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Pierce & Rachel

Fall 2023 • Ewa Beach, HI

Pierce & Rachel

Fall 2023 • Ewa Beach, HI

Our People

Melinda Smith
Melinda Smith - Maid of Honor
Melinda and Rachel's friendship is a remarkable tapestry of shared experiences and unwavering support. Their journey began as coworkers and roommates, evolving into a deep bond as best friends and "calabash sisters." Despite the physical distance that separates them, their reunions are filled with an instant familiarity, as if no time has passed. Through ups and downs, they remain each other's confidants, partners in adventure, and unwavering pillars of strength. Their connection is a testament to the enduring power of true friendship.
Davis Holland
Davis Holland - Best Man
Pierce and Davis, brothers raised amidst the serene beauty of Hawaii, have shared a close bond and friendship their entire lives. As they grow, life naturally takes them on diverging paths, however distance can never sever this connection. They visit each other often, cherishing every moment. Though occasional clashes arise, as they do with brothers, this unbreakable fraternal bond , forged on Oahu, persists. In this case "best man" is not a perfunctory title but a literal description. Davis is a rock that Pierce has always been able to depend on, his career as a firefighter a testament to this solid character.
Matt Fox
Matt Fox - Groomsman
Matt and Pierce's friendship began in the first weeks of their undergrad time at Mizzou, where they both pursued their passions for the Natural Sciences. Initially united by their shared affinity for wildlife and nature, they developed a strong friendship of complimenting personalities. They’ve shared unforgettable adventures together, and through ups and downs, their bond remains strong. Matt and Pierce continue to connect regularly, and Matt is currently in the process of relocating to the Pacific Northwest to work with Pierce at the Salmon Hatchery Pierce and Rachel live on, and Pierce manages.
Eric Knapp
Eric Knapp - Groomsman
Eric and Pierce's friendship also began in the very first weeks of undergraduate school at the University of Missouri. Eric sheltered Pierce during a brief "unhoused" period, and Pierce was able to return the favor the following semester. Having shared extensive adventures across the continent, the two remained in close during the years that Eric moved abroad. Pierce and Rachel were engaged while in Spain, visiting Eric and his wife Janine, who is unfortunately unable to join us as she is attending to family in Germany. Nevertheless, Pierce and Rachel are excited that the two have returned to the US and look forward to all the good times to come.
Melissa Pelkey
Melissa Pelkey - Bridesmaid
Rachel and Melissa's relationship blossomed when Rachel met Melissa through a friend of a friend shortly after Rachel returned to Hawaii after 8 years on the mainland. Melissa encouraged Rachel to apply as a bartender at Legends Waikiki, where Melissa also worked as a bartender. Their connection was instant. They bonded over their shared love for mischief, throwing paper airplanes across the empty lobby during shows. To commemorate those special times, they got identical paper airplane tattoos. Rachel, a bridesmaid in Melissa's wedding, is thrilled to see her friend back in Hawaii, sharing this momentous occasion together.
Natalie Schack
Natalie Schack - Bridesmaid
Rachel and Natalie were raised on the island of Oahu together. Some of the fond memories they share as children are, mischievously playing Flash secretly in Rachel's room after bedtime while sipping iced water through straws and memories of Natalie getting hurt as a child and Rachel sneaking her a popsicle to put on her owie so she could eat it afterward. One of Rachel's earliest memories is their dad lifting Rachel up on the day of Natalie's birth to look into the newborn baby window at the hospital to see tiny Natalie in the incubator. Rachel is excited to be a first-time Aunty to Natalie's 2-year-old son, Theo, and looks forward to spending time with Natalie and her blossoming family when she comes home to visit.