Rachel & Brennan
Wedding Party
Brennan McCarthy
Groom
I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Carolinas taught me to love the outdoors, love people, and love God. When I was in high-school, I spent a considerable amount of time working with refugees and missionary kids in Charlotte and San Jose, Costa Rica. Little did I know then that I would be preparing to love a missionary kid for the rest of my life! Rachel has been such a great source of friendship and encouragement during these last 4 years in Chicago, and I cannot wait to marry her!
Rachel Baer
Bride
From West Virginia to West Africa, China to Chicago, God has given me a life story full of travel, transition, and multicultural experiences. The United States was the last place I thought I would end up living, but over the past few years I finally realized that He is guiding my life in different (and better!) directions than I expected! Brennan has been the best of those divine surprises along the way! He has become my best friend and greatest source of conviction, discernment, and encouragement! I'm so excited to see how God will guide us in marriage, Colorado, and whatever comes next!
Jonathan O'Brien
Best Man
Jonathan has been like a brother to me. He's been there for it all - the fun, the laughter, the crying, the struggles, and everything in-between. Jonathan is one of the funniest people to be with, and he has been the greatest source of consistent encouragement and support during the last four years of my life. I'm so excited to have him standing next to me on this important day!
Lizzy Sullivan
Maid of Honor
College roommate of 2 years, sister in Christ, fellow tea and book lover. I'm so grateful for her constant willingness to listen, talk until 2am, and even take me home with her during school breaks! Lizzy pushes me to think outside the box, and stimulated much of my growth over our college years. I'm so proud to have her as my maid of honor!
Josh Woodruff
Groomsman
Josh lived on Culby 4 with Jonathan and I, and the three of us formed a band of brothers that I will be forever grateful for! He and I share many hilarious memories and he's always down for adventure. Josh challenges me and encourages me to see things from another perspective. He has made me a more godly man. I can't wait to see this guy back in Chicago!
Esther Bendele
Bridesmaid
Our friendship was slow to start, but hopefully much slower to finish! I appreciated being able to share counseling classes and process our thoughts together afterwards! Esther has challenged me to constantly dig deeper in my heart to understand myself and develop empathy for others. I'm thankful for her example of determination, curiosity, and maturity!
Taylor Baird
Groomsman
Taylor was my first college roommate, and he changed me in a big way. I got to watch his passion for the Lord every single day, and he inspired me to pick up my Bible and pray more. Taylor has a goofy side though, and when he's feeling hyper, it's sure to be a good time. I'm sure that I will get to see both his earnest and goofy sides during the wedding day, and I'm so honored to have him stand with me!
Raegan McKelvy
Bridesmaid
Though we grew up in different worlds, Moody brought Raegan, Loren, Abigail and I together to form a close four-some. Raegan has been a source of wisdom, comfort, and fun in my life over the past four years. From inviting me home with her for Thanksgiving freshman year, to celebrating whenever we find new aspects of different cultures in me, Raegan has made me feel more and more at home in the country of my birth.
Cole Elbel
Groomsman
Cole was another roommate of mine, and he also challenged me and helped me to mature. He always has a smile on his face, and he's one of the realest dudes I know. Don't let the humor fool you, he's a really sharp guy! Cole is a joy to be with, and I'm so excited I can share this joyful day with him.
Abigail Sanchez
Bridesmaid
My first close college roommate. We shared countless before-bed prayers, early-morning worship playlists, and lots of laughs. Abigail frequently drew out the woman in me and pointed me to my full potential in Christ. She continues to do so today, even long distance from Alberta, CA, and I am so thankful to have her stand with me on my wedding day!
Chad Hunkler
Groomsman
Chad is one of the most loyal people I have ever known. He grew up with me in Charlotte, and we went to school together. I've always appreciated Chad's simple steadfastness, and his selflessness displayed in encouragement. The wedding might be in Chicago, but I couldn't go without a Charlotte representative in the party!
Loren Joseph
Bridesmaid
AKA Indian Princess. Loren's inner beauty radiates to everyone around her, whether through humor, hugs, or home cooked meals! She has modeled the importance of love, joy, perseverance, and open-mindedness to me. I dream of the day I will visit her home country and continue to appreciate the beauty in diversity!