Meet Our People.
We are immeasurably blessed to get to spend our special day with the people we love most in the world. Read on to learn who is in our wedding party and why they mean so much to us.
Erin Trager-Kusman
Rachel and Erin grew up together in Wheaton, Illinois. They believe that God always intended for them to be friends - even though they went to separate high schools, God always brought them back together for random adventures, things like mission trips in the Appalachian Mountains or vacations with their respective sets of grandparents in Naples, Florida. They both attended Pepperdine University, which is where their friendship truly blossomed. Though they're no longer neighbors like they were in Illinois and California (Erin and her husband, Michael, own and operate two wonderful restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky), Rachel and Erin are more than friends - they are truly sisters. Rachel is so blessed to have Erin as her Matron of Honor.
Rachel and Erin grew up together in Wheaton, Illinois. They believe that God always intended for them to be friends - even though they went to separate high schools, God always brought them back together for random adventures, things like mission trips in the Appalachian Mountains or vacations with their respective sets of grandparents in Naples, Florida. They both attended Pepperdine University, which is where their friendship truly blossomed. Though they're no longer neighbors like they were in Illinois and California (Erin and her husband, Michael, own and operate two wonderful restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky), Rachel and Erin are more than friends - they are truly sisters. Rachel is so blessed to have Erin as her Matron of Honor.
Karli Spence
Rachel met Karli during her freshman year at Pepperdine. They roomed together during their sophomore year and the rest is history - they ended up living together for the remainder of college, including being roommates during two stints in London, once for a semester abroad and once for a summer internship program. Karli is one of the most steadfastly loyal, honest, and true people that Rachel knows, which makes her the perfect candidate to be an occupational therapist in Culver City, California, where she lives with her husband, Nick. The two girls share the same sense of humor, zest for life, and passion for lake lifestyles, frosty adult beverages, and food (lots of it). Rachel is so excited to have Karli as her Matron of Honor.
Rachel met Karli during her freshman year at Pepperdine. They roomed together during their sophomore year and the rest is history - they ended up living together for the remainder of college, including being roommates during two stints in London, once for a semester abroad and once for a summer internship program. Karli is one of the most steadfastly loyal, honest, and true people that Rachel knows, which makes her the perfect candidate to be an occupational therapist in Culver City, California, where she lives with her husband, Nick. The two girls share the same sense of humor, zest for life, and passion for lake lifestyles, frosty adult beverages, and food (lots of it). Rachel is so excited to have Karli as her Matron of Honor.
Christy Dolinger
Christy is James's older sister (who also attended Harding University), and she is truly an inspiration to Rachel. Christy and her husband, Brian (who will be officiating the wedding!), served as missionaries in Rwanda for four years, and they have incredible stories about the time they spent there. She is the mother to three adorable children, Levi, Lydia, and Esther, and both Rachel and James admire Christy and Brian's parenting skills. The Dolingers live just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Rachel can't wait to have Christy as both a sister and a bridesmaid.
Christy is James's older sister (who also attended Harding University), and she is truly an inspiration to Rachel. Christy and her husband, Brian (who will be officiating the wedding!), served as missionaries in Rwanda for four years, and they have incredible stories about the time they spent there. She is the mother to three adorable children, Levi, Lydia, and Esther, and both Rachel and James admire Christy and Brian's parenting skills. The Dolingers live just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Rachel can't wait to have Christy as both a sister and a bridesmaid.
Clare Fabrizio
Clare is James's younger sister (another Harding grad!), and she, too, inspires Rachel. She and her husband, Dylan, recently returned from Japan, where they taught English for two years. They now live in Midland, Texas, and raise the most adorable cow on the planet, a Jersey girl named Elsie. Clare is so easygoing and calm-natured - she is truly a joy to be around. She has such a sweet spirit and a servant's heart, and she is so hardworking, qualities that allow her to pursue her dream of going back to school to get an advanced degree in nursing. Rachel is grateful to have Clare as both a sister and a bridesmaid.
