Burtons Grill & Bar

Rehearsal Dinner

The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel

The Night Before

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour and Reception

Send-Off Brunch

Childcare

We are politely requesting that all children ages 10 and under wait to celebrate with us until after the ceremony. Childcare will be provided for during the ceremony, then we welcome them to join the party! We ask that you please include in your RSVP the number of children and their ages that will be joining in the kids-only fun during the ceremony.

Our Wedding

A Match Worth Waiting For

Have you ever received a text from a friend that read "My mom has a girl for you!"? If your instant reaction to reading that was "Your Mom?", then you and David are very much alike. But, this is truly how the story of David and Rebecca begins. The date was August 29, 2024. David was standing on a basketball court at his workplace, getting ready to play Cornhole. However, before he could begin the game, his phone buzzed, with the name "Kayla Kubitz" popping up. Curiousity got the better of David, and he opened it immediately. You already know what the message said, and what David said back. After some back-and-forth sleuthing messages, David uncovered the full story. Unbeknownst to David, Kayla had taken it upon herself to find him a girlfriend, even going so far as to share her mission with her mom, Susan. Luckily for David, Susan worked as a nurse at a clinic in Clemmons, where Rebecca was working as part of her Rheumatology Fellowship with Wake Forest. On that fateful day, Susan asked Rebecca if she had found a man yet. Rebecca, ready to meet someone and settle down, said she had not and was open to suggestions. As soon as those words reached Susan's ears, she perked up instantly and said, "I have the perfect person for you!" At that point, information and photos were shared, and eventually a mutual light bulb went off for David and Rebecca. As their phones buzzed with what was believed to be the first photo they saw of one another, they both exclaimed, “Hey, I know them!” Yes, in fact David and Rebecca had connected even before this fateful Thursday afternoon. About a year prior, they matched on Hinge, soon after Rebecca had moved to Winston-Salem. They chatted for a little bit on the app, the conversation fizzled, and they both went on with their lives. But, as soon as those photos fluttered onto their screens, they both went right to Hinge to confirm their suspicions. From there, they both agreed they wanted to talk again, and numbers were exchanged. As soon as the conversation began, it never stopped. By the end of the evening, David, already smitten, had asked Rebecca out for their first date. Rebecca agreed immediately, and David went right into planning mode. The date was set for Thursday, but, as was becoming a pattern, the two couldn’t wait to get to know each other. They texted all day and had two long FaceTimes before Thursday, September 5th, rolled around.

A First Date to Remember

David had painstakingly planned every detail for Thursday, from making sure the restaurant was safe for gluten-free, to picking up flowers, and selecting what he thought was the perfect outfit (he found out afterwards that the sweater he was wearing had SEVERAL holes in it… Rebecca said she didn’t notice). The date did have a rocky moment early on, when Rebecca ordered the gluten-free pasta, and it turned out the restaurant was out. David internally panicked, and outwardly apologized, (even though it wasn’t his fault) and offered to take her somewhere else (though he actually had no back-up restaurant). Rebecca was thankfully very understanding and was still able to eat safely. The rest of the date went swimmingly, as the two walked through the streets of Downtown Winston-Salem, at one point hand-in-hand, learning all they could about one another. They walked, talked, and even danced that night. Five hours later, they called it an evening, as Rebecca had to go to work the next day and then fly to New York for a wedding. David, smitten as could be, hopped in the car after dropping Rebecca off and texted several friends “Best First Date of My Life.” It was still a few weeks away, but David already knew that Rebecca was going to be his girlfriend.

