Wedding Day

Erieside Church on the Bulv.

Ceremony

The American-Croatian Lodge

Reception

Our Wedding

<p>Despite never wanting to find love on a dating app, Caleb and Lily both made their way onto a Christian-centered app called Upward. Caleb was the first person that Lily matched with and Caleb was quick to begin talking to her. The two realized that they attended a Bible study back in high school at Lakeland Community College together, but never spoke to one another for it was not God's timing and He had more growing for both of them to do. After talking for a couple weeks, Caleb started to ask Lily questions about her theology and they agreed on everything. After the last question was asked, Lily was tired of how slow things were progressing and decided to say, "Glad I passed the test, does this mean you'll ask me on a date now?" to which Caleb excitedly responded with a yes, a date, and a time. Their first date was at Aladdin's and they stayed until after the restaurant was closed, sitting on the curb, talking for many hours. On their second date, they went ax-throwing (see photo above), and had dinner with two of his best friends. On the car drive home, Caleb asked Lily to be his girlfriend, to which she eagerly said yes. Lily and Caleb have spent almost all of their free time together since then. If you see one of them, likely, the other is not far away. They began to discuss marriage plans 2 months in and were engaged just before 4 months. They are excited to see how God will continue to write their love story in the coming years &lt;3</p>

Love at First Sight...Or Maybe Second

Our Story

Photos

Emma and Lily have been friends since middle school. Emma has been one of the strongest and most positive influences in Lily's life as she has a radiant personality and a love for Jesus that is contagious. Lily and Emma love talking over a cup of coffee or even just spending time reading together, again over coffee. Their friendship is founded on Jesus and for that reason, Emma is one of Lily's closest friends and Lily is so glad to have her right by her side on this important day. 

Emma Vosen

"It takes me a good amount of time to think about how long I have known Caleb. I could guess, that in 2017 we developed a friendship at our church's youth group and developed a mutual friendship and Christian understanding of each other under God along the way since then. We really didn't become extremely close until a few years ago when he came back into the faith. He has come to an adult understanding and belief in our Savior as well as going through many trials of his own. The hard work and determination by himself and those around him have been focused on making him into an amazing young man and an uber-nerd." - Mason

Mason Gilbert

Carmi is one of Caleb's younger sisters. Lily has enjoyed getting to know her during family game nights and she cannot wait to get to know her better as time goes on. Lily is so excited to be her sister-in-law. 

Caramia Boland

“Caleb is my brother. We did everything together. We played in our childhood back yard together, played hours upon hours of video games together, and lived together in the same room for way way too long. It was a disaster, but I cherish and love all of those memories and all the memories we still continue to make every time we are around each other goofing off and hanging out. He is the best.” -Connor 

Connor Boland

Cali is Caleb's youngest sister and Lily loves talking with her. Cali and Lily have similar music tastes and it was one of the first things that they bonded over. It is easy to see how lovely Cali is on the outside, and she is just as lovely on the inside. She loves fiercely and is such a supportive and loyal friend. Lily is so excited to be Cali's sister-in-law!

Caliana Boland

"Caleb is marrying my sister and I'm glad that he's gonna be my brother-in-law, even though he might try to steal my soul [because Caleb is a ginger] but hopefully he doesn't." -Aiden 

Aiden Gron

Lily started mentoring Aubree a few years ago and they became very close. Aubree is strong, beautiful, loyal, and wise beyond her years. She is always making Lily laugh and is one of the most genuine people Lily has ever met. The world would be so bland without Aubree. 

Aubree Petrenic

“Caleb is marrying my sister” -Gabriel 

Gabriel Gron

Lily and Maya met at youth group and therefore have spent a good amount of time getting to know each other both during their time at youth group/youth events and outside of church. Maya has such a fun, bubbly personality and brightens up every room she walks into. There is much love for Maya <3

Maya Buongiovanni

"I've known Caleb since pre-school tee ball, and we've been friends since kindergarten, save for all those times we were at each other's throats (which was quiet often). We had our rough patches, but now that we've gotten through all that, I think Caleb is the closest to a brother I've ever had. I life for the chats we have, the stories we've made together, and appreciate every moment I'm able to steal him away from Lily." - Jack

Jack Kern

Lily was the flower girl for Emma's parents when they got married and now Emma is a bridesmaid, making a full circle moment. Emma and Lily's families have always been close, like family, and Emma and Lily have continued to get closer as the years go on. Emma has such a sweet heart and Lily is so excited to have her in the wedding

Emma Lutz

"Caleb and I became really close before graduating high school. We were both at MEPS in Cleveland, and after noticing a Geneva High School backpack, I turned to the guy next to me to find Caleb. We found out that we went to the same middle school and never talked, but ended up in the same place at the same time. From then on, we went on gym trips at 1am, became overcompetitive in ping pong tournaments, and bonded over our love of sushi. But, Caleb is the main reason why I found God and want to strengthen my faith. From inviting me to a young adult's group, to explaining scriptures, he has always inspired me to be a better man!" -Tyler

Tyler Claycomb

Jen is the wife of Garett, one of the groomsmen, and both Jen and Garett have been influential in Caleb's life. Jen is such a sweet and caring person and has been very supportive of both Lily and Caleb. Lily has also served a little bit at Caleb's youth group where Jen also serves, allowing the two to become friends. Lily is excited to continue growing this newfound friendship. 

Jen Kokal 

"I met Caleb when he was just a scrawny, pimple-faced teenager in youth group. He was a handful, always looking to question and poke at the lessons in any way that he could. These questions were quite literally pushed to the end of the lessons and aptly named 'Caleb Time.' Over the years, he transitioned from the devil's advocate questioning teen who was overcompetitive at the games, into a mature Christian leader who is still overcompetitive at the games. I have been lucky to watch Caleb grow over the years in his knowledge and maturity in the Bible, as well as professionally. To this point, Caleb is the only youth group student that has transitioned in my life from a responsibility to wrangle and keep under control, into a friend and a peer" - Garett

Garett Kokal

McKayla is a new friendship for Lily but she has been an important person in Caleb's life. Her husband, Mason, is the best man and both of them have become role models for Caleb and Lily to look up to.  Lily looks forward to a growing friendship with both Mason and McKayla in the years to come :)

McKayla Gilbert

"Caleb Bowland has the misfortune of meeting me on the bus to and from Auburn career center, ever since then we've been great friends and had a big part in each other's antics (some of which cannot legally be discussed here)-in all seriousness, Caleb is a great man and one of my closest friends and confidants, I wish him and his wonderful bride-to-be all the world and more" - Ian

Caleb & Lily

Caleb & Lily

Registry