Sacred Heart Church

Ceremony

Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel

Reception

Our Wedding

Erie, PA: Known for its sparkling waters, outdoor activities, and historical events, this small Pennsylvania city is also the home of the beginning of our story. A year ahead of Brody, Rachel and Brody both attended Mercyhurst University and played lacrosse. Rachel and Brody knew of one another, having been in a sports medicine class together, but they did not interact much due to Rachel being a sophomore and him a freshman. It was not until the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams began to hang out that they officially met. During one specific afternoon, Brody saw Rachel in her element: standing in a backyard, wearing a t-shirt and shorts, sunglasses and a ponytail, having a good time with her friends. Brody immediately knew she was “the one”. “Everything about her felt different,” he said. However, he was intimidated because Rachel, with her big personality, let it be known she did not feel the same. She had no interest in Brody or dating, especially dating a freshman on the lacrosse team. For the next few years, Brody was persistent, asking Rachel to go out with him and give him a chance. Rachel was indignant; she shot him down time after time. Brody’s insistence was admirable, but became a bit of a joke amongst the lacrosse teams. Everyone knew how much he liked Rachel, but her stubborn streak seemed to last forever. As the end of Rachel’s time at Mercyhurst got closer, her friends finally convinced her to “just give Brody a chance”. Rachel caved and they went on their first date. A few weeks later, in April 2022, they became official. Rachel and Brody dated for a little over 2 years. They spent time apart as Brody finished his time at Mercyhurst and Rachel returned home to Pittsburgh. They reunited when Brody got a job in Cranberry, PA, then relocated to Charlotte, NC. No matter where they were, Rachel and Brody made the most of their time together: traveling, golfing, cheering for the Steelers and Packers, or spending quiet date nights cooking at home. In August 2024, on the last day of vacation in Hilton Head, Rachel casually mentioned what type of engagement ring she would like on a car ride home from the beach, not knowing the exact ring would be on her finger a few hours later. While enjoying their last night, Rachel’s parents, Rachel, and Brody spent some time on the boardwalk. When Rachel’s parents decided to go home, Brody insisted they stay to take some pictures of him and Rachel by the sunset. Rachel claimed he was “being weird” with his insistence, but went along with it. As Mrs. Hirst took pictures, Brody turned one picture into a moment Rachel did not expect. He got down on one knee, surprising Rachel and her family, and the rest is history.

Our Story

Photos

Hannah Hirst

Dillon Gump

Meghan Gump 

Ryan Gump

Peter Hirst

Adrienne White

Nick Gralewski 

Mackenzie Murphy

Shawn Doran

Erin Cox

Jon Scherer

Grace Petnuch

Sarah Petnuch

Steve Katz

Wedding Party

For the convenience of our guests, we have reserved a block of hotel rooms at the reception venue The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel. Transportation will be provided for hotel guests to and from the ceremony and to the reception venue. Click the link below for information related to the discounted group hotel rate and making reservations. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call, or text me or Brody. Note: There is a Pirates baseball game the same evening. Hotel availability will sell quickly. Hotel Information: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1728671990574&amp;key=GRP&amp;guestreslink2=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your group rate for Hirst-Gump Wedding</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Last Day to Book:&nbsp;Monday, August 18, 2025 Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel107 6th StreetPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, 15222

Transportation will be provided for hotel guests to and from the ceremony and to the reception venue. For additional hotel accommodations follow the website below:

Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh-Downtown

Hotel and Information

Senator John Heinz History Center

Duquesne Incline

Carnegie Science Center

The Andy Warhol Museum

National Aviary

Pittsburgh Things to Do

When Do I Need to RSVP By?

Please use the RSVP card provided with your invitation and respond by August 15. Our vendor requires a head count shortly after. Any unanswered RSVP's will be counted as not attending. Thank you for your understanding.

Attire

Cocktail attire. Men are asked to wear a suit and tie or sport coat, dress slacks and tie. Ladies are encouraged to wear a cocktail dress. The bridesmaids are wearing a light dusty blue if you want to avoid that color.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Registry

Transportation will be provided for hotel guests to the ceremony and from the ceremony to the reception venue.

Transportation for Hotel Guests