The Start of Something Real

Neither could sleep that night, both reveling in what was a truly special evening. David woke up early the next day, around 6 am, and immediately pulled open Rebecca’s contact to start writing down everything she had told him the night before. However, in his early morning slumber, he accidentally clicked on her number, and before he could blink, the phone started ringing. Immediately sent into a panic, David started mashing anywhere he could to disconnect the call, fearful that his mistaken thumb placement would ruin his chances with Rebecca before they even truly began. I mean, c’mon, no one likes to be woken up early, especially doctors…. they get enough annoying middle of the night calls anyways. Thank goodness for Do Not Disturb, as the call did not rise Rebecca from her beauty rest, though she did question why she had a missed call from her date from the night before. Even more thankfully, she forgave David for his "grave" error, and the relationship continued. What followed that unfortunate early morning phone call was a variety of fun-filled, romantic, action-packed dates that drew David and Rebecca closer and closer together. The two played Top Golf, covered each other with paint, discovered a mutual love for several TV shows, enjoyed many meals together (this is how Rebecca came to learn that David can make an insanely good gluten free Mac ‘N Cheese, and David came to learn that Rebecca is an EXPERT mixologist) and got to know each other inside and out. All the while, David was trying to decipher the perfect way to ask Rebecca to be his girlfriend.

The First Surprise (of Many!)

A few days before David asked Rebecca to be his girlfriend, he texted her that he had a surprise date planned for the two of them. He gave her a few vague details (what to wear, general location, if there was walking involved, etc.), but left the rest up to mystery. Luckily for him, Rebecca enjoys surprises. What she would soon come to learn is, David LOVES surprising people. After leading her back to the place where their first date ended just a few short weeks prior, Rebecca walked up to find that a once dreary art deco display had been transformed into a romantic landscape, with rose petals scattered across the ground and streams of twinkling lights strung all throughout the area. With a tremble in his voice, David handed Rebecca a letter, and while she read it, opened a box of gluten free cookies that read “Be My GF GF?”, with the first GF inscribed on top of the Gluten Free symbol. Rebecca finished reading (and boy, does she read QUICKLY), and immediately looked down at the delectable desserts, and said “Yes!” And, even more fortuitous, (because, as David would come to learn, Rebecca really likes photos and videos of all the big moments in her life) he was so glad that he enlisted two of his friends, Jake and Katie, to help set-up, photograph and record the entire thing!

Falling In Love

From there, the couple went on many unforgettable dates. Rebecca showed David the best way to celebrate the fall season, including apple picking, drinking hot apple cider, navigating corn mazes and pumpkin carving. The two celebrated the holidays together, with David bringing Rebecca home for the first time to Orlando in December to meet his parents and grandmother. But the biggest celebration (to that date) was the surprise that David threw for Rebecca for her 33rd birthday. Unbeknownst to Rebecca, David had reached out to her best friends and coordinated a surprise party for her at a makeshift ice-skating rink at the Charlotte Knights’ ballpark. Rebecca and David arrived expecting to spend the day enjoying the Winter Wonderland, but Rebecca was unaware (and so thrilled) to see her best friends from Wisconsin, South Carolina and North Carolina were all there waiting to join in on the fun.

A few weddings and weekend trips later, plus moving into their first apartment together in July, Rebecca countered that birthday surprise soiree with one of her own, planning an entire weekend adventure in Charleston, SC, including a city-wide scavenger hunt that was a blast (even if it felt like it was 1000 degrees outside).

The Proposal

The next few months were surrounded by Rebecca studying dutifully for her rheumatology board exam, which gave David the perfect opportunity to start planning his proposal. The week of the proposal, David was trying to make sure everything was in motion, but things kept getting in the way. First, the initial stages of the worst winter in recent memory struck Winston-Salem, forcing David to shift the proposal inside due to the frigid temperatures. Second, the ice cream shop where he was planning a surprise engagement party after the proposal had pipes burst in the middle of the week. And third, Rebecca started to get sick. Luckily, with David throwing every ounce of good luck (and even prayer!!) he could at the world, all the issues subsided, and the surprise proposal went off without a hitch! Rebecca even found out that she passed her board exam THE DAY BEFORE the proposal, making it truly the most memorable and impactful weekend of their lives.

