Wedding Party
Baylee Wright
Maid of Honor
Baylee and Rachel have been inseparable since 2013 when Baylee invited Rachel to a One Direction concert. They first met in home room their high school freshman year where they sat next to each other. Rachel still laughs at the things Baylee would bring for breakfast in home room. In high school, they spent countless hours together in musical practice, marching band, and hanging out with their close friend group (the #Squad). All of Rachel's core high school memories involve Baylee. That is a good thing, because Rachel has a terrible memory. Baylee is always reminding Rachel of what happened in high school. Since then, they have traveled together to Chicago, Niagara Falls, Ashville, Columbus, Raleigh, and more, gone to many Penguins and Wheeling Nailers hockey games, shared family holidays and events together, spent days exploring Pittsburgh, and many, many hours talking and laughing about nothing and everything at the same time. For any event where they were allowed a plus one, they brought the other one along. Baylee has become a sister to Rachel, as she not only invested in Rachel but also her family and loved ones. Sometimes, Rachel thinks Baylee knows her even better than she knows herself. Rachel is so grateful for Baylee's kindness, generosity, dependability, brightness, and humor over the years.
Nate King
Best Man
Nate's laugh is unmistakable -ringing across the sands of time- yet the first thing to stand out with Nate is his ability to be friends with anyone, regardless of age, race, or creed. The best indicator of friendship is when the other proves to be truly excited for you, without thought of self. That would be Nate, who has the God-given gift of being genuinely and deeply selfless, and he fights like heaven to invest that gift in the people he holds dear. Corban likes to keeps his plans close to his chest, even from his roommate and future best man. At 10pm on June 14th, 2024, when Corban first told Nate that he was proposing tomorrow, Nate not only had more trouble sleeping than Corban out of excitement, but he drove to Philly and willingly hid in a bush for hours just so he could photograph THE moment Corban asked Rachel. If had he lived alone, Corban's house would be far more functional. But minimalism isn't very welcoming, hence Nate went to work, creating a space worthy of all the GOOD friends they loved to host at any and every opportunity. Nate is an OLD soul, thoughtful in his words and never taking a moment for granted. There weren't many DAYS that passed without Nate demonstrating what it meant to be vulnerable yet steady, caring yet bold, and faithfully following the Lord, yet not satisfied with status quo. If Nate ever wonders about Corban's thoughts on the past years living life with Nate, he merely needs to check the caps. He's also sneaky fast at obstacle races.
Leah Stevens
Bridesmaid
Although they have always lived hours apart, Leah and Rachel grew up seeing each other first as cousins and then as dear friends. They share a passion for the outdoors, traveling, and adventures. Rachel and Leah have swam in very cold waterfalls in New York and Tennessee, explored the world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, worn incredibly cringey outfits together on family girls trips, shared jokes around campfires, and line danced in Nashville. Whenever they have a family event, Rachel hopes Leah will be there so they can laugh at the things our family's say, share inside jokes, and maybe try to take some unflattering photos of each other. Leah brings a sense of spontaneity, excitement, and a little sassiness with her any time she and Rachel are together. Leah will say that she looked up to Rachel growing up, but she has always inspired Rachel.
Devin Fahnestock
Groomsman
Devin is nothing short of a human roadmap, yet he's the sort to spontaneously code the next Google Maps if he has a free weekend. He is the first to say yes to a new adventure, and manages to get himself into all kinds of sticky situations. All that said, when his friends are trouble, Devin is the first person there to get them out. As brand new friends, Devin, Nate and Corban bunked up in a townhouse after Covid started. The trio quickly bonded over games, beach trips, and making their mark on Victory Church's young adult community. Late-night stair session convos with Devin were sometimes deep, sometimes bizarrely random. No hypothetical scenario was left unexplored. Devin was undoubtedly the ring-leader when it came to finding the best vacation spots. Devin and his truck led the way as the crew braved storms, heat, and mosquitos to be rewarded with striking night skies in the Outer Banks islands, or snorkeling escapades at Dry Tortugas. Devin is uniquely himself, and Corban is pumped for the next adventure.
Kate Marodi
Bridesmaid
Rachel and Kate possibly met at the hospital as newborns (since their birthdays are are a day apart and they were born at the same hospital) but who is to say! At very least, they grew up seeing each other at church picnics and fish fries. She, Rachel, and Sam were in girl scouts together from elementary school through high school. Their friendship blossomed in high school though through their involvement in color guard, high school musicals, and hanging out in their high school friend group (The #Squad) at McDonalds (to get ice cream), Kings Restaurant, and on Rachel's farm. Rachel still smiles at the dramatic dance routines that Kate and Sam would come up with in color guard and at musical practice. Since high school, they have gone to various shows and events in Pittsburgh, traveled to Williamsburg, and continued to hang out with the #Squad. Rachel admires Kate for her sense of self, creativity and ambition as a self-employed photographer, kindness, and dependability. If you need a photographer, check out Marodi Media!
