Bride
I grew up in Mississippi and then attended Harding University (undergrad) and UCA (graduate school) in Arkansas, where I received my speech-language pathology degree. I worked for several years in Memphis, TN, but moved to MN in 2015 to be with my dad as he sought help and answers for his sickness at Mayo Clinic. I ended up working for Mayo Clinic myself while in Rochester, but I currently live even further North and work in 2 nursing homes where I provide speech therapy services to the geriatric population. Outside of those 40 hours a week, I am a full-time mom. If free time ever presents itself, I enjoy art, playing guitar, researching Myers-Briggs, watching philosophical and ethical debates, camping/hiking, trying new things (like golfing and fishing) and being involved in church. Perhaps the most exciting part of all this is that I'm engaged to the man I knew I wanted to marry after only a month or two of dating. I have been through some very challenging times in my life and I am in awe of how God's plan has been unraveling for me. God knew the desires of my heart and He brought Eric into my life at the right time. Eric's gentleness, patience, humor, intelligence, integrity, and commitment are the exact qualities Ember and I needed in a family, and we look forward to making this family unit official this August! #NowAndForeverMoore
Groom
Engaged to the wonderful woman I have prayed for all my adult life. I work at Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge (MNTC), a faith based treatment center, as a Community Outreach Representative. I have worked at MNTC 5 years in January and graduated MNTC almost 7 years ago. I'm proud to say I am also a graduate of TCLI, a biblical leadership school for graduates of MNTC. I am over 6 years sober, only by the grace and love of God and the support of my family who cared for me and never stopped loving and believing in me. It was at Teen Challenge over 6 years ago where Jesus changed my heart and renewed my mind. Throughout my time in recovery, I prayed for a family, for a beautiful, kind, gentle, patient, loving, compassionate woman who loves Jesus. I prayed for over 4 years and wondered when this could happen, but little did I know God was preparing me and molding me into a man that would be a godly husband and loving father. I believe He knew when I was ready, He knew Heather and I were meant to be together, and he answered my prayers when he brought her into my life, and I am forever blessed. I enjoy many hobbies like golfing, fishing, shooting, collecting sneakers, Fantasy football, sports memorabilia, and my favorite... fragrances. However, my greatest joy comes from being with Heather and Ember, nieces and nephews, and family. #UncleBill
Matron of Honor
While she is first and foremost my younger sister, she is also a wife to the infamous Jarvis Melvin. She and Jarvis had their first child, Samuel, in August of last year! That little boy is a total ray of sunshine. Outside of family, Lindsay works full time as a nurse at Mayo Clinic in the transplant ICU saving lives on the daily! She loves to research and learn in her spare time, and has become an expert gardener in the most recent years. She is also talented in art, ukulele, singing, and stays very involved with her church family. There's no way I could have such a life-changing day without this girl right by my side. #MinkusAndSissyO'Claire
Best Man
Meet my younger brother, golf partner, fishing buddy and best friend, Brad. Brad is married to Melissa (Missy Ann), and together they have 3 beautiful children: Harlyn who just turned 5, and twins Josie and Nora who are now 3. Brad served from 2011-2015 in the Navy, was a second class petty officer after 3 years, and served for 4 years total as an aircraft mechanic working on F/A-18E Super Hornets. Recently, Brad turned out as a journeyman pipe fitter at his the Local 539 Union in Minneapolis, and we are so proud of him. When our air condition went out during the 100 degrees heat wave in June, Brad knew exactly what to do and solved the problem before the warranty company even called us back. #TiconderogaAndCrosswords
Bridesmaid
Let me tell you about this amazing woman right here... Yelisa "Lisa" Diaz has been a bright light in my life ever since we met at church 4 years ago. We have connected over so many things and built an unbreakable bond! She is so unbelievably generous and has the purest heart. Yelisa is a dedicated wife to her husband Alfredo, and they have an adorable fur baby, Mae. I cannot fail to mention that she enjoys peeling out of driveways in her vehicle! If you don't believe me, Eric will confirm this to be true. She is a certified nursing assistant at Mayo Clinic, but ultimately has dreams of writing children's books one day. I believe in her 100%! #RangerRaccoon
Groomsman
Mike is my older brother by two years. Growing up, I looked up to Mike and followed him and his friends around constantly. Today we still are best friends and enjoy golfing, fishing, the Denver Broncos, quoting movies, and joking around about pretty much everything. I was blessed to be a part of his wedding and I'm so glad he will be a part of mine. Mike is a sourcing assistant in Graco's purchasing department in Rodgers. Mike is married to Melissa (Missy Rae), and together they have two beautiful children: Zadek, who turns 7 in July, and Marcella, who is 5. #DontFeedDennis
Flower Girl