Clare is James's younger sister (another Harding grad!), and she, too, inspires Rachel. She and her husband, Dylan, recently returned from Japan, where they taught English for two years. They now live in Midland, Texas, and raise the most adorable cow on the planet, a Jersey girl named Elsie. Clare is so easygoing and calm-natured - she is truly a joy to be around. She has such a sweet spirit and a servant's heart, and she is so hardworking, qualities that allow her to pursue her dream of going back to school to get an advanced degree in nursing. Rachel is grateful to have Clare as both a sister and a bridesmaid.
Kyla Kiser
Rachel met Kyla when she moved to Dallas in September of 2009. She met Kyla through Laura Busby (who you'll meet next!) and the two instantly recognized that they were kindred spirits - they laughed at all of the same things, and they cried over the same things. Kyla brings so much joy to Rachel's life - she has the quickest wit, and she makes Rachel laugh harder than almost anyone else. Kyla is an incredible friend whom Rachel sometimes calls her therapist - she is always there to lend a listening ear or a word of wise advice. Kyla's compassion is evident in her job as a fifth grade teacher for children with learning differences. Rachel is thankful that Kyla will stand up for her as her bridesmaid on her wedding day.
Rachel met Kyla when she moved to Dallas in September of 2009. She met Kyla through Laura Busby (who you'll meet next!) and the two instantly recognized that they were kindred spirits - they laughed at all of the same things, and they cried over the same things. Kyla brings so much joy to Rachel's life - she has the quickest wit, and she makes Rachel laugh harder than almost anyone else. Kyla is an incredible friend whom Rachel sometimes calls her therapist - she is always there to lend a listening ear or a word of wise advice. Kyla's compassion is evident in her job as a fifth grade teacher for children with learning differences. Rachel is thankful that Kyla will stand up for her as her bridesmaid on her wedding day.
Laura Busby
Laura is the first person that Rachel met when she moved to Dallas, thanks to an introduction from Rachel's journalism professor and Laura's sister (a longer story for another time). Rachel has met literally everyone she knows and loves in Dallas through Laura, including James! Laura introduced Rachel to James in February of 2011 and set the wheels into motion for a truly wonderful love story. Laura is one of the most trustworthy, dependable people that Rachel knows, and both of these traits make her an excellent e-commerce coordinator for the Dallas-based luxury bedding company, Peacock Alley. She is one of Rachel's very favorite travel partners because she is always up for an adventure (alongside Kyla, they've been to Paris, London, Austin, New York, Palm Springs, Marfa, and Fredricksburg together, and they hope to add more cities to the list). Rachel can't imagine life in Dallas without Laura in it. She is grateful that Laura will be one of her bridesmaids.
Laura is the first person that Rachel met when she moved to Dallas, thanks to an introduction from Rachel's journalism professor and Laura's sister (a longer story for another time). Rachel has met literally everyone she knows and loves in Dallas through Laura, including James! Laura introduced Rachel to James in February of 2011 and set the wheels into motion for a truly wonderful love story. Laura is one of the most trustworthy, dependable people that Rachel knows, and both of these traits make her an excellent e-commerce coordinator for the Dallas-based luxury bedding company, Peacock Alley. She is one of Rachel's very favorite travel partners because she is always up for an adventure (alongside Kyla, they've been to Paris, London, Austin, New York, Palm Springs, Marfa, and Fredricksburg together, and they hope to add more cities to the list). Rachel can't imagine life in Dallas without Laura in it. She is grateful that Laura will be one of her bridesmaids.
Becca Patterson
Rachel met Becca during their freshman year at Pepperdine. They pledged the same sorority and became close friends while in a P.E. class together during their second semester of college. Most notably, they lived in an amazing (and hilarious) double-wide trailer in Malibu together after graduating from Pepperdine, and they have been the best of friends ever since. Rachel can always count on Becca for accountability, prayer, advice, and wisdom. Becca is extremely thoughtful and detail-oriented, serving her well in her career as an editor for a healthcare publisher in Nashville, Tennessee. Becca is an incredible listener and an amazingly supportive friend who is both patient and kind. Rachel is so honored that Becca will serve as a bridesmaid on her wedding day.
