Wedding Party: David Steinkeler

David and Rachel first met on a cold November day in 1979. Bundled in her pink coat, Rachel remembers riding in the green Volvo with her dad and grandmother to St. Vincent’s hospital to pick up her mom and her new baby brother. At first Rachel did not seem so keen on the idea of sharing her mom and dad. This was helped by receipt of baby Victoria, the doll that “David gave her upon his arrival home shortly after his birth."

However, she soon reveled in her role as “the big sister.” Rachel especially enjoyed ‘helping’ put David to bed. She liked this so much that she often would go into his room and awaken him from his crib; only to try to put him back to sleep again. It did not always work. Sorry Mom!

Through their childhoods, David and Rachel had a close bond. To name just a few favorite memories, Rachel fondly recalls engaging in marker fights in the freshly painted family room (good thing the antique ice box moved), attempting to slide down the laundry shoot, and doing the ‘dishes’ (which sometimes entailed all out spray wars and lots of singing). This is to not say that the two did not experience their fair share of sibling rivalries. For instance, Rachel vividly recalls the discovery of baby Victoria’s limbs in a pile next to her torso following an argument she and David had.

As they both navigated their adolescent years, they continued to confide in each other. Rachel recounts giving David sisterly advice on all sorts of matters ranging from fashion, relationships, and how to sneak out of the house (without getting caught).

In the summer of 2001 both Rachel and David learned of their plans to be in Chicago, David was working as a summer intern and Rachel had just moved to Chicago following completion of graduate school. With not a lot of money in their pockets or time to spare, they decided to live together (with two other guys) for the summer. Needless to say, it was quite an adventure, commonly referred to as “the summer with Rachel and the Frat Boys!" Many great times were had on the rooftop over looking Wrigley Field that summer.

Upon David’s completion of his undergraduate degree, he chose to make Chicago his new home. Currently, he and Rachel live just a few blocks from each other. They talk many times a week, as well as see each at least once a week.

"David, words cannot truly express how grateful I am for our unique relationship. Not only are you my brother, you truly are one of my dearest friends. I cannot imagine my life without you. Your humor, determination, and dedication I find inspiring. Thank you for all that you do. I am so honored that you will be my ‘maid of honor.’ I love you."