Bridal Shower

Rehearsal Dinner

Shore Lodge

Wedding Day

Spring

Our Wedding

January 2023Liz: Alexa Clark, Sam Bell, Kaelin Pitner, and I drove up to the mountains to ski with our friends Drew Crawford, Ellis Carlson, and their roommate Daniel Dougherty. The boys had joked previously about setting me up with this roommate of theirs but I thought nothing of it. I only had eyes for the snow.Dan: Just another ski day with my roommates Drew and Ellis. We hit Lookout Pass and were skiing hard. Some of their friends were skiing too and I met this lady named Liz. She was a phenomenal skier, and we all worked the mountain hard that day. I was focused on not falling, so she was not in my radar.

January 2023 - November 2023 Liz started working at Deaconess Emergency Department (ED) as a RN and Dan was working for AMR as an EMT transporting patients to local emergency departments. We saw each other occasionally and spoke to each other when we did. It was fun to recognize someone at work!

November 2023Dan started working for Deaconess ED as an ER Tech to gain a more diverse medical background while deciding PA or MD route. We worked along side one another for six months becoming better friends in that time seeing the heaviness and hilarity of the ER. We had opportunities to see each other share the Gospel with co-workers, to pray with patients, and to have our character and patience tested in the wide variety of difficulties that an ER provides. For both of us, this was an incredible opportunity to see the other person’s character in the midst of tough things. We saw faithfulness to the Lord, dependence on Him, and evident obedience in the other person. This was fertile ground for a growing friendship and in seeing the high standard and quality in each other.

May 2024&nbsp;Dan: I had been interested, asking for some counsel of guys, and praying about asking Liz out since early March 2024. I had been able to see her outside of work many times in group settings and had really enjoyed what I had seen. May rolled around and I decided to pull the trigger.&nbsp;May 6th&nbsp;we both had the day off. I rolled by her house in the afternoon and there was no answer at the door. Texted her later in the evening after I had an event finish to see if she was home and if I could stop by. She said that was fine. I rolled in and knocked on the door. She answered asked, “Is everything okay, what’s up?” I said, “Yeah everything is great, I wanted to come by and ask if I could take you out on a date sometime next week.” She looked shocked, but said "Yes of course!"&nbsp; Liz: May 6th at 9pm&nbsp;Daniel was the last person I expected to see a text from, let alone him asking if he could stop by my house that night. My heart rate was through the roof as I was trying to think of all the reasons why he wanted to come over. I don’t remember the details of the conversation as I blacked out but I was left filled with joy and giddiness over the idea of going on a date with Dan. I had previously contemplated the idea of dating Daniel as he so clearly loves the Lord, is kind to everyone he is around, and enjoys similar activities. I was doubtful it would ever happen because he is so, so good, and I did not think I’d ever be lucky enough to hold his attention.&nbsp;

May - November 2024Our official first date was an epic twelve hour adventure! We drove to the Coeur D’ Lane River and did a seven mile hike in the beautiful Idaho pan-handle. If you know Daniel and you know the CDA River, then you know that it would be impossible to be up there and not fly-fish. Dan had brought two rods and all the gear necessary, so he taught Liz how to fly-fish! She got big cut-throat on her first day!&nbsp;

The summer and fall were much the same. We had similar work schedules and consequently similar time off together. We were unsatisfied with the idea of a 'date', so we had weekly date days instead. We hiked, paddle-boarded, fished, spent time with friends, met family, made new friends, attended weddings, etc. In August, Dan went to Tenerife for the fifth time, leaving the states for three weeks. Liz was working hard at Deaconess and training to climb Mt. Rainier for her birthday in late August. This was a testing time. Would absence make the heart grow fonder or would it be a more out-of-sight, out-of-mind thing? Hearts grew fonder! We were so excited to see each other and be back together in person. We had an amazing weekend in McCall with some good friends and a few weeks later were in Mukilteo to spend some time with Liz’ family.&nbsp;

Dan: After getting back from Tenerife and missing Liz a ton, a lot of my thoughts and direction for the relationship were confirmed even more. I wanted to move forward. We had discussed a general timeline in late July for how we thought the relationship would progress. We both had the conviction that dating is for marriage and that we wouldn’t date someone we didn’t think we could one day marry, so that discussion was on the table. I had been continuing to get counsel and wisdom from the men at my church who mentor me and through some steps, prayer, and coming to deeper biblical conclusions on what a man of God is, and what a woman of God is, I decided to ask Liz to marry me. But I had something to do first: In Mukilteo,&nbsp;Sunday September 29th,&nbsp;I was out on the Puget Sound with Liz’ dad, Brent, and her brother, Matthew, fishing for silver salmon. I asked them if I could propose to Liz and they were so excited. It was a big step, I was hit with the reality that, “Woaw this is real.” Later that week I told Liz to send me some specs for ring options and she said “What?!? Why all of a sudden now?” I told her I had asked her dad if I could propose and she was shocked to silence (I may have called her on the phone, instead of telling her that in person). She sent me the specs, I ordered the ring on October 14th, it arrived November 2nd, and November 5th, as we were on a walk around the Spokane River near Boulder Beach, I got down on a knee and asked Elizabeth Thayer to marry me. I was so, so excited to do this, I had no doubt in my mind. It was a super special moment for us and we had such a blast telling all of our friends and family that day!&nbsp;