Austin Garber
Groomsman
Austin is Corban's longest-surviving friend of life's gauntlet of high school, college, moving far away, and entering into the workforce. He keeps a small circle, and Corban is beyond blessed to be in it. Austin has faced so much adversity in his life, yet stands tall. Corban admires his intrinsic motivation to always improve, and has enjoyed watching Austin become a man of means -not in the materialistic sense- but in strength of character. Some of Corban's pristine memories with Austin are Halo weekends in high school (sometimes a very pain-ful experience for Corban due to Austin's superior skills), running around the goat fields and briars playing airsoft with the boys, and getting crushed in Fortnite tournaments, yet still being the best duo in the northeast. The Webster definition of 'loyal' can be summed up in the phrase "Austin Garber's friendship, and Corban is very excited to see where in life Austin goes next.
Sam Wessel
Bridesmaid
Sam has been a part of Rachel's life for years. She, Rachel, and Kate were in girl scouts together from elementary school through high school. In color guard, Sam was so helpful and supportive to Rachel (who, at first, could not dance or twirl a flag to save her life). The band trips are so memorable for the shenanigans their friend group (the #Squad) got up to including locking Sam on a balcony. They spent countless evenings at musical practice dancing, singing, laughing, and coming up with the inside jokes that the #Squad still shares today. High school volleyball is what really strengthened their friendship though as they learned to laugh with and lean on each other to weather the drama of their volleyball program. Sam has been a dear friend to Rachel ever since. Rachel is grateful for Sam's authenticity, strength, bright smile and sense of fashion, and humor.
Clay Smith
Groomsman
Clay may not remember their first interaction. It came when he stole Corban's alliteration during Geneva's cringy freshman orientation, where he dubbed himself "Chill" Clay, right after Corban did so. They quickly became friends, and Clay earned many other titles: Cross-Country Clay, the Ultimate (frisbee) Dingus, dedicated study partner and longboard partner. Back in their single days, Corban and Clay would find free weekends to hang, work on cars, and explore. Corban is looking forward to seeing that tradition flourish in these new stages of life. Clay is a very thoughtful and intentional friend, always willing talk and capable of making a simple conversation fun and memorable. Never doubt Clay's quick humor though, as many a time Corban has had to buckle in and go blow for blow in their frequent battle of wits. In all the years that they have been friends, Clay has indeed earned the right to be "Chill".
Skyler Leoni
Bridesmaid
Skyler and Rachel's friendship began in the high school chemistry classroom where they, as lab partners, stressed over labs and homework. Titration is serious business after all! Outside of the chemistry classroom, they hung out at marching band events, musical practice, and at Skyler's home. They still joke about the health and chemistry projects they were paired up on (and way overachieved on). For Skyler and Rachel, sarcasm and light hearted teasing developed into a friendship that has lasted years. Skyler is one of the most hard working and dedicated people that Rachel knows. She balances strength and toughness with patience and gentleness. Skyler is the only woman Rachel knows that can both bake beautiful and delicate pastries (she is professionally trained) and handle the delivery of >100lb packages and warehouse work culture with ease.
Nick Artale
Groomsman
Being one of the many Nicks in Corban's life does not diminish Nick's status. Nick bears the role of honorary 4th roomie to Corban, Nate, and Devin's domicile back in 2020. Summer day trips, beach camping, and spikeball were just a few of the shared experiences. Nick is the kind of friend that you quickly become comfortable hanging with 1-on-1, as he is very intentional to push past the shallow nature of this busy life to foster deep relationships. Yet he has a deceptive poker face when he's about to drop a hilarious line. Nick was there for Corban during some very difficult times, as iron sharpening iron. His strengths are his heart for creating community, his love for the Lord, creativity mixed with a sharp eye for technical design, and making everyone jealous of his solo-vacation spots. His weaknesses are missing the gym once a month and glazed donut holes during beach trips. Their gym partnership may not have lasted long thanks to Corban not being a morning person, but it's hard to lose a committed friend like Nick.
Jamie Watson
Bridesmaid
Jamie was Rachel's first college friend. The two met in Geneva's color guard program and before Rachel knew it, the extroverted Jamie was showing up at her dorm door asking to hang out. Rachel is so glad that she did. So many of Rachel's college memories involve Jamie. The two spent many meals together in the dining hall, attended what feels like every campus event together, spent evenings with their shared friend group, and traveled on breaks to Jamie's home in Georgia, to Hilton Head SC, and to New Hampshire. Rachel will never forget the mornings they shared in what they called "Breakfast Club" with Corban as they teased him about his breakfast choices. Their adventures after college have been just as memorable from the girls trips to the margaritas/nachos/TV binging nights. Rachel is so grateful for Jamie's faith, laughter, intentionality, sensitivity, and ability to make people feel comfortable and loved.
