Wedding Party
Amanda Joy
Bride
Amanda Joy Mercedes, a name that encapsulates who she is and what she is truly worthy of. Amanda comes from the Latin gerundive meaning 'she who is worthy of love'. Joy is the 'fullest expression of delight' that only the Lord can provide. Joy is a happiness that is never fleeting, in which Amanda truly exemplifies. Mercedes means 'tiny mercies'. The Lord illustrates this through Amanda, especially towards Tyler. Amanda is a friend to many, extending an ear to those who sit in her chair at her studio, or to those that gather weekly at her young woman’s bible study. Amanda’s beauty, passion, and joy exuberates from the inside out, capturing who God has created her to be. She will meet her beloved Tyler at the alter this spring unifying their covenant with the Lord.
Tyler
Groom
Tyler is an incredible man of God. His love for the Lord and his future spouse is so evident. The story of Amanda and Tyler is a powerful one. A reminder that God is the author of the perfect love stories, all starting with a vision that the Lord gave Tyler. Tyler is someone who is everyone's biggest supporter. Always encouraging and loving you the way that Christ instructs us to love one another. His heart is to lift others up and help them walk in the calling that God has for them. Amanda is over joyed that she has the honor of spending the rest of her life with her best friend. It is no secret that this is truly a love match made in heaven.
Robin
Mother of the Bride
Robin's story and Amanda's safe birth was a true miracle. Amanda is beyond bless to grow up with Robin as her mom. In high school she wrote a song called "Gifted Mom", fully expressing her appreciation for everything she has done in raising Amanda. Robin has a beautiful heart and kindness that she extends to anyone she meets. Her beauty and love for people is something Amanda admires and loves in her mom.
Lori
Mother of the Groom
Lori, Tyler’s mother had endured what some would call a miracle birth. Lori, gave birth to Tyler almost 2 months prematurely, enduring an emergency C section. Her resilience and strength through her childbirth is just one example of how she loves so selflessly to great lengths. By example she has raised her son to love in the very same way. Lori is a joyful, empowering, and thoughtful woman. She is a mother, teacher, and most importantly a prayer warrior. Years of praying that a woman would love her son Tyler in a form of unconditional and Jesus exemplifying love have finally now answered.
Kenny
Father of the Bride
THE "Kenny Rogers". The man that loved Amanda Joy first. The relationship between the two is incredibly special. Kenny used his spiritual gift of encouragement to lift Amanda up in every stage of her life. He spoke truth into her and was always the first to stop everything to help when ever she sought it. Amanda views her dad as her best friend and mentor. There aren't enough characters in this box to express the appreciation Amanda has for her dad.
Kevin
Father of the Groom
Kevin, Tyler’s father is more than just a father, but a counselor, provider, and friend. Through a tough birth of his son Tyler, Kevin never left his family’s side. Through thick and thin Kevin has been nothing short of a rock for his family. The glue. Through example Kevin taught his son how to best serve his future spouse as Christ loved the church. Tyler and his father have grown over the years transitioning from a father, son dynamic to becoming best friends. A father’s years of prayers for his son’s future spouse are now being answered in the form of Amanda Joy this spring.
Autumn
Maid of Honor
Autumn and Amanda began their friendship the night that the two blindly co-hosted a "stranger's" bachelorette party. From that night on, a beautiful deep-bonding friendship was ignited. Autumn is someone that will stop everything she is doing to help and be there when you're in need. She showed up and loved Amanda when she was struggling to love herself. She walked with her through her lows and lonely seasons. There is no doubt that this is a life-long friendship that is always pointing each other towards God's love. The support from Autumn for this marriage is so evident and the couple is honored to have her standing on the brides side.
