Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our story began, as all classic romances do, in medical school. Somehow amongst the long hours of studying, numerous tests, and thousands of cups of coffee, we found an unexpected silver lining.Pictured: White Coat Ceremony, 2021

Our Beginning 

Our first year of dates spanned the city. From the Crossroads Art Fair, to evenings at the Green Lady Lounge, and study dates at Thou Mayest, we explored the best (and somewhat questionable) corners of Kansas City.Pictured: Fun fact! The top photo is the very first picture we took together, 2022.

Early Days

We attended all four of our "Medical School Proms" (or formally known as "A Grand Affair") together, with some of our nearest and dearest. These nights hold a special place in our story. Pictured: (Left) M2 Year, (Top right) M1 year, (Bottom Right) M4 year with our KUSOM family.

Med School Prom

We will let you in on a little secret: we love to travel.From our first trip to Cabo San Lucas in 2022, we have been blessed to travel near and far; from the shores of Croatia, to the ice topped mountains in Canada, and on to the flats of Iceland-and briefly through the all of the pubs in Dublin- we have bonded over a love of adventure.Lets just say, there are few barometers for a relationship quite like loosing your passport abroad and being stuck in foreign country for five days with a medical boards exam on Monday.

Let the Traveling Begin

We graduated together in May of 2025, and began our residency careers the following July at KUMC. Intern year has been trying at the best of times but we have only grown closer in the chaos.

Graduation and Beyond

Watch band tans and all, we can't wait to see what our future holds, together.

Our Next Chaper

Our Story

Photos

My sister from the same mister. Our relationship has seen many phases of life (even the unfortunate pre-teen era) to bring us to the genuine love and friendship we now share. I am grateful to have her as my sister and I can't imagine having anyone else by my side. 

Kristen Willhite

Best friends since we met in high school and never looked back! Have been able to travel the world together from Spain, Cuba, Switzerland, Ireland, etc. 

Dr. Jake Lynn

My sister from another mister.  My best friend in every sense of the word. From meeting sophomore year at college we sort of just clicked, and that was it. Headstrong, loyal, and hilarious-she is the "yin to my yang" and I can't wait to celebrate all of our special life events together. 

Dr. Lenna Nikravan

My brother, my childhood friend, and loyal protector-Jake is a special piece of who I am today. Years may pass and our relationship evolves but he will always be the big brother I look up to and the partner in crime if I need it. 

Jacob Dukes

Been close friends since theatre tech class in high school and have kept in close touch since. Always catch up and bond over movies and The Peanut on Main. 

Bernie O'Boyle 

Though "technically" my niece, Savannah was more like a bonus sister growing up-though we were often confused as cousins. She is a prime feature of my childhood and beyond, a key piece of who I am today. Though we have gotten older, I still can't seem to pull the "Aunt card" like my 5 year old self once hoped. 

Savannah Kaiser

Carpooled to Rockhurst together freshman year of high school and have kept in close touch since.  Have bonded over a mutual love of sports - Go Blue!

Carter Selzer

The baby sister I never had, though technically, my "not so little" niece. From helping with her first bath to watching her sing solo on the big stage-I am beyond proud of the young woman she is becoming. I am grateful to have her stand up beside me in this next chapter of life. 

Scarlett Willhite

Survived being roommates together for three years of college! Got to travel through Spain, Morocco and Germany together while abroad. 

Matthew Santola 

One of my first and closest friends in medical school--I am honestly not sure that I would have made it to graduation without her. From long nights studying together to meal prep Sundays at our home on Stateline, Caroline has always been a positive light in my life. I am thankful for all of the memories made and those yet to come. 

Dr. Caroline Ford

Met at Wake Forest freshman year and went into the same fraternity. Lived together senior year and have been close ever since. Watch out for his wicked moves on the dance floor!

Teddy Barbe 

My favorite co-resident and future "anesthesiologist in crime". Joy and I felt like lifelong friends as soon as we bonded during the Match season. I can't wait for all of the years and Chipotle dates to come. 

Dr. Joy Chang

Met at Wake Forest freshman year and went into the same fraternity. Lived together senior year and have been close ever since. Rounding out the fourth member of the 'House of Wizards' from college. Worked together at Campus Gas at Wake. Bonding over craft beers, running and a love of sports (even though he supports Liverpool) 

Kyler Zadell

Met at Rockhurst High School and became close friends following the Kairos retreat. Reunited in medical. A great friend and study partner. 

Colin Slaymaker 

My favorite Irish, Kelly's loving, alpha gal, gal. Time and distance never seem to dampen our friendship and I am so grateful for every moment. I can't wait to share our special days together!

Colleen Kerr

Wedding Party

Hotel Kansas City - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Travel

One of our favorite restaurants in Kansas City! Located in a cozy corner of the Brookside neighborhood, it is well known for quality seafood. Rachel is an oyster fiend and this is the best place in town for them.

Earl's Premier

Another one of our favorite restaurants in KC! This has been our anniversary spot since the beginning. Small plates style. An excellent cocktail list and wine selection. A bit on the pricer side, but if you're looking for a nice date night - this is your spot.

The Antler Room

Hand Roll Sushi Bar in the Crossroad's Arts District downtown. If you like sushi this is the best spot in town by a landslide. You can sit around the kitchen area watching them prepare your meal. Don't miss the Wagyu roll - it's so worth it!

Kata Nori Hand Roll Bar

Unpretentious, delicious breakfast. It gets the job done every, single time. Be prepared though, there might be a bit of a wait.

Succotash

Another fantastic choice for breakfast downtown if you're looking for a nostalgic diner feel.

City Diner

A Kansas City Classic! No trip to KC is complete without splitting a BLT, half-dozen buffalo wings, and a pitcher of domestic beer with a good pal.

Peanut on Main

Located inside a little bar in Waldo South of Downtown is likely the best burger in KC. Only online orders so order ahead and pop in for a cocktail/beer before you pick up a mouthwatering burger from the order window. A great quick snack on the ride downtown. Bonus - there is a new Cosmo Burger location offering more sit-down style with a near comparable burger offering a good late night snack after a night on the town.

Cosmo Burger

The best bagel in KC located in Brookside right next to our favorite brewery in town in BKS. Expect a long line so get there early before they sell out!

Luca Bagel Brookside

The best brewery in town. Fantastic vibe on the patio if the weather permits. Call to Plate Italian across the street and they will walk over some pizzas for you. Some of the best IPAs in the country and fantastic selection of light beers. A bonus new location in the Crossroads arts district!

BKS Artisan Ales

#2 brewery in KC right behind BKS located near downtown. Also a fantastic patio. Selection of light beers, IPAs and dark beers - does not miss.

Alma Mader Brewing

The best Speakeasy in town. Go down the stairs to wait for a table. Green means go. Red means sit and wait. Great menu and they will make some off menu that are great should you tell them what you like. CASH ONLY.

Swordfish Tom's

Make a reservation online. Behind the Hotel's check-in desk is a trap door to bring you down to the speakeasy. out FIRST DATE spot!

P.S. Speakeasy

Maybe the best view in KC - drinks are on the more expensive side but worth every penny. Make a reservation early for a drink and an amazing view. Grab a couple photos and head out to your next spot. A fantastic date night spot.

The Mercury Room Bar

Live jazz in Downtown KC - do not miss this spot! Great place to go out and hit the town.

Green Lady Lounge

Things to Do

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

Dress Code

Registry

If you have a question that isn't answered here, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help however we can and want your trip to Kansas City to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible!

Rachel & Matthew

Rachel & Matthew

R&M

Wedding Day