Phil and Liz met with music.  Which is no surprise since both of them have had music as a major aspect of their lives since they were young.  They both were working for their local Vacation Bible School program, Phil was running the music program and Liz was the accompanist, and started talking and getting to know each other.  Phil loved spending time with Liz, and thought that she had a great sense of humor.  After VBS was over Phil went back to Westpoint for school in the fall, but didn’t want to let that relationship go. In October they began talking again, via social media, and Phil asked Liz out to dinner when he came home for Christmas.  Phil met Liz at The Oven in downtown Lincoln Nebraska, and though she wasn’t exactly on time (parking is terrible in that part of town) she looked amazing and took his breath away.  “And the rest, as they say, is history…” or so Phil says 🙂

For the next few years Phil and Liz dated, but never lived in the same place.  Liz was in Lincoln and then Chicago for school to be a pastor, and Phil by the army.  Whenever they got a chance they would spend as much time together as possible.  That meant lots of trips back and forth, and countless hours video-chatting.  When they did have the chance to be together, they loved exploring new places, playing board games with friends, going on walks just to be outside, and eating Indian food.  Being apart so much taught them early on how to have amazing communication skills, and to truly trust one another.

In January of 2014, Phil found out that he would be deploying.  He’d already been planning on proposing, but knew at that point the sooner the better.  He took her snowshoeing on Mont Rainier when she was visiting him in Washington and just waited to find the perfect view.  A tiny snowstorm made that a bit difficult, but he got down on one knee, and with a little nod Liz said yes!

Their wedding day was planned for May 16th, 2015.  The weather forecasted thunderstorms, and in spring in Nebraska that is no laughing matter.  There were lots of crossed fingers that day, but the weather couldn’t have turned out more perfect.  Yes it rained, like buckets, but not when it mattered.  Liz walked down the isle with pink lilies in her hands (the first flower Phil gave her), and with such wonderful support by their side.  The ceremony was so very important to them, with Liz being in seminary school.  They wanted everyone to have a great time and celebrate their marriage together, and I know that goal was accomplished.

I had an amazing time at Phil & Liz’s wedding!  I actually have known Phil since high school because we both played cello together.  I’ll never forget when he told me that he couldn’t wait for me to meet Liz, he knew I’d love her.  And I totally did!  Liz was one of the most relaxed brides, while still deeply caring about the details of their day.  I know that I have found a new friend in Liz, and I cannot wait to watch the two of them grow in their love for each other as the years come 🙂

Wedding Dress – David’s Bridal  |  Bridesmaids’ Gowns – David’s Bridal |  Ceremony – Rejoice! Lutheran Church  |  Makeup and Hair Artists – Creative Hair Design  |  Floral Design – Flowerama  |  Reception – Oak Hills Country Club  |  Cake – Hyvee  |  DJ – Joe from Master DJs