Ryan
Best Man
Some people in life are chosen, some are chosen for you. Ryan was brought into Tyler’s life giving him his one and only brother; in turn gave him a built-in forever friend. While it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, God used them as brothers to teach them immeasurable lessons in life. Ryan knows exactly how to get a laugh out of his brother lightening life through his sense of humor. Through Ryan’s maturity and strengthening of character, Tyler has asked Ryan to stand by his side as best man for his big day.
Precious
Matron of Honor/Photographer
There is no doubt that the Lord has a hand on this beautiful expedited friendship. Precious and Amanda met in 2021 at Rochester Assembly Church. Their friendship began to flourish the spring of 2023. Since then they have been inseparable. Experiencing trips out of the country, a road trip to the west coast, concerts, day trip adventures and growing in their faith with one another. Precious and Amanda share a love for Jesus and spreading the gospel through their entrepreneurial jobs. Amanda is honored by all the love and excitement from Prec as Amanda enters this marriage with Tyler.
Blake
Best Man
Tyler and Blake go way back we’re talking Kindergarten through 12th grade. Blake is what is known as a once in a lifetime friend. They went through it all together from sports, to academics, and now adulthood. What’s great about Blake is he knows Tyler better than anybody. He’s always been an incredible listener when life gets heavy, while also being there for comedic relief. Together their love of sports, and deep conversation has bonded them together. God knew what He was doing when he brought Blake in to Tyler’s life. A true companion no matter where life takes them. Blake will have the honor of standing right beside the groom this spring as his best man.
Matha
Bridesmaid
Matha entered into the Roger's family the fall of 2017. Amanda is incredibly blessed to call Matha her sister. Matha has a very nurturing and kind-hearted soul. Her presence brings peace into any room. Her heart is to speak life and truth into every situation. Matha goes out of her way to celebrate people and make them feel special. Her kindness and gentle heart is a huge quality that shines through her spirit. It has been beautiful to watch Matha welcome Tyler into the family with warm and open arms. The couple is over-joyed that she gets to share this day standing on Amanda's side.
Brad
Groomsman
Brad met Tyler his freshman year at Winona State solidifying his friendship with him his sophomore year. Brad and Tyler had the pleasure of living together as roommates at the 470 West 4th Street house for two years and have since been inseparable no matter the distance. Brad is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. He has always been one of Tyler’s biggest encouragers someone whom he could go to without judgement nor reproval. Brad’s humor, charm, and easy going personality goes together with Tyler’s like peanut butter and jelly. Brad resides near Wausau, Wisconsin and will be standing next to Tyler and Amanda shortly after getting engaged himself to his betrothed Lauren.
Ashlyn
Bridesmaid
Ashlyn and Amanda's journey began in 2020. Ashlyn enrolled into the same cosmetology program and was seeking a place to live. The school gave her Amanda's information and within a few months they were roommates. Two weeks later, the entire country shut down and the two strangers were now quarantined together. The friendship began to grow seamlessly. A year later the girls were on a birthday trip in Florida where they got matching ankle tattoos on a whim. Both girls share a beautiful bond that no outside situation could ever break. Tyler and Amanda are grateful of God's goodness and that Ashlyn is in their corner as they enter into marriage.
Mark
Groomsman
A common theme among the groomsmen listed here is God knows just who put into Tyler’s life at the most perfect times. Tyler entered into the career of laboratory medicine in need of a Christ centered friend and his name was Mark. Mark and Tyler built their relationship on God first, which in return has blessed Tyler immensely. Mark and Tyler spent literally every break together catching up on life, speaking truth into each other’s situations, chatting about the work drama of the day, or even just quoting SpongeBob to one another. Tyler knows he can trust Mark with the deeper parts of his heart, the thoughts he has trouble sharing with others and that is why he will be standing with him this spring at the altar.