Liz: During our time apart it became clear to me that I loved Dan and was looking forward to growing closer and moving toward marriage. Being with Dan had been so easy, even in the tough. He brought me joy, confidence, and helped me grow spiritually. In conversations we had about getting married, I was able to envision it with ease. I had no doubt that I wanted to marry him. When we went to Mukilteo to visit my family, I was clueless to the fact that Dan had a conversation with my Dad and brother about proposing. When he called me the next week asking me to pick out a ring, mentioning nonchalantly that he talked to my dad, I was 100% speechless. I was left surprised that that conversation took place and that we were really moving forward with this marriage thing, but confident in the direction. After sharing ring preferences, I was in the loop that Dan had purchased a ring. He explained that it was going to be custom made but it was going to take longer than he had originally planned- I was anticipating early December. November 5th rolled around and I was experiencing an allergic reaction that made me lethargic, so I canceled our date day plan of hiking a mountain. Instead, we laid low all morning before Dan convinced me to go for a walk. At the end of the walk, Dan read me a hand written letter followed by him getting down on one knee and asking me to marry him. It was the easiest yes of my life!&nbsp;

We believe that marriage is made by God and it is a reflection of Christ's love and sacrifice for his church. We are so excited about following this model of marriage. We are convinced that through the good, hard, fun, and slow, we not only want to do it together but are better together than apart.&nbsp;

Our Story

Photos

Maggie has been my built in buddy for 22 years now! The Lord gave me a sister that he knew I needed and want. Maggie is kind, patient, invitational, consistent, funny, and ambitious woman. She is always surprising me with a adventure up her sleeve - including but not limited to cave rappelling, canoe camping, sailing, rock climbing, etc. Maggie has hands down pushed me to be better in so many ways. I cannot imagine my wedding day without my little sister by my side!

Maggie Thayer

Campbell is my big bro; my built-in best friend. He has paved the way for me my whole life and is an absolute shoe-in for being my best man. He has been patient with my antics over the years, interested in all my endeavors and faithful in his care and love for me. Cam and I share a ton of similar interests: Lord of the rings, college basketball, etc. but we are super different in many ways as well. He is patient and loyal to a fault, He is slow to anger, and quick to forgive, All things I wish I had more of. He is a phenomenal role-model and I still look up to him a ton. Super thankful he gets to share with me in this event.

Campbell Dougherty

Erin is Daniel's younger sister and has quickly become a sweet friend of mine! Erin is finishing her last year of undergrad, studying history and business/art history at GU and working in the Alumni Center. Erin is an incredible artist, creative, a consistent friend, always up for an adventure, and a woman of God. I am encouraged and challenged by her often! I am deeply looking forward to being family!

Erin Dougherty

Stephen in my little brother! Not so little anymore. There is an 8 year gap between Stephen and I, but there has always been a closeness. From soccer, to fly-fishing, to being his wrestling coach, there are a ton of interest similarities between the two of us. He is a faithful friend and and energy-boosting person to be around. He keeps us all young, me most of all. What a gift to have a little brother like him! Stoked to have him in the groom's squad. 

Stephen Dougherty

Abigail is Daniel's sister-in-law, married to Campbell Dougherty, and has become a quick friend of mine! This fall I joined the Dougherty's on a family trip to Tacoma, WA, and became fast friends with Abigail, bonding over marrying in to the family and our work! Abigail is and works with victim advocates, working with sexual assault survivors. Through her job and character - compassionate, witty, consistent, and God fearing - Abigail makes true impacts on those around her. I am so excited to be her in-law!

Abigail Dougherty

Matthew is my fiancé's little brother, but in a short time, I have found him to be a loyal, relable, friend. Matthew is a hard worker; he is completing the steps to become a fire-fighter, a super tough and rigorous path. He is a daredevil on the slopes. How many of y'all have seen someone do a backflip on skis in person? No? Well go ski with Matthew! I am so excited to call him brother-in-law soon, thankful to be able to include him in this!

Matthew Thayer

Sam was an instant best friend when I met her three years ago after moving to Spokane, bonding over nursing school and church. Over the years, Sam has pushed me in my walk with the Lord, stepping out of my comfort zone, and in being a better friend. Sam is hilarious, an absolute go-getter on the slopes, an incredible RN in the NICU, tasty cook, and will keep you on your toes always. The best part? Sam and her husband moved into a house five blocks away from me and now I get to see her all the time! I can honestly say that I cannot imagine not sharing this day with her at my side. 

Sam Bell

Ellis has been a good friend of mine for almost 3 years now. I lived with him from the summer of 2022 to 2024 in the center of Spokane. From TV shows, nights of Catan, the mountain slopes, to early morning workouts, Ellis has been a blast to be around. He is a dedicated and committed student, tackling his first year of PT school. (incredibly difficult). His laugh is infectious, his fantasy football team will beat you all-day every-day, and he is a rock solid man to have in your corner, no matter the scenario. It has been super encouraging seeing him grow spiritually too while being with him at faith bible church, He loves the Lord a ton! So glad to be able to have him as part of the crew!

Ellis Carlson

Alexa's friendship has been one of the most unexpected and sweetest gifts in my life! Lex and I have known each other for five years now, since meeting at EWU. A few years ago Lex moved into my house and ever since we have been doing simple life together ever since. Alexa is not only my longest standing roommate, she is my most consistent motivator, encourager, and adventure buddy. "Life of Lex and Liz" has been full of adventures camping, hiking, skiing, paddle boarding, and trips to Seattle, Glacier and Iceland. Lex and I have grown into adulthood together - graduating and starting our first full time jobs. Lex is smart -  working in diabetes education, makes the goofiest faces, has incredible one liners, and the most thoughtful person I know. I am thrilled to be celebrating with her by my side!

Alexa Clark

Price has been a friend for only a few years, but since his move to Spokane in 2022 , he has been a joy to see on a regular basis. Price is in his last year of law school at Gonzaga. He has worked incredibly hard and will be an absolute asset to whatever firm he will join. In our bi-monthly coffee meetings, Price is regularly challenging me in my spiritual walk, my love for Christ and others. He has a vast knowledge, super sharp intellect, and asks thought-provoking questions forcing my critical thinking. He is a beast on the soccer court (indoor), a pickle-ball legend, a careful thinker, and a humble follower of Christ. I am stoked to have him as a friend moving forward and am thankful to be able to include him in these festivities. 

Price Anderson

Abigail has held a special place in my life for as long as I can remember! She is my sweet god-sister and one of my longest standing friends. It is only fitting that Abigail shares this momentous day with me at my side as her mother was a bridesmaid at my parents' 1997 wedding. Abigail is by no surprise by her driven nature, diligence, awareness, and first born mentality is currently attending law school. I am thankful for the past 24 years of adventures with Abigail and and incredibly grateful that she is sharing this day with me as well!

Abigail Franklin 

Aaron Baddeley has had more of an impact on me than most who I have walked through life with. I met Aaron back in 2018 when we both worked at Faith Bible church. Through some passing interactions, I began to see the wise and deeply convicted man he is. He mentored me regularly for 3 pivotal years in college, walking me through the Gospel, helping me address and fight sin correctly, showing me the Gloriousness of God. He is a compassionate brother. He approaches his whole life --marriage, parenting, work, etc., by seeing what God has said in His Word and then fighting daily to live by it. What an example he has been to me. As he has moved now into a pastoral role of his own, he is still a trusted confidant and on my short-list of men who I have on speed dial when I need counsel. Beyond grateful to have him as a part of this day!

Aaron Baddeley

Anna and I are trauma bonded together forever. Starting nursing school, I was assigned seven new friends to attend clinical and labs with - Anna was one of them. Getting to know Anna, coming from similar backgrounds, and both valuing the Lord above all else, we became instant friends. Two years of nursing school later and we are best friends. Anna is a spunky, intelligent, fun soul who is always loving on those around her! She is the hardest worker I know, paying her way through college and now working in a progressive care unit. I am challenged by Anna often, yet she is the one I call first when I need someone to talk to. I am so excited she will be at my side when I marry Daniel!

Anna Haley

Tuck has been one of my longest running friends. He moved up to Spokane our 6th-grade year from Boise and joined my class at our classical Christian school. No one else in our class liked sports or moved their body, but not tucker. He and I were fast friends as we dominated the playground sports world 3 years running. After I left the Oaks, we remained in close contact and eventually roomed at Gonzaga together for 3 years. He has always pushed me in my competitiveness to be a fierce but gracious competitor. In the last two years, since undergrad, our friendship has grown to a deeper spiritual level, since reading "The bookends of a Christian life". This had a major impact on us individually and for us as brothers in Christ. He is trusted brother, easy to laugh with, easy to discuss hard things with. He is a man I want around until the day I die, So thankful to include him in all this!

Tucker Christensen

Kaelin's friendship has been one of the sweetest gifts from the Lord. We met four years ago when I moved to Spokane and started attending the same church as Kae. It was a quick friendship that has been growing ever since - now we live together! She has been one of my biggest encouragers, most consistent accountability buddies, has taught me what it means to rest well, and someone I can count on always to join me on my not-so-thought-out adventures. Kaelin has the best laugh, curliest hair, demonstrates to me daily what it looks like to be obedient to the Lord, is very thoughtful, and is incredibly compassionate as she works in the NICU as a RN. I am so thankful for Kaelin and so grateful to include her on this day!

Kaelin Pitner

Logan has been a family friend from my earliest memories. He is hands down one of my closest spiritual brothers. I remember the fun and hangouts that our families had growing up, but our relationship grew in leaps and bounds as, for 5 years, every Friday morning at Starbucks, us and a few church friends fellowshipped and read through "Biblibcal Doctrine." This has a profound impact on our raw knowledge of the Word, friendship centered around God and His Word, and common convictions as we combed the Scriptures to see what it really says. Since then Logan has been a constant encouragement to me to "behold God as we are transformed into the same image." to remember, "my flesh and my heart may fail, however the Lord is my portion forever." He has pushed me to think deeply about theology, hermeneutics, and faithful approach to God and His Word. He has been an outdoor compadre. We have hiked, backpacked, camped, and fished all over the PNW. He is the dearest of friends. A true joy to have him as part of my groomsmen. 

Logan Long

Kayla and I were born into friendship. Our parents met at church in 1999 and bonded over young married couple groups, kids, and pinochle. Growing up, the Nelson family was our closest adventure friends, always on a camping trip or week long ski trip at Apex. Over the years, Kayla and I began to bond over hiking, backpacking, and skiing, visiting each other to do these activities together. Kayla has been one of the most consistent people in my life and someone I have so much fun spending time with! Kayla is completing her Bachelors in Nursing and plans to take a position in adult acute care. Here is to another adventure with you at my side!

Kayla Nelson

Jared has always been a man I have looked up to --literally and figuratively. He was my youth leader in 7th grade and from even a young age, was challenging my thinking, my walk with the Lord, and my desire to obey God as King. Fast forward to my sophomore year of college, Jared and His family had gone to seminary and were now back to take on a full-time residency as the college pastor at my church. As a college student now under him, and having some repor with him from the past, I latched onto Him. He discipled me from 2020 to late 2023. Jared helped me see the vital necessity of hoping in Christ's 2nd coming. He taught me the connection between 'duty' and 'delight' when it comes to obedience. He carried me through heart-ache and hurt. He included me in his daily life of fixing his home, serving his family, and delighting in the Lord. He has modeled what a faithful follower of Jesus, husband, father, and worker looks like. He has influenced and impacted me in countless and profound ways. He lives in the Czech Republic now as a full-time missionary, and I am overjoyed to have him back in the states to be a part of this special event!

Jared Millican

Alyssa was one of my first friends when moving to Cheney, WA five years ago for college. She has been a consistent, kind, adventurous friend of mine, teaching me how to navigate roommates, budgeting, and adulting. Alyssa has been by my side for all of it! Something that I admire deeply about Alyssa is her heart for those who do not know Christ. Her heart breaks for the brokenness of the world. Alyssa understands the great commission and takes it upon herself to live it out in her workplace and in our community daily. I cannot imagine this day without Alyssa by my side!

Alyssa Silvernail

James blasted onto the scene in Spring of 2021. He plopped himself into Faith Bible Church after a few years at Gonzaga and in April we got connected and got Lunch at the Cog. we talked about the Lord and all the sermons he had been listening to and was being shaped by. We talked fly-fishing, as he had done it a little before and loved it [man after my own heart]. We talked Gonzaga and the challenges faced on campus and in class rooms. Suffice it to say that we became fast friends. James and I have had countless fishing trips catching massive trout (mostly him, it's incredible), having the highest quality conversations, pushing each other to think well about difficult things and challenging one another to love our Savior and Lord, fight sin, and proclaim God's Gospel wherever we go. James is one of the most joyful people I know. He is ruled and fueled by King Jesus. He is one of my favorite people to be around. Absolutely stoked to have him in this crew!

James Wilson

Wedding Party

Q + A

There are plenty of hotel and Airbnb options available in McCall and towns surrounding! Here are just a few:

Best Western Plus McCall Lodge & Suites

Brundage Inn

Scandia Inn

The Evergreen Hotel

The Nordic Inn

Third Street Inn

Accommodations

There are so many things to do in McCall, that is why it is our favorite! Skiing, hot springs, hiking, fly fishing, walks, mountain biking, disc golf, etc. Here are few of our favorite things to do:

Daniel & Elizabeth

Daniel & Elizabeth

Things to Do

Brundage Mountain Resort

Gold Fork Hot Springs

Ponderosa State Park

Burgdorf Hot Springs

Tamarack Resort