Wedding Party
Joshua Miller
Groom
Joshua Miller is a lifelong Marylander, who loves his state, country, and all of his sports teams. He works hard, and loves as his late grandfather, Sewell Pfeifer, showed him.
Renee Blake
Bride
Renee Blake moved from Illinois to Maryland in December of 2019, and met Joshua Miller in September of 2021. Renee loves working with children and one day hopes to own her own Child Development Center.
Brian Mack
Best Man
Josh and Brian went to school together, and have always been best friends. They call each other their brother, and Josh could not imagine having anyone else beside him for this special occasion.
Patrisha Blake
Maid of Honor
Renee has asked her older sister, and inherited life long best friend, Patrisha (Trish) Blake, to be her Maid of Honor. Renee can’t imagine anyone else standing immediately next to her for this special celebration. Trish and Renee have worked tirelessly to honor their late Grandmother, Marilyn J. Vanier in this wedding.
Khalid McGhill
Groomsman
Josh and Khalid went to school together and and because very close friends, and they call each other brothers. Khalid is always willing to help, and met Renee for the first time to fix an issue in her 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser she bought from her grandmother.
Lauren Koontz
Bridesmaid
Renee met Josh’s mother’s family at the wedding of Lauren and Nate Koontz, only 5 days after Josh and Renee started dating. Lauren is Josh’s cousin, and the one who Renee feels the closest to. Lauren was Renee’s biggest supporter following Josh’s proposal, making sure Renee would have a bridal shower and a wedding planning binder. Renee feels her bridal party would be incomplete without Lauren.
Lee Phillips
Groomsman
Lee and Josh met through Josh’s high school friend, Destynie. Destynie and Lee got married in 2021. Josh, Renee, Destynie, and Lee have been a strong friend group from the start of Josh and Renee’s relationship. The four of them even lived together.
Destynie Phillips
Bridesmaid
Destynie is Renee’s best friend in Maryland. Born in Washington, Destynie moved to Maryland at a young age with her father. Destynie met Josh in high school, and bonded over a band shirt Destynie was wearing. When Josh and Renee started dating, Renee meeting Destynie and her husband Lee was a must. Destynie and Renee have been an unstoppable force of shenanigans ever since.
Nicholas Ferrell
Groomsman
Cousins naturally are an inherited best friend, and that is definitely the case for Josh and Nick. Nick is one of those people who will do anything they can to help, and he met Renee for the first time towing her car. Josh and Renee both feel the day would be incomplete without Nick.
Lyric Clarke
Junior Bridesmaid
Josh knew he couldn’t get married without his Goddaughter in the wedding. Ever since Lyric joined Josh's family she has been the apple of his eye. Josh’s love for Lyric is immeasurable and we are so excited for her to be a Junior Bridesmaid.
Rowan Schmidt
Ring Bearer
Rowan is Josh’s nephew and we couldn’t imagine having anyone else fill this very important role. Rowan has the most contagious smile & laugh, and knows all the things about dinosaurs!
Olivia Patterson
Flower Girl
Olivia, or Livy, is Josh’s niece and the perfect little one to ask to be the flower girl. Olivia, and her "Uncle Joshy" built a special bond as soon as Olivia was born, when he would sing to her to comfort her. Olivia was also very excited to meet Renee, and she is honored to be our flower girl!
George Blake
Father of the Bride
George Blake, father of Patrisha and Renee, a proud retired U.S. Navy veteran, is originally from Ashland, Ohio, and now resides in Kenosha, Wisconsin. We are so glad he made the trip to celebrate with us.
Phillip Miller
Father of the Groom
Phillip is the proud father of Joshua Miller, as well as a proud Anne Arundel County Firefighter, and has been a huge support in many ways in Josh and Renee’s relationship.
Tammie Cavender
Mother of the Groom
Tammie has been the leading lady in the Joshua Miller story for his whole life. Tammie loves her son with her whole heart, and is such an amazing source of guidance for Josh and Renee alike.
Michelle Miller
Bonus Mom of the Groom
Michelle has a very special place in Josh and Renee’s hearts. Michelle has supported Josh and Renee in so many ways, from inviting Josh and Renee to live with her and Phillip, as well as being a mother figure in any way needed.
Pastor Shane Valenstein
Officiant
Josh has been a member of City on a Hill Community Church (Nazarene) for years, where he began bringing Renee. Pastor Shane has been a great help and support in all of Josh and Renee’s spiritual needs, from meeting with Josh and Renee to discuss differences in denominations, spiritual struggles, as well as being a huge part in making sure all of Josh and Renee’s wants and needs were met in the ceremony.