1845 Eaton County Courthouse

Wedding Day

Ceremony

1845 Eaton County Courthouse- Historical Marker

Reception

Mom's Backyard 

Reception/Celebration 

Our Wedding

Heaven's POV:
 
So, if I&#8217;m going to tell this story correctly, I have to go back to the summer of 2022. That spring, I had been presented with the opportunity to do Ministry to the Point (MTP), which is where you get a job at Cedar Point and minister to your coworkers. I felt that the Holy Spirit deeply desired for me to sign up, so I obeyed. I ended up joining with a couple other students from Western as well. One of the two was Christopher Verhil (Topher). I had met him previously and informally, but the day we left for Ohio, I found myself at a cafe with him and our other friend. It was the beginning of the greatest love story I could have ever asked God for.&#160;
 
Topher had done MTP the year prior, so he sort of became the group leader during our mission down in Sandusky. Quickly, I noticed how incredible of a man we had on our team. He stood out to me right away. But not in the way you&#8217;d think&#8230; No, I thought to myself, &#8220;Wow! This is such a great guy! I bet my sister would like him!&#8221; So I started purposefully hanging around him more and more to get to know him with the prospect of setting him up with my little sister. As I got to know him more, I started forming a deeper friendship with him. I actually was in the car with him one day and he told me that he kept a journal for his future wife and I was like, &#8220;Shut up, no way! I keep a journal for my future husband!&#8221; And in that same moment, I felt that the Holy Spirit wanted me to pray for his future wife. So I did. Little did I know that I was praying for myself&#8230;
 
However, later in the summer I found myself sneaking away from group activities to go find him and clean up the church we would meet in every Sunday night. We would wash the dishes together every week and just talk about God. By the end of the summer, I made a regretful realization: I had feelings for Topher. I denied it for a few days, but then caved and had to come clean to my friend, Tori. She convinced me that this was my husband (her faith was pretty huge). Fast forward&#8212; it was one of the last Bible studies of the summer, and Topher turned to me on the picnic table where we sat and he said, &#8220;Heaven! I have something to tell you!&#8221; I turned back to him with so much excitement in my heart. Then, he said, &#8220;I have a girlfriend.&#8221; As you can imagine, I died inside a little.&#160;
 
I decided that&#8212; in this moment&#8212; I was not going to end up with Topher. I mean, duh. I went to Tori&#8217;s apartment that week and cried to her about it. She just looked at me and said, &#8220;This doesn&#8217;t make any sense&#8230; But you never know.&#8221; I thought she was delusional.&#160;
 
I decided to give up on that dream of being with Topher rather quickly. And upon returning to Michigan, I decided to stay as far away from him as possible. I wanted to respect him and his relationship. I also made the decision not to tell a SOUL about it because we shared the same friends, and I didn&#8217;t want things to get awkward. So as far as I was concerned, it never happened.&#160;
 
During the next year (2023), I went through my dating trials and came out at the end (around the late spring time) done with forcing my own will. I chose to walk in singleness with intention. But to my surprise, Topher messaged me on instagram. I thought nothing of it because I was under the impression that he was taken. Then, one day I was swimming with our campus minister in the middle of a lake, and he told me that Topher was also going to be doing work with the ministry during the same season as me. I was thrilled to get to work with Topher again, so I messaged him and asked about it. But Topher wouldn&#8217;t let the conversation die.&#160;
 
Over the course of two weeks, I still found myself talking to him. And I discovered through some sleuthing that he was no longer in a relationship. But that &#8220;changed nothing&#8221; in my mind. Nevertheless, I still felt those same summer 2022 feelings. So, I prayed, &#8220;Lord, you know that I want Topher to be the one I marry, but I want what YOU want for me. So I am giving You the pen. You can write my love story. This is how I will know that someone is my husband: they will pursue me and make their intentions clear. I won&#8217;t do anything. I will just wait for them to make the first move. And this is how I will know. And don&#8217;t let the wrong person pursue me. But let the first man who pursues me with clear intentions be the one You want me to marry. And that&#8217;s how I&#8217;ll know.&#8221;&#160; That same day, Topher had a phone call scheduled with me for 11am before my shift at Walgreens. He proceeded to tell me from his apartment in Florida (he was interning at Disney) that he had developed feelings for me during the few weeks that we had been in communication and he said, &#8220;I want to be clear and pursue you with clarity. I want to get to know each other more as friends, but with the intention of dating you.&#8221; And at that moment, I knew this was my husband. Exactly one year after that phone call, Topher asked me to marry him.&#160;
 
There were lots of other signs along the way that confirmed that this is the person God always intended I would meet and fall in love with. He is the best man I have ever met, and I thank God for him every day of my life.&#160;

Our Story

Photos

Nevaeh is Heaven's younger sister and best friend. She is a bright light in the Kingdom, working in her church and aspires to be a full-time minister of the gospel. No one can make Heaven laugh like Nevaeh can, and no one can take away the depth that God has brought to their sisterhood. Not only are they sisters by blood, but they are sisters by THE BLOOD of Christ. And there is nothing stronger. One thing about Nevaeh, though, is that she will tell you the TRUTH. And she has never shied away from that in her sisterhood with Heaven. Now, she is becoming a little sister to Topher. And what an incredible, honest, loyal, and beautiful sister she is. 