Ember is the daughter of Heather and soon-to-be daughter of Eric! She is officially 6 and 1/2 years old and is ready to start 1st grade this fall. She is sweet and sassy and fiercely independent. She loves art, swimming, and ice cream. She has been with me through thick and thin and is definitely my "mini me." She is more than happy to have Eric join our family! #MasterNegotiator
Ring Bearer
Harlyn is the son of Brad and Missy and brother to Nora and Josie. Harlyn just turned 5 at his Mario themed birthday party and is really good at his Mario video games! He is an excellent little tee ball player and is looking forward to starting kindergarten this fall. He is such a talented and loving little guy and we can't wait for him to walk these rings down the aisle! #Hammy
Mother of the Bride
Tracy, daughter of S.R. and Louise Brown, grew up in Mississippi and attended Delta State University (home of the Fighting Okra), where she received her degree in fine arts. She was married to Samuel Holdeman from 1983 until his passing in 2015, and they had a full and loving marriage. She had 2 daughters and made sure Lindsay and I were involved in every activity and event available. She currently lives in Rochester and teaches private art lessons from her home studio, where her students love the environment of creative freedom that she offers. Tracy is a close friend to those she knows, a true extrovert who loves opening her home to family and friends, and very involved with her church. She is a mimi who means the world to her 2 grandchildren. Although she loves a good classic rock tune and an episode of The Andy Griffith Show, she hates the idea of sitting to watch a movie. She has always been willing to go out of her way to help others and has taught me so much about what true commitment means in a marriage. #MarmeeLuther
Mother of the Groom
Stephanie was born to Harry and Margaret Laws and grew up in Shelby, Ohio, home of the Whippets! She served in the medical corp for the US Navy from '73-'77. After her tour in the navy, she moved to Illinois and was employed by West Suburban Hospital, where she met her spouse through mutual friends in 1978. She and Gary married in 1980 and had 5 children in the 80's, where they lived outside of Chicago. A full time Mom of 5 kids in a 7 year age span probably wasn't easy, but Stephanie did it with love, grace, and all the patience and effort. Steph and Gary now reside in Pequot Lakes, MN and go the extra mile to create a welcoming place for family to visit. She is now "Gigi" to 11 grandchildren! Stephanie loves reading, Jesus and his word, books, gardening, cooking, fishing, renovating, painting, Hallmark movies, mint meltaways (or as she says "Mend Meldaways"), and trying to beat Gary in all and every card and board game! #ContractorCracker
Father of the Bride
*In loving memory* Sam passed from this earth in 2015, just days after his 68th birthday, but he remains a huge part of our lives in every way. He was a strong christian man who truly lived out his beliefs. He was full of wisdom and insight and communicated everything in love and gentleness, but you could still expect a dad joke or corny saying at any moment! He grew up in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Louisiana, a true southern gentleman. He had many different jobs and talents throughout his life, but he eventually decided to return to school in his 50's and become a nurse. He went through a lot in his later years with sickness, but his attitude and outlook on life remained outstanding. His goal was to "suffer well," and he did just that, always finding a way to bring joy to others despite his challenges. He was the rock of his family and will be sorely missed at this celebration. #InOurHeartsAndMinds
Father of the Groom
Gary was born in Fargo, ND in 1955 to Marcella and Jerome, and grew up all over the states! He graduated college from the University of Illinois in 1980 for business just before he married Stephanie. He worked in various businesses throughout his career, eventually owning his own company. He excelled at sports growing up and eventually coached all of his kids sports teams. Gary is a dedicated loving father who always spent all of his time outside of work with his family and planning the next vacation or special time to spend together. Nowadays he enjoys fishing, hunting, and hanging out with his family, especially the grandkids! He has a special interest in popcorn machines, hot dog rollers, antique coca-cola machines, coolers, dollies, and anything else Stephanie doesn't want in the barn. #GrandpaTough
Officiant
Steve and Eric met while Eric was in the Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge Leadership institute (TCLI) in 2017-2019. Steve was the Dean, taught biblical classes, and mentored many men in that program. A covenant group was formed at TCLI where Eric and Steve formed a deeper connection. Steve, wife Tara, and dog Spot host a weekly Saturday breakfast at their house for men and their families to pray and talk about life. Steve has been a brother in christ, always with an open door, a giving heart, and an ear to listen. Steve has worked for different organizations including Teen Challenge, Union Gospel Mission, and Woodland Hills Church to name a few. Steve has a heart after God and has shown Eric how to be kingdom-minded and focused. We are blessed to have Steve to officiate our wedding and facilitate a covenant of marriage between Heather, Eric and God.