Scottsdale Worship Center

Rehearsal

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

We met at church; just friends at first…

It was a Sunday morning in April 2024 when Byron decided to go to church. He walked to Scottsdale Worship Center. It took a short while for him to find his way, make friends, and fit in. He got to know some people and started going to small groups.Pastor Peter learned that Byron liked country dancing and said Pastor Christine sometimes went dancing. So Byron went to Scootin’ Boots for the first time together in June with Christine and some friends. They got to know each other and became friends over time as Byron got more involved in the church, volunteering, playing in the worship band, and running errands with her. But soon I saw how special you were…Christine had grown up in this church. Many people here have known her for many years and know how special she is. Through more projects, lunches, and dancing outings, they learned a lot about their values, faith, backgrounds. Attractions began to bud.In December, they went dancing at Buffalo Chip without other friends, although it was clearly not a date. Afterward, Christine told her sister-in-law Kayla it was the best “non-date date” she had been on. Both of them had feelings, and neither was sure if the other did. Caring, faithful, and reliable…In February, Chris broke her foot at Disneyland. Byron was willing and able to be her personal chauffeur while she was on the mend. This changed their plans to go hiking with friends soon after. Instead, Byron suggested they all go to breakfast at Tortilla Flat. One by one the others dropped out and so it was just the two of them.It was a beautiful drive with a nice stop at the overlook on Canyon Lake. After breakfast and some good conversation, Byron asked the question, “So, we’ve both been asked if we’re already dating. Are we ready to change the answer to that question?” Chris said yes. You make me laugh and you’re so loyal…Many days and evenings were spent on long talks and sharing stories. They could be silly and serious and spend whole days together. Love grew quickly.Byron now counted Christine’s father Ray among his mentors from the church, and was welcomed into her extended family. Chris learned more about Byron’s family and even went to meet them in Colorado over Independence Day. More and more was it obvious that God’s hand was on their relationship. You were always there for me…Through everything, from country swing dancing to working together at church, from facing life’s dramas to planning a life together. A lot can happen in two years; friends and church members gained and lost, responsibilities changed, and new jobs tried. In November, Byron secured a job as an electrician in training. After asking her parents, Ray and Mary, for their blessing, he took Chris to their spot overlooking Canyon Lake, knelt down, and asked the question that had been on his heart for months. She said yes. I love you more every day, as I will endlessly. Little did I know, when I decided to walk to church on that April morning, that one heart would join another and dance into the future together, becoming one. We are coming together as one before God, our families, and our community. We will do so in our home church, in the same sanctuary where I was dedicated as an infant, where your parents renewed their vows, where you were ordained, where I was baptized, and where we share ministry every week.

Our Story

Photos

Sister-in-law of the bride. Encourager, friend, & calm in the chaos. Her cooking has kept the bride alive for years. Hopefully, some of her skills will rub off on me! Mother of the cutest little Jr. bridesmaids and one ring bearer.

Kayla Martin

Sister of the bride. Probably has spent the most time working on the wedding spreadsheet. 

Jessica Griffin

Always prepared for anything! Need a band-aid, a safety pin, sunscreen, a pencil, a Bible, a notebook, or a 6-foot ladder? She probably has it in her purse! 

Rynata Burkhart

Once upon a time, over ten years ago, at a youth camp far away, two girls became friends over a box of Oreos. 

Olivia Solino

Sister-in-law to Kayla, the bride's sister-in-law (need a family chart yet?). Party starter. Energy bringer. Dance floor icon.

Deanna Fischer

Sister-in-law to the MOH. She saw the story unfold from the first dance at Scootin' Boots Dance Hall in Mesa! 

Abigail Fischer

Sister of the Maid of Honor. Sweet friend. Responsible for two flower girls, one ring bearer, and one very cute baby—no pressure.

Brenna Alvis

Met the bride at a conference neither of them wanted to attend. Since then: Seattle, Laguna, India, countless memories, and now this wedding. Turns out that conference was a divine setup!

Lauren DeSantis

Friend of the bride and groom. Missions trip adventure buddy, camp memory maker, big faith, and even bigger fun.

Niki Marshall

It is special when one of your mentors is your bridesmaid!
Also, she is married to our officiant, Pastor Chris. 

Jenn Harper

Oldest niece of the bride! Ask her about the water balloon fight with Mr. Byron...in her words, "It was EPIC!"

Juliet Martin

Niece of the bride! Fashion is her passion, and she is here for the pretty dress! Also, she is excited for a new uncle! 

Annika Martin

Brother of the groom and Navy veteran. This is a statement of fact. 

Brandon von Hellens

Cousin of the groom. Really an older brother. Highly sarcastic. Father to a ring bearer and a flower girl. 

Shawn Roach

Lives in Japan. Missionary, English teacher. Loves sharing the Gospel and asian barbecue. A great spiritual influence on the groom. 

Josiah Cantrell

Brother of the bride. Father to two Junior Bridesmaids & one very cute ring bearer. He and the groom go way back. 

Mike Martin

Lives in Seattle. Loves sailing, games, and chicken. Former handbell choir mate. 

Tim Lewis

High school teacher and girls' basketball coach. Dedicated man. Loves his family, games, and musicals. 

Eric Lewis

Programmer, brewer, Army veteran, top shelf dungeon master. 

David Hanley

Lives in Denver. Has opinions. Happy to discuss hunting and unusual history. Former handbell choir mate. 

Cliff Bradshaw

Wedding Party

Your best dancing boots are encouraged—but certainly not required—and yes, nice jeans are absolutely welcome too! Have a fun floral dress in the back of your closet? Maybe it is her time to shine.Whatever makes you want to twirl, stomp, or do a little line dancing, bring it. Most importantly, come ready to celebrate, laugh, and have a great time. Bonus points if your outfit makes the photographer say, “Y’all look amazing!”(Lightweight dresses are recommended, as it will be very warm in the afternoon.)

Dress Code

Q + A

Travel

Hungry and have time for a drive? Head to our first date spot where it all happened. Don't forget to stop at the lookout at Canyon Lake before you get there. Our table is in the near-left corner when you come in, and our dollar bill is stapled to the underside of the shelf above it.Monday - Friday 10am - 6pmSaturday and Sunday 8am - 6pmBreakfast is served only on weekends! Sat and Sun 8-10:30am

Tortilla Flat Saloon

Things to Do

Registry

Water Well in India

We are so grateful for your love, support, and presence in this season of our lives. As we step into marriage, we truly don’t need any gifts or “things.” Your prayers, encouragement, and joy mean more to us than anything that could be wrapped in a box.However, if you feel led to give a gift, we’d be honored to invite you into something meaningful. We’re hoping to fund a clean-water well in India. One well costs about $2,000 and will provide safe, life-changing water to an entire community for years to come.If you’d like to contribute toward this project, it would be the sweetest gift we could imagine — a way for our celebration to ripple outward and bless others.Thank you for loving us so well. Your generosity and support mean the world. 🤍Please use the link below and select India Mission. <a href="https://swc-connect.churchcenter.com/giving" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://swc-connect.churchcenter.com/giving</a>Addtionally you can make checks payable to Scottsdale Worship Center with India water well in the memo line.

Christine & Byron

Christine & Byron

Registry

Your love, prayers, and presence mean more to us than any gift ever could. We aren’t in need of many "things", but if you feel moved to give, we would be thankful for any contribution toward our honeymoon. It would bless us and be truly helpful. We’re grateful for your presence in our lives.