Wedding Party
Kelsey Urlis
Matron of Honor
Kelsey and Rachel go waaaaaay back! Rachel prayed for a little sister when she was 9 years old. Not long after her prayer, Rachel's parents announced that they were having another baby. Rachel always knew it was going to be a girl! Ever since Kelsey was born, she's had a very special place in Rachel's heart. Several years ago, they took their first summer vacation to Acadia National Park in Maine. Since then, they have traveled to Oregon, California, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, South Dakota, and Montana, visiting many National Parks along the way. Kelsey and her husband Adam were present for Mike's proposal in Glacier National Park! Rachel looks forward to even more adventures with her sister and their misters in the future.
Dan Starceski
Best Man
Dan and Mike began their friendship at St. Patrick's Elementary School in 2000 when Mike's family returned to York, PA from Cherry Hill, NJ. Despite being one grade level apart, the two became friends through participating on the basketball team, which Dan excelled at more given his height. A few years later, Dan and Mike practiced every Saturday in Mike's basement and performed many shows with their rock band, Luminaire Divided, becoming a successful act in the York area during High School. The two have maintained a solid friendship that has lasted over 2 decades and continue their connection through mutual interests and shared support in daily life. Mike was also a groomsman for Dan's wedding to his wife, Kara.
Cherissa Stemler
Bridesmaid
Rachel and Cherissa became friends toward the beginning of 2018, after their mutual friend, Carolyn McKalips (also a bridesmaid) suggested that they get to know one another. Rachel and Cherissa quickly bonded over a shared love of tea, Jane Austen, city walks, and deep talks. They also discovered that they are both Enneagram 6s, which further cemented their friendship. They continue to meet regularly for walks and talks, breakfast dates, and game nights.
Marquas Fountain
Groomsman
Marquas and Mike have been friends since 2002 during their time at St. Patrick's Elementary School. Their friendship was established on similar styles of humor and developed into shared experiences that have been irreplaceable. The two maintained a strong bond through their years at York Catholic High School and continued their schooling together in college as both learned they were accepted in to the undergraduate Psychology program at West Chester University of Pennsylvania where they decided to room together for all 4 years until graduation. After WCU, more schooling occurred through the Messiah College masters program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, resulting with Marquas and Mike graduating together for the fourth time before entering the professional world as clinical therapists. Their friendship has continued to be based on humor and shared experiences while attending to the many changes in their adult lives. Mike was also a groomsman for Marquas's wedding to his wife, Morgan.
Andrea (Drea) Miller-Rodriguez
Bridesmaid
Drea and Rachel became friends when Drea returned to Lancaster after living in Chile. They enjoyed many adventures together, including themed parties, First Fridays in Lancaster, breakfast/brunch dates, and a memorable weekend trip to Philadelphia. Drea's wedding on March 14, 2020 was the last event Rachel attended before the COVID-19 quarantine lockdown. Rachel enjoys being a tia (adoptive aunt) to Drea and Dani's two beautiful children, Luna and Elena Rodriguez, who were both born during the pandemic.
Brendon McGirr
Groomsman
Brendon (respectfully know as "McGirr") and Mike have been friends since 2006 during their years at York Catholic High School. The two learned of their close proximity living in the same neighborhood and began a friendship that can best be described as "neighborly". Much of their friendship has involved exploring the world of craft beer, engaging in spontaneous adventures, and creating new ideas and traditions to share amongst friends. The McGirr clan has been an extended family for Mike as he is welcomed as an "adoptive son" by way of their Irish generosity. McGirr and Mike continue their friendship as neighbors and maintain an untouchable fandom for King of the Hill. Mike also served as the best man for McGirr's wedding to his wife, Alyss.
Carolyn McKalips
Bridesmaid
Rachel and Carolyn met during Youth Evangelism Service (YES) team training at the Harrisburg Discipleship Center in fall of 2006. They both completed short-term missions assignments in Spanish-speaking countries: Rachel in Bolivia and Carolyn in Honduras. They reunited in Lancaster after their travels and have maintained an enduring friendship ever since. Rachel visited Carolyn in Morocco in summer of 2017, where the memory-making continued. Carolyn's first daughter, Tessa, was born on Rachel's 35th birthday! Rachel and Carolyn meet regularly for breakfast dates, hikes, and shared meals.
Alex Strickler
Groomsman
Alex (widely referred to as "Strick") and Mike have been friends since 2016 when introduced through a mutual friendship with McGirr. The two learned they shared similar interests in basketball and other sports of accuracy, developing their friendship further through enjoyment of these activities and playing Trivia regularly with McGirr and friends. Strick and Mike share stories of their daily work as secondary level educators, often creating plans in their free time to get in a round of disc golf before finding a local brewery spot to enjoy. They continue to maintain their friendship with mutual support for each other and keeping up with NBA basketball. Mike was also a groomsman for Strick's wedding to his wife, Kalie.
Andrea Weaver
Bridesmaid
Andrea and Rachel met at Hesston College way back in 2004! They stayed in touch in the years in between 2006 and 2013, but their friendship was rekindled when they were part of the same small group at West End Mennonite Fellowship in 2013. They have bonded over game nights, Ultimate Frisbee, camping trips, and regular walks and talks. Rachel also appreciates having Andrea as a fellow Midwestern transplant living in Lancaster, since Andrea hails from North Dakota.
Jeff Eckert
Groomsman
Jeff and Mike have been friends since 2009 after having met through membership in the West Chester University chapter of the men's music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. The shared experience of being non-music majors in the brotherhood sparked their connection and a mutual love of attending live concerts solidified their bond. Jeff and Mike attended their first concert together in February 2010, having attended 31 more shows and festivals together since then with more to come. Mike extends gratitude to Jeff's wife, Dawn, for her grace as we continue our tradition of frequently attending live events. Jeff and Mike continue their friendship as brothers beyond the fraternity by often providing support for each other and sharing music suggestions for the day.