Rachel met Becca during their freshman year at Pepperdine. They pledged the same sorority and became close friends while in a P.E. class together during their second semester of college. Most notably, they lived in an amazing (and hilarious) double-wide trailer in Malibu together after graduating from Pepperdine, and they have been the best of friends ever since. Rachel can always count on Becca for accountability, prayer, advice, and wisdom. Becca is extremely thoughtful and detail-oriented, serving her well in her career as an editor for a healthcare publisher in Nashville, Tennessee. Becca is an incredible listener and an amazingly supportive friend who is both patient and kind. Rachel is so honored that Becca will serve as a bridesmaid on her wedding day.
Erin Pommer
Rachel and Erin met at the beginning of college, thanks to their two friends from high school who met at college, made the realization that they both had friends at Pepperdine, and told each girl to find the other and introduce herself. Those two girls knew what they were doing because Rachel and Erin became inseparable from that fortuitous moment on. They studied abroad in London together, trained for a marathon together, ate lots of breakfast burritos together, studied for their communication classes together, and traveled together. Erin cooked so much good food for Rachel throughout their college years, preparing her to be the director of events at Frasca Food and Wine (based in Boulder, Colorado, where she lives with her husband, Dave). Erin is Rachel's iron - she sharpens her and teaches her what it means to be a true friend. Rachel is so blessed that Erin will be a bridesmaid in her wedding.
Rachel and Erin met at the beginning of college, thanks to their two friends from high school who met at college, made the realization that they both had friends at Pepperdine, and told each girl to find the other and introduce herself. Those two girls knew what they were doing because Rachel and Erin became inseparable from that fortuitous moment on. They studied abroad in London together, trained for a marathon together, ate lots of breakfast burritos together, studied for their communication classes together, and traveled together. Erin cooked so much good food for Rachel throughout their college years, preparing her to be the director of events at Frasca Food and Wine (based in Boulder, Colorado, where she lives with her husband, Dave). Erin is Rachel's iron - she sharpens her and teaches her what it means to be a true friend. Rachel is so blessed that Erin will be a bridesmaid in her wedding.
Joe Szostak
Joe and James were roommates at Harding University. If they weren't playing XBOX, making Fourth Meal runs to Taco Bell, or sprinting away from Harding Security (for no reason, they promise...), they were hitting the books. Since they met, Joe has been there for James without any hesitation. Joe is a United States Marine Corps Captain stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his wife, Katie, and his son, Kellen. James considers Joe to be a present-day hero, and he couldn't be more proud to have him as his Best Man.
Joe and James were roommates at Harding University. If they weren't playing XBOX, making Fourth Meal runs to Taco Bell, or sprinting away from Harding Security (for no reason, they promise...), they were hitting the books. Since they met, Joe has been there for James without any hesitation. Joe is a United States Marine Corps Captain stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his wife, Katie, and his son, Kellen. James considers Joe to be a present-day hero, and he couldn't be more proud to have him as his Best Man.
Andrew Johnson
Andrew is Rachel's younger brother (and fellow Pepperdine graduate), and he never ceases to liven up both James and Rachel's lives. He makes James laugh harder than almost anyone, and he has the quickest wit of anyone around (except maybe Kyla - they're a good match for each other). Andrew is an extremely intelligent, hardworking young man (he just graduated with his Masters in Public Policy from the University of Southern California) who inspires James and Rachel each and every day. James is thrilled that Andrew will be his brother and his groomsman - and, considering that Andrew is one of Rachel's best friends on the planet, she, too is honored that he will be standing up for her and James on their wedding day.
