Bride
Groom
Maid of Honor
Ryann and Rachel met in 2013 at SIUE. Ryann joined Alpha Phi and quickly became a close friend. Rachel struggles introducing her to friends and family because she has so many titles in Rachel's life. She is (in a very specific order): Rachel's sorority little sister Rachel's college roommate Rachel's best friend Rachel's brother's girlfriend and future sister-in-law (fingers crossed) Rachel and Stephen's roommate and finally, Maid of Honor
Bridesmaid
Ashley and Rachel met in 2012 at SIUE during an "Ice Cream Social" on campus. Ashley was a member of Alpha Phi sorority and was soon given the best gift of her life, Rachel as her little sister. The selection was completely random and absolutely fate. Ever since, Rachel and Ashley have been best friends. From homemade birthday cakes, to shotgunning beers off Ashley's balcony, Rachel shares so many memories with Ashley.
Bridesmaid
Laura and Rachel met in sixth grade after Laura moved to Springfield from Chicago. Rachel recalls the first interaction she had with Laura was telling her "We're not gonna get along" after finding out she was a Cub fan. Rachel was further from the truth. The Coffmans and the Reents' are incredibly close, and Rachel and Laura aren't any different. Laura remains one of Rachel's longest friends, even though she moved to Florida shortly after high school. Together they share the title of CTK 8th grade girls basketball state champions (3rd place), as well as the unofficial MVP's on the Orange Crushers softball team.
Bridesmaid
Abby and Rachel met officially when Abby started dating Stephen’s old roommate, Steven. They refer to each other “The other Steve’s girlfriend” not to be confused with “Steve’s other girlfriend.” Now that they are both married/getting married to their very own Steve, the title is changing to “The other Steve’s wife” or “Sister-wives.” Being friends with Abby is one of the easiest things to Rachel. Abby brings so much laughter to any situation, even when she cheats at Sequence.
Bridesmaid
Danielle and Rachel met in 2013 when Danielle joined Alpha Phi. Rachel stalked Danielle wanting to get to know her, but could never remember her name. That didn’t last long, as they became quick friends. Danielle has been such a positive part of Rachel’s life. Danielle introduced her to hookah bars, chocolate bars (the alcohol kind, not the candy), dog parades and free shuttles to Cardinals and Blues games accompanied by the best chicken fingers ever made and a guy named Larry King.
Bridesmaid
Myra and Rachel met briefly while both attending SIUE. However, they didn’t start hanging out until Myra moved to Springfield. Every time Rachel hangs out with Myra, she has nothing but fun. Myra is such an enjoyable person to be around whether you are going to a concert, participating in a beer Olympics or just sitting around and hanging out.
Best Man/Brother of the Groom
Matthew and Stephen have been brothers, ironically, since Matt’s birth. Matt has been one of the greatest brothers a man could ask for. For a while Matt would do whatever Stephen told him. Then one day, Matt became bigger than Stephen. At the young age of seven, Stephen had to start looking at his “not so little” brother as an equal. Matt and Stephen have always stood by each other throughout their lives, making the decision of having Matt stand next to Stephen as his best man, an easy one.
Groomsman/Brother of the Bride
Drake is a lovable giant and Stephen’s best friend. Best friends from the beginning, they have drifted ever so slightly after Drake went off to college. But don't worry, they have plans to get a best friend apartment together once he graduates. Just best friends for ever and ever. But don’t tell Rachel, she is unaware of these plans.
Groomsman/Brother of the Bride
Sam and Stephen have a love-hate relationship. Stephen hates the rules of Catan, and Sam loves how funny Stephen is. Meeting Rachel’s older brother was initially intimidating, but with the strength of Stephen’s persistence, Sam eventually gave his approval. Now they bond over video games, STL sports and beer.
Groomsman
Steven and Stephen have been through a lot together. They shared an apartment, otherwise known as “The Double Steve Mansion” and have traveled the globe together (like three US states). Even though Steven doesn’t know how to properly spell his first name, Stephen still considers him one of his closest confidants.
Groomsman
James and Stephen have been by each other’s side since before high school, back when James was a catholic school boy, and Stephen a public school “tough guy”. Despite going to different schools, they put aside their differences and became good friends. They will continue to be good friends until one of them kills the other.
Groomsman
Mike has been there for Stephen for a long time now, ever since they met in high school. Even with all the shenanigans they’ve gotten in, there is no one Stephen trusts more to always his have back than Michael. Michael Guzzardo: Great friend and a better person.
