Wedding Party
Misty Shea
Bride
From the moment I met Misty, I knew she was someone truly special. She has a rare, selfless way of making everyone around her feel seen and cared for, often putting others' needs far above her own without a second thought. Whether she’s dropping everything to help a friend in a pinch or simply brightening a stranger's day, her loving spirit is the heartbeat of our relationship. That nurturing nature is anchored by her Southern charm and her belief that "I love you" is best translated through a home-cooked meal. Feeding people is Misty's ultimate love language; she is an amazing cook who finds true joy in making sure no one ever leaves her table with an empty stomach. When she isn’t in the kitchen, she’s likely channeling her incredible craftiness into her latest project. She puts her heart into every detail—most notably during the holidays. If you’ve ever received a Christmas gift from her, you know her "crazy" gift-wrapping skills are legendary; her packages are usually so beautiful and intricate, you almost feel guilty opening them! I’m the luckiest person in the world to get to walk through life with someone so kind, so talented, and so incredibly generous.
David Pierce
Groom
Dave is known for his steady nature, kindness, and the quiet way he shows up for the people he loves. One of the things I admire most about him is how naturally he participates in life as a true partner. He doesn’t wait to be asked, and he doesn’t make a show of it — he simply notices what needs doing and steps in. He has a thoughtful, intentional way about him that brings a sense of calm and reliability to everything he touches. Dave plans carefully, pays attention to the details that matter, and follows through in ways that make life feel genuinely shared. For someone who spent many years carrying the mental load alone, having a partner who naturally steps in beside me has meant more than I can easily put into words. His family loves to tease him that he was meant to be born a prince in some bygone era — and honestly, there are moments when I can see exactly why they say that. Dave carries himself with a quiet confidence and appreciates the art of truly relaxing when the work is done. Life with Dave feels steady, supported, and full of partnership, and I’m very grateful to be building this next chapter with him.
Ellie Jo Pierce
Flower Girl
Jojo is the youngest Pierce and the star of the show. She is helpful, sassy, and full of joy, with a love language of acts of service and a signature raspberry-blowing sass. She also proudly calls out the “apple seed” part of The Lord’s Been Good to Me, and her bright spirit makes this day even more special.
Lyla Pierce
Flower Girl
Lyla is known for her cuddly heart, bright humor, and thoughtful kindness. She says the funniest, most unexpected things and has a sweetness that draws people close. She loves being near the people she loves most—often asking to come along or making sure no one leaves without her. Having Lyla as a flower girl fills this day with even more warmth and joy.
Madison Pierce
Flower Girl
Madison (aka: Maddie, Moo Moo, Poogie, Lovey, Poogs) isn’t just my daughter; she is my hero. Over the last 12 years, we’ve navigated a difficult road together, but through every medical trial, her spirit has remained the brightest thing in our lives. There have been so many times I wished I could take on whatever physical impairment or complication she was dealing with, but she always encourages me with her amazing personality and resilience - reminding us what truly matters. She is a vital, irreplaceable part of our family, and having her here today as I take this next step means everything to me. My life is infinitely better because she is in it.
Gracie Pierce
Flower Child
Gracie will be assisting Maddie down the aisle, and she absolutely deserves her own special moment in this day. She is so excited about the wedding and recently told me this is the first one she truly remembers since she was very young. Gracie is a wonderful writer—if only I could convince her to finish her story so I can finally know how it ends! She is outgoing, kind, and not only a strong soccer player but an even better teammate. I treasure the hugs I get every time I see her and the bright, beautiful smile she brings wherever she goes.
Dakota Tyler Smith
Ring Bearer
Dakota is my nephew and the long-awaited third child of my sister and her husband, and he might be our ring bearer if they’re able to make the trip. I lovingly call him Ty, after his middle name, and he truly is my Ty. He is fun, smart, and just a little shy in the sweetest, most endearing way. Dakota enjoys video chatting—always on his own terms—and when I visited, he proudly played hopscotch with me and showed me how he helps clean his room. Every moment with him is full of quiet joy, and having him be part of this day would make it even more special.
