Rehearsal Dinner

O'Brien's Sleepy Hollow

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

Our Story

Written by Joe

I met Rachelle at the end of 2018. Well, kind of. We worked together at the car dealership, in completely different departments. The only time I got to interact with her was when I had to go upstairs to correct a billing mistake she made. This made it tough to flirt with her, and I could tell she was less than amused by me. So when she quit to pursue a career in marketing, I enthusiastically congratulated her, hoping I could leave a better impression. She walked out the door, and I followed her on social media. Just in case. Rachelle here:For the record, I didn't make that many billing mistakes... but fast forward to Fall 2021. My friend, Lauren and I were at a 90s theme Halloween party and I showed her my dating profile. My bio said “If you and your family run a 5k on Thanksgiving, ✨I don’t want it✨”. She thought it was funny and posted it on Step Out Buffalo's Instagram to promote the upcoming Turkey Trot. A few weeks later, I noticed I had a DM from Joe. After a few messages, he asked me out on a date. We met at Pour Taproom, ate chicken fingers, played games, laughed non-stop, and I didn’t want it to end. I knew from our first date (and that first message) Joe was special and I wanted to know more about him. (Thank you, Lauren!!) Joe again:We fell in love fast. During a fall snow squall, we decided it would make more sense for Rachelle to stay the weekend at my house instead of driving back to her apartment. That's when her dog Teddy discovered the freedom of a fenced in yard. Then the Christmas blizzard of 2022 followed and we were snowed in for a week. Two months later, I was loading up a Uhaul, moving them in for good. By the end of spring, our little fur family grew. I spent the day at work, while Rachelle kept me abreast of the adoption process. That was the evening we welcomed our cat, Chi Chi, into what had become our home. Rachelle and &amp; I loved, laughed, and supported each other over the next two years. We grew together, marveling at each other’s strengths while embracing our not-so-strengths. Just as quickly as we fell in love, our love matured.. Come Fall of 2024, I knew it was time to propose. I planned it out meticulously, knowing it was a story we would someday tell our children. I waited for an idyllic autumn day, one where the wind teased the colored leaves off their branches. Having endlessly rehearsed the carefully worded prose with which I would profess my unconditional love for her, I readied myself for the moment. I dropped to one knee. Looked up into her anticipating eyes. And then I stuttered “th-thank you? Please!” Rachelle again:That's literally all he said. Joe:Luckily she said yes. Which is why we'd like to invite each and every one of you to come and celebrate our future together. Whether you can make it in person, or are a well wisher from afar, we want to thank you for being a part of our day. Thank you for welcoming both of us into your lives, your families, &amp; your hearts.

Photos

Bridal Party

Written by Rachelle

Karen has been one of my best friends since I was a toddler. We grew up a few doors down the street from each other, back in the day when “running over to ask if you wanted to play” was the only form of communication kids needed. Now with 1,500 miles between us, we are “FaceTime long-distance”, but the bond is the same. She became a traveling physical therapist before the pandemic and eventually planted roots to build her beautiful family in Colorado, our friendship never faded. Somehow, no matter the miles between us, she’s always been the sister I never had a few doors down. 

Karen

Alexandra and I have known each other since middle school. We became very close in 10th grade, where a simple seating chart in Chemistry turned into a lifelong bond. She has the biggest heart both for animals and for the people she loves. In 2020, she moved to Saint Kitts to chase her dream of becoming a veterinarian, and she has inspired me ever since with her hard work, determination, and positivity. Even with the distance, our friendship only grew stronger. She’s the person I can always count on for advice, support, and a good laugh. 

Alexandra

I met Nikki thanks to Joe’s time at Paddock, we ended up at a Bills tailgate, and by halftime we were already acting like longtime friends. Our friendship basically took off overnight. Since then, she’s become my go to girl for everything, primarily retail therapy. She’s one of those friends you can always count on, no matter what (especially when I need a voice of reason).

Nikki

I’ve known Mollie for a little over a decade, ever since my brother, Chris first brought her home to meet the family. From that moment on, she felt like an older sister to me. From being stranded at Becker Farms together, to countless tanning/ pool days, Mollie has watched me grow up and supported me through so many phases of life. I’m so grateful for her love, advice, and constant support.

Mollie

Jess is my future sister-in-law, but she’s felt like family from the moment we met at Joe’s housewarming party back in 2022. We clicked instantly, and I’m so grateful to call her not only a close friend, but soon an official sister. She has always been there for me, and somehow we have a '6th sister sense' and always know when we need to lean on each other. I know that once we’re family, that bond will only grow stronger.

Jessica

Technically, Heidi was Joe’s friend first but I’m very glad he decided to share. We met during the Bill’s playoff game in 2021, and from that moment on she’s been the ultimate hype-woman and an even better friend. We share the kind of friendship that's built on cozy nights in, watching throwback movies and catching up on every detail of our lives. Her outgoing, bubbly personality makes it impossible to have a bad time when she’s around. 

Heidi

Groomsmen

I’ve known James my entire life, he was my roommate for almost 15 years. As my younger brother, he was always someone I could count on to play with. From playing baseball with a broomstick and ball of foil in my grandparent’s back yard to six hour long XBox Live video game sessions on a Friday night, he’s always been in my corner. He let me stand up as his best man in his wedding, and I’m proud to have him here alongside me as mine. 

James

The first time I met Kenny was in Kindergarten, I think we were playing superheroes on the playground. I attended a different school for 1st and 2nd grade, but when I came back for 3rd grade he was the only friend I remembered. Growing up together, we built pinewood derby cars, created our own BMX course in his backyard, and got into all the trouble that we could.A father, husband, and fellow nerd, Kenny is one of my oldest friends. 

Kenny

It was probably the second week of college when I met Chris. I don’t remember how the conversation started, but I do remember we were pretty much inseparable throughout our five years of undergrad. Ten years later, he is still a Steeler’s fan living on the Canadian side of the border, but he’s one of those guys I know I won’t ever lose touch with. 

Christopher

We sold Chevy’s as car salemen, tinkered on motorcycles, rode thousands of miles together, and became fast friends over beers. While our first impressions of each other were drastically inaccurate, our friendship is as real as can be. He has more tattoos than I have skin, but he’s also got a bigger heart than anyone I know. I’m fortunate to have him as a friend.

Luis and I met by chance, ended up neighbors, and we quickly became friends. Whatever it is, he’s always willing to lend a hand. From Thursday night chats, to Sunday morning tee times, Luis is one of those guys who will always show up for you. Thanks for all the laughs Hermano.

Luis

Whether it’s a late night at Cole’s or a late night around a campfire, Shawn is always good for a chat. He’s even been known to fill my freezer with venison from time to time. From our wild 20’s, to our more domesticated 30’s, he’s grown from a loyal friend to a dedicated father & husband. He’s one person I’m lucky to have on my side.

Shawn

Ivo is one of the friendliest guys you’ll meet. Our taste in cars might differ, and he crowds the starting line of a footrace, but he’s always there to pick you up if you fall down. Ivo cares about who you are as a person, listens when you talk, and isn’t afraid to put it all on the line. A husband and new father himself, we couldn’t ask for a better person to officiate and bless our marriage.

Wedding Party

Q + A

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Hampton Inn by Hilton

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Rachelle & Joe

Rachelle & Joe

Photos