Wedding Party
Alyssa Wolf
Bridesmaid
Alyssa is Madeline’s cousin, but they both prefer to call one another “sister-cousins.” While they have had many surface level things in common—like a love for dinosaurs, playing Sims, listening to Third Eye blind, and having the same sense of humor—they share a much deeper bond over their shared faith and having the privilege of getting to know each other over the course of their whole lives. Alyssa has an unmatched wit, a deep wisdom, and an encouraging voice. And on top of all this, Alyssa has been the biggest supporter of Nicks & Mads from day one.
Ashley Toqe
Bridesmaid
Mads and Ashley have been friends since 2016 and she taught Madeline much of what it means to be a good friend. They got to know one another through the Young Professionals group at Calvary SLO and have remained very close through the years since. Ashley has walked with Mads through some of her hardest times and some of the most joyful (eekly hikes, pilates classes, dance parties, just to name a few). Ashley has always shown a tremendous gift for intentional friendship towards Mads through her attentive listening, unprompted check-ins, and unmatched gift for throwing amazing parties.
Casey Van Schoyck
Bridesmaid
Casey is an inspiring example of what it means to have a drive for life. You will see this after just a few seconds of interacting with her—her joy just shines out of her. She and Mads got to know one another through years of girls nights and workout classes (Casey taught Mads pilates and kettlebells when she lived in SLO), and have deepened their bond over a shared energy and joy for life and people. Casey has an incredible ability to teach, encourage, and lead others.
Cole Whitaker
Groomsman
Cole is Nick's younger brother and one of his best friends through childhood. While they didn't always get along while growing up, they've grown much closer in adulthood by finding the joy in shared hobbies, trips around LA, and keeping up inside jokes at family gatherings. Cole is an important part of Nick's life not only as an immediate family member but as a constant example of what it looks like for someone to stick to their principles and gut while remaining kind and open to new experiences.
Connor Wick
Groomsman
Connor is Nick's oldest and first best friend. They lived just across the street from one another growing up, and by middle school were nigh inseparable. Nick has a lot to thank Connor for, including his interest in miniature painting, his goofy sense of humor, and even his competitive nature. Wherever you might have found Nick Whitaker as he was growing up, Connor Wick was never far. To this day, Nick and Connor are close and keep in touch over major life events, the occasional video game, or just the ridiculous jokes that come to mind throughout our lives.
Daniel Schirmer
Groomsman
Daniel is one of Nick's newest friends, but that fact doesn't diminish the bond they share. When Nick moved to Santa Barbara, Daniel and his wife Heather were the first to reach out to Nick to hang out. That meal was revelatory: Not only did Nick and Daniel learn that they have the same birthday, but also that they shared tastes in film, music, games, humor, and in aspirations. Daniel has been a source of stability and joy for Nick as he has grown into the role of pastor, and has been a constant reminder of the simple yet profound joy of having a best friend while life's responsibilities begin to swell.
Elise Baker
Bridesmaid
Mads and Elise became fast friends when Mads moved from SLO to Santa Barbara. Not long after the move, Elise and Madeline had established a weekly routine of spending time together along with Elise’s two adorable children. Mads finds a kindred spirit in Elise and admires her gifts as an amazing mother, a tender friend, and empathic listener. Fun fact: Elise works with Nick at CPC as the Children's Ministry Director!
Erin Sheets
Bridesmaid
Erin is Mads’ older sister and truly her oldest friend. Growing up, they shared everything from playing Sims on the computer, raising ducks and chickens, and amassing a considerable amount of beanie babies. Mads is inspired by how Erin has pursued her passion for gardening (specifically permaculture) and her entrepreneurial spirit in running her business, Goldifarms. Erin and Mads bond today over a shared sense of whimsy, similar Sheets mannerisms, and a mutual joy of pursuing their dreams.
Francis Vital
Groomsman
Nick came to know Francis over video games... which isn't surprising if you know Nick well. Francis and Nick had overlapped while working at Mt. Hermon, but truly became close when, through Nick's time at seminary, he and Francis would play games online together. They were fast friends and have always bonded by talking about the exciting challenges of pursuing Christ as young men in leadership.
Nick Vivar
Groomsman
Nick and Whitaker (Nick's nickname in the friend group) have always been somewhat of a duo. They met in 1st grade and one of the first memories Whitaker has of Nick is of him singing NSYNC in the first grade talent show. Having grown up together, they have done everything from attend the same church in high school, work at the same camp through college, take trips to see one another, golf, and of course, play games online. They've always been close and have maintained a friendship that essentially a brotherhood.
Quinn Whitaker
Groomsman
Quinn is Nick's older brother and first partner in crime, so long as you'd consider raising your parents' blood pressure a crime. Every time you look at Whitaker baby pictures, you'll see Nick and Quinn either fighting or sharing a game together. But the bond that allows this kind of fun and conflict is what is truly special: Brotherhood. Nick looks up to Quinn as someone who is the picture of genuineness in both humor and emotion.
Steve Miller
Groomsman
Steve and Nick became close when Nick started to work at the church where Steve served as the Worship Music Director. They were fast friends and bonded over their taste in music and video games. After Steve convinced Nick to buy the new PlayStation, the future was set: Steve would be there, playing and chatting, for years to come. Nick looks up to Steve as a dear friend and older brother, as he is full of both wit and wisdom for how to approach the challenges of life with a smile and determined spirit.
Valerie Kert
Bridesmaid
Valerie is one of Madeline’s close friends and her unofficial dream buddy: on their long beach walks, morning coffee dates, or any of their other adventures, Madeline finds in Valerie a friend with whom she can share her deepest hopes and aspirations. Valerie has given Madeline many gifts, including her listening ear, servant’s heart, and her loyal friendship. But more than anything, Valerie gives Madeline the gift of continually pointing her to Christ.
Zoe Whitaker
Bridesmaid
Zoe is Nick’s younger sister and has welcomed Madeline into the Whitaker family with warmth and humor. Zoe is an incredibly funny performer and writer (and an amazing singer) and has the gift of putting others at ease, letting those around her be their true selves, whatever that may be. Madeline is so excited to have Zoe as a sister-in-law, and Nick is likewise excited to see the bond between Zoe and Madeline grow over the years.