Groomsman
From the years on the football field to the nights they can’t remember in Chicago, Dane has always been a great friend to Stephen. Dane consistently brings the fun to any situation. But there is truly only one thing to say about Dane: “Brute Force,” a phrase from a god.
Usher
Joey and Stephen have driven cross country three times; the ultimate test of a friendship. Together they have visited the Petrified Forest (a bunch of rocks) and Yellow Stone (which was closed). They even got stuck with a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. Through all the ups and downs, they have stuck by each other’s sides.
Usher
Mark is a great friend and someone to really lookup too. The first of us to get married and first to have a child. He’s an inspiration to us all on how to live life to the fullest.
Usher
Garrett is one of Stephens oldest friends. Garrett has been there since the beginning and is still there for Stephen today. Important note: back in JFL Garrett DID Break his leg. Most people won’t understand, but it’s about time the truth gets out and what a better source than on a wedding website.
Usher
John and Stephen have been friends since high school. There friendship is sealed by the fact that they haven’t agreed on one thing for the entirety of their friendship. Even though they are complete opposites, there is one thing that they can agree on, their friendship.
Flower Girl
Carolyn is the strong, beautiful and much older cousin of Stephen. She has always been there for Stephen, whether he ask her to or not. She is lovely to the bone. Her only weakness: the sun.
Ring Bearer
Tim and Stephen are cousins. They have been by each other’s sides through thick and thin, from sneaking alcohol at family Christmas’, to being forever connected by their constant battle for who is the strongest member of the family. To this day they still can’t answer that question.
Mother of the Bride
Lorre Reents is the Mother of the Bride and the Bride’s best friend. Together, Rachel and Lorre spend their time shopping, cooking, watching Survivor, gossiping, singing badly, dancing, playing cards, winning cards, napping and any other reason to just hang out together. Lorre coached Rachel’s volleyball and softball teams when she was young and she is the reasons why Rachel and Stephen met. Rachel and Stephen’s first date was with Lorre, and Rachel wouldn’t have had it any other way. Lorre has helped Rachel grow into the woman she is today; showing her how to cook, how to be a good mother and how to love.
Father of the Bride
Chad Reents is the Father of the Bride. Rachel and Chad are very similar. Rachel inherited Chad’s work ethic, love for food and lack of dance moves. He has shown Rachel how a man should treat a woman, and how a parent should treat their children. He taught Rachel not to settle for less, how to walk to rail, and how to high five yourself. Together they’ve seen some of the best performers, The Doors (well ¼ of the Doors), the Stones and their personal favorite, Eric Clapton. Rachel hopes to share similar experiences with her kids someday.
Mother of the Groom
Sue is the greatest mother a groom could have. From his creativity, to his dancing and everything in between, she is the reason Stephen is the man he is today. She is understanding and compassionate. Especially after Stephen showed up to her door step with a broken nose. She was particularly understanding the second time he showed up with a broken nose. She will always go above and beyond for her sons and just little more beyond for their sister, Athena. Athena is the dog.
Father of the Groom
Tony has taught Stephen everything he knows about everything. However, they have had their issues. Tony being Stephen’s boss has led to arguments. On one day in particular, Stephen “quit” and Tony “fired” him; to this day they will never agree which one came first. Despite the hard times, they have always found a way to forgive each other and their relationship just keeps getting stronger.
Step-Father of the Groom
How to explain Dave Hood. One day he showed up and just never left. From the beginning, Dave has been there for Stephen and later for Rachel. He will do anything within his power to help. He has become a true friend and member of Stephen’s family. He also has a whole stash of corny “dad” jokes. If you’re lucky, he may share one with you.
Honor Attendant
Rachel and Malia met in 2000 when Malia was born, as Malia is her cousin. Rachel grew up babysitting Malia and her two siblings. Malia and Rachel share the honor of being named after their great grandmother, Grandma Grace. On top of that, Rachel was asked to be Malia’s Confirmation sponsor.
Honor Attendant
Clare and Rachel met through their families, when the Coffman’s moved to Springfield from Chicago. Rachel and Laura, Clare’s older sister, were always hanging out which means Clare was always hanging out. Clare became one of Rachel’s unofficial little sisters. One of Rachel’s favorite memories with Clare was dancing to “Brown Eyed Girl” on our last night vacationing in Marco Island.