Rachel & Shelby
Wedding Party
Emily Rice
Maid of Honor
After being randomly assigned roommates, Emily and Rachel met in Fall 2015 at Longwood University. Although Rachel was initially somewhat shy and slightly intimidated by Emily, they quickly became close. Emily taught Rachel how to do makeup better, be more stylish, be sassy (and get stuff done), and how to properly jam out with bass drops. Although she moved to Tennessee after college, the two still make sure to surprise each other with a visit every once in a while. Best randomly assigned roomie ever! 10/10 would room with again!
Jordan Ballard
Best Man
Shelby and Jordan have been friends for over twenty years (which sounds so weird just to type). The amount of stories that the two of them can tell you about their lives growing up together is shocking and sometimes concerning (honestly, how are they both still even alive after some of their stunts?)
Nicholas Rall
Bridesman
Nick and Rachel have been inseparable since they were 11 years old... and they still act like they're 11 years old! Meeting in 6th grade at Hampton Roads Academy, acting, musicals, gaming, internet memes, punk rock/alternative music, and overall immaturity around the HRA halls basically describes their growing up together. The amount of crazy stories that Nick and Rachel have about their many travelling adventures involving those mentioned interests are infinite and continue to grow. North Carolina, New York, Texas and beyond, the adventures of their friendship somehow relate back to internet and inside jokes we no longer understand. (Nick still has my Xbox from ~2012 at his house that I loaned him)
Airika Firth
Groomswoman
Busch Gardens- creating friendships since 2017... Or at least that was the case for Airika and Shelby. Airika was Shelby's first partner when he started working at Busch, and the two soon became best Busch buds. Now, whenever the group gets together, Airika and Rachel can talk the night away while the guys silently judge them (and sometimes, not so silently).
Kat Hennessy
Bridesmaid
How can someone with the name "Kat Hennessy" not be cool?! Rachel is convinced that Kat and her are the same person, but Kat's the older, cooler, more artistic version of Rachel. She has all the best ideas as to how to deal with her brother. Even shortly into Shelby and Rachel's relationship, Kat and Rachel had that sisterly bond and soon they'll actually be sisters!
Brad Johnson
Groomsman
BRAD!!! Shelby and Rachel both met Brad at Busch Gardens while all of them still worked there. When Brad and Airika started dating, they all became good pals, and have had some hilarious adventures together, like a trip to Richmond and a couple fun evenings in Chesapeake. Brad was one of the only people who knew in advance of the proposal, and was present to record the event!
Cheyenne Hurtado
Bridesmaid
Cheyenne and Rachel met in 4th grade at an after school program at Fort Eustis, VA when everyone thought they were twins. It didn't help that they were always hanging out together too. Today, they still get asked if they're sisters for the same reason! Although Cheyenne now lives in Texas, the two still make sure to have special trips together when possible. Checking out new places including DC trips, sushi places, and getting lost in Richmond, there are many more places to explore and get lost in since both of them are directionally challenged. It always makes for great stories and many laughs!
Brittany Marcella
Groomswoman
Shelby and Brittany met in an accounting class at Thomas Nelson Community College. What started as a study group and tutoring sessions turned into a strong friendship with a lot of football trash-talk built in (Family, please don't judge my friend too harshly on her horrible choice of football team!)
Devon Hunter
Bridesmaid
One of Rachel's first real friends at Longwood University in 2013, who would start random dance parties with Rachel when they became roommates second semester freshmen year! After a bad first roommate experience, Devon came to Rachel's rescue and offered her dorm room. Who knew 2 quiet girls in a business class would soon after become roommates taking advantage of the treats at Sweet Frog, camping/Massanutten trips and being all-around goofball best friends?! Although Rachel transferred to Thomas Nelson Community College and Devon left Longwood University, Rachel can absolutely say that she will always have a home away from home and second family in the Farmville, VA area.