Elizabeth & Nicholas
Wedding Party
Lizzy
Bride
Lizzy is a native Oregonian and proud Pacific Northwesterner who moved here in August 2020 to live with her older sister Rachel and her family. After just a few months of living here, Lizzy became the acting Manager at Spresso's Coffee & Cakes located in Rome. She loves her job, and all the customers she gets to make coffee for every day! In September of 2020 Lizzy attended her first small group meeting through Redeemer Church where she met Nick and many of her current friends. One night while out for some Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse with some girlfriends from the group, Lizzy asked "So what's Nick's deal?" and the rest is history! Lizzy wants everyone to know how proud she is of her soon-to-be husband who is so hard-working, empathetic, and respected throughout their community.
Nick
Groom
Nick currently works as a Systems Engineer at a defense contractor in Utica, NY. Nick has lived in CNY the majority of his life and loves living near his family and friends. Nick met Lizzy at their small group through their church and thought to himself "Wow, she's pretty. I have to talk to her." So he did! And they've been talking ever since. Nick is looking forward to creating a Christ-centered relationship with Lizzy. His desire is that he can glorify the Lord through his leadership in their relationship. Nick loves Lizzy's energy that she brings in social situations, he feels most comfortable when she's there because she makes engaging with others very easy. Nick is excited to move into this next stage of life with Lizzy.
Mark Schilling
Officiant
Mark is the pastor of Redeemer Church Rome campus where Lizzy and Nick attend on Sunday mornings. Mark is a great leader and advocate for the integrity of a Christ-centered marriage. Mark has been a great help throughout Nick and Lizzy's dating and engaged relationship with exceptional insight and advice. Lizzy and Nick are excited for Mark to share the Gospel and meaning of marriage in their ceremony on Saturday.
Nancy Dodson
Mother of the Bride
Nancy has been a strong stay-at-home mother whose mission was to fiercely love her kids. She's the mom who attended every school play, award ceremony & special event for Lizzy growing up. She even jumped in the car spontaneously to help Lizzy road trip to CNY back in July 2020. Nancy is Lizzy's biggest cheerleader and Lizzy would not be the woman she is without her love and support.
Steve Dodson
Father of the Bride
Steve has always been a gentle father to Lizzy, with his affectionate nickname for her "Little One". Lizzy is Steve and Nancy's youngest child, and he has always been vocal about his pride in Lizzy. Lizzy gets her loyalty and work ethic from Steve, two qualities she is the proudest to obtain from him. Steve's quirky jokes and love of almost every sport is what makes him a "classic dad". Someone who showed up, provided, and supported all her life. "Love you, Daddy!" - Lizzy
Barb Filmer
Mother of the Groom
Nick's favorite memories of his childhood include when his mom would load up the car with kids and go out for the day to parks, trails, or the water. Creating wonderful family experiences is Barb's specialty, the holidays are always a joy with her around creating an inviting environment for laughter, warmth, and familial love. Throughout the years Nick has appreciated talks with his mother about their careers and her amazing transition from raising four kids as a stay-at-home mom of 25 years to a full-time career woman. Nick is proud of his mother and truly grateful for her example and advocacy all these years.
John Filmer
Father of the Groom
Nick and his dad John share many hobbies together. Growing up, John brought Nick and his brothers fishing, camping, and hunting. All things Nick and John continue to share with each other today. These experiences brought opportunities to discuss faith & theology, careers, and life. Nick has always seen John as his role model and looks to him for guidance, wisdom, and clarity in all situations.
Rachel Daniels
Matron of Honor
Rachel is Lizzy's oldest sister and was 17 when Lizzy came into the world. She was there for Lizzy's birth and a true friend to Lizzy even when she lived over 3,000 miles away. Rachel and her husband Ian opened their home in August of 2020 to Lizzy when she first moved to central New York and created a safe and loving space for her to grow and learn. Lizzy is so grateful to Rachel for all she has done for her, so it feels more than right to have her by her side on the biggest day of Lizzy's life so far.
