Rachel & Leigh
Wedding Party
Shelagh Johnson
Matron of Honor
Shelagh “Shelaghbelle de la Fiore” Johnson met her Rachebelle de la Noche in middle school, when they bonded over their joint love of silliness and absurdity. Whether they were singing creepy operatic interpretations of “California Dreamin’” or filming “comedy” sketches in Shelagh’s bedroom, the one thing Shelagh could always count on was that nothing would ever be too bizarre for her quirky, wonderful Rachebelle. After nearly 25 years of friendship, Shelagh still refers to her guest bed as “Rachel’s bed” and can't wait for when Rachel finally moves back to DC to make it a whole lot more fun. Their friendship is one of the most profoundly special and important things in Shelagh’s life, and she is so thankful to get to stand beside Rachel as she starts this new, amazing adventure.
Lindsey Lux
Matron of Honor
Lindsey and Rachel ‘Wookie’ Shively met in middle school but solidified their friendship during their many rides in Rachel’s red sports car headed to the very exclusive dance club The Spot (pour one out). It was during those rides that they talked, laughed, and spent hours singing Billy Idol’s ‘Dancing With Myself’ without really understanding the true meaning of the song. This was the birth of Lindster and Wookster, a friendship that has survived almost two decades, intercontinental moves, Arabic sing alongs, and impromptu college mascot dances. Lindster loves her Wookster and is so excited to be a part of her life - then, now, and on to the next chapter!
Sam Weiner
Bridesmaid
Sam and Rachel almost certainly met at a costume party way back in 2006, when Sam was living in Washington, D.C. After hosting Rachel as a couch-surfing guest for many, many weekends, Sam moved to New York in 2009, where she and Rachel truly fell in friendship love. From cozy dinners at Sam's apartment, to walks through Central Park, to wedding dress shopping, to sharing red lipstick on their many nights galavanting around the city, Sam and Rachel have continued their friendship for the past decade-plus. Sam is so excited to get to stand up as a witness at Rachel's wedding and help her start the next chapter of her life (as long as she promises not to leave New York for at least five years!).
Felicity Miller
Bridesmaid
Although Felicity and Rachel haven't lived in the same country for over 18 years, they still manage to find opportunities to meet up wherever they may be. So far this has included New York, Amsterdam, Dublin, Costa Rica, Croatia and Myanmar! They are always looking for excuses to catch up wherever they can across the world. Quite a bit has changed, since Felicity was that little Australian at high school with Rachel, but their friendship shows the true meaning of all those cheesy quotes about distance not mattering when someone is in your heart. Felicity lived in Myanmar for most of the past 5 years, and currently calls Melbourne, Australia home.
Heather Arner
Bridesmaid
Heather and Rachel's story began in middle school, whilst spending almost every free moment at Montgomery Mall, encountering only the finest characters of Montgomery County. They were awarded the title of "siamese twins" on a school trip, despite their fairly substantial height difference, due to their blonde hair and consistency in remaining side by side (and most often not where they were supposed to be). Over the years there have been beach trips, big 10 college visits, and adventures in Brazil, Iceland, Thailand, Cambodia, Australia and Israel. Heather can always count on Rachel for good conversation, laughs, and being up for anything new and exciting. Heather has enjoyed meeting Leigh, and seeing how happy he and Rachel are together. She can't wait to be part of their big day!
Carl MacMichael
Best Man
There was a time before Leigh & Carl were friends, but that time was garbage. Listen close, on the beaches and in the diners where they spent their youth, and you can hear the rolling thunder from their first high five echoing still. The duo has blazed a path of shenanigans over the years on their way to NYC, leaving a small carbon footprint on the environment, but a large emotional footprint on their hearts. Now Carl is honored that Leigh has asked him to help usher in the greatest adventure of all: everlasting domesticity. Carl wishes the happy couple all the very best, and anxiously awaits the day he, Leigh, and everyone they love move back to Bradenton, FL, never to dream of escape again.
Derrick Hensley
Groomsman
Leigh and Derrick fortuitously met in Latin class at Manatee High School, very near the turn of the millennium. Many notorious hijinks ensued, often at odd hours, sometimes involving inflammable materials, occasionally misuse of automobiles, and once resulting in school discipline. As they both moved onward in life’s journey, they shared an enduring bond, undimmed by time and undaunted by distance. Leigh’s sage advice and support has made its mark on the course of Derrick’s life, and very significantly on the life of Derrick’s son Sebastian, for whom Leigh is the godfather. Leigh was also the best man at Derrick’s wedding. Derrick is overjoyed to join in the celebration of Leigh’s union with Rachel, the yoking of two amazing people heading to a bright, shared future.
James Lewis
Groomsman
Leigh and James “Jimothy” Lewis met in the summer of 1992 at a small hospital in St. Peter Port, Guernsey (UK) when James had just embarked on a messy journey out of their mutual mother’s birth canal. Leighcipher and Jimbo bonded almost instantaneously, sharing a mutual love for video games and the Jedi arts. After almost 26 years of friendship, one might say their relationship developed into a brotherhood.
Kyle Coppin
Groomsman
Kyle first met Leigh in 2009 when they were both looking for housing in their first year at Duke together. He thought Leigh was a pretty strange guy, but took pity on him and decided to be friends with him anyway. They made it through law school and rooming together due to a shared interest in video games and destroying each other in any board game. At his wedding in 2015, Kyle was honored to have Leigh as his best man. Kyle is so glad that Leigh and Rachel found each other and is thrilled to be a part of their special day.
Alex Berkun
Groomsman
Alex and Leigh first met sometime in the late 90s, both sporting prep school clothes and an attitude. These kids were too cool for school. It didn't take long before these bad boys both arrived at the same public school, living a life of grit on their own terms. This strange orbit brought the two together, and the two became close friends. During college years, they could be found at Leigh's apartment rolling dice and drinking Strongbow, and on occasion, firing a massive potato cannon. Together the two worked on LSAT preparation as well as law school applications, and Alex credits Leigh and his thorough research for their mutual success. Now, both are lawyers who love short babes, continuing on their strange orbit.