Wedding Party
Katie
Marie's Matron of Honor
Katie is Marie’s twin sister and lifelong best friend. They started out playing with Barbies, building a fake town in their basement named Torteheli, and filming ridiculous plays. As they grew up they graduated to taking a sister trip to Rome, and continue to travel the world together. Katie is a steadfast presence in Marie’s life, always there for advice or to lend a listening ear, or to laugh at a funny meme. They promised as children they would be each other’s maid of honors, and Marie wouldn’t have it any other way.
Courtnie
Rachel's Maid of Honor
Rachel met Courtnie at a Subaru dealership when Marie was buying her new car, and what started as a meetup for Marie’s friend to bargain with the car dealer quickly blossomed into a deep and lasting friendship. Bonding over their shared love for good beer, video games, and spontaneous adventures, Courtnie has been by Rachel’s side through some of the most important moments in her adult life, and her friendship is truly one of a kind. Courtnie is the epitome of genuineness, with an incredible ability to help her friends work through anything. She’s fiercely loyal and always shows up for the people she loves, making her not just a friend but family. Rachel couldn’t imagine her wedding day without Courtnie as her maid of honor, standing by her side for this next chapter of Rachel’s life.
Melissa
Bridesmaid
Melissa and Marie met on a fateful camping trip in the 5th grade, and they’ve been friends ever since. They spent their childhood years filming ridiculous plays in Marie's basement and performing in their church's puppet ministry. They've stayed in touch through college and beyond, making time for long phone calls and sporadic adventures. Melissa cares deeply about all living things, and she makes Marie want to be a better person. Melissa is a caring and inquisitive friend, and she is endlessly supportive of Marie's novel writing endeavors.
Kylie
Bridesmaid
Kylie was Rachel’s first friend at NC State, meeting on their very first day of undergrad and the rest is history. From late-night chocolate cupcake runs and binge watching plastic surgery reality shows to catching up at their favorite Italian restaurants and taking spontaneous Target trips, they’ve shared countless laughs and memories over the years. Kylie is an incredibly loyal and consistent friend and has been there for Rachel for many ups and downs over the years. No matter how much time has passed and how busy life gets, their friendship always picks up where it left off without a beat. Rachel is beyond grateful for her unwavering friendship and is thrilled to have Kylie by her side on this special day!
Breana
Bridesmaid
Breana and Marie met in college, when they lived and worked together in Colorado for three months. They went through the fire together and came out the other side lifelong friends. Breana is fiercely loyal and one of Marie’s staunchest supporters. She is passionate, creative and fearless. Marie loved being in her wedding and can't wait to have her by her on side.
Piyanka
Bridesmaid
Rachel and Piyanka’s friendship began during their freshman year at NC State when they met through their college dorm community, and it only grew stronger as they tackled chemical engineering classes and led the NC State AIChE chapter together. From mystery beer nights at the local college pub and Raleigh’s twinkling Christmas lights to fancy polo matches and getting lost in DC, every hang has been an adventure. Piyanka is the ultimate ride-or-die: always there for her friends, always up for trying something new, and always ready to find the best restaurants (a shared specialty). No matter where life takes them—North Carolina, the DMV, or beyond—they never fail to make the best memories. Rachel is beyond grateful for Piyanka’s friendship and can’t wait to have her by her side on this special day!
Dakota
Bridesmaid
Dakota and Marie met in college through their church and truly bonded while sleeping on the floor of a community center in Memphis with bullet holes in the windows. Dakota is an insightful and caring friend, always ready to be an open ear for an old fashioned venting, or to give you a gift on your Animal Crossing island. Marie was so excited to stand beside Dakota at her wedding, and she can’t wait to have Dakota at hers.
Alea
Bridesmaid
Rachel and Alea became instant friends while roommates during their final year of graduate school at Johns Hopkins University. From indulging in gelato and cappuccinos at Vaccaro’s and exploring Baltimore’s top restaurants to binge-watching reality TV and powering through countless study sessions, they had many wonderful memories while in Charm City. Alea is a great friend who is always there with thoughtful advice and will drop everything to be there for her friends or to help a stranger in need. She is also the chef behind the best buffalo chicken chili Rachel has ever had. Rachel couldn’t be more thrilled to have Alea by her side to celebrate this special day!
Grace
Bridesmaid
Grace and Marie met in college through church and quickly bonded over their love of Jesus and cats, and their shared pharmacy school struggles. Grace has such a sweet and encouraging disposition, and her encouragement got Marie through some of the toughest times in college. They made the most of pandemic lockdown together, even delivering Easter baskets to all their friends around Toledo. Now that they live 2,000 miles apart they still make time for adventures.
Heather
Bridesmaid
Heather and Marie met at their college church and got to know each other while on a mission trip to Memphis. They survived the lockdown together by setting glass on fire to make planters, and hosting a squash making competition (which resulted in a three way tie). Heather is joyful and upbeat, always ready to inject adventure into Marie’s life. She is never afraid to ask hard questions about religion and life, and she makes everyone better for it.