Paige & Dugan
Wedding Party
Dugan McAdams
Groom
In his own words, Dugan met Paige and her friend Julie at Johnson Beach, "seeing two girls driving around in a three-wheeled tourist car, thinking 'surely they're from out of town'". From volunteering to take a photo for both of them to, by good fortune and the Grace of God alone, staying in touch via sporadic texts, he was able to meet her once again (years later) in Washington. From that second interaction, the two realized that there could be something more between them, but by Paige's discipline and commitment to God, Dugan had to show his commitment and continue to pursue her, in spite of distance already present between him in Washington and her in Kentucky. Following another trip to Washington and her subsequent new job in Seattle, their relationship flourished: weekends and occasional weekdays spent together offered them valuable time to grow and build memories and foundation to a future relationship. Despite even more distance and time to come - between moving to Japan and more than one deployment - Dugan continued to pursue Paige and asked her to marry him on the third of January, 2025 (she said yes!). The two have continued to have some time together in Japan as they prepare for their marriage, and eagerly look forward to more shared adventures wherever life may take them! Dugan currently lives in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, JP, and works for the US Navy in Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141.
Paige Smekal
Bride
As you'll soon read, long-distance relationships are nothing new for the bride and groom. But their story has a unique twist. Julie, the bride's best friend, rents a convertible for Paige’s birthday to drive down the beach. Julie, a fan of photos, wants to take a self-timer photo, but Paige is embarrassed. Dugan, a surfer in tiny shorts, offers to take the photo, and Paige is mortified. Julie doesn’t like the shot, so they take more, but Dugan circles back. Paige collapses into the car, sure that nothing could be more humiliating. Still, Julie presses on with the photoshoot. Later, Paige’s brother Zach convinces her to create a joint Hinge account to meet people during COVID. Paige reluctantly agrees but doesn’t use it for almost a year. When she does, the photo is recognized by Dugan, the original photographer. The awkwardness continues, but in hindsight, has led us to this day. Miscommunication of an awkward lunch date involving all three instead of two… led to Paige and Dugan remaining "friends." Let’s just say vibes were off! Over time, their friendship consisted of random DMs and pickle memes. Eventually, FaceTime calls turned into hiking and coffee dates, and Dugan confessed, "I want you with me in Japan." Paige knew, "I can't let this end." And now here we are planning a wedding! Paige, who grew up in New Jersey, went to college in Pensacola, FL, and has been travel nursing for the past two and a half years, is now preparing to join Dugan in Japan next year
Andrew Miura
Best Man
Andrew Miura had always been a reasonably good friend to Dugan since having known him. Always one to introduce himself to any newcomers in church, both of them quickly became good friends and brothers in Christ. However, it wouldn't be until both spent a summer in Florida, living and working together, that their friendship would truly become a lifelong bond. Spending nearly every moment of the summer in the unique circumstances as beach lifeguards really gave both of these young men the opportunities to forge lives truly after Christ first, and to witness in each other what living for Christ meant on a daily basis - both in sharing and enjoying the highlights as well as humbling the self to put the other brother first. Andrew Miura lives with his wife, Hannah Miura, in Southern Pines, NC. He currently works for the US Army at Fort Bragg, NC.
Julie Morton
Maid of Honor
Julie is often joked about being Paige’s first committed relationship. The two met in college eight years ago during their freshman year, but at first, Julie thought Paige studied too much—and Paige really did study too much. However, in their sophomore year, they truly bonded through the challenges of nursing school. Together, with God’s help, they managed to get through the next three years, surviving it all with beach trips, Starbucks study sessions, and birthday adventures. We were practically inseparable. When COVID hit, the two had the chance to live off-campus together and start their first jobs at the same hospital, in the same unit, on the same shifts. Five years later, they've traveled across the U.S. for work and fun, taken three international trips, adopted brother cats, and become so intertwined in each other’s families that calling Julie just a "friend" feels strange—she’s truly like a sister. We both have earned our place in each other’s family group texts and vacations! Julie is confident, strong-willed, incredibly giving, and always strives to live with a heart for God. And, of course, she’s determined to get the perfect photo every time! Julie is settled down and living in Pennsylvania, enjoying life away from the bedside nurse role. Oh and of course here is the photo that started it all!
Tucker Coffman
Groomsman
Tucker Coffman was one of the first friends Dugan made at Ohio State, and also one of the first Christians Dugan had in his life to help lead him to Christ. Calling him a "passionate" individual would not do him justice: Tucker has shown time and time again that his zeal for life is matched and exceeded only by his zeal for the Lord. Whether it came to sports (playing or watching), starting any new challenge (with the exception of advanced maths), or eating literally any food ever put in front of him, Tucker wouldn't allow those challenges to get the better of him. Not only so, but he is also one of the best people to have around to allow others to meet their own challenges. Whether in daily matters or in spiritual matters, there are few better people to have alongside in life. Tucker and his wife, Bertina, currently live in the greater Norfolk-Virginia Beach, VA area. Both are currently serving in the US Navy: Bertina is a surface warfare officer aboard USS James E Williams, and Tucker is an explosive ordinance disposal officer in Carrier Strike Group 8.
