Matron Of Honor: Katie Koehler
Katie and I met when we were sophomores living on the same floor of Stephens Hall at Penn State. We were roommates for a year and a half in college, and then neighbors (twice) in Arlington, Virginia after college. Katie and I have traveled all over the country and the world together including Ireland (for a Penn State game), Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the Caribbean. Ask her about our Alabama game story if you haven’t heard it (its pretty epic). Even though it meant being further apart, Katie was one my biggest supporters in pursuing my dream to move to San Diego. I was so honored to be Katies Maid of Honor in her wedding a couple years ago and am thrilled to have her be my Matron of Honor as a loyal and best friend for many years.
Bridesmaid: Nicole Ross
Nicole is my longest friend having met in high school. Nicole and I got significantly closer after working at Famous Daves BBQ restaurant together. Despite going to different colleges and living in different cities, Nicole and I have maintained our friendship for over 20+ years. Plus she married a Penn Stater! I couldn’t imagine this day without her by my side.
Bridesmaid: Stephanie White
Steph and I met at Penn State and became a lot closer as roommates and we both majored in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Steph and I had the privilege of traveling to Europe together after college (it helped that we won a free trip too)! We made it a pact to see each other once a year since college and have stayed true to that pact including visits to both Phoenix, San Diego and an incredible getaway to Sedona. Steph has been an advocate for Rachel to pursue her running goals especially after watching the Ironman finishers in Tempe together (little did Rachel know she would marry a Tempe Ironman Finisher). Rachel is so excited to have Steph be part of her big day.
Bridesmaid: Leanne Marcus
Leanne is my (slightly) older cousin from Chicago. We’ve gotten closer as adults especially with Leanne being able to visit Rachel in San Diego during her summers off from teaching. Summer of 2022 when she came to visit, she was the very first person to have met Evan, only on our third and fourth dates (if we call them dates). Leanne was there when Rachel knew she was falling in love with Evan (see our story on how Evan rescued Amara’s ball). Leanne and I have had the joy of wedding planning and being engaged at the same time, as Leanne gets married in July! We are so excited to be part of each other’s wedding.
Bridesmaid: Dawn Diederich
Dawn and I were co-workers at the Embassy Suites Chevy Chase before I joined SANS. For the first year and half, Dawn and I had such fun memories at the hotel with an incredible boss, happy hours (that were sometimes too happy), plank challenges, and pumpkin carving contests. For the last 6 months I worked there, with a new boss in tow, Dawn and I went through hell together. It was a very low point in my life with a recent breakup and a very bad work environment, and Dawn was there in the trenches with me. Crazy enough, we both ended up in California! Who would have thought a terrible work experience would lead to a lifelong friendship. I’m so happy to have Dawn stand up with me on my wedding day.
Todd Kirschen - Best Man
Todd is one of the first people I met when I moved to San Diego over 13 years ago and he has been there each step of the way as a 2x landlord, on call handyman, golf coach, ping pong rival and no questions asked concert/comedy show go to. Since knowing Todd I have never had to worry about where I was going to go for any holiday, shabbat or super bowl and in return I will make sure that his daugher, Olivia, knows all of the important movies, music and pop culture to make sure she has a well rounded education.
Hart Cole & Matt Greenberg - Groomsmen
We all met when we rushed the same fraternity at IU and then shared a house together our senior year. We managed to stay friends after endless amounts of shenanagins and pranks, mostly thanks to Matt's unlimited supply of patience. After college we all went our separate ways, but continued to remain close. Most recently making a pilgramage back to Bloomington for IU football and sink the biz. They have been prohibited from giving speeches, but am sure they would be happy to share a story or two over a cocktail.
Alan Deicas - Groomsman
Alan and I go way back to the beginning of me moving to San Diego. We initially met through Triathlon, but then went on to work at Active Network together and finish an Ironman, We have spent countless hours on the bike or running while training for triathlons, 5ks, half marathons or an ultra marathon for good measure. You really get to know someone after spending that much time in spandex together. I am grateful for our friendship and lucky to call Alan a friend.
Todd Waldman - Groomsman
Todd and I first met in preschool and continued our education together through elementary, middle, high school and then college. Todd was one of the first people to come visit me when I moved to San Diego and the other half of the sticky bandits. Always down to go to a cards or blues game and give a great bourbon recomendation. Todd has graciously stepped into the groomsman role after his son, Teddy, was unable to attend due to a reguarly scheduled nap time.
Andy Babitz - Officiant
Andy and I go way back to the little league baseball days. Many laughs shared at sleepovers, summer camp or an epic trip to the Illinois State Fair in High School to see Hootie and the Blowfish. After a few phones call togehter, Rachel and I got to stay with Andy and his family on a recent trip back home to St. Louis. It was a no brainer for Andy to be our officiant and we are counting on his background in show choir to deliver a great wedding day performance...no pressure!
Daisy - Flower Pup
Daisy, aka Mayhem, is the life of any party bringing unlimited amounts energy and desire to play will be taking on the role of flower girl for the days festivities. Known to breakout in spontaneous pee when nervous and recently learning the joys of digging in the sand, Daisy is a true wildcard and is one to keep an eye on.
Amara - Ring Bearer
Amara, aka lazy hippo, aka hip hop, brings the cuteness and cuddles while also having the very important job of being the ring bearer. A fierce protector of her little sister the rings could not be in safer paws unless she decides to take a dip in the bay. Don’t miss the opportunity to provide a belly rub to this cutie!
Joey - Amara's Escort of Honor
To say that Amara holds the top spot in Rachel’s heart is an understatement and it is so meaningful to me the relationship that Rachel and Joey have been able to form and that she would choose Joey to walk Amara down the aisle. Joey and Amara both share such a caring heart and so it is no surprise that they hit it off immediately. During Joey’s recent trips to San Diego they were able to create a very special bond and we are really excited that they get to share this experience together. It might be a good idea to wear a swim suit under your suit suit in case you have to take a dip in the bay to get Amara for her ring bearing duties.
Mo - Daisy Whisperer
Mo and I met over a decade ago when we both worked at The ACTIVE Network together and since then we have shared so many life experiences from completing an ironman and countless races, concerts and comedy shows. She has has played such an important role in my life and I am incredibly grateful for our years of friendship. Mo has been a rock for me always there to listen, share some words of widsom and endless amounts of laughs. She also holds the special distinction of being one of Daisy’s favorite humans having been there from the beginning when Daisy first came home. We knew it was going to take someone very special to walk Daisy down the aisle and nobody is better suited for that role than Mo!
