Rachael & Michael
Rachael & Michael
Our Story
WEDDING CELEBRATION: It's a Go!
We are happy to say we will be hosting our wedding celebration on May 1st. Details (time and place) will be the same as the original date. Invitations will be sent out in early March. We look forward to celebrating with you!
We're excited to celebrate our special day with you. In light of COVID-19, The Annapolis Maritime Museum will be taking necessary precautions to ensure a safe and joyous celebration. At this date, we are permitted to have 75 guests (hopefully, that number will be 100 by May).
All guests will have their temperature checked before entering the venue. You are encouraged to bring your face mask for the safety of yourself and others.
If you feel unwell or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home.
With love,
Michael and Rachael
RSVP to MRDonehower@gmail.com by the end of March 2021
OUR STORY:
Brought to you by our Public Education System...
Mike and Rachael met the first day of the 2015- 2016 school year. It was Mike's third year at MacArthur Middle School on Ft. Meade, MD and it was Rachael's first year (and first 'real job' ever!). Rachael remembers sitting next to Mike at their first faculty meeting and thinking, "Hm, he's kinda cute." Mike remembers observing Rachael decorate her classroom and thinking, "Damn, too bad she went to Penn State and not Maryland".
By the time the first marking period ended, Mike and Rachael were close friends. They planned lessons together, graded assignments side-by-side, and even journeyed to the copy room as partners. It didn't take too long for students (and staff!) to start making comments. "You two go everywhere together!" "Just get married already!" "Mr. Donehower and Miss Owens, sitting in a tree..." The peer pressure worked!
Their first official 'date' was the Penn State v. Maryland football game played in Baltimore at the end of October 2015. One short year later, they were living together and adopted a feline son, Bub (Oscar). Now, as most families do, their family has grown to include Bonnie- a Lab/Shepard mix. But their story is far from over! We can't wait for you to join us as we transition to our next chapter.
MORE ABOUT RACHAEL & MICHAEL:
More about Rachael & Michael:
When did you get engaged?
Both: May 26th, 2018
When/how did you first fall in love with your significant other?
She said: How: seeing him with his 6th grade students. His endless patience and kindness with such a tough age group really put me in awe. I think 'when' I fell in love with him was when he went on his annual 'golf-trip' to Myrtle Beach in May and I could not stop thinking about him and how much I missed just talking to him every day.
He said: Texting her during my Myrtle Beach trip because I missed her so much. That is when I knew I couldn't be without her. She helped that love grow through her endless kindness and support during my third year teaching (which was a tough one).
What's the most memorable date you've had?
She said: Our first year together I had the best apartment in downtown Annapolis. Mike and I would spend many nights walking around and 'crawling' through the various bars. It was there, watching football, that I learned the importance of the Texans.
He said: The first one- the Penn State/Maryland game in Baltimore. It had everything: tailgating, football, and later oysters and bar food. It was the perfect night.
What quality do you most admire about the other person?
She said: I admire most about Mike is how observant he is. I thought I was such an oddball for people watching and sometimes even listening in on people's conversations in bars- but he is just as bad! He also notices when my mood shifts even in the slightest. I can't hide anything from him!
He said: The thing I admire most about Rachael is her strength. No matter what is thrown at her she always bounces back and shows a positive attitude. It has helped me become a stronger person as well.
How would you describe the style of your wedding?
She said: We want a simple wedding, for sure. I want people to feel comfortable and have a great time. There is nothing worse than feeling too dressed-up to drink or eat. Also, we want to incorporate the Bay as much as possible.
He said: Simple, but fun.
What's been the most fun detail of your wedding to plan?
She said: I feel so accomplished when I can check something off of the 'wedding list'.
He said: I enjoyed finding a great venue. We both fell in love with the Maritime Museum right away and we can't wait to enjoy it on our wedding day.
What do you look most forward to: the wedding day or the honeymoon?
Both said: The wedding- we have a countdown going for 2 years! When the 'big day' comes, it's going to be pretty sweet. Plus, seeing our family and friends all gathered to celebrate us is going to be awesome!
What is your ideal drink and food to be served at the wedding?
She said: We have a pretty awesome signature drink planned that I am excited for! And definitely something greasy (late night pizza, anyone?!)
He said: Something fruity, and beer (that's a food, right?).
What moment of your wedding day are you most anticipating?
She said: I can't wait to see my entire family together in Annapolis. And of course, that first sip of alcohol and first bite of food at the reception.
He said: I can’t wait to see Rachael walk down the aisle! And all my friends on the dance floor (some of their dance moves are legendary)
How will you feel when the wedding planning is all over?
She said: Wedding planning is no joke! It was an experience for sure, but I’m sure I’ll be ready to get back to ‘normal’ (boring) life.
He said: Relaxed! It will be great to finally say we are a husband and wife (finally!) (and to not have to answer any more 'wedding' questions- sorry Rachael).