Candace & Jacob
Wedding Party & Family
Jacob Akel
Groom
The man himself. Handsome, patient and godly.
Candace Marler
Bride
The girl herself. She’s got the best heart and best looks too.
Evan Davis
Best Man
Evan is a best friend to both of us and a huge part of our support system. We love you Evan! Evan will also be performing part of our ceremony as officiate.
Michaela Marler
Maid of Honor
Michaela is Candace’s sister and ultimate best friend. We don’t know what we would do without Michaela’s sense of humor and good advice. Thanks for being you!
Robert Cleveland
Groomsman
Robert has been one of Jacob’s best friends for many years, and has always been there for late night talks and the best adventures!
Jamie Marler
Bridesmaid
Sister to the bride, she's tiny but she's fierce. Anything we need, she's got our backs. She’s always been a great support!
Justin Stahler
Groomsman
Great friends since they were infants, Justin and Jacob grew up together at church and still love to play Bakugan together.
Dani Mitchell
Bridesmaid
Dani and her daughter Hazel, flower girl, are the cutest! Dani and Candace still have no idea how they first met, they just knew friendship when they saw it.
Xavier Miles
Groomsman
Friend of the groom, Xavier bonded with Jacob while in ministry school in Tennessee over their similar taste in music and sarcasm. Xav (as we call him) is super fun and relaxed. You will never see him without his “Attack on Titan“ mug full of coffee, and that is only one of many things we love about him.
McKenzie Hale
Bridesmaid
Kenzie, along with her fiancé Brandon, first met Candace through InterVarsity, a Christian club at college. God knew they needed each other, and it’s been best friends ever since.
Erik Sliter
Groomsman
Erik is the greatest. Jacob first met Erik at a concert and the two became connected over their love for the same music and bands. We're so glad you're by our sides for our big day, Erik!
Paul Schwenk
Bridesman
Paul and Candace have similar spirits and personalities. God put Paul in her life in a time when she needed his friendship and his relaxed spirit. We are honored to have him in our wedding!
Ender Miles
Groomsman
Ender, with his pretty cool name, is a good friend to Jacob. Brother to Groomsman Xavier, he too met Jacob at ministry school in Tennessee. Both super chill and quiet, they were the perfect set roommates. They had to talk sometime, and when they did they hit it off. Ed is a great listener and shares a love for the same music Jake loves.
Katherine Batson
Bridesmaid
Also a 2020 bride herself, Katie and Candace immediately hit it off when first meeting in Tennessee. They have always been able to share experiences and give sound advice when needed. We miss being around Katie and now husband, Jeremiah. Congrats, guys, and thanks for being a part of our big day!
Austin Shields
Honorary Groomsman
Austin is another great friend, as he is following the path the Lord has set before him he will not be able to make it, but he’ll be there in spirit. He loves Jesus and people with all his heart and we admire his servant's attitude. We love his role in our lives.
Ana Williams
Honorary Bridesmaid
Ana is a dear friend who will not be able to make it to the wedding, and while her presence will be sorely missed she will be with us in spirit! Ana and her husband, Aaron, have always been a huge support for us. We love them and their beautiful family.
Martha & Elias Akel
Parents of the Groom
Mom and dad of the groom, they raised him in Fort Worth, TX all of his life and now they are excited to watch him step forward into this next phase of his life as he grows in the Lord and with his future wife Candace.
Julie & Dave Marler
Parents of the Bride
Julie and Dave are awesome parents who have done a great job raising their daughter Candace in Decatur, Il. As they are preparing to give her away to be married they are excited to see what the Lord will do with her new life in Texas with her future husband Jacob.
Joe Gagnier
Brother of the Bride
The first thing anyone should know about Joe is that he has a huge heart. In his search for Jesus in 2016, Joe and Candace became good friends and as time went on Joe became an essential part of the Marler family. He is so loved and Jake and Candace hope to always be a big part of his and his fiancé Shnayia’s lives. Love from Texas, Joe and Shnayia!
Lo Wiggins
Sister of the Bride
While Lo officially joined the Marler family in 2009, she had been family in our hearts for many years before that. Lo is always ready for a new adventure and has a deep love for travel. Thanks for helping us celebrate our big day, gorgeous!