Lindsay
Bridesmaid
Lindsay and Amanda connected at their former job in a hair salon. Lindsay is a protective and comforting soul. She took on Amanda as another sister. It was evident by any outside looking in, that they have a sister in-Christ connection. Their friendship was deeply dependent on the Lord's strength as they entered a hard transition with changes and vulnerability. God's faithfulness showed up in huge ways. Both girls walked away with a testimony to the power of prayer. Lindsay is one of strongest woman Amanda has ever met. Her heart to lift others up is beautiful and encouraging. Any one who has meet Lindsay also knows she is someone who has the most contagious laugh. Amanda is honored that she is apart of the couple's special day.
Jason
Groomsman
Jason and Tyler go back to the 5 th grade days of football. After being estranged for 7 years they would meet again freshman year of college at Winona State University. As roommates Jason and Tyler’s friendship grew. Their many experiences together such as wild games, fishing floats, trips, and fellowship of faith have bonded them together. This bond eventually led them to Rochester Assembly where Tyler would meet his future bride, Amanda Joy. Tyler had the honor of standing in Jason’s wedding to his lovely wife Macy. Now coming full circle, Jason will be standing by Tyler’s side less than a year later.
Millie
Bridesmaid
Millie played an incredibly important role in the story of Amanda and Tyler. The middle of 2020, Millie found herself in the chair with Amanda Joy as her hair-stylist. For over a year, Amanda's client invited her to church, praying that it would happen in God's perfect timing. God used Millie to bring Amanda to a church that completely changed her life. Millie became the person Amanda would go to for questions about the Bible and understanding God's love for her. This is the church where Amanda was baptized with her future husband. Millie has the beautiful gift of evangelism that has forever impacted Amanda's life. Tyler and Amanda will forever be grateful for Millie's obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Dillan
Groomsman
Dillan is the wildest, free-spirited, and faithful man you can find. Faithful to his wife, friends, and most importantly God. A friend for good times and bad. Dillan’s introduction to Tyler was nothing short than a mere act of God. By complete accident, freshman year of college, Dillan was placed in the wrong homeroom, and it was here where Dillan met Tyler. If it weren’t for Dillan literally begging Tyler to live with him in college half the groomsmen wouldn’t be standing here next to Tyler. Dillan and his wife Jaqueline asked Tyler to stand in their wedding years ago and now Tyler and Amanda have the honor of asking Dillan to do the same.
Alexis
Bridesmaid/Wedding Coordinator
Lexi met Amanda through her husband back in 2021. Lexi is an absolute gem of a friend. She cares. She pays attention to the details and always offers her time in any way she can. Lexi stepped up and offered to help be the day of coordinator. A gift that Tyler and Amanda cannot express enough their gratitude. Amanda and Lexi's story is unique and special. The couple is elated to have had her be apart of the planning as well as standing by their side as they exchange their "I do's".
Austin
Groomsman
Austin and Tyler had the pleasure of spending their golden days together at Winona State while living together at the 470 house. Such an easy going, fun loving, and positive person. A friend down for anything, Austin and Tyler were always left home on long weekends creating great conversation and bonding over their similar humor, love of rock music, cars, and sports. Austin and Tyler have always so much to catch up on. Austin, Tyler and Amanda are so honored to have you standing with them on such an important day.
Rayna
Jr. Bridesmaid/Flower Girl
Miss Rayna entered the world in 2013, making Amanda an auntie. Amanda is honored to carry that title in Rayna's life and loves her with her whole heart. The relationship between the two is one that is endearing and sweet. Rayna is one of the wittiest and funniest 10 year old out there. Her humor is one that will make any one at any stage of life, laugh. Her heart for people and animals is radiant. The couple is so excited to have Rayna be apart of a God ordaining day.
Pastor Andy and Christy
Officiant
Andy Cass is the lead pastor with his wife Christy at Echo Church in Rochester Minnesota. Andy and Christy have hearts for the Rochester community like no other. They affirms the best in everyone, seeing the potential for God’s calling in their lives. He and his wife Christy have taken Amanda and Tyler under their wing to pull out their calling in each other as future spouses. Leading by example Andy along with his wife exemplify what true biblical love looks like through the way they serve, lead, and minister together. They are both an integral part to both Tyler and Amanda’s faith journeys as they make their way closer to saying I do on May 25th, 2025.