Mitchell Steffy
Groomsman
It's no coincidence that all of Corban's roommates throughout his life have been top-tier men. Mitchell was the first, freshman year at Geneva. Immediately, the roommate bar was set to the mountaintop. Their dorm was flawless -the talk of the town- boasting a functional symmetry, impeccable cleanliness, and a colorful hammock chair for late night guitar sessions with their friend Roz (at the price of a poptart). Mitch and Corban learned together how to survive the craziness of college. On top of being hilarious, Mitchell is uniquely talented at achieving whatever he fixes his mind to do: become a high-level musical performer, fix Corban's expensive headphones, or rebuild and learn to play an accordion. Mitchell's servant heart goes far beyond stacking chairs after church. He was not the first in line (because Mitch never acts without careful consideration) but once committed, he was ALWAYS the last to leave. Of his many qualities, Corban most is inspired by Mitch's steadfastness. Mitch has a kind and open demeanor, yet does not waver in his faith, friendships, nor responsibilities. Corban is both honored to be in Mitch's life, and excited to have a front-row seat for where God uses Mitchell and (his wife) Michaela next! He is also Corban's kryptonite at ping pong.
Meghan Hirneisen
Bridesmaid
Meghan and Rachel met at Geneva College. It will always make Rachel laugh how Meghan would wander the library looking to distract Rachel and whoever else she could find. Rachel's college memories with Meghan include learning the lyrics of songs to annoy friends, driving to church, singing/rapping and NF song at a talent show, traveling to Italy for a study abroad program, and spending late nights teasing their friends Corban and Chris. Meghan taught Rachel how to lift weights which Rachel still loves to do to this day! Since college, Rachel has enjoyed visiting Meghan in Florida where they drink coffee, relax at the pool or beach, play spike ball and pickle ball, and eat a dinner at sunset on the beach. Every time Rachel visits, Meghan tries to convince her to move to Florida. Rachel admires Meghan's love for God, playful attitude, athleticism, and sense of humor.
Dave Cook
Groomsman
No one knows what brought Dave Cook from his balmy home in Florida up to Western PA for undergrad, but college would have been lacking without his presence! Corban's first interaction with Dave right across their freshman hallway, each trying to psychoanalyze each other. They spent the next 4 years close friends, playing sand volleyball late into the night and having one of a kind conversations. Dave and Corban were an unstoppable pair at Humans vs. Zombies; no undead classmate could stand against the sock balls, nerf bullets and raw speed the pair wielded. Some of Corban's favorite memories come right after graduation, when he and Dave took a few months to live commitment-free, riding dirt bikes and installing roofs in the mountains of Central PA, and extended stays with both families in Lancaster and Florida. Dave has an incredibly generous heart, and a joy for exploring the philosophical and intellectual world we live in.
Sydney McCullough
Bridesmaid
Rachel actually met Sydney at an overnight visit to Geneva college when they were both prospective students. They almost chose to be roommates their freshman year, but decided against it. Sydney did not let that happen for their sophomore year. After spending all of freshman year struggling through physics and chemistry homework together and hanging out with their shared friend group, Sydney asked Rachel if she would live with her. Rachel is so glad Sydney asked, because they spent the rest of college as incredible roommates and growing even closer as friends. Syd and Rachel continued to lean on each other through their engineering courses, had many nights at their favorite college bar eating wings and drinking Yuengs, walked all around their college campus and town playing Pokemon Go, and hanging out with their shared friend group. Now, it seems like every time they get sushi together to catch up on the latest excitements and struggles with work, graduate school, and life, they find uncanny similarities in their experiences and interests. Rachel is so grateful for Sydney's sense of humor, outlook on life, drive, and intelligence.
Nick Cook
Groomsman
Nick and Corban first met at Geneva College during an intense game of sting pong. Corban vividly remembers Nick's healthy fear yet great bravery in the face of impending pain. Nick's adventurous spirit singled him out as a go-to partner for Corban, whenever those adventures came calling. Many fun times were had: numerous sports endeavors, body-sledding down mountains in Alaska, and losing skin to the asphalt thanks to poor decisions while longboarding. The only thing that matched Nick's athleticism was his integrity. For example, after Corban hit the wrong college dorm window with his egg, Nick stayed by Corban's side during the walk of shame to apologize and clean up the mess. Nick was always persistent in pulling Corban out of his shell, into deep conversations. Nick's care and love for people and the Lord is evident, and has always been an inspiration to Corban throughout their friendship.