the mannik wedding
Wedding Party
Wesley Varner
Father of the Bride
Escorting Anna down the aisle and through the most transformative seasons of Anna's life, her daddy is someone this day would not be possible without. He has diligently loved, sacrificed, and provided for her and the rest of their family. Her daddy is the hardest working man she knows. He is full of stories, life lessons, and easy laughs. He has taught her some very necessary life skills such as juggling, which he swore would come in handy some day...and he was right, it makes for a great party trick. Because of her daddy, Anna knew she had found her husband very quickly because of the values, morals, and lessons he has instilled in her from a young age. Your sunshine, now and forever.
Todd Mannik
Best Man & Father of the Groom
Standing behind Nik in the ceremony and in life’s most special moments is Nik’s Best Man, his dad. If you have been around Todd for longer than two seconds, you see how much of Nik comes from who his dad is to him. Todd has raised Nik to be the man he is today; instilling knowledge, core values, and a whole lot of wisdom throughout the years. These guys are two halves of the same brain, and could not have a sweeter relationship. Nik could not be more honored to have his hero stand beside him on his big day!
Jennifer Varner
Mother of the Bride
Known and loved by every one who knows her, Anna's mama (Jenni) has loved more deeply and vastly than anyone else. She is full of grace, mercy, love, and kindness. The love of Jesus overflows out of all she does. Anyone who is lucky enough to experience her light knows she is a gift to us all. Jenni taught Anna how to pray, how to love, and how to be a woman of God. One of the sweetest blessings is to be a daughter of someone like Jenni. There is truly no love like a mother's love.
Heather Mannik
Mother of the Groom
Mother of the groom, and one of the most important women in Nik’s life, is Heather! If you know her, you know how deeply and fully she loves. She sees people at a level that others may not, and has a level of empathy that is unmatched. She has never met a stranger, and gave Nik the gift of all of his extroverted qualities. Nik could not imagine a better mother for him.
Ellee Varner
Maid of Honor
Sister of the bride, confidant, built-in best friend, life of any party, Just Dance partner, and now maid of honor. It is rare to have someone who shares in all of your most transformative memories, but Anna is lucky enough to have that in her sister. Ellee (or Ella as Anna calls her) has walked alongside Anna through every season of life, every life event - big and small. From dance recitals to the ball field, from one dance break and inside joke to the next - Ellee has been a constant through it all. Most of Anna's fondest memories include her sister, and her wedding day will be no different. Ellee is diligent, full of strength, and fervent in her love for Jesus. Although Anna may be the big sister, she has always looked up to Ellee for the way she exudes the fruits of the Spirit so easily. Having Ellee as a sister is one of the sweetest gifts the Lord has ever given Anna.
Timothy Million
Groomsman
Timmy and Nik met while going to school at UGA. The two became fast friends and lived together for two years, and he is the closest thing Nik has to a brother. Timmy has had a front row seat to Nik and Anna’s relationship, and Nik could not imagine this day without him being a part of it.
Sophia Pacheco
Honorary Bridesmaid
Anna and Sophia’s friendship began within the walls of the ministry they both worked for. From the moment Sophia entered Anna’s life, she knew Sophia would be someone who made a lasting impression on her life. Ever since the Lord brought the two girls together, they have been inseparable. While they both lived in Athens, you hardly ever saw one without the other. Their friendship was formed on a foundation of the love of Jesus. From coworkers to someone Anna cannot imagine her life without, Sophia has advocated for Anna & Nik and continuously cheered them on throughout their relationship. She loves deeply; she loves like Jesus. Bug and Buggie, forever!
Griffin Bonner
Groomsman
Griffin and Nik were practically destined to be friends with their parents bringing them together from the time they were born. Griffin is one of the friendships that Nik has always considered to be closer to a brotherhood. He is one of Nik’s favorite people to laugh with, and brings so much life with him wherever he goes. Nik would not be who he is today without Griffin’s friendship.
Gracie Parker
Bridesmaid
When Anna recalls her time at the University of North Georgia before transferring to UGA, she swears the only reason the Lord called her there was to meet Gracie Parker. Anna and Gracie met during their random roommate assignment for their freshman year of college. One crazy roommate story later, and a whole lot of provision from the Lord, Anna found one of the sweetest friendships on the other side of the dorm room wall. The two have lived together for the past five years. Five years full of laughter, growth, hard seasons and celebrations. Surely the Lord has gone before us all, and Anna’s friendship with Gracie is a constant reminder of this truth.
Austin Beville
Groomsman
One of Nik’s earliest childhood memories is of him and his friend, Austin, in preschool together. The two met at a young age and have been present for each other ever since. Their friendship led their parents to becoming great friends, with friendship turning into a second family. Nik and Austin have shared so many core memories together growing up. Nik owes a lot of laughs and precious memories to the time he has spent with Austin, and this day will be no different!