Averi Pierce
Daughter of the Groom
Averi, Dave’s daughter, is wise beyond her years and carries the heart of an old soul. She is ambitious, focused, and wonderfully honest in the way she sees the world. Whether she is building her Etsy business, creating through baking and crafting, or sharing her gift for music, she approaches life with determination and purpose. She hopes to become a nurse one day, inspired by her nana’s caring example. Walking her dad down the aisle is a beautiful and meaningful reflection of their bond.
Samara Scheckman-Cope
Bridesmaid
Sam (Samara) came into my life two years ago when she and Carl traveled here for Dave’s promotion ceremony, and from the very beginning she was easy to talk to and simply fun to be around. We quickly discovered a shared love of good food and great comedians, and even though she lives far away, every time we’re together we pick right back up where we left off. She is driven in her career, deeply respectful, and effortlessly classy in everything she does. And with Dave and Carl’s undeniable bromance, it feels safe to say Sam and I are in each other’s lives for the long haul.
Chris Damron
Groomsman
Chris is much more than a Groomsman; he’s a brother-in-arms I truly count on. Our friendship was forged while serving together in Germany, and over the years, we’ve navigated some of life’s toughest terrain together. No matter how difficult the situation, we’ve always made it out the other side stronger. We’re so similar that our own children used to get us confused when they were small, and even today, our church congregation struggles to tell us apart. He is as solid as they come, and I’m proud to have him standing by me.
Jacqueline Han
Bridesmaid
Jacque first came into my life through Dave, and for a long time our connection was quiet and respectful, shaped by how much I admired the grace, strength, and style with which she lives her life. During a difficult season, I reached out and asked if she would meet me for coffee, only to learn she had been feeling the same pull toward friendship. That conversation turned into hours of talking, the discovery of just how similar we are, and—after a camping weekend that finished breaking down any remaining walls—a friendship that has grown deeply over the past year. When I thought about who I wanted beside me on this day, asking Jacque felt both meaningful and natural, and her honored, joyful yes made it even more special.
RJ Niesen
Groomsman
Every groom needs a friend who tells it like it is, and for me, that’s RJ. In the four years I’ve known him, he’s proven to be an incredible friend and a vital sounding board. Whether he was helping me navigate the complexities of retirement planning or just keeping the room laughing with his legendary personality, he’s been a constant source of support. He’s a guy who keeps it 100% real at all times—even if his wife has to occasionally keep him in check. I’m honored to have him in the wedding party.
Brenda Rooney
Bridesmaid
I met Brenda not long after meeting Dave, and she has been my closest and longest-standing friend ever since. Brenda is a free spirit who does life in her own way, courageously building a life in Washington with her family far away in New Jersey. She is deeply supportive and thoughtful, always checking in and caring in quiet, meaningful ways. Having her stand beside me is a celebration of true and lasting friendship.
Jacob Pierce
Groomsman
They say brothers are born, but friends are made. While we spent our younger years perfecting the art of driving each other crazy, we eventually figured out we’re actually a pretty great team. Now that we’re older, our families are inseparable, and he’s become the first person I call for advice or a laugh. It took us a couple of decades to get it right, but I wouldn’t trade the bond we have now for anything.
Crystal Pierce
Maid of Honor
Crystal was the first person in Dave’s family that I truly felt connected to. She is endlessly kind, selfless, and full of genuine love for the people around her. She was the most enthusiastic when we shared our wedding news, and she was also the very first person I told when Dave said he loved me. Crystal is beautiful, smart, creative, organized, and deeply inclusive, and I am so grateful to have her standing beside me as my Maid of Honor.
Carl Cope
Best Man
Carl and I both started our Army careers over two decades ago, but our paths didn't cross until about six years in. We quickly realized we didn’t just share the same job—we shared the same interests, the same outlook on life, and nearly identical personalities. What started as a professional connection evolved into a close to 20-year brotherhood that has outlasted our time in uniform. He’s been my closest friend and my 'other half' through every major milestone since, and I couldn't ask for a better man to stand with me today.
Brian Shea
Father of the Bride
Brian has been an important part of my story, offering support, care, and encouragement throughout me life. Having him present for this moment is both meaningful and cherished, and his place in this day reflects a lifetime of love.