Liz & Wayne
Wedding Party
Liz Etheridge
Bride
The first time I saw Liz was in a picture, standing by her Jeep. I could tell this was someone who glows with confidence and saw life as an adventure and I knew there was something special about this woman. I knew it in my heart. Our first phone conversation lasted 2-1/2 hours, mostly sharing stories of the incredible strength of Cyndi and Chuck as they fought major health issues. We continue to discuss how these amazing spouses impacted our lives. Our first date was at Church, and she gave me a hug that changed my life. That "hug" has a way of bringing me calm and was the beginning of something special. This woman LOVES PEOPLE with such a genuine love that is nothing short of contagious. Just ask anyone who knows her. I am thankful that God saw fit for me to be one of those people.
Wayne Sekerke
Groom
This handsome government (FAA) worker I plan on marrying December 5th is a "Light" to everyone he meets. He's the "real deal" and loves big. His smile lights up a room and his eyes dance when he smiles. He's an analyst....I'm not...so I've assured him I will frustrate him....so get ready. He puts 110% into everything he does....whether it be working as a Chief in the Navy where he retired.....or leading a Grief Share Group for the third time. Or maybe its pushing through the pain to ride his bike almost 60 miles in the wind, hills and chip seal with my late husband's name on his back to help raise money to cure MS. But his best 110% was being a caretaker of Cyndi Sekerke...his wife of 30+ years as she struggled through 10 years of cancer. And God saw fit to loan him to me.
Debbie Rusk
Maid of Honor
My Sister....my Best Friend. We couldn't be more opposite in many ways.....but the things that matter, we are spot-on in sync with each other. She has always had the amazing ability and instinct to see "through" people....to know what friends were good for her sister and what friends weren't. I was over-the-moon happy when she not only gave me the thumbs-up on Wayne, she told me early on, "You Better Marry That Guy!". Debbie lives with her husband Brady in Keene, Texas near her daughter, Jacque and husband Matt.
Laurie Hamilton
Grooms Best Person
Laurie is a long time friend and coach of Wayne's at the FAA. Laurie and her husband Scott live in Ft. Worth, Texas. Laurie is a workout guru. She and Wayne met while in the FAA gym years ago and was not only his exercise coach, but also his "coach" in getting back out in the dating scene last year. She was his proof-reader for his online dating profile and has walked him through the "what-to-do-next's" while dating Liz. The first time I met Laurie, I instantly fell in love with her too! She is a very cool chick and is the ideal choice to stand next to Wayne as he says "I Do".....just as she perfectly taught him how.
Bella Etheridge
Bridesmaid
Bella is my oldest granddaughter. At 19, she is just starting her first year of college at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Bella = Godly Woman. This tall, beautiful and kind girl loves the Lord above all else. She has taught her Lele so many things by the way she lives her life....how she presents herself....and living her Christian life loudly. Her beauty radiates from the inside out....and she hasn't a mean bone in her body. She is a phenomenal photographer (BellaGracePhotography) and writer and was our Engagement Photo photographer. She took a piece of my heart to Arizona with her and I pray she feels it beating next to hers.
Brie Etheridge
Bridesmaid
Brie is my youngest granddaughter who is 17 going on 29. She is a Junior this year at Allen High School in Allen, TX and one of the wisest, secure and most centered teenagers this Lele has ever known. Brie = Strength. She has endured many painful surgeries over her short 16 years, but always sees the glass 1/2 full instead of 1/2 empty. She is a true testament of Strength without Complaining. I see a lot of her Grandpa Charlie in her in that way. She is a Leader of her Tribe of Friends and they all adore her to pieces. She owns a special piece of her Lele's heart and I can't imagine not having her standing next to me on December 5th.
Stosh Sekerke
Groomsman
Stanley (Stosh) is the youngest son of Wayne and lives in San Diego, CA with his wife, Amanda, and their 5 kids, Sierra, Sage, Brayden, Stoshy and Zeke. He is President of CommWave Networks, Inc. Along with being a busy father of 5 and running a successful company, he raises, goats and chickens on his little farm within the big city.
Sharon Sehon
Flower Friend
Sharon is a long-time friend who was one of the first people to know Wayne and I were dating. Her first words upon hearing this news was, "Can I be the Flower Friend??". LOL. Sharon has been a huge source of encouragement to me over the years, through floods, death and now, Joy in my life. She is the dearest of dearest friends. She will be make a spectacular Flower Friend! Sharon and her husband Bob, first flower boy, now live in Fairview, Texas after having been my neighbors at Lake Cypress Springs in Mt. Vernon, TX.
Doug Etheridge
Accompany Bride Down Aisle
A Godly man, Doug is the youngest brother and best friend of my late husband Chuck. He has been one of the greatest friends and mentors to me for many years and a source of deep encouragement through these past difficult years. Having his blessing on this union means more than any words I could place on this page. And having him walk me down the aisle will be one of the greatest memories I could imagine. He and his wife Diane live in Carrollton. They have 3 daughters and 1 son, along with 7 grandsons that keep him very busy.
Troy Etheridge
Accompany Bride Down Aisle
Troy is the only son of my late husband, Chuck. He has not only been a wonderful step-son, he has been the greatest of friends. His willingness to always be available in good times and in bad have been invaluable to me. His honoring me with his arm by walking me down the aisle is one of the greatest memories I can imagine. The fact that Chuck's only son will be walking his Dad's wife into her new chapter should tell everyone witnessing this union what an amazing man he is.
Mike Wierick
Officiant
Mike is the retired pastor of Fielder Church in Arlington and good friend of Wayne's for years. Widowed himself, he was the inspiration to Wayne to start dating again after being widowed for several years. He and his wife Holly live in Trophy Club.
JC Calloway
Father of the Bride
Pappo....Dad....JC. Those are just a few names for my 93-year old Father, Jim. Although he won't be walking me down the aisle, he will be taking my hand and giving it to Wayne. He and Wayne have become great buds and having Dads blessing through it all means the world to this youngest daughter of his. Pappo lives in Garland in the same house he raised all three of his kids in. He still drives to downtown Dallas on Saturdays for church and writes weekly articles to inspire. He is truly an amazing man.....and my Father.