Wedding Day

Parkway Place

Ceremony Seating 

Ceremony 

Cocktail Hour 

Dinner/Reception

Wedding Ceremony/Reception

Our Wedding Hashtag: #rauschandmitchellmakeitofficial

Our Wedding

Cody and Carissa’s story started long before they ever really started. Growing up just around the corner from each other, Carissa had a bit of a crush on her childhood best friend’s older brother (spoiler: it never really went away). Years later, life circled back in the best way — and that childhood crush turned into something real. What began as a “hey, remember me?” quickly became late-night talks, inside jokes, and endless reasons to laugh together. When it came time to propose, Cody chose one of Carissa’s favorite places — Geneva-on-the-Lake — the first spot they ever went out of town together when they started dating. A few days before, Carissa had a feeling something was up. Cody kept saying he wanted nice pictures (which he never says) and even told her to wear something nice — a major giveaway. It hit her in the middle of the night what might be happening, and she even asked a friend if they thought she was right. Turns out, she was. When the moment came, surrounded by the lake breeze and memories of where it all began, Cody got down on one knee — and she said yes. Through every high, low, and everything in between, they’ve built a life full of love, laughter, and the occasional spontaneous party. Now they’re making it official — surrounded by family, friends, and all the good vibes that got them here. 💍✨

Our Story

Photos

Rebecca has been part of so many memories over the years. She’s always positive, down for whatever adventures Cody and I dream up, and somehow always knows exactly how to get my hair just right—thankfully, she’s a hairstylist at Kenneth’s! I’m so glad she’s by my side on our big day. She’s also Emily’s sister!

Rebecca Burns

Sara, the Maid of Honor, has been the bride’s best friend since childhood—through celebrity crushes, growing up, and her very first Jonas Brothers concert (which they just relived together almost 20 years later!). She’s now marrying Sara’s older brother, her childhood crush, making Sara not just her best friend, but officially family!

Sara Sumner

Emily is a bridesmaid and cousin to Sara, Cody, and Zach, which means she’s been part of their lives since childhood. One of their earliest memories together involves Emily accidentally breaking the bride’s mirror at a euchre party—a moment that has become a legendary family joke. Luckily, she clearly didn’t bring bad luck, because the bride is now marrying her cousin. We are so happy to have her standing by our side—mirror mishaps and all!

Emily Burns

Gabe is Cody’s cousin and our Junior Groomsman. We decided he was officially too old for a ring bearer role, so we promoted him instead. He loves all the classic pre-teen favorites—especially video games—and brings great energy and fun to the wedding party. We’re so happy to have him included on our big day!

Gabe Crump

Joseph is Carissa’s brother, and one of Cody’s groomsmen. He truly lives for adventure! He calls Colorado home, where he’s always outdoors hiking, exploring, and chasing the next adrenaline-filled experience. His laid-back attitude makes everything more fun, and even though we live far apart, our visits are always filled with the same humorous banter and laughs as if no time has passed. We’re so happy to have him standing with us on our big day!

Joseph Rausch

Ivy is the flower girl and has been a very special part of Carissa’s life since she moved to Toledo. Carissa has cared for Ivy at her daycare job since she was an infant, making their bond extra meaningful. Ivy’s mom is the preschool teacher there and one of the close friendships Carissa has made through her work as a daycare teacher. We are so honored to have Ivy bringing smiles (and petals) down the aisle on our big day!

Ivy Badenhop

Derrick is a groomsman and Sara’s husband. Known for his goofy sense of humor and love of working out, he brings great energy and plenty of laughs wherever he goes. We are so happy to have him standing with us on our big day!

Derrick Sumner

Zach is the Best Man and the brother of both the groom, Cody, and the Maid of Honor, Sara. Calm, steady, and dependable, he has a presence that grounds everyone around him. Whether he’s working hard, staying active, watching sports, playing Xbox, or enjoying a good puzzle, Zach brings thoughtfulness and care into everything he does. We are so grateful to have him standing beside us on such an important day!

Zach Mitchell

Johnnie is officiating the ceremony and reading the vows. He is Carissa’s Uncle, and Mother of the Bride’s big brother! He is a cherished part of Carissa and Cody’s lives. We are so honored to have him leading this special moment and sharing in our joy on their wedding day!

Johnnie Munday

Katie has been a meaningful part of the bride’s life since she first moved to Toledo from her hometown and began working at her daycare job as a teacher. She immediately took the bride under her wing and helped introduce her to the rest of their friend group at work, making her feel at home in a new place. Although they no longer work together, their friendship has only grown stronger over the years, and Katie has become one of the bride’s closest friends, likely thanks to a shared love of caffeine and pickles. The bride is so grateful to have her by her side as a bridesmaid on such an important day. Katie is also Ivy’s mom, who will be our flower girl, making it even more special to have both of them share in the celebration. We are so excited to have them as such meaningful parts of our wedding day.

Katie Badenhop

Wedding Party

Courtyard by Marriott-Maumee/Arrowhead

Travel

Tony Packo's 

The Toledo Zoo

Toledo MudHens Baseball

The Toledo Spirits Company

Toledo Museum Of Art 

Inside The Five Brewing, The Fieldhouse

Brew House Coffee & Bake Shop (Maumee Location)

Coffee Pub at Levi & Lilac's 

Toledo Botanical Garden

Side Cut Metropark

Earnest Brew Works (South Toledo Location)

Imagination Station

National Museum Of The Great Lakes

Oak Openings Preserve Metropark

The Flying Joe Coffee Shop

Funny Bone Comedy Club

The Village Idiot

Ostrich Towne

Earth Coffeehouse & Cafe

The Heights

Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar

Dale's Bar & Grill

X-Golf Toledo 

Toledo Pickle Company

Queen Bee & Honey Coffee

Urban Pine Winery

The Ribbon at Glass City Metropark

Schmucker's Restaurant

Night Owl Diner (Toledo Location)

Toledo Farmers' Market

Harvest- Sandwiches and Craft Beer

The Town Center at Levis Commons

Swan Creek Preserve Metropark

Barr's Public House 

Wheelhouse

Wildwood Preserve Metropark

Hollywood Casino Toledo

Fort Meigs Historic Site

Four Fires Meadery

Things to Do

Registry

Pros Dish on What to Wear to a Wedding

40 Affordable Guest Dresses to Save Money

Affordable Suits? They're a Click Away

Funky Semi-Formal Sequins encouraged. Personality required. Boring strictly not invited.

Dress Code

Wedding Colors 

Carissa & Cody

Carissa & Cody

Registry