Wedding Party
Rachel
Bride
Rachel is the woman of my dreams. I could never have imagined that Caleb's nosy neighbor would be my soulmate, long past when I stopped believing in such things. After playing D&D and becoming great friends, I was afraid that I had missed my chance with her, but little did I know that all along she liked me, too. I couldn't ask for a better partner in pun, partner in fun, and forever plus one to every event and game night. When you have the chance, ask her how to say the word "measure." (Written by Andrew)
Andrew
Groom
Words cannot express how much I love and adore this man. He is my best friend and champion. He is a constant source of laughter and support in my life. I love the life we have built together so far, and cannot wait to continue our journey as husband and wife. Andrew, let's grow old and gray together (and absolutely deaf from your sound barrier breaking sneezes.) (Written by Rachel)
Kaelin (Michelle)
Maid of Honor
Michelle has been one of my best friends since college. We've been through so much together, and through it all, she's always had my back. She's the best travel buddy a girl could ask for--the perfect mixture of organized and spontaneous. Her charisma is infectious, her creativity is astounding, and her thoughtfulness is heartwarming. She makes me feel so seen and supported. I am so lucky to have her as a friend and as my maid of honor. Thanks for encouraging me to tell Andrew, "I've got a date with a cute guy on the 27th," when he asked what I was up to when I got back into town. I'll never forget him responding with, "YOU LIKE ME?" Andrew and I definitely would have gotten together, but it would have taken a LOT longer. Thanks for being our wingwoman. (Written by Rachel)
Sal
Best Man
Sal is your best restaurant guide (even if he isn’t asked), an okay video gamer, a wonderful father, and great brother. He always makes California feel like a welcome home when I visit. He’s grown tremendously into a badass that I’m proud to pick as my best man. He is a person of incredible character. He's got good taste in food, good taste in friends, and good taste in shows and film. I tend to take after him, low-key pushing people to see a lot of good content. There are way too many things I can say about my brother. Even if we weren’t related, I couldn’t think of a more loyal, hardworking, caring, savagely funny, tough individual outside of Sal.
Desiree (Desi)
Bridesmaid
My big sister Desi is truly the hostess with the most-est. She is the life of the party and is tons of fun. Her laughter is infectious. Being with her will leave your heart and belly both full (she makes the most amazing spin-the-globe dishes). (Written by Rachel)
Matt
Groomsman
As much as I love Matthew Torres, I think a teacher said it best in high school, "Whatever Matt does, I'm sure it will be interesting." He has been a close friend of mine through good times and bad. From the halls of Xbox360 Gears of War to life in general, he is tenacious in his pursuits and friendships in the best way possible.
Rebecca (Becky)
Bridesmaid
My big sister Becky has been such a huge influence on my life (and she is an influencer -- seriously, she does this crazy acro-yoga with her husband). She has always been there for me when I needed her and I'm so excited to have her in my wedding to share this moment. (Written by Rachel)
Chad
Groomsman
How the Chad Stole Christmas--I mean the spotlight. He's been a great church and theatre friend with a big heart, understanding mindset, and persistent person. With a lot of great times at Eastgate Church, I knew that one day this man would be a fine groomsman. (Written by Andrew)
Marissa (Rissi)
Bridesmaid
My big sister Rissi is my hero. Both her strength and resilience are inspiring to me. She's usually the first person I go to for advice when I need it. Her wisdom and support over the years have meant the world to me. She lives loudly, loves deeply, and creates beautifully. (Written by Rachel)
David Z
Groomsman
David Z is a motivator. The kind of person who makes you want to be your best self. He's encouraging, positive, and loyal. He says he's a "fox," but I'm still not convinced he's secretly a golden retriever in disguise. (Written by Rachel) Though sometimes a hermit, when he opens up his layers--he is a deep friend who you can rely on, have interesting conversations with, and is always good for a laugh. He's only pretty good at Smash Brothers. (Written by Andrew)
Shelby
Bridesmaid
Shelby has been one of my best friends since college! She's such a creative, clever, and caring person. She is the true MOM of any group she's in and will make sure you are 100% taken care of. She has already thought of everything that you might possibly need. Thank you for always having my back <3 (Written by Rachel)
Cedric
Groomsman
Cedric is a Level 4 person. If you know, you know. Jokes aside, he's one of the most loyal and caring friends we have. Conversations with him are never boring, whether he's getting you to laugh loudly or think deeply. He truly was Andrew's wingman in helping to get us together--with small nudges and winks from across the table on D&D nights. Darlo for life! (Written by Rachel and Andrew)
Clay
Groomsman
Imagine my surprise when I returned to MCE Vanderbilt to find a former classmate. Through the trenches of pharmacy life, I have come to love Clay as a close friend and colleague -- in our journey of life and dealing of drugs. From podcasts, to books, and Oblivion Remastered, we have many a topic of conversation. He always listens to my problems, and I hope I can be as good a friend as he is. (Written by Andrew)
Danielle (Danie)
Bridesmaid
Danie has been my friend since our freshman year of high school. I'll never forget naming our "pen children" and drawing silly characters like mother mushroom together in English class. She's the kind of person you can go without seeing for years, and then when you finally do hang out again, it feels like you saw them yesterday. Our friendship is just so natural and easy. I wish she lived closer because I know I'd be bugging her all the time. (Written by Rachel)
Chris
Groomsman
The *Junior* Best Man. Though he is ten years my senior, Chris has been a great brother. He is a loving father of three and loving husband of a wonderful sister-in-law. I admire him greatly and he is everything I strive to be as a husband and father one day (maybe minus the old man energy). "Is it compact?" (Written by Andrew)
Benjamin
Bridesman
Ben-Jammin' is like a little brother to me. We've gone on many adventures together--both imaginary and in real life. He is a constant source of entertainment and laughter. His baked goods are to die for! I'm so glad to have him as a friend. (Written by Rachel)
David B
Groomsman
David B is such a wholesome person. He has a quiet, gentle strength to him that puts everyone in a room at ease. He is such a source of positivity and kindness in our life. WE LOVE YOU CHEF! (Written by Rachel) "Tender. Juicy." If you know, you know. But as is the common theme of the Davids in this lineup, he is a source of strong loyalty and friendship. We have been through many journeys together. Throughout our college days, hiking days, and our small business ventures of two brown men in a truck, he has been my go-to person and a great man. (Written by Andrew)
Sergio
Bridesman
Sergio and I have been friends since we were juniors in high school. That's crazy to think about! We were in drama together and our friendship speaks to my theatre kid heart. Sergio is the kind of person you can be 100% yourself around without fear of judgement--even if that means being a silly, unhinged gremlin on the loose. I've found a lot of acceptance and understanding in our friendship, and I'll always be grateful for that. (Written by Rachel)
Caleb
Groomsman
Caleb is the creative mastermind of our friend group. We spend most Monday nights with him playing Dungeons & Dragons. He weaves such intricate stories and somehow embodies every character he plays. He's brought so much fun and friendship into our lives. In a way -- he brought us together, too! I would have never met Andrew without him. (Written by Rachel) Caleb is a close friend from middle school. I remember we would nerd out about fantasy stuff, my book ideas, and random movie quotes. Though he may be quiet in unfamiliar settings, when he opens up, you're hard pressed to find a person more loving, loyal, and strong-willed like Caleb--aside from some of the other groomsmen on this list. I'm so glad we kept up and that he invited me to his D&D game, where I met the woman of my dreams. A great man and a great friend and a great DM. He's just great. (Written by Andrew)