Martz/Woods Bridal Shower

St Matthew United Methodist Church

Wedding

Ceremony

Scott Event Center

Reception

Our Wedding

Jake and Erin met at a community college they were both attending (Southwestern Illinois College). Jake worked at the front desk of the tutoring center at the school. Erin would often come into the tutoring center to work on her homework, but she also would make sure to sit close enough to the front desk to get a good view of the student working the front desk. She would even frequently ask Jake to help her work the printer just to get a chance to talk to him (she was wanting to ask him out, but always got too scared!) In typical guy fashion, Jake was clueless at her hints! It wasn't until almost 2 years later when Jake was invited to a friend's Bible study that he met her again. That was where their friendship began. A few months later, Jake felt a conviction from God that he was putting a desire for a romantic relationship above his relationship with God, and that he needed to give it up. So, Jake made a commitment to God to stay single for a year and not pursue any relationships. 6 months into the commitment, Erin invited Jake to meet her for breakfast on campus. This quickly became a weekly thing. As time passed, something became very clear to Jake: he liked her, and he knew she liked him too (she was suspiciously eager to get his phone number and hang out). But he was still 6 months away from being able to date! Bracing for the worst, he told her about his commitment, and to his great surprise, she gladly agreed to wait! For the next 6 months, Jake and Erin developed a strong friendship that would be the foundation of their future relationship. While they enjoyed this season of friendship, they were also counting down the days until they could have that first date together. Finally, on September 10, 2019, Jake's 1 year commitment to God to stay single ended. That day, Jake and Erin went on their first date, traveling to Milwaukee to see the Zoo and end the night with a Hillsong United concert! It was an incredible first date! But it was only the beginning. One year later, on their one-year anniversary, Jake asked Erin if she would spend the rest of her life with him... <a href="https://www.facebook.com/petey.wetterlin/videos/3496996110383644" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">she said yes!</a> They are now awaiting that special day when all of the waiting will pay off, and they will be united together under the bond of God's love and the love they have for each other.

Our Story

Photos

The Guys

Jake grew up with Sam in youth group making YouTube videos, and they've been best friends ever since. He has always been a friend who has stuck with Jake through thick and thin, and has always encouraged him in his walk with Christ. Since Sam's relationship with his now wife Becca has always been an inspiration for Jake in his own relationship, it only seemed fitting to have Sam be his best man.

Sam DeZeeuw

Friend, former youth pastor, and mentor, Brian has helped Jake grow in his faith and his journey into marriage for the past 10 years. Like Jake, Brian's story was all about waiting and trusting in God's timing when it came to finding a wife. His journey and God's provision for him encouraged Jake as he waited for God to send him his now wife-to-be!

Brian Caringer

Alex and Jake met in youth group, and have had some fun, deep, and hilarious times together; including mission trips, camping, and cooking! He has been a faithful, honest, and God-fearing friend to Jake throughout the years. Alex is an audio engineer, and has provided his talents for many of Jake's video projects (and also starring in a few of them too!)

Alex Mitchell

Probably one of Jake's silliest friends, Matt has a unique but charming sense of humor. Jake and Matt have been best friends since they were in youth group, and they've had many laughs, tears and movie nights together. Jake has always admired Matt's loyalty and willingness to help whenever needed.

Matt Bachman

Jake and Ben became friends in high school, and have always had two big things in common: loving Jesus and quoting Spongebob Squarepants. Ben has been a loyal friend and accountablity partner to Jake throughout the years, and has been with him through many ups and downs. 

Ben Schleuter

The Gals

One of Erin's closest friends and longtime mentor, Megan has been a vital part of both Erin's faith and Jake's. Megan has supported Erin throughout her life and especially during her season of engagement. She is known not just for her hospitality, but for her heart for college students and ministering to them any way she can. There was no doubt in Erin's mind who she wanted as her matron of honor.

Megan Coats

Raven is Erin's oldest friend. They have been in each other's lives since high school, and have gone through many of life's ups and downs together. When they were in high school they would spend time studying together after school and often had sleepovers. Raven is a friend who has always protected, supported and stayed loyal to Erin from high school to today. 

Raven Hendrickson

Alison is Erin's sister-in-law. She has been a part of the family for many years, but in October of 2021, Adam (Erin's brother) and Alison will be making it official by saying "I do!" Erin has always admired how talented and creative Alison is with her art, along with how caring she is to those in her life.

Alison Bozarth

Stephanie and Erin met at Megan Coats's weekly young adults Bible study. She has always been a very silly and fun friend to be around. Stephanie and her sister Sabrina went to a Bible retreat called "Fall Getaway" with Erin. During this time the three had a lot of great bonding experiences doing worship together and having small group time.

Stephanie Campbell

Kelsey is one of Jake's oldest friends, going all the way back to Pre-K Sunday School. Since Jake and Erin started dating, Kelsey has been a big source of support for the two of them. She and her husband Logan have enjoyed going on double dates with Jake and Erin, and are excited to be a part of their special day.

Kelsey Schultz

The Ushers

Logan has been a friend to Jake who has always encouraged, supported and advised him throughout the years. He has been a model of how to love a wife well and how to be a good friend. He and Jake enjoy discussing Marvel and DC and watching bad movies for laