Wedding Day

Ceremony

The Kingdom Taproom 

Reception

Our Wedding

Its the classic story of West Coast boy meets East Coast girl.... and if marriage is all about compromise, well, the geography did too. In May of 2019, Michael had a 'PCS' or 'permanent change of station' from Osan, South Korea to Wichita KS. That same month, Rachel was hot on the house hunt - she recently matched at the Via Christi Residency program and was planning a big move to Wichita from her Isla del Encanto- Puerto Rico. However, it wasn't until November of that year until they officially met.Michael's good friend, and later roommate, invited him to go out for drinks. After a lot of cajoling, he finally agreed and decided to go downtown. The plan was to stop at a local Korean joint, since they had both been stationed there and eager to reminisce. On the walk towards the restaurant, Michael asked if they could stop at one of Wichita's oldest establishments: a Cigar and Martini bar called 'Morts.'Meanwhile, Rachel's doors were constantly revolving. This week, she had her older brother Justin visiting town. A fun loving guy, he begged Rachel to take him downtown the last night of his trip. Through (admittedly) gritted teeth, she agreed and chose to show off Morts- no better place for live music and meeting people.Rachel and her brother Justin entered first and luckily snagged a lone table- surrounding them were signs saying 'Here at Morts, We share tables!' Just as they were ordering, two men walked in and looked around for available seats- smitten, Rachel immediately nudged Justin and asked him to invite them to their table.Michael and Ponce settled in, ordered a couple of Guinness beers and started making conversation. Michael saw one young lady, with a nice gentleman- and refused to make eye contact, at risk of seeming rude to the young "couple." In the mean time, Rachel was puzzled why this attractive man seemed completely uninterested. Midway through the conversation, Rachel received a hospital page and left the boys to talk- Justin chiming in how his sister is always busy with work... Michael's cue had come. On her arrival back to the table, he was noticeably more chatty.He expressed interest in wanting to go to Israel with his father, which caught Rachel's attention, as the trip was also on her bucket list.A few hours later, on their way out- Justin asked for the numbers of both men 'in case he came to town again.' Walking out to the car, he gave Michael's number to Rachel and emphasized "I really like this guy."They casually dated the course of the next year, but nothing was serious or consistent until both families came to town the following year (December of 2020). On meeting the clans, and hearing the families' roar of approval, they started dating officially January 2021.

Martinis at Morts 

Our Story

Photos

This marathon running missionary momma is not only Rachel's best friend, but also SISTAH. No better person for the job than someone who has been preparing for her wedding speech ROAST since she was a teenager. 

Molly McAuliff 

Tatted up and totally bad ass- this guy has seen it all! He 'rucked' all of Italy and Korea with Michael- shaving off time to be able to make it home and run off to play intramural soccer. He puts the 'AF' in USAF. Cant wait! 

Bobby Lahut

Florida sunshine through and through- 'Rebs' has been with Rachel since she was born (literally, playing with Molly as a 5 year old when Rachels mom was driven to the hospital to deliver). Sweet as a Harvey's Grove orange, tough as a gator- she is a prayer warrior and DEAR friend. 

Rebecca Woolbright

Charisma, charm and lots of coffee, this guy has the motivational powers to move mountains. An Air Force GURU located in London, rumor has it his podcasts are heard by the Queen of England herself. 

Joseph Greco

This Korean-English BOMBSHELL is planning to marry Rachel's brother, Justin, a mere 10 days before R&M tie the knot. As fate would have it 15 months prior, they simultaneously caught the bouquet at Rebecca Woolbright's wedding. 

Jennie Stoy-Engle 

The tallest and (claims to be)  the Handsom-est Mendoza of the family- Bryan is Michael's older brother and defender. Taking heed to Roosevelts 'speak softly and carry a large stick' - he has gotten Michael out of one too many childhood fist fights. 

Bryan Mendoza

This smiling 'Tica has backpacked all throughout Chile, El Salvador and Puerto Rico with Rachel. Never ceasing to bring up cool medical topics, Catholic philosophy and living well- she has been a ROCK since their crazy days at Georgia Tech. 

Paula Barrenechea 

The ULTIMATE host- MUCKEY and his wife opened their doors to Michael as a Bachelor in Italy, taking them on bicycle tours and making meals. Their German Shephard Whiskey was Michael's inspiration to get his own boozey (bougie?)-pooch, Jager Meister. 

Dylan Muckey

Rachel's roommate and fellow medical resident has seen every step of this relationship- always listening, laughing and chipping in words of wisdom. As versatile as her yoga moves, she can be found anywhere from bookstores to bars -where she can out read and out drink the best of them. 

Lauren Haag 

Ponce has been the mover and shaker of R&M's relationship since their fateful meeting at Morts. His forte is pulling Michael into all types of hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars, jumping out of corners to film the proposal and taking care of the dogs while R&M journey off for weekend trips. A real MVP and trustful buddy! 

Alexander Ponce 

Here, smoky voice meets heart of gold- A true role model for Rachel- Margo graduated residency and took on an international fellowship- buying time for the girls to explore the outdoors with their dogs Chimbo and Eliza, all the meanwhile plunging into conversations of God, family and all things medical missions. 

Margo Pray 

Brothers with everything in common except for actually being related, Felix was Michael's go-to-guy growing up. There was no invitation Felix left unsent, he's Mr Popular who pushed Michael to redefine his limits, even inspiring him to 'see the world' and join the Air Force. 

Robin 'Felix' McDonald 

La Prima Querida- Gaby Sue is Rachel's Colombian cousin who is as fit as she is fun. A varsity runner, she and Rachel completed an Atlanta half marathon together- a Turkey trot who for the girls from Florida and Puerto Rico.. was a bit cold and hilly for their tastes. Nonetheless, a bonding moment!

Gaby Sue Engle 

Air Force brothers, Carraway works in 'the shop' with Michael and was even deployed for eight months in the desert. He is never found without a smile on his face and an inappropriate joke ready to fire. God has a sense of humor- Rachel actually delivered his third child her first year of residency. 

Kristofer Carraway 

Wedding Party

Q + A

CALL : 802-748- 1500 (directly linked to the hotel lobby) to secure your rate of $159 per night. Mention the wedding party!

Comfort Inn & Suites Near Burke Mountain

Flying in from out of state can be daunting. Here are a few options: Fly into Boston Airport:Pros: There is a lot of flight flexibility. Also, they have a bus service on the Dartmouth Coach that is a three hour drive and drops you off about 45 mins from St J.Cons: The bus service runs only certain hours, and you will need coordination from one of the team to pick you up from Lebanon NH and drive you up to St Johnsbury. Fly into Burlington:Like Boston, you would need to coordinate your travels out of the airport to St J. I would rent a car:Pros: The city is actually closer (1.5 hours).Cons: There are no bus services Fly into Hartford:The pros: smaller airport than Boston, easy car rental services, a variety of flights in and out.Cons: no bus service and three hours by car from St Johnsbury Fly into AlbanyThe Pros: The Dartmouth Coach also services bus trips from Albany to LebanonCons: like Boston, you will need a ride from Lebanon NH to St Johnsbury VT.

Dartmouth Coach: Bus Terminal

Travel

Mountain biking, hiking, quaint town with coffee shops- its the perfect day trip to explore Vermont.

Burke Mountain

Great Vermont Corn Maze

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

Vermont Bike & Brew

From the Presidential Peaks (Mt Washington) to low lying lake trails- Check out the trails available!

Rachel & Michael

Rachel & Michael

Registry