Wedding Party
David Van Dyk
Groom
I am so incredibly excited and blessed to marry Frances! She is the answer to my prayers and the perfect woman for me. I cannot wait to begin this new journey with her where, in the words of C.S. Lewis, every chapter is better than the one before!
Frances Watson
Bride
I praise the Lord daily for bringing Dave into my life! Dave is truly a man who leads me closer to Christ and will lead our family in the direction the Lord would have us go. It is the greatest honor and blessing to marry God's man for me! My favorite C.S. Lewis quote is "There are far better things ahead, than any we leave behind." Dave is truly one of those better things that the Lord has provided! I am so excited to do life with him!
Jonathan Van Dyk
Best Man
Jonathan is my brother and partner in crime. Our preferred method of bonding in the good ole' days was playing Ken Griffey Junior Baseball on the N64 and NFL Street on the PS2. He's an outstanding husband and father, and it's an honor to have him as my best man.
Gena Schlabach
Maid of Honor
Gena and I have been friends since we were put on the same project in one of our undergrad courses. She reached out to me at one of my lowest points and invited me to lunch. During the meal, she mentioned getting a masters degree at Liberty and the rest is history! She put up with me as a roommate in the middle of Covid! Her patience is incredible, and I’m honored to have her at my side on my wedding day.
Josiah Proia
Groomsman
Josiah and I became friends several years ago through our mutual (and eclectic) interests in C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and an abiding appreciation for the Second Amendment. During friend group dinners, we would invariably delve into conversations on a range of topics and issues (though usually revolving around one of the above three). He truly is a scholar and a gentleman! I’ve been blessed to have him as a friend, and it’s an honor to have him as my groomsman!
Gracie Stinson
Bridesmaid
Gracie and I met at Temple Baptist Church while singing in the choir and have been friends ever since. She would often swing by my office between her classes at Liberty and leave me the sweetest, most encouraging notes! She is graduating this December with a degree in unmanned aerial systems (drones) and she'll be getting married in January! I am so proud of her and excited for all she's doing! Gracie is a joy to be around and her vivacious spirit will keep everyone smiling on the big day!
Jack Watson
Father of the Bride
My father has always been a source of honesty, loyalty, and wisdom. I still frequently seek out his wise counsel. Because of his faithfulness, my mom, myself, and much of my mom's family heard and received the Gospel! He set an excellent example of what to expect from a husband. The Lord truly shaped the course of my life by providing such an incredible man to be my dad. I'm honored to have my father walk me down the aisle!
Leah King
Grandmother of the Bride
My grandmother will be filling the Mother of the Bride role for me since my mother has passed away. She has been there for me since day one - always in my corner! She even moved from Texas (where she had lived her entire adult life) halfway across the country to be closer to me! I love her to pieces!
Glenn Van Dyk
Father of the Groom
My dad has been a consistent role model for me throughout my life. He's taught me by example what it means to be a follower of Christ and a provider for one's family. I've been blessed to have him as my father and can't wait to share this day with him!
Henny Van Dyk
Mother of the Groom
My mother has always been a source of love and encouragement to me. She has helped me to understand the importance of putting Christ first in all my endeavors. I have been blessed by her example and am thrilled to share this day with her!
Jonah Van Dyk
Ring Bearer
Jonah is Dave's fun-loving, eight-year-old nephew! He loves all things sports, legos, and gets his bright, analytical mind from his dad. We are honored to have him as our ring security!
Selah Van Dyk
Flower Girl
Selah is Dave's sweet, six-year-old niece! She enjoys playing sports, being in the pool, and keeping her brothers on their toes. We are delighted to have her be our flower girl!
Joshua Hankins
Officiant
Pastor Joshua is the children’s pastor at Heritage. We have the honor of serving under him working in Team 56 (5th and 6th grade ministry). We’re honored and delighted to have him officiate our wedding!