Wedding Party
Jessie Strickland
Bride
Jessie is truly the most amazing person in the world. She's brilliant, beautiful, and absolutely courageous. She loves Aaron deeply and never misses a chance to remind him just how lucky he is (not that he needs the reminder). She’s the life of every party and can dance circles around anyone, especially on a line-dance floor. A natural teacher, Jessie has the gift of being able to show anyone the steps, and one day she’ll carry that same heart into motherhood. She’s the light of Aaron’s eye, a woman who loves the Lord with all her heart, and without a doubt the best partner Aaron could ever ask for. -Written by Aaron (Jessie made me write this)
Aaron Cecil
Groom
If you don’t know Aaron (which would be surprising, because he’s basically all I talk about), he’s the man who somehow decided to marry me. Aaron has the kindest soul and one of the smartest brains out there—he somehow manages to juggle his love for Jesus, his family, and his career all at once. For reasons still unknown, he decided to date me after I smiled at him… and apparently my smile was convincing enough that he wants to see it every day for the rest of his life. Aaron is my best friend, my constant encourager, and the person who reminds me daily what it means to love like Jesus. It's about time I get to marry this man. - Written by Jessie (Aaron made ME write this)
Jillian Strickland
Maid of Honor
Meet Jilli – Jessie's sister and the self-proclaimed Supernatural super-fan and mastermind behind this whole wedding. She's quick to remind everyone that if it weren’t for her convincing Jessie to join the track team, Jessie and Aaron might never have met. (You're welcome, world.) Of course, her motives weren’t entirely selfless — she mostly just wanted someone else to deal with Jessie for a change. Mission accomplished.
Sam Cecil
Best Man
Meet Aaron's Brother Sam – Marine artillery expert by day, disc golf warrior by weekend. When he's not launching things that go boom or getting stuck on a boat, wondering why there’s no Wi-Fi, he’s out on the course trying to convince everyone that disc golf is a real sport. Semper fi, but also… birdie or die!
Laura Johnson
Matron of Honor
Meet Laura – Laura met Jessie through the Carolina Navigators, and for some reason decided she was worth discipling (jury’s still out). Since then, she’s been Jessie’s spiritual big sister and unofficial life coach—all while disciplining multiple women and raising enough plants to qualify as a small jungle. She’s obsessed with Jesus, the outdoors, hospitality, and her homeland Colombia. If you don’t know her yet, just look for the woman radiating joy like it’s her job.
Nathan Johnson
Groomsman
Aaron met Nathan at USC Navs, where Nathan has discipled him (and put up with him) for years. Jessie was convinced they were destined to be best friends—though we’re still not sure if that actually happened. Either way, Nathan’s wisdom, encouragement, and perfectly timed sarcasm have made him a steady presence in Aaron’s life… so we threw him in the wedding party just for the heck of it.
Caitie Sweeney
Bridesmaid
Caitie met Jessie at the University of South Carolina’s dance program, where they bonded over paradiddles, pirouettes, and chaotic energy. Since then, she’s been Jessie's ride-or-die—and the honorary third wheel in Jessie and Aaron’s relationship. Although let’s be honest... Aaron’s usually the one third-wheeling them. Whether it’s dance, deep talks, or defending Jessie’s choices in clothes, Caitie brings the moves and the moral support.
Josh McCarty
Groomsman
Josh was lucky enough to meet Aaron sophomore year in a materials science class, where the two of them bonded over mutual confusion. That partnership carried them through a series of equally horrific classes—quantum mechanics, modeling of dynamic systems, and whatever else Clemson could throw at them. They also teamed up in Rocket Club, which led to a few long, questionable road trips to New Mexico. Honestly, it’s a miracle Aaron’s still alive after all that.
Haylee Cecil
Bridesmaid
Meet Aaron's sister Haylee – As Aaron's younger, yet clearly superior sibling, Haylee is known for stealing the spotlight on any dance floor and never missing a beat (literally or sarcastically). She’s been Aaron’s trusted source of brutal honesty for years. Fortunately, she gave Jessie her seal of approval—because let’s be real, if she hadn’t, this wedding wouldn’t be happening.
James Collins
Groomsman
Meet James – James is Aaron's cousin and has not only had to grow up with Aaron, but also has the unfortunate task of living with him. As a student at Clemson University, James is known to have rescued a few plants, killed a lot of spiders, and wrestled an alligator. If you ever need a friend to tell interesting stories or play Nintendo Switch with, James is your guy. Just don't be surprised if he wins every race in Mario Kart.
Campbell Strickland
Flower Girl
Meet Campbell - Campbell is Jessie’s spunky, fun-loving niece who keeps everyone on their toes. She’s a huge fan of Toy Story and Trolls, loves playing dress-up, and thinks every outfit is better with a little sparkle. She’s full of personality, loves to be chased, and is guaranteed to steal the show (and probably a few hearts) on the big day.
Gaines Strickland
Ring Bearer
Gaines is Jessie’s energetic and spirited nephew who loves anything involving superheroes or Ninja Turtles. Whether he’s saving the world one imaginary battle at a time or showing off his best action poses, he brings nonstop energy and excitement wherever he goes. He’s ready to take his ring-bearing duties very seriously—unless a supervillain shows up.
Becky Strickland
Mother of the Bride
Meet Jessie's Mom Becky - Though she loves Jessie dearly, she’ll be the first to tell you her true loves are her grandkids, Gaines and Campbell, her dog Jasper, and the Minions (yes, the little yellow guys). If you want to win Becky over, skip the small talk and just quote a line from Despicable Me or ask to see pictures of G&C. She’s over-the-moon about Jessie and Aaron’s wedding, but is more excited to have more grandbabies to spoil (let's hope Jasper can handle sharing Becky's attention).
Lynn Cecil
Mother of the Groom
She was lucky enough to have Aaron as a kid—especially after the warm-up round of giving birth to his older brother, Sam. These days, she’s busy wrangling Haylee (a freshly minted teenager) while also adjusting to life with Aaron out of the house. She misses him being around, but is excited to see him step into this next season (and maybe a little relieved that someone else will now be responsible for keeping him alive).
James Strickland
Father of the Bride
Meet Jessie's Dad James - While James is proud of his daughter, he is equally proud of his pickleball skills and his lunchtime bromances with his buddies Ron and Guber. He’s also the family’s resident dessert chef—his brownies and ice cream are legendary, and possibly the real reason people come to family gatherings. James is ready to walk Jessie down the aisle… and ready for Jessie to have someone else to call when she has car trouble (good luck filling that shoe, Aaron).
Jason Cecil
Father of the Groom
He loves being Aaron’s dad and proudly calls him his favorite middlest child. A born salesman, he could sell you a bathing suit in Alaska or convince you that your golf game is just “one adjustment away.” Speaking of golf—he loves it, especially the three times a year he actually hits the ball straight. When he’s not working the sales pitch or the sand trap, he’s calling Aaron just to ask, “What ya doing?” …with absolutely nothing else to follow up on.
Ben Burchardi
Officiant
Ben has had the honor of being a spiritual mentor to both Jessie and Aaron through the Navigators, offering wisdom, encouragement, and just enough sarcasm to keep things real. He’s traveled with Jessie to Colorado and with Aaron to Baltimore—somehow managing to put up with both of them, though thankfully not at the same time. Most know Ben as the well-put-together mentor type, but he’s also naturally goofy, which makes him both approachable and unpredictable. And if you’re really lucky, you might even encounter Spring Break Ben: the off-duty, life-of-the-party version that leaves you wondering, “Wait, is this really my officiant?”