Hannah Estrella
Bridesmaid
Hannah is Lizzy's second oldest sister. Lizzy and Hannah grew up together with Hannah being 2.5 years older than Lizzy. They shared a classic older/younger sister relationship growing up stealing each other's clothes, sharing a bathroom, and being embarrassed by each other. Nowadays they have a unique bond of laughter and consistent friendship even while living far away from each other. Hannah always brings laughter and joy to Lizzy's life! Whenever Lizzy needs a good laugh or a familiar voice she calls Hannah and feels at home.
Emily Stohrer
Bridesmaid
Emily is Nick's younger sister, in fact, she is Nick's only sister. These two share the role of "co-middle children" facing the obstacles of their older and younger brothers. With Emily being the only girl in the family Nick has felt a sense of protectiveness over her. Nick recalls when Emily was looking for her first apartment he went with her to the leasing office to make sure the paperwork was in order and ready to go. Along with protectiveness comes pride. Nick has been proud of Emily throughout her career and the jobs she's held over the years. Nick has watched her work hard, prove herself, and thrive in all her work and could not be more proud of what she has accomplished.
Matt Filmer
Best Man
Matt is Nick's older brother, friend, and motivator. Nick commends Matt for his dry and witty sense of humor. He's someone you can expect to have a quick response to most anything. They attended grad- school together at Notre Dame, where they connected deeper via politics, living away from home, and gaining new experiences. Being able to branch out together in a new state was an amazing life experience for Nick and something that deepened his relationship with Matt. Nick is grateful that Matt is able to stand beside him on a very memorable day.
Alex Filmer
Groomsman
Alex is Nick's younger brother, who has shared many adventures with Nick throughout their adult lives. Alex and Nick have thru-hiked the Northville Placid Trail back in 2019 and paddled the ADK section of the Northern Forrest Canoe Trail in 2020. A lot of Nick's outdoor excursions include Alex, and they have shared many fond memories over the years. Nick describes Alex as someone who pushes him to seek excellence in life and admires his brother for his constant desire to excel in all areas of life. Nick is very glad to have both of his brothers alongside him on this memorable day.
Will Vandermeulen
Groomsman
Will is one of Nick's longest-running friends. Meeting each other in kindergarten where Nick recalls building a fort out of wooden blocks together. From there they grew older yet always seemed to stay together. The nature of their friendship has always been consistent even if they run in different circles or live in different states. When Nick lived in Indiana for grad school he made sure to see Will whenever he came home for break. Nick has never known a time without Will and his loyal friendship, so having him stand with Nick on this important day is most fitting. Most of all, Nick wants Will to know "Go Penguins!"
Bennett Daniels
Ring Bearer
Bennett "Benny" is Lizzy's nephew and Rachel's (Matron of Honor) youngest son. Bennett is hilarious, sarcastic, and intensely loving. He gives the best hugs and is always ready to cuddle. If you get the chance to talk to this witty 8-year-old be ready to laugh your socks off!
Brielle Pettersen
Flower Girl
Brielle is the daughter of Nick & Lizzy's friends Zack and Anna. Nick was Zack's best man and has known Brielle since she was just a few days old. Brielle LOVES Nick. She always reaches out for him and loves when he holds her. Lizzy met Brielle when she was about 4 months old and immediately fell in love with this gorgeous little girl. Lizzy and Nick have been blessed to share in Brielle's 1st birthday and are incredibly blessed to watch her grow and become the person she was created to be. They are so excited for her to be a part of their special day.
Boyd Daniels
Usher
Boyd is Lizzy's nephew and Rachel's (Matron of Honor) oldest son. Boyd is incredibly intelligent, inquisitive, and sensitive. Boyd and Lizzy love sharing one-on-one time together and going to Taco Bell for lunch. Boyd loves collecting legos and sharing them with others. Lizzy and Nick enjoy hanging out with him and his brothers.
Grey Daniels
Usher
Grey is Lizzy's Nephew and Rachel's (Matron of Honor) second oldest son. When Grey was a small baby Rachel brought him and Boyd to Lizzy's parent's house. Lizzy started playing with baby Grey and said to Rachel "I think I wanna call him Grey Bear" and to this day "Grey Bear" has been his nickname called by many in the Dodson/Daniels family. Grey is an artist, so he and Lizzy enjoy being creative together. He's painted the many pictures that she displays proudly in her apartment.