schmidt
Junior Bridesmaid
AKA Bean, Rachael's oldest niece! Rachael & Bean have always had a special relationship. When Bean was a toddler, she began calling the bride "Sweetie," and it has remained her name within their family ever since. Bean is bright and bubbly and knows how to make everyone around her feel special and loved, making her the perfect bridesmaid!
Rhiannon Schmidt
Junior Bridesmaid
Rhiannon is the bride's niece and goddaughter! These two have a special relationship. Rachael loves attending Rhi's sporting events, whether that's baseball or basketball. Rhiannon is fun and silly and has a vivacious smile that lights up any room.
Alex Waelder
Best Man
Al, the reason we're all celebrating on October 2nd. He actually met the bride and groom separately and introduced them in 2015. And here we are 11 years later. If you see Al (you can't miss him), say thanks! Matt & Al have been best friends since the Massenzio’s moved to Brampton Rd 20 years ago. They became fast friends bonding over their love for sports, and spent most of their days hanging out after school. Al now lives in Cali, which has become one of Rachael & Matt’s favorite places to visit!
Kevin Schmidt
Groomsman
The baby of the Schmidt family! Growing up, Kevin & Rachael were inseparable. Fortunately, this bond carried on through the awkward teen years and adulthood. Kevin is Rachael's big little brother, towering over her. Kevin is like the little brother Matt never had. Matt was Kevin's soccer coach for a short while, and now the two of them enjoy playing a round of 18 together.
Ivan Hanson
Groomsman
Matt & Ivan have been friends for over 20 years. They met at a neighborhood meetup shortly after the Massenzio's moved to the Valley. They connected over backyard sports and developed a close friendship. They were even coworkers for a short while at the local McDonald's! Matt ultimately found his calling as Ivan's trusted dating coach. Ivan now lives a mile down the road from Matt & Rachael with his wife and 4 children.
Mike Collier
Groomsman
Mike has had the privilege of knowing Matt for over 25 years back when their biggest worries were winning VJAA soccer games and what Matt’s mom was making for dinner. Mike says “I’ve been teaching Matt since kindergarten, but progress has been slow. Luckily Rachael has taken over, she’s taught him there’s more to eat than just Doritos and Mountain Dew.” Through every stage of life, these two have been loyal, dependable, and genuinely great friends to one another. Mike couldn’t be happier to stand by his side to celebrate his love for Rachael.
Nate O'Grady
Groomsman
Matt & Nate were on the exact same path for years without even realizing it. They went to the same high school, both attended OCC, and later finished up at Oswego State — yet somehow never really crossed paths. It wasn’t until Matt & Rachael came together that their friendship truly began. Their relationship brought our group of four together; Rachael, Matt, Emma, & Nate. From there, Matt & Nate quickly became close. Now they’re usually talking about Nate’s newfound love for soccer and lacrosse (which he fully blames Matt for). On weekends, they find themselves scheduling around Eagles & Arsenal games, and squeezing in as much golf as their wives allow. Nate is grateful for his friendship with Matt, going through the highs and lows of their favorite sports teams winning and losing, and playing awful golf (with a couple good shots sprinkled in).
Aidan Tinelli
Groomsman
Aidan & Matt have known each other for over 15 years. They both grew up in the Valley and were introduced by Al. Over the years, they've made countless memories together, from a birthday trip to Philadelphia to celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Cortland, visiting Rachael. Aidan has had the privilege of watching Matt & Rachael's relationship grow from the very beginning and he couldn't be more proud or happy for them as they start this next chapter together.
Aaleigha Schmidt
Flower Girl
The fashionista and big personality of our family. Aaleigha couldn't wait to be a part of our big day, and we couldn't imagine it any other way. Aaleigha has the most infectious smile and the best sense of humor. The flower girl crew adores her!
Esther Schmidt
Flower Girl
She's gentle and sweet, and loves to cuddle. Esther is the happiest girl, loves to laugh, and couldn't wait to be a flower girl!
Peyton Schmidt
Flower Girl
She's sweet and sour, and silly, and loves her Sweetie and Uncle Matt. Her big personality makes her the perfect flower girl!
Amelia German
Flower Girl
Matt's first niece! Amelia is the sweetest girl with the brightest blue eyes and the biggest smile. She was so excited when we asked her to be a flower girl!