Willow Lindenau
Matron of Honor
Willow was Paige’s freshman year roommate and first friend in college. Don’t let Willow’s chiseled jawline fool you – she’s far from intimidating! The two bonded immediately over their love of coffee and a shared caffeine addiction. Willow took Paige under her wing, teaching her the ropes of surviving at their small Christian college. From laundry lessons to “white glove” inspection prep, Willow was always there. When Paige refused to leave campus, Willow made Target runs for her, and when she finally did leave, they spent their time at Dunkin’ or taking “hot girl walks” before they were cool. Over the years, Paige watched Willow fall in love and get married, with Paige proudly standing by her side as her maid of honor six years ago. Since then, the two have spent countless weekends traveling, filling their trips with coffee, laughter, and endless conversation. Long-distance couldn’t keep them apart, and they’ve never gone a year without visiting. Japan next ?? Willow now lives in a small town in Michigan, where she’s the ultimate Jill of all trades—and fiercely anti-Ohio State.
Kenyon Strickland
Groomsman
Kenyon Strickland truly has a heart of gold, and as such can do no wrong. No better example exists than the time Kenyon met Dugan: just back from deployment, Kenyon and Dugan met via shared friends in Anacortes, WA. As the group sat down for dinner, Dugan asked one of his friends for the pickle with his sandwich; witnessing this interaction, as the transaction took place, Kenyon reached over and STOLE THE PICKLE FROM DUGAN (who swears he isn't bitter about it at all). From that interaction, a great friendship was born: in a limited time in Washington, Dugan and Kenyon would share closeness from time in Bible study, skiing, hiking, car work, almost every area of life except for actual work. Though geography now separates the two, their friendship and life experiences continue to intertwine: in the same year, Dugan and Kenyon will both date, propose, and be wed to their respective significant others. Kenyon and his fiancee, Sara Lynn Sullivan, currently live in Greenbank, WA. Kenyon is serving as a mission commander aboard Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 in Whidbey Island, WA.
Carrie Morton
Bridesmaid
Carrie and Paige’s friendship has flourished over the past eight years, filled with unforgettable memories and trips. As Julie’s sister, Carrie met Paige during the Mortons’ family visits to PCC. Their first adventure together was a tourist-filled summer trip to CA, which included a memorable visit to the Brady Bunch House—a highlight for … some (Paige)! Since then, they’ve bonded over TikTok dance-offs from opposite coasts, dragging others into the fun, and hunting down trendy foodie spots. They’ve learned the importance of checking whether restaurants serve seasonal items during weekdays before driving too far out of their way. Carrie has visited Paige on most of her travel assignments, from exploring D.C. to zip-lining in KY and taking long Thanksgiving road trips to St. Louis. In Europe, they shared wild adventures, including encounters with cows, impossible bike tours, and an endless supply of baguettes! One of their most meaningful moments was when Carrie stayed by Paige’s side in the hospital, which deepened their bond like never before. Through all the adventures, challenges, and laughs, Carrie and Paige’s friendship has evolved into a fun, supportive, and unshakeable connection. Carrie’s adventurous spirit, wit, and selflessness make her a joy to be around. She’s always ready for the next adventure, with a clever remark and a reminder not to take life too seriously. Carrie lives in California, has a distinctive valley girl accent, and works as a Kinder teacher.
Nate Fox
Groomsman
Nate Fox is one of Dugan's enduring friends, in no small part because their lives are closely on track together. Nate was a member of Grace Community Church in Pensacola, FL before Dugan first arrived; he left before the two could meet, but mutual friends still spoke well of both of them to each other. Not until Dugan arrived in Whidbey shortly after Nate, and just happened to rent a room in the same house as Nate, would the two meet. From there, despite increasing business of work and studies, the two would share several memorable experiences: hiking the Enchantments, skiing several weekends, and of course, living for and serving the Lord daily. As a matter of fact, Nate enjoyed living with Dugan so much that he was convinced by Dugan to volunteer to go to Japan. Since their journey took both of them to the Far East, both have had continuing opportunities to discover how to live for God in a work environment that is challenging, taxing, and also rewarding. Nate currently lives in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, JP with his wife, Logan McNamee Fox. He serves with Dugan in VAQ-141 aboard USS George Washington.
Jennifer Morden
Bridesmaid
Jenn and Paige met during Paige's freshman year of college and Jenn’s senior year, as Jenn was roommates with Julie. From the start, Jenn’s warmth and comforting presence made her an instant friend. She was quick to smile, asked thoughtful questions, and was a great listener. She always remembered the details, checking in after exams and genuinely caring. Jenn had the incredible ability to turn a night of complaining into a fun, mandatory party, lifting everyone's spirits. Her laughter is contagious, making any situation brighter. Over the years, Jenn and Paige have shared a love for the beach, often reconnecting at different spots after graduation, with Miami Beach standing out as the most memorable. One notable moment was when Jenn proudly assured the group she’d be fine without sunscreen during a summer trip to Pensacola, FL—only to end up with the worst sunburn any of them had ever seen and a 10 hour drive home! Despite the distance, Jenn has been the most consistent in staying connected, making FaceTime calls a priority and always being available. Whether it’s to give advice, listen to a rant, or share a laugh, I can always count on her to answer, no matter the time. Jenn lives in Florida with her husband, Matthew Morden, and three children and works as a high school teacher.