Heather & Joe
Wedding Party
Dawn Shibley
Matron of Honor
Chance made us coworkers, but divine intervention unfolded the rest. One does not make friends...they recognize them. New to our careers, we quickly learned we were two peas in a pod & it wasn't long before we were inseparable (or maybe it was just her husband's late night Wendy's delivery that sealed the deal?! LOL.) Either way, God had bigger visions for our friendship than one could ever imagine. We became family. Her husband, Stephen, & their 3 kids, Madison, Stephen, Jr., Isabella & ALL their extended family have embraced our presence. Through the years, we have created countless memories, celebrated joy, & navigated the unimaginable. Before Mama's passing she said, "Dawn loves you. Hold tight to her & never let her go." This day and always, I will continue to honor these words.
David Ketron
Best Man
Choosing a best man can be difficult. One can have so many friends that meet the criteria, but there is always that one friend that stands out among the rest. One that you know without a shadow of a doubt is the man for the job. I first met David at the Department of Juvenile Justice training academy. We lived very close and began to car pool to make work life a little easier. It was that first car ride when I knew we'd become best friends. From baseball games, long poker nights losing and winning money, "guys nights out" to just having someone to call anytime. No matter what the problem or issue is, David has always been my go to in all life's ups and downs. From best friend to best man, God has blessed me with his brotherly friendship, his wife, Chelsea, and his son, Jayton.
Hope Thorn
Bridesmaid
As your mother, one of my most cherished & life changing memories was the day you were born & first placed in my arms. So precious & absolutely perfect, your sweet little brown eyes looked at me with such purity & grace. A friendship & indescribable bond transformed before me that was unlike any other, stemming from the deepest part of my heart. A mother's love is instinctual, unconditional, & lasts forever. Throughout our lives, we will never experience the same type of love than we do from our mom. You have grown into a vibrant, God seeking young woman who blesses the lives of many. Strong & mighty, your soul shines bright illuminating the darkest room & your smile is absolutely infectious. One of God's greatest gifts & treasured blessings, I am beyond grateful to call you my daughter.
Tyler Thorn
Groomsman
I feel as though I've closed my eyes for a moment and suddenly a young man stands where a little boy once was. You know time flies when that six year old boy that I met sitting at the kids table eating goldfish, I'm now teaching how to drive my truck down the interstate. Although God gave me this privilege, I remember being so nervous and worried that I wouldn't be able to fill my dads shoes. My father gave me the world and has impacted my life in ways I could never describe. Now it was my turn. It's not flesh and blood, but the heart that will make you my son. I dedicate the remainder of my life to him, Hope, and their beautiful mother. I can only pray that he will cherish all of our memories together just as much as I do. He's bigger than the plans I had, he's making me a better man.
Laura Matthews
Bridesmaid
Over twenty years ago, Bubba first introduced me to his big, brown-eyed beauty. Quickly noticing the joy she brought him, it wasn't long before our relationship evolved into something amazing too. Although she joined our family through marriage, she's been more like a big sister to me. We have walked through many stages of our lives together...graduating college & pursuing our calling as nursing professionals, welcoming & navigating the many joys & uncertainties of motherhood, & an abundance of blessings & even hardships. We've shared many laughter & tears, trusted each other with our innermost thoughts & secrets, & have grown in our faith tremendously over the years. Her marriage allowed me to become an aunt to Noah & for the kids to have a cousin that is more like a sibling.
Tim Matthews
Groomsman
I'll never forget first meeting Tim. The hours leading up to it, it was nerve-racking because I wanted to make a good first impression & just simply prove I was capable of loving & caring for his sister like she deserved. I've never told him this, but he reminds me a lot of my father. That alone speaks volume of his character. The mark of a great man is one who knows when to set aside the important things in order to accomplish the vital ones. He's a compassionate, loving provider to his family, respectful, and hardworking. With the passing of his mom, Karen, & his grandmother, Granny, he courageously comforted our families with his presence & guidance. Conveniently as neighbors, I call "Mr. Fix It" for advice on anything I can't fix on my own & he's always willing to lend a helping hand.
Nicky Thomas
Bridesmaid
I'll never forget the day Tyler and I walked into his kindergarten class. Holding back tears, my heart was full of emotions as he ventured off into school without me. As a mother, I prayed he would meet new friends to play with at recess and to sit next to on the "magic carpet" because the thought of my child being alone was heartbreaking. God didn't just answer my prayer for Tyler, He blessed me with one too. Nicky and her son, Gavin, quickly became family to us (and Nana too!) Sharing an abundance of similarities and challenges as single mothers, our sisterhood blossomed rapidly and we have been able to support each other in ways others can't. Over the years, we have endured, yet overcame, many life chapters together and we thank God for their faithful friendship every single day.
Gavin Thomas
Groomsman
"G-MONEY," Tyler's best friend since kindergarten, has become a huge part of our every day life. Gavin and his mother, Nicky, have both been extremely influential to each of us over the years and for that I am thankful. He marches to the beat of his own drum having the ability to bounce back, change course, and accept any situation to search how to better himself. For real though, he plays the drum in the marching band with Tyler and can play a mean beat. This guy is smart as a whip, quite amusing, well-mannered, studious, and charismatic. I always look forward to seeing Gavin each day; engaging in conversation and answering the many questions he has about life. I know his mother is proud of this guy, just as I am. I pray he continues to grow up into a humble, successful, young man.