The proposal was a quintessential surprise. David (and Rebecca’s parents) had completely fooled Rebecca into thinking that they were getting engaged two weeks later in New York City, when really he had planned an extravagant event at The Graylyn Estate, the place where the couple had first said “I Love You” to one another. Rebecca was told that she was going to her birthday party there (since her birthday was 5 days prior), and with the help of her friends Heysel and Bradley, who played their parts beautifully and transported her to the venue from her apartment so David could have time to set up, the surprise proposal was executed to perfection. And afterwards, they celebrated their engagement with a surprise ice cream party with friends and family at Chill Nitro, where David and Rebecca had first gone after officially becoming a couple.

We love our story and are so happy to be sharing our special day with all of you, because each of you are a very important part of what makes our story truly unique and incredible.

Our Story

Bridesmaids

Shelley and Rebecca met junior year of college, and from that moment on, Shelley became Rebecca’s true ride-or-die. Through every high and low, big transition, and late-night heart-to-heart, Shelley has been a constant source of love, strength, and unwavering support. Rebecca still misses their roommate days and all the movie and TV nights that somehow turned into the moments that mattered most. She truly can’t imagine her life without this incredible soul, and there is no one more perfectly suited to stand by her side as Maid of Honor on her wedding day.

Shelley Taylor

Camille and Rebecca have been friends since middle school and officially “friends for life” since 2019.  Camille is the calm, steady presence in Rebecca’s life — always composed, always prepared, and always carrying a giant purse that may or may not contain stolen bananas. From silly middle school songs to adventures around the world, Camille has been there for every chapter, and Rebecca truly can’t imagine her wedding day without Camille by her side.

Camille Bisel

Ellen Ann and Rebecca met as co-fellows in the rheumatology fellowship program at Wake Forest and quickly realized they were the perfect match. From their shared love of energy drinks to overlapping life experiences, it didn’t take long for their bond to form. They’ve had more than a few unforgettable adventures — especially their fun, yet horrifying, trip to a supernatural convention. Rebecca wouldn’t have survived fellowship without Ellen Ann and truly can’t imagine her wedding day without her by her side.

Ellen Ann Sockman

Jennifer is Rebecca’s cousin, but has always felt more like her sister. From Sunday night dinners and family vacations to decades of inside jokes, Jennifer has stood by Rebecca through every high and low of her life. There’s no one who knows her better or loves her more fiercely, and Rebecca truly can’t imagine her wedding day without her cousin-sister by her side.

Jennifer Seay

Ava is the little girl who first made Rebecca “Cousin Becca,” and Rebecca has been lucky enough to watch her grow into the hilarious, smart, and independent woman she is today. Seeing who Ava has become has been one of Rebecca’s greatest joys, and she can’t imagine her special day without Ava standing by her side.

Ava Seay

Emme is the second little girl Rebecca has had the privilege of watching grow up, and Rebecca is incredibly proud of the amazing young woman she has become. Kind, thoughtful, and truly special. Rebecca is honored to have her by her side on her wedding day.

Emme Seay

Lucy is the youngest of the cousin trio — though somehow also the tallest — and Rebecca continues to be amazed by the incredible person she is becoming. Watching Lucy grow has been such a joy, and Rebecca is so excited to have her standing by her side on her wedding day.

Lucy Seay

Sarah and Rebecca met in middle school, went to high school together, and stayed close even while attending different colleges. Sarah is the classic “crazy friend” — a true blonde at heart — and the source of many laughs over the years. From annual beach trips to all the moments in between, Rebecca was honored to stand by Sarah’s side on her wedding day and is so excited to now have Sarah standing by hers.

Sarah Peacock

Heysel and Rebecca met during rheumatology fellowship, and it didn’t take long for them to realize they were twins — not just because they are almost birthday twins, but because they are both fellow introverts at heart. Whether crafting, watching TV, or spending time with Heysel’s very entertaining cats, she brings calm and joy into Rebecca’s life. Rebecca is so grateful to have Heysel standing by her side on her wedding day.

Heysel Lam

Amanda and Rebecca have been friends literally since day one, thanks to their moms being best friends since junior high school. Even after Rebecca moved away as a child, they stayed close through annual family trips, road trips fueled by mozzarella balls from Uncle Giuseppe’s, and adventures out east to Montauk. Amanda has been a constant through every season of Rebecca’s life, and Rebecca is so grateful to have her by her side on her wedding day.

Amanda Demetrio

T.J. and Rebecca met in middle school, where their friendship began with Rebecca bullying him and stealing his pencils and eventually culminated in an everlasting friendship with T.J. officially becoming a “friend for life” in 2018. From sharing custody of a beloved dog (R.I.P Kyle) to traveling the world together, T.J. has been a true constant in Rebecca's life and one of bestest friend's Rebecca has ever had. Rebecca can’t imagine her wedding day without him standing by her side as her bridesman.

T.J. Tkacik

Emery Taylor

William "Briggs" Gribble

Groomsmen

David’s best friend and baseball teammate since 2007, and vacation buddy since they could afford to take them. They went to middle school, high school and college together, and have both lived in NC since 2017. Jury is still out if David is actually following Matt for eternity... But regardless, there is no way David could go through this huge life moment without Matt standing by his side, since he's been there for basically every other one in David's life.

Matt Iannone

David’s brother from another mother, literally. They’ve even lived in the same house together. Whether it’s playing mini golf or baseball, or just cheering on the Patriots, when these two are together, get ready for loud, fun competition. David was Tyler's co-best man in his wedding in Utah, and absolutely could not go through this experience without one of his biggest supporters standing up there with him.

Tyler Homer

They met at summer camp in 2011 and have been inseparable ever since. They’ve taken countless trips all over the U.S. together for vacation or Survivor watch parties, and there isn’t a day that goes by that they don’t text. Whether David needs a laugh, motivation, brutal honesty, or steadfast support, Justin has always been there for him through thick and thin, and truly inspires David to be the best version of himself. 

Justin Fedich

David’s kindred spirit goofball and one of his dearest friends, Linder (as DK refers to him) also shares an affinity with David for Survivor, most racquet sports, and just enjoying being together hanging out as f-f-f-f-f friends. With too many inside jokes to count, you’ll be hard pressed to find these two NOT doubled over in laughter when they are together. DK cannot think of a more supportive guy out there, as Linder truly puts all of his friends and family above everything else, and that has had such a vast impact on DK's life.

David Linder

From West Virginia to Dallas and all points in between, these two have shared many special memories on the radio and in-person. These two can talk sports for hours on end, and if you put a video game controller in their hands, don't expect to hear from them for the rest of the night. They may have a healthy college rivalry between Tulane and North Texas, but you won't find two guys who want the other to succeed more. Kyle even named David as an honorary uncle to his triplets, a role he takes very seriously. 

Kyle Youmans

They’ve lived together, they’ve broadcast games together, they’ve celebrated holidays together and they’ve even been confused for one another. These two have truly done it all, despite only meeting in early 2020. Their affinity for rival AFC East teams is likely the only thing they disagree on, but these two are always there to celebrate each other's successes, in broadcasting and in life.

Gabe Genovesi

You ever just meet someone and know they are the perfect friend for you? That’s what happened when David met Bradley, and he has Rebecca to thank for it! Catch these two planning their next hike, treating themselves with Bagel Station bagels, fighting hard to save digital divorced parents, and hitting the golf course (disc or regular).

Bradley Branham

There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe Brian’s impact on David’s life. He has opened up many, many opportunities for him, and been there for him every step of the way. From being his boss to one of his closest friends, Brian is, has and always will be a massive part of David’s life. 

Brian Boesch

These two met as young pups in 2017 fresh out of college and have watched each other grow both personally and professionally over the years. While they disagree on their favorite sports teams, they love nothing more than when their whole gang gets to reunite. David also wants to remind Joe that he works for the Red Sox, and that's awesome. You're doing a great job, Joe.

