We kindly ask you to join us for an unplugged ceremony—no photos, please. Feel free to take pictures during the reception! To ensure a relaxing evening, we request no children at the ceremony or reception. Thank you for understanding!
We kindly ask you to join us for an unplugged ceremony—no photos, please. Feel free to take pictures during the reception! To ensure a relaxing evening, we request no children at the ceremony or reception. Thank you for understanding!
Just shy of three years apart, Rachel's big sister Sarah has been by her side through it all. Some of Rachel's fondest memories with Sarah include playing manhunt in the front yard, watching Sarah master Tony Hawk Underground, and unforgettable family vacations to the Outer Banks—not to mention Sarah's impressive skimboarding skills. Rachel grows prouder of her big sister each day and is honored to have such a devoted, loving sister as her maid of honor!
Sarah and Rachel's friendship began in 8th grade when they both moved from southern states to Plainfield, Illinois, and immediately formed an unbreakable bond. It was on the school bus where they first shared their love for the phrase, "Y’all come back now, ya hear?"—a phrase that became part of their story. Through the years, Sarah has stood by Rachel’s side during both the joyful and challenging moments, and Rachel has always considered her not just a friend, but a sister. Sarah’s loyalty, love, and unwavering support have been a true blessing to Rachel, and she is beyond grateful to have Sarah O. as her matron of honor.
Sarah is a mother of four beautiful children, two of whom will be in the wedding party. Her devotion to her family and friends is evident in everything she does. Rachel feels deeply honored to have Sarah by her side as her matron of honor on this special day.
Rachel's cousin Elizabeth is yet another sister figure in her life. Some of their fondest memories include playing Nancy Drew games, having Barbie doll weddings, dancing to the Sailor Moon intro in the living room, and playing in their Grandma Marjorie's makeup. Elizabeth has been a constant in Rachel's life, no matter what. Rachel is not only proud to have her by her side as a bridesmaid but also proud of the beautiful person she has grown into today.
Colleen and Rachel met during Rachel's sophomore year of high school. The red Thunderbird, high school parties, beach days, tanning bed trips (too many), and lots of trouble (sorry, Mom and Dad) not only shaped their friendship but also helped shape who they are today. Colleen remains a supportive and loyal friend to Rachel to this day. Rachel is incredibly proud and honored to have Colleen by her side as her bridesmaid. She grows prouder of Colleen each day, especially since Colleen gave birth to her beautiful son, Remy, in April and became a physician's assistant in October! GO COLLEEN!
Marissa and Rachel have been friends since Anatomy class in college. Their shared goal of wanting to get into the medical field created an immediate bond. Marissa is not only loyal and always just a call away, but she’s also been there for Rachel unconditionally, no matter what. From beach days with her son Mason, joyrides in the silver Honda, new apartments, learning and growing from life’s hardships together, to watching Marissa raise two beautiful children, Marissa will always hold a special place in Rachel's heart. Rachel is honored and blessed by their loyal friendship and is so thankful to have Marissa by her side as a bridesmaid!
Steve and Jared met when their parents began dating and quickly became great friends before becoming brothers. Steve was fortunate to grow up with two older brothers to look up to. Even though they mostly abused this power by daring him to jump out of windows, shave his head and eat tadpoles. Steve is excited have Jared as a groomsman by his side.
Steve met his soon-to-be older brother, Stephen, when they literally ran into each other in the tubes at Discovery Zone, where their parents were meeting for a date and to introduce their kids. It didn’t take long before Stephen embraced the typical older brother role, daring Steve to eat tadpoles and jump out of windows. As they grew older, they bonded over their shared love of Mixed Martial Arts and Jiu-jitsu. Steve is both excited and thankful to have Stephen by his side as a groomsman.
Steve and Matt met while training for fights at the gym they both worked at. They quickly became best friends and have been irritating everyone around them ever since. Steve is honored and a little nervous to have Matt as his best man.
A fellow chiropractor, Steve and Courtney met at a clinic they both worked at. They quickly discovered they both have a passion for helping people while maintaining a very elegant and refined sense of humor. Steve is honored to have Court by his side as a groomsman.
Steve and Brian met while Brian was teaching jiu-jitsu. Steve has been training with Brian for the last two years and through jiu-jitsu they have developed a strong bond. Steve is honored to have Brian by his side as a groomsman.
Mason is Rachel’s 10-year-old nephew—and a handsome one at that! Rachel is incredibly proud to watch him continue to grow and learn in life. Mason recently started playing hockey, following in his father’s footsteps. While he can’t wear ice skates down the aisle, he will still glide like a pro. Rachel is especially proud of how Mason honors and keeps the spirit of his baby brother, Carter, alive in his heart and how wonderful he is as a big brother to baby Charlotte. She cannot wait to see Mason walk down the aisle as a ring bearer. LOVE YOU 3000!
Kenan is the proud son of Sarah Once, the Matron of Honor. He is a 5-year-old ring bearer who loves cars and just started preschool this year. Kenan takes his role as little brother to Mia (our flower girl) and big brother to Barron and Barbara very seriously! He is excited to celebrate this special day with Rachel and Steve, who have been such a big part of the Once’s lives and feel like family!
Mia, the 7-year-old daughter of Sarah Once, the Matron of Honor, will proudly serve as the flower girl for Rachel and Steve’s wedding. With her vibrant personality, boundless energy, and zest for life, Mia lights up every room she enters. A second-grader with a love for adventure, she recently started jiu-jitsu, following in Steve’s footsteps, and is already mastering her moves! Mia is thrilled to be part of this special day and can’t wait to sprinkle petals and joy down the aisle as we celebrate two of her favorite people.