Andrew
Usher
When Andrew entered into this world in 2003, he made Amanda a big sister. Growing up the two "never fought". They were the perfect siblings and children to their parents. Always loving and kind towards each other. Some of that mayyy be exaggerated for when our parents read this. Through the fights and the mischief they caused, they cared deeply for each other. Always having each others backs when someone would bring one of them down. Andrew is very protective of who his sister dates. It meant so much when Andrew not only approved but loved Tyler for Amanda. The wedding couple is so excited for Andrew to be helping and supporting their day as they make their promise to one another.
David
Usher
Growing up David was the person that Amanda would look up too. At a young age Amanda was instructed in school to write an essay on someone who she viewed as a hero. Without hesitation, Amanda wrote a three page paper about her big brother. He is a protector and a provider for his family. Someone who has a heart to pour his time and labor into. David is some one who will be the first to lend a hand on any project. His willingness to help others is inspiring to many. Amanda and Tyler are beyond blessed to have him be apart of their special day.
Preston Satske
Usher
Preston keeps Tyler young he helps him keep up with all the new lingo. Preston is a true friend who relates to Tyler in a very special way. Similar in personality and temperament they understand each other well! Preston speaks life over Tyler and definitely points him towards his trust and faith in the Lord. We are honored to have you Preston as a late addition to our wedding party.
Ashley
Singer
Ashley has a heart of gold. Amanda and Ashley's friendship began in 2021 at Rochester Assembly. Ashley was one of the first to reach out to Amanda for coffee when she was in need of community. Since then, Ashley has never stopped reaching out and being there for Amanda. Ashley was gifted with a beautiful voice of signing. Her voice ushers in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Tyler and Amanda are honored that Ash will be blessing everyone with her spiritual gift that the Lord has placed in her.
Mariana
Singer
Mariana. This girl is destined to sing. She has a gift of evangelism and using her voice as ministry. Her voice when she speaks life over others and her voice when she worships and praises the Lord. She is a light that Holy Spirit shines so bright through. Amanda and Mariana's friendship strengthened when Mariana was looking for a temporary place to live. The two became roommates for a season that the Lord blessed and continues to the bless. Tyler and Amanda are so excited for Mariana to use her voice on their day.
Dexter
Singer
Dexter has many beautiful gifts that the Lord has blessed him with. One of those is the gift of worship. It is so evident that the Holy Spirit moves through him as he leads worship in a room. It is inspiring how sensitive Dexter is to the spirit. Dexter is the worship Pastor at Echo church and married to Amanda's spiritual mentor, Sam. Amanda and Tyler are over joyed that Dexter said yes to lead worship on a very important day for the two.
Sam
Honor Attendant
The Lord used Sam in ways that Amanda will never fully understand while she is on this Earth. Amanda views Sam as her prayer warrior and spiritual mentor. The two became very close in 2023 when Sam poured wisdom and counsel into Amanda when she was going through a very hard season of life. The Holy Spirit helped Amanda have a heart posture to listen. Amanda is deeply moved by Sam's loving heart and willingness to her through the good and the bad. Amanda could not be more grateful that Sam will be continuing to pour into Amanda the day she enters into a covenant with the Lord and her future husband.
Cory
DJ
Cory has the honor of using his God given talent’s in a very extraordinary way by announcing the future wedded couple as honorary DJ. Cory has been given a voice to speak to countless students across America through motivational speaking and has been using that very inspiration to speak into Tyler’s life. More than just a friend Cory has mentored Tyler through life’s biggest challenges, disappointments, and shortcomings. They have bonded over their similar sense of humor and love for pickleball. Look for Cory to be the life of the party, dancing, singing, and celebrating with the newlyweds on their big day.