Sarah Duke
Bridesmaid
For many years in high school, I came to pick up her siblings for school. Who knew that cute little blonde baby sister hiding in the distance would one day become my sister-in-law. In our adulthood, I have witnessed an incredibly unique relationship between her & her brother transform...one that mirrors the one I have with mine. An older brother often serves as one of our greatest motivators, personal protectors, and a listening ear. Sarah is a faithful Christian & servant of God, always offering the perfect words of wisdom. Her hilarious sense of humor resembles Joe in so many ways, somehow giving unspoken permission to be young again, silly, & carefree. I am so grateful Joe has her to call upon & that soon I will be gaining another sister-in-law to cherish for the rest of my days.
Tylor Duke
Groomsman
I've never had a brother growing up. Living in a house full of women, my Dad and I were outnumbered. Even the dog and cat were female. It wasn't until I met my baby sister's husband, Tylor Duke, when I realized a brother doesn't have to be blood related, come from the same family, or have the same parents. A brother to me is someone you can call anytime day or night, look up to when you need some extra motivation mentally or spiritually, and someone you can trust to tell anything. Tylor, without a shadow of a doubt, is my brother. We've laughed together, cried together, shared family memories together, prayed together and follow Christ together. God blessed my sister with this humble, kind-hearted man but, little did he know, God blessed me too.
Madison Shibley
Bridesmaid
It was fifteen years ago when her mom and I first met. Dawn was expecting and absolutely ecstatic about becoming a first time mom and was anxiously preparing for her arrival. Little did we know that our friendship would progress into what it is today. God gifted more than just her friendship. Blessed beyond measure, I have gained a few extra children whom I am honored to have call me "Aunt Heather." With God's mercy & grace, our families have grown significantly closer over the years creating many memories together. Family vacations at Sandbridge, Busch Gardens & Water Country trips, slumber parties and so much more...we've lived life to the fullest! Madison has turned into a beautiful, compassionate young lady pursing her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Noah Matthews
Groomsman
Noah was just starting elementary school when I had the pleasure of meeting this cool kid. He was full of life, always ready to play, and had a laugh that would make anyone's day brighter. So much so I would go out of my way to make him laugh just so I could hear his. Noah has always appreciated my carefree and unique sense of humor. I guess that's where I got my "Bearded Funcle" title. If you don't know this term, the definition states "the most superior breed of uncle; the coolest and most fun uncle known." We share many of the same interests like playing the guitar, sports, and understanding the importance of family. It's been fun being your "Crew Chef" on race days too! We've had some pretty inspirational conversations and I've enjoyed watching him grow into a young, studious man.
Isabella Shibley
Bridesmaid
All footprints start small but only some are born smaller than a wedding ring. Twelve years ago, Isabella entered this world as a preemie at twenty eight weeks weighing only 2 pounds, 9 ounces. Her existence validates that some of life's greatest gifts come in the smallest packages. One never knows how strong they really are until being strong is their only option. She was the last born into what Dawn & I refer to as "our little Duggers," constantly counting "1-2-3-4-5" with every outing we've ever taken together. Her personality is gentle, yet fearless, and she has her daddy, Stephen, wrapped around her finger. I've had the privilege to watch her grow over the years and look forward to many more! Her once small footprints leave a lasting impression and will soon become larger than most.
Stephen Shibley, Jr.
Groomsman
Many years ago, I had the honor of meeting Heather's close friends, the Shibley's. WOW!!! Home should be an anchor, a port in a storm, a refuge, a happy place in which to dwell, a place where we are loved & where we can love. This family is the epitome of just that. Genuine & humble, family centered, & so welcoming to anyone that crosses their path. As a definite bonus, these people can throw some of the best parties around, full of laughter & fun! From bon fires, family beach trips, going to the pool, & Christmas parties, we spend lots of time with them. Right in the center of all this action is Stephen, Jr. He is honestly one of the funniest kids I know enjoying life to the fullest. He's an all-American guy who loves riding four wheelers, enjoys the outdoors, & loves anything patriotic.
Gracie Thornton
Flower Girl
Butterfly kisses and flower petal wishes. Only God has the explanation for this precious little miracle. My cousin, Gracie's mother Carrie, was told many years ago that she could never bear the gift of carrying a little girl. Defying all odds, we were all blessed with sweet Gracie's presence eight years ago. Free spirited and joyous, yet sassy and feisty, she is an adorable princess that keeps everyone on their toes...FULL of energy and love to share! On our big day, she will lead me down the aisle to the man I've dreamed of since I was a little girl. When the day comes for her to hold the bouquet, I pray she too is walking towards the man she and her mommy and daddy have hoped for.
Jayton Ketron
Ring Bearer
Words will never perfectly describe how much my best mans son, Jayton means to me. I met this guy years ago and it has been a true blessing watching him grow up. His smile and the way he laughs brings joy to me every time I see him. This past summer, our families went on vacation together to the beach and we had a blast! He and I spent lots of time throwing the football, eating ice cream, and talking about life. I am looking forward to watching him grow into a courageous young man, taking on the world with his charm and wit. It is truly an honor having this young man in my wedding as the ring bearer. His favorite sports are football, soccer where he plays goalie, and playing Fortnite. Jayton's soccer team has won 3 championship titles.