Olivia York
Bridesmaid
Olivia popped into Anna’s life in middle school and has been a consistent, sweet friend ever since. The two cheered together for seven years, had a million and one classes together, and share so many of the same memories. If there is anyone other than Nik that read Anna’s mind, it’s Olivia! She has always understood Anna at a level unlike any other. She never lets a phone call go missed, she is quick to celebrate the people she loves, and is the most selfless woman. Consistent and loving, Anna could not imagine her big day without Olivia by her side!
Greyson Clem
Groomsman
If you had to ask Nik who the most intelligent man he knows is…his answer is Greyson Clem…every time. Greyson and Nik have known one another since middle school, and they even had the chance to work together during their college years. His wit accompanied by his humor makes Greyson one of Nik’s favorite people. They have shared so many memories together, and Nik can’t wait to make more with him at the wedding.
Campbell Johnson
Bridesmaid
Campbell and Anna met through their shared love for ministry. Campbell was working in children’s ministry at the time Anna began to volunteer. Throughout the course of the year, the two girls were inseparable. Sharing life’s most challenging and celebratory seasons, Campbell opened Anna’s eyes to the beauty of a sisterhood in Christ. There is no doubt, Anna would not be who she is today without the love Campbell poured out to her.
Ahmad Ayoub
Groomsman
During Nik’s time at KSU before transferring to UGA, he was best friends with a guy named Ahmad. The two bonded over their love for soccer, and found that they shared many like interests. Ahmad is unwavering and consistent in the way he approaches friendship, and Nik is so excited to share this day with one of his best friends.
Sierra Wilson
Bridesmaid
In 2020, Anna attended a bible study that was hosted by one of her good friends. At this bible study, Anna noticed a girl on the other side of the room that seemed to have the same understandings, experiences, and interactions with the Gospel. Once the Bible study ended, Anna went over and introduced herself to someone that would change her life forever. Sierra was one of the women who completely transformed and led Anna in her spiritual walk, and in some the most transformative seasons of her life. Their shared love for the Gospel led the two into a precious, holy friendship. Sierra and Anna have loved one another through so many major life events. Anna had the honor of standing by Sierra’s side as a bridesmaid, and Anna is honored to have Sierra as one of hers!
Kody Varner
Groomsman
Kody is the brother of the bride, and one of the sweetest parts of Anna's life. He has played many roles throughout her life, a few being: arch nemesis, pain in the ass, safe place, and her lifelong protector. Recently, Anna had the joy of getting to watch him marry his wife and now Kody will return the favor by standing behind Nik on their big day!
Tori Hampton
Bridesmaid
Sister of the groom, and potentially the best gift giver to walk the earth, is Tori! She is one of the most intentional people Nik has ever met. Tori is incredibly individual in the way she moves throughout life and is unwavering about who she is. An honorable mention about Tori, she is incredibly good at card games. Nik suggests none of you play her in Egyptian Rat Slap….it would be a mistake.
Edward Kokan
Groomsman
Nik and Ed met in the first grade and have been friends ever since. They played soccer through high school together, and share so many memories on and off the field. Ed is unbelievably witty and incredibly kind. He is also a really great golf partner, which is a high praise according to Nik. Nik is so excited to have Ed be apart of his big day!
Ethan Pitts
Ring Bearer
Anna and Ethan met in high school, and were immediately attached at the hip. It was rare to see Anna without Ethan, and if you didn't see them...you definitely heard them! Anna has always considered Ethan to be an extension of her family with their bond being so sibling-like and fruitful. Ethan has always deeply understood Anna, no matter the distance. Their friendship is full of life, so many laughs, and the best memories. Today would not be possible without the way that Ethan has uplifted, encouraged, and loved her throughout the years.
Santiago Parraga
Groomsman
Nik and Santi met at UGA when Nik claims to have “whooped him” in pickleball. Santi must have gotten over this “whooping” considering the two have been great friends ever since. Nik has always admired Santi for being one of the best conversationalists he has ever met (which is accompanied with super creative insults). He brings the party with him wherever he goes, and Nik is more than excited to have him stand by him on his wedding day.
Tally Bowen
Flower Girl
Anna met Tally and Boone through their sweet mama at Athens Church. When Sophia moved away from Athens, Anna filled her spot as their Monday night babysitter for a season! Tally is spunky, full of life, and love for Jesus. She loves deeply and is passionate about all she does. Her and her family have been such a source of comfort and joy for Anna during her time in Athens, and the future Manniks are so excited to have them be a part of this day!
Alexis Ruhlen
Flower Girl
There are not enough words to describe the sweetness that is Alexis! Anna's mini me popped into her life through Anna's relationship with her wonderful parents. After a few years of knowing and loving this family, Anna had the honor of baptizing Alexis - sharing in such a sweet, sacred day. Alexis now gets to be a part of Anna and Nik's big day as one of their flower girls! She is so graceful, kind, and wise beyond her years. We just love her to pieces!
Justin Halleck
Officiant
Anna has had the pleasure of knowing Justin as her boss in her role at Athens Church. Justin has watched her grow into the woman Nik would marry during her time in Athens. He has diligently prayed over her future, including who her husband would be, and has advocated for her and Nik's relationship so sweetly. It is a joy to have Justin lead our ceremony, and share in our big day!