Andrew is Rachel's younger brother (and fellow Pepperdine graduate), and he never ceases to liven up both James and Rachel's lives. He makes James laugh harder than almost anyone, and he has the quickest wit of anyone around (except maybe Kyla - they're a good match for each other). Andrew is an extremely intelligent, hardworking young man (he just graduated with his Masters in Public Policy from the University of Southern California) who inspires James and Rachel each and every day. James is thrilled that Andrew will be his brother and his groomsman - and, considering that Andrew is one of Rachel's best friends on the planet, she, too is honored that he will be standing up for her and James on their wedding day.
Nick Eudaly
Nick and James met at the foothills of the Ozarks, or, as some call it, Harding University. They spent many hours over coffee discussing life, politics, and whatever else came to mind. Nick is never scared to hold his loved ones accountable, and he always has extra time when someone is in need. Nick is an extremely intelligent guy who puts his smarts to use as a pharmacist in Brooklyn, New York, where he lives with his wife, Rachel. Nick's compassionate heart makes James proud to call him a friend and groomsman.
Nick and James met at the foothills of the Ozarks, or, as some call it, Harding University. They spent many hours over coffee discussing life, politics, and whatever else came to mind. Nick is never scared to hold his loved ones accountable, and he always has extra time when someone is in need. Nick is an extremely intelligent guy who puts his smarts to use as a pharmacist in Brooklyn, New York, where he lives with his wife, Rachel. Nick's compassionate heart makes James proud to call him a friend and groomsman.
Noah Beck
James and Noah first met while shooting short films on the Harding University campus. Although the films never made it to the big screen, they have been described, by Noah, as the funniest material to ever be put into a reel. Whether Noah made James's college experience more or less productive is debatable, but there is no doubt that he shaped James into a better man and, for that, James is eternally grateful. Noah is a hardworking systems administrator living in Little Rock, Arkansas, with his wife, Treece, and daughter, Eliza. James is honored to have him as a groomsman.
James and Noah first met while shooting short films on the Harding University campus. Although the films never made it to the big screen, they have been described, by Noah, as the funniest material to ever be put into a reel. Whether Noah made James's college experience more or less productive is debatable, but there is no doubt that he shaped James into a better man and, for that, James is eternally grateful. Noah is a hardworking systems administrator living in Little Rock, Arkansas, with his wife, Treece, and daughter, Eliza. James is honored to have him as a groomsman.
Tyler Rose
Tyler and James met through Harding University's music scene. Tyler's bass-playing skills and James's passion for the fiddle collided like it was destined to be in the history books. After experiencing massive "success" through North and South Arkansas, they decided to pursue real careers. Again, it seemed like destiny had some things in store for them. They now work in the same cardiac device industry - Tyler is a device sales representative for Boston Scientific, and he lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas, with his wife, Kayla. James is forever indebted to Tyler for his help and mentoring that guided him to the career he has today. Tyler was with James on the day that he met Rachel and, as a result, Tyler was the first person who knew that James had fallen for her. James is blessed to have Tyler as his groomsmen.
Tyler and James met through Harding University's music scene. Tyler's bass-playing skills and James's passion for the fiddle collided like it was destined to be in the history books. After experiencing massive "success" through North and South Arkansas, they decided to pursue real careers. Again, it seemed like destiny had some things in store for them. They now work in the same cardiac device industry - Tyler is a device sales representative for Boston Scientific, and he lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas, with his wife, Kayla. James is forever indebted to Tyler for his help and mentoring that guided him to the career he has today. Tyler was with James on the day that he met Rachel and, as a result, Tyler was the first person who knew that James had fallen for her. James is blessed to have Tyler as his groomsmen.
Dane Wade
Dane and James have known each other since first grade. They attended grade school and church together and they wore the same colors under the Friday night lights. Their shared stories of childhood adventure and mischief are endless. Dane is an absolute rock and a man of the highest character, making him the perfect candidate to be a Department of Public Safety officer in Dumas, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Deonna, and his son, Cole. More than he will ever know, Dane shaped James into the man he is today. James is honored to have him as a groomsman.
Dane and James have known each other since first grade. They attended grade school and church together and they wore the same colors under the Friday night lights. Their shared stories of childhood adventure and mischief are endless. Dane is an absolute rock and a man of the highest character, making him the perfect candidate to be a Department of Public Safety officer in Dumas, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Deonna, and his son, Cole. More than he will ever know, Dane shaped James into the man he is today. James is honored to have him as a groomsman.
Tommy Busby
Tommy, Laura's older brother, attended Harding University a few years ahead of James. When James moved to Dallas, he and Tommy became quick friends. They especially love playing music together, and in between jam sessions, they always have great conversations about life and love and faith and work (Tommy is a transportation coordinator) and, of course, play. Tommy is a contemplative soul who also has a fantastic sense of humor. James is thankful that Tommy will be standing up as a groomsman on his wedding day.
Tommy, Laura's older brother, attended Harding University a few years ahead of James. When James moved to Dallas, he and Tommy became quick friends. They especially love playing music together, and in between jam sessions, they always have great conversations about life and love and faith and work (Tommy is a transportation coordinator) and, of course, play. Tommy is a contemplative soul who also has a fantastic sense of humor. James is thankful that Tommy will be standing up as a groomsman on his wedding day.
Chris Jones
Chris is one of Rachel's friends from Pepperdine. He and his wife, Anna, live in Dallas, and the Joneses, Rachel, and James would frequently get together for dinners out or nights on the town. Chris and James instantly had a connection - they have the same humor and they love to tease each other. They love playing music together (throw Tommy into the mix and you really have a great thing going) and spending time around town together. They can also have the deepest of conversations with one another, holding each other accountable in their actions and their beliefs. James is so happy to have Chris as a groomsman.
Taylor Vieger
Taylor and James were destined to be friends. They were bros at first sight. Taylor is an extremely generous and patient person who never hesitates to lend a hand when someone needs help. He has been a great role model to James, and he gives him wise and thoughtful counsel. He always gives great advice that keeps James on the straight and narrow. There is one specific trait James and Taylor have in common that stands out above the rest (things like their mutual affection for power tools, spending time at the gun range, and great burgers): their strong emotion towards cats. Taylor loves his cat like a man should love a dog, and that's one issue that they will never see eye to eye, as James thinks that dogs (especially Callie) are the best of all creatures. Taylor is currently using his amazing people skills as the Director of Human Resources at Baker Triangle in Dallas, Texas, where he lives with his wife (and Rachel's dear friend), Allison, and their son, Ryder. James is blessed to have Taylor as a friend and groomsman.
Chris is one of Rachel's friends from Pepperdine. He and his wife, Anna, live in Dallas, and the Joneses, Rachel, and James would frequently get together for dinners out or nights on the town. Chris and James instantly had a connection - they have the same humor and they love to tease each other. They love playing music together (throw Tommy into the mix and you really have a great thing going) and spending time around town together. They can also have the deepest of conversations with one another, holding each other accountable in their actions and their beliefs. James is so happy to have Chris as a groomsman.
Taylor Vieger
Taylor and James were destined to be friends. They were bros at first sight. Taylor is an extremely generous and patient person who never hesitates to lend a hand when someone needs help. He has been a great role model to James, and he gives him wise and thoughtful counsel. He always gives great advice that keeps James on the straight and narrow. There is one specific trait James and Taylor have in common that stands out above the rest (things like their mutual affection for power tools, spending time at the gun range, and great burgers): their strong emotion towards cats. Taylor loves his cat like a man should love a dog, and that's one issue that they will never see eye to eye, as James thinks that dogs (especially Callie) are the best of all creatures. Taylor is currently using his amazing people skills as the Director of Human Resources at Baker Triangle in Dallas, Texas, where he lives with his wife (and Rachel's dear friend), Allison, and their son, Ryder. James is blessed to have Taylor as a friend and groomsman.