Joe Weil

Parents

Steve Szer

Carol Szer

Larry Kahn

Amy Goodblatt

Wedding Party

Q + A

We have secured a number of rooms for our guests at The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte at the rates below. To take advantage of this special group rate, please make your reservation using the direct link below or contact the hotel and mention the "Szer-Kahn Wedding." Please note that, although our hotel block is for Friday and Saturday nights, as long as there is availability, you may extend your stay to a night earlier or a checkout a day later at the same rate. However, you will first need to book your room through the link below, then please reach out to lisa@lisapleasant.com to request an extension of your stay as this has to be done internally to adjust the price. Be sure to book BEFORE NOVEMBER 11, 2026 in order to get our group discount!&nbsp; $279 /night One King Bed$279 /night Two Queen Beds We're looking forward to celebrating with you! Experience exceptional luxury at The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Charlotte’s picturesque Ballantyne Community. The hotel offers a spa, resort-style pools, and elegantly designed rooms featuring plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, desks, mini-bars, and marble-tiled bathrooms with bathrobes, slippers, and premium bath amenities. Guests can enjoy room service, afternoon tea, or dine at the on-site Gallery Restaurant, which serves regionally inspired cuisine. Additional amenities include an indoor pool, salon, sun terrace, fitness center, and scenic walking trails, ensuring a relaxing and indulgent stay.

The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte

We have secured a number of rooms for our guests at Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Ballantyne at the rates below. To take advantage of this special group rate, please make your reservation using the direct link below or contact the hotel and mention the "Szer-Kahn Wedding." Be sure to book BEFORE NOVEMBER 19, 2026 in order to get our group discount! :) $159 /night One King Bed$159 /night Two Queen Beds We're looking forward to celebrating with you! The hotel provides comfortable accommodations with air-conditioned rooms featuring private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, and balconies overlooking the garden or lake, along with convenient extras such as refrigerators and work desks. Guests can dine at the family-friendly restaurant offering American cuisine and a choice of continental, American, or à la carte breakfasts, and relax at the bar, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, or in the lush garden. Additional services include a 24-hour front desk, shuttle service, lounge, minimarket, business area, coffee shop, bicycle parking, express check-in and check-out, and luggage storage, with guests frequently praising the attentive staff and cleanliness of the rooms.

Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Ballantyne

We have secured a number of rooms for our guests at&nbsp;Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne at the rates below. To take advantage of this special group rate, please make your reservation using the direct link below or contact the hotel and mention the "Szer-Kahn Wedding." Be sure to book BEFORE NOVEMBER 20, 2026 in order to get our group discount! :) $169 /night One King Bed$169 /night Two Queen Beds We're looking forward to celebrating with you! Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and offers guests free Wi-Fi, a spa, and an indoor pool. The hotel features modern, air-conditioned and heated rooms with 9-foot ceilings, 55-inch flat-screen cable TVs, ironing facilities, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. Guests can relax at the w xyz bar, enjoy billiards, stay active in the fitness center, and take advantage of free parking and electric vehicle charging at this pet-friendly property. Enjoy live music at the property every Tuesday and Thursday evening!

Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne

Accommodations

Shuttle Service

Please plan to use the provided shuttle from each of our hotels to and from the wedding. 3:00-3:10 Boarding and departure from the Courtyard Ballantyne Hotel 3:15-3:25 Boarding and departure from the Aloft Ballantyne Hotel 3:30 Arrive at the Ballantyne Hotel Shuttles will make two early trips back to each hotel as needed at 9:00 and 10:00, with their final departure at 11:00. Please plan to be safe and to use this service! There is an option that we ask you to use on the RSVP link to indicate the number in your party who is planning to use the shuttles. Thank you!

Provided Shuttle Services

For the wedding and reception, we ask that you dress in cocktail attire. Please reference this article for the proper attire: https://www.brides.com/story/wedding-dress-code-explained#toc-cocktail For the welcome event and Send-Off Brunch, you can dress in casual attire.

Dress Code

Registry

A luxury full-service spa located inside The Ballantyne Hotel &amp; Lodge in Charlotte, NC. It offers therapeutic massages, facials, body treatments, salon services (hair, nails, makeup) and access to wellness amenities like pools, steam room and fitness facilities. All designed for a relaxing, resort-style experience during your hotel stay.

The Spa At Ballantyne, Charlotte

A lively entertainment, dining, and gaming venue located inside The Ballantyne Hotel in Charlotte, NC. It features high-tech Topgolf Swing simulators with golf and non-golf games (like zombie dodgeball and hockey), chef-driven food, craft cocktails, and indoor/outdoor social spaces. Perfect for casual outings, parties, team-building, or special events.

Dunbar Social By TopgolfⓇ Swing Suite at The Ballantyne

A popular upscale open-air shopping and dining destination. It features boutique retail shops, a mix of restaurants &amp; bars, services, offices, and frequent community events in a lively, walkable setting at the heart of the Ballantyne neighborhood.

Ballantyne Village

Community park and green space. It’s popular for walking and running trails, rolling hills, catch-and-release ponds, picnic areas, seasonal events and outdoor festivals.

Ballantyne's Backyard

In the heart of one of North Carolina’s most sought-after neighborhoods, Hestia sits atop the AC Hotel Ballantyne. Serves modern Asian-inspired cuisine, sushi, craft cocktails and panoramic views, making it a popular spot for dinner, drinks and special occasions with a lively atmosphere.

Hestia Rooftop

Fun, casual Baja-style Mexican taco spots in Charlotte known for fresh seafood tacos, burritos, dips and margaritas in a laid-back, festive atmosphere. They’re favorites for flavorful Baja fish tacos and creative twists on Mexican classics.

Cabo Fish Taco

Farm-to-table New American fare in a refined venue with a full bar, cigars &amp; outdoor terraces.

Gallery Restaurant

Upscale wine bar with upscale food, cocktails, and entertainment.

Tap and Vine Stonecrest

Food stalls, public art, shops &amp; events in a complex once used as a car factory &amp; military depot.

Camp North End

A social destination featuring duckpin bowling, pinball, old school entertainment, craft beers and classic cocktails.

Pins Mechanical Co

Museum showcasing international art, plus live performances &amp; educational programs for all ages.

Mint Museum Uptown

Discovery Place Science is a science and technology museum, located in Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina. Discovery Place Science operates The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theater, also referred to as an OMNIMAX theater. It is the largest IMAX Dome Theater in the Carolinas.

Discovery Place Science

The NASCAR Hall of Fame, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, honors drivers who have shown expert skill at NASCAR driving, all-time great crew chiefs and owners, broadcasters and other major contributors to competition within the sanctioning body.

NASCAR Hall of Fame

A botanical garden located on 380 acres of rolling meadows, woodlands and lakefront property in Belmont, North Carolina.

Daniel Stowe Conservancy

NoDa Brewing Company proudly brews craft beer for NC &amp; SC. 3 tap rooms in the Charlotte area, a beer garden, brewery tours, disc golf, cornhole and a run club. Grab a beer at our North End or OG taproom where there's something for everyone and all are welcome!

NoDa Brewing Company

The Uptown cafe features a lavish events and catering space, dedicated pick-up lines for those who are short on time, and ample seating to enjoy the Uptown views and vibes.

Amélie's French Bakery & Café

STK is a unique concept that artfully blends the modern steakhouse and a chic lounge into one, offering a dynamic, fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse.

STK Steakhouse

Things to Do

Photos

Attire: smart casual 4:30pm-5:30pm Rehearsal: Ballantyne Hotel Ballroom 6:00pm-6:30pm Welcome Cocktails at Burton's Grill &amp; Bar in Charlotte (1601 E Woodlawn Rd) 6:30pm Toasts! 6:30pm-8:30pm Plated Dinner 9:00pm-11:00pm Welcome Party @ The Gallery Bar

9:00am-11:00am Send off brunch for the Bride and Groom @ The Ballantyne Hotel More details to come!

Rebecca & David

Rebecca & David

Photos