Celestia Strode
Talianna Rubin
Celestia Strode
Talianna Rubin
August 1, 2025
How We Met
Talianna and Celestia met at the Okrasinski's Forth of July celebration that was a small BBQ with family and friends. Both Talianna and Celestia had been invited by one of their two Maid's of Honor, Noelle Okrasinski. Celestia and Talianna's brother, Sidney Rubin, became close friends first and then slowly Talianna and Celestia got to know one another from there.
The First Move
Talianna's brother, Sidney Rubin, often invited over all three Strode siblings (Celestia, Kasey, and Cody) to movie nights at their house. These had become a ritual and almost every Friday night there was popcorn and movies. At one of these movie nights, during which they were watching the Men in Black movies, Talianna reached out and grabbed Celestia's hand, putting her head on Celestia's shoulder. At the end of the evening phone numbers were properly exchanged, and the next day they went on their first date.
Our First Date
The morning after the previous story, Celestia and Talianna went on their first date, but it wasn't planned in the slightest. Celestia had recently picked up photography as a hobby and had gone to Eastern Illinois University's campus to take photos. Talianna happened to go with her mother, Wally Rubin, to Eastern Illinois University to watch her work on her pottery. After texting for a while, Talianna and Celestia realized they were in the same place and met up. They walked and talked and took pretty pictures of things on campus. Then they went to the classiest place for a first date . . . Taco Bell. They wouldn't have started their relationship any other way.
Our First Kiss
Talianna and Celestia had been dating for several months before they had their first kiss. Taking it slow, Talianna wanted to wait for the perfect moment. It may be cliché, but their first kiss was at midnight on New Year's, just as 2019 became 2020. To recapture the magic of this moment, Talianna proposed at midnight on New Year's just as 2024 became 2025.
RSVP
Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.
Schedule
Friday, August 1, 2025
Friends Meet Friends
5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
311 7th St, Charleston, IL 61920
Attire: Come dressed in whatever you plan to wear to the wedding.
There will be non-acholic drinks and time to mingle before the ceremony.
Our Little Wedding Ceremony
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
311 7th St, Charleston, IL 61920
Attire: Wear that thing you never get a chance to! Fancy and fun! We'd like to see you try and outdress the brides! (No white dresses please)
There will be no assigned seating, everyone is a friend of both brides. We are not requesting any physical wedding gifts, as we will soon be moving abroad, but monetary gifts for that cause are much appreciated.
Reception — Pancakes and Pretzels
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
311 7th St, Charleston, IL 61920
There will be non-acholic drinks and snacks themed around the brides favorite foods — pancakes and pretzels!
Registry
FAQs
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
Kids older than 7 are welcome.
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
Our brides want their wedding to be filled with self-expression, so wear that thing you never get a chance to! Fancy and fun! We'd like to see you try and outdress the brides! (No white dresses please)
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
Yes! Everyone gets a +1. If you wish to bring more than one person, please discuss it with the brides beforehand.
Question
Is the wedding outdoors?
Answer
No. The wedding and reception will both be inside the First Presbyterian Church, which has air conditioning.
Question
Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?
Answer
Yes, there is a parking lot behind the church.
Question
Do I have to RSVP online?
Answer
The brides would prefer if you would, but if you are having technical difficulties please tell Celestia or Talianna so the can add you to the RSVP list.
Question
I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?
Answer
Yes! There should be a question when you RSVP about food allergies. Talianna and Celestia strive to accommodate them as Talianna is herself allergic to dairy.
Places to Stay
House Or Rental
Airbnb Cozy Loft in Downtown Charleston
This Airbnb is walking distance from the wedding and has two bedrooms for up to four guests. It is a full loft apartment with a fully equipped kitchen so it is perfect if you want to have some space to yourself during your stay.
House Or Rental
Airbnb The Corner Cottage
Close to the location of the wedding here is another option for those looking for a spacious place to stay with a kitchen. This one-bedroom, one-bath apartment is a great place to stay!
Hotel
Unique Suites Hotel
With an included breakfast this hotel is a convenient choice for those needing a place to stay.
Hotel
Days Inn by Wyndham Charleston
If you are looking for a pet friendly place to stay, this is the hotel for you!
Things To Do
Jackson Avenue Coffee
Close to home and oh so tasty!
Lake Charleston
Beautiful place for a hike! They have paved and un-paved trails.
South Side Cafe
Long time breakfast favorite of the brides! (Not open Sundays)
Dirty's Bar & Grill
New favorite of the brides.
The Original Burger King
It's a little greasy, but its oh-so-good. There isn't a chain burger king in 100 miles because we have the OG, so its best to give it a try!
Wedding Party
Valerie (Wally) Rubin
Mother of the Bride / Flower Bearer
Mother of Talianna Creative and compassionate, Wally is very dear to both brides. She didn't hesitate to take Celestia under her wing and was a powerful source of support to her in her transition. It goes without saying that she is precious to Talianna. Wally and Talianna share a close friendship as well as a strong familial bond.
Evie Rudibagh
Maid of Honor
Dear Friend of Talianna They met in middle school and bonded in high school as they struggled through Spanish class together. (Ninguno de los dos habla español, a pesar de sus esfuerzos.) Now in at the end of college, Talianna and Evie still make effort to find time for long conversations about life and daily struggles.
Ben Esgar
Best Man
Lifelong Friend of Celestia and Close Friend to Talianna Ben met Celestia through a local group for homeschoolers at the age of 14. They've been inseparable since, and even shared an extremely small studio apartment for a short time. Ben first met Talianna when she was barefoot, covered in housepaint, and holding a surprise cake for him — this scenario was caused by Celestia's extreme spontaneity.
Talianna Rubin
Bride
Just one of the gorgeous brides in this two-for-one special! Talianna is a creative minded, passionate person with a heart for connection to others. She is about to start her last semester at Eastern Illinois University, for her Bachelor's Degree in English with a concentration in Professional Writing and a minor in Graphic Design. In her free-time she loves small meticulous crafts and going on walks with friends and family.
Shanan Strode
Mother of the Bride / Flower Bearer
Mother of Celestia Celestia was always very close to Shannon. When she was a child they would talk about anything and everything. Celestia would often join her mother on grocery trips just so they would have time to talk in the car.
Noelle Okrasinski
Maid of Honor
Life-long friend of Talianna and close friend to Celestia. Talianna and Noelle have known each other for as long as they can remember. Both are originally from Dekalb, IL. and moved to Charleston, IL years apart from one-another. It was Noelle that introduced Celestia and Talianna, so you have her to thank for this wedding!
Kai Starett
Best Man
Close Friend of Both Talianna and Celestia Met both Talianna and Celestia at Lake Land College's Pride Club, where they became fast friends and later co-workers at Lake Land College's Tutoring Center, where he colloquially known as the "emotional support mathematician".
Bill Strode
Father of the Bride
Father of Celestia Celestia and Bill always enjoyed going on hunting trips together with the family and they would often take time while out to fish in the lake together. In recent years they have shared a closer connection as they learned more about one-another.
Celestia Strode
Bride
Just one of the gorgeous brides in this two-for-one special! Celestia is a driven, spontaneous person, who is always up for a challenge. The next challenge she is taking on is getting a degree abroad. She will be working towards a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. In her free-time she loves to create projects to work on computers both the digitally and physically.
Kim Hunter
Officiant
Head Gay to the Brides Kim has known the brides for many years now, she was their boss at Lake Land College's Tutoring Center and is their close friend. Kim is always giving 110%. Her support for the brides has been never-ending and that is something they could never thank her enough for.