Nevaeh

Emma is Heaven’s David to her Jonathan. No one can compare to Emma. No one can replace Emma in Heaven’s life. Their friendship is powerful and proof of a living God in Heaven’s life. Although Emma cannot be present because she is serving overseas, she is with Heaven at the altar in spirit. Nothing can end or suspend the friendship that exists between the two of them. God Himself knit their souls together for a time such as this. Here’s to Emma!

Emma

Katelyn is a dolphin-loving, radiant vessel of joy. She breathes God’s humor and happiness, and just being around her brings smiles. Katelyn quickly became one of Heaven’s closest friends within the last year and has continued to bring laughter and color to Heaven’s life and ministry. Whether it's joking about peanut allergies or studying the book of Esther, Katelyn continues to amaze Heaven with her unique heart for God and her devotion to those she loves. 

Katelyn

Taylor is Heaven’s friend-therapist. There is nothing under the sun that Taylor can’t advise Heaven on, and this has strengthened Heaven’s walk with Christ and vulnerability with God and others. The two of them met while doing MTP and became some of the best friends God had ever written a story for. Speaking of Taylor's story, you should ask her about it, because God has used every chapter of it to uphold the fabric of Heaven's patch in God's tapestry. 

Taylor

Sarah and Heaven became friends while working at Cedar Point together. Her friendship has taught Heaven how to be a better friend and a better servant of Christ. Since the day they parted from their dormitory in Sandusky, Heaven knew that Sarah was going to be in her life for many more years to come. And in those years to come, in the old age ahead, the child in Heaven will always be drawn out of the wells of her heart by the friendship of Sarah. 

Sarah

Vanessa was the very first person that Heaven became friends with at HH. She is the person Heaven would call to go get deli-mart sushi or wraps with and is continually the person Heaven always wants a hug from. Being in Vanessa’s presence creates an atmosphere full of the Holy Spirit and the work of Jesus Christ. There is not another human like her. 

Vanessa

AH! Milah and Heaven go WAY back— to like a month before the proposal LOL. But they became quick friends in a meaningful way. Milah brings this sweetness and gentle nature of the Lord with her wherever she goes. Her humility is always before her and the way she lives her life is peace-giving and encouraging to those in her life. Heaven looks up to Milah in a lot of ways, but also just admires the creation of her soul by the God that they both call Father.  

Milah

Tania is a once-in-a-lifetime friend. Heaven met Tania by reluctantly trusting in the voice of the Holy Spirit and choosing to be roommates with her during second semester at WMU. They became like sisters— even so much as to feel like home to each other during an unfamiliar time in both their lives. God delivered them to each other and now their story is a testimony that God is active and alive in the lives of His people, despite the circumstances. 

Tania

Tori is one of Heaven's most cherished friendships. The two of them met in the summer of 2022 when they both worked at Cedar Point. Tori has a joy unmatched and is the reflection of God's faithfulness. This friendship is a you-never-know kind of friendship. You never know who God will bring into your life. You never know who will become your dearest friends. You never know who you’ll fall in love with. And you’ll never know how much you’re loved if you don’t take the chance to find out. These are all things Heaven has learned from friendship with Tori. Tori, you are a dream-strengthener. Never forget that. 

Tori

Hannah and Heaven first connected over the most meaningful thing: chopsticks. They continued to become close friends through having homemade meals together and sharing laughs while watching Over the Hedge and Kung Fu Panda. While there are many things to love about this woman named Hannah, two things stood out to Heaven as being the most valuable: her love of God/growing in Him and her depth in friendship. The moments they’ve shared together live in Heaven’s heart and have guided her through her singleness season and well after that. So much thanks is due to Hannah.

Hannah

Zach is without a doubt Topher’s best friend. Topher and Zach were housemates and became close friends through their experience doing MTP and other HH things together. Topher is constantly quoting Zach and Zach is the person he chooses to go to with the most sensitive subjects in his life. They edify each other and make each other laugh till they can’t breathe. If it weren’t for Zach, Topher wouldn’t be the man he is today.

Zach

Zachary once served his time as Topher’s roommate. He survived that and became one of the most meaningful relationships in Toph’s life. Topher speaks so highly of Zachary, always admiring the qualities that make him unique and special in his own life. The things that Zachary has been to Topher and the meaning in their relationship is only one reason why he’ll stand with him on this momentous day. 

Zachary

Jake! Jake is a person that never fails to make Topher laugh, think about life, and then laugh again. Looking up to Jake and his wife, Mikayla, has helped Toph become the man he is now to Heaven. And so much thanks to God is deserved for creating Jake to walk alongside Topher through all these years of college and for many more to come. Although Jake is not next door or down the road anymore, his impact in Topher’s life and future marriage will continue to make it seem as if he never missed a day here with Topher. 

Jake

Or as some might like to call him, Harry-boy, Harrison is one of Topher’s dearest friends. Fondly, Topher recites “tummy, tummy, tummy” after almost every meal. So thank you, Harrison, for the years to come of hearing that. We love you. But Harrison has taught Topher how to be a humble leader, how to think before speaking, and how to successfully walk through tough seasons with the Lordship of Jesus being the center of that journey. 

Harrison

Brayden is one of the most gentle and peace-giving souls to ever be knit together by God. He is kind and when he speaks, it’s as if the person being spoken to is relieved and comforted by God Himself. God has used Brayden in Topher and Heaven’s lives by teaching them by example to be and remain humble, gentle, and gracious with God’s people. Brayden walks with such purpose, which is why we want him to walk alongside us during this season of our lives. 

Brayden

Elijah is someone Topher became best friends with while he was serving at Cru at Walt Disney World during his last year in school at WMU. Elijah is a person that Topher wanted to pack away in his suitcase on his way home from Florida. Unfortunately, Elijah wouldn’t make through customs, so that theoretical plan would’ve been in vain. But if that could’ve been, Topher would’ve taken that opportunity in heartbeat. Being long distance friends hasn’t stopped the love shared between the two of them. And being there for each other is something that FaceTime has glorified God to complete. Elijah means so much to Topher, and no amount of distance could change that. 

Elijah

Victor is one of Topher’s (aka Chris) triplet brothers. Victor is someone that not only makes Topher laugh, but also makes Heaven laugh. He is also a connoisseur of cheeses, cheesecake, and flying simulated airplanes LOL. But more than that, Victor is someone that Topher loves deeply and laughs with like they’re kids again. He’s a huge part of Topher’s story, and will continue to be a huge part of his marriage story. We love you, Victor. 

Victor

Cash is the youngest of the triplets and he is also the biggest WWE fan you’ll probably ever meet in your life. No seriously, ask him anything. Guaranteed, he’ll know the answer. Cash is also one of the sweetest people. He knows how to save his coin LOL and also how to give great hugs and make someone feel like their child-self. If he’s not losing at Mandala, he’s probably beating Heaven at 8-ball or giving credit to Jesus for being King. We love you, Cash.

Cash

Okay, Andrew’s laugh alone could’ve gotten him a spot standing next to Topher on his wedding day. But in all seriousness, Andrew is a man of God that has strengthened Topher’s own walk with the Lord. Andrew is the iron sharpening iron in Topher’s life, being a man to look up to and cackle with. In so many ways, Andrew has changed and added to Topher’s life. The stories that are and will be told about him in Toph’s life are legacies of God’s greatness and faithfulness to Topher. 

Andrew

Chazz is like Heaven's big brother that she never had. No one has ever filled the shoes he does in her life, and he has played a huge role in Heaven discovering her spiritual gifts and how to flourish under God. If it weren't for Walgreens Church, this spiritual kinship would have never taken place. Not many people would drop everything to play pickleball or make a Walmart run, but that's what a friendship with Chazz looks like. Oh! And sending 20 minute voice messages about God back and forth-- BARS. Thank you, Chazz, for speaking into Heaven and Topher’s lives and never failing to be her brother in the faith. Love.

Chazz

Mason is another brother to Heaven and a good friend of Topher's. If he's not speaking in a British accent or walking 15 miles to get an ice cream in the rain, he's probably cooking blueberry grilled cheese or leading a sick Bible study. There is no one else Heaven would rather stock a cosmetics aisle with or watch Hell's Kitchen with. And there's also one else she'd rather awkwardly tell about her misfortunes over Indian food. Mason has blessed this couple more than he knows-- especially by being a friend to Heaven.

Mason

Ned and Dee are responsible for who Heaven has the privilege of marrying. Ned has always taught Topher how to dream and work hard for what he wants from life. Supporting Topher is something Ned did, waiting after rehearsals and encouraging Topher to use his talents to make a difference in the world. Dee taught Topher emotional intelligence and vulnerability, which has played a huge role in the relationship of Topher and Heaven. The couple would not be walking into marriage if it weren't for Dee and Ned.

Dee & Ned

A big thanks is due to God’s work in and through this couple in Heaven’s life. Heaven got to see how two people can work together, complement one another, and also serve one another with their lives. Randy was also the person that showed Heaven what Jesus could do for a broken life and inspired her to leave behind a life of witchcraft and idolatry to follow Christ. Angie taught Heaven a lot about cooking, laughing at life’s troubles, and how to have fun wherever you go. If it weren’t for these two, Heaven wouldn’t be the woman she is today, and she certainly wouldn’t know who she is in Christ. 

Randy & Angie

Angela and the bride have an incredibly unique story. It has not been perfect, but God’s love has been perfected in their relationship. Even after everything they’ve been through, Angela has continued to love Heaven in a maternal manner, always offering help where it’s needed. With Christ at the center of their redeemed relationship, Angela and Heaven have never been closer and never had more of a meaningful connection and love shared between them than they do now. Angela taught her daughter how to forgive people, how to embrace who she is, and how to trust the voice of God in making decisions to better understand the simplicity of life under Jesus. From this, Heaven will be a better wife and a better mother someday. 

Heaven & Christopher

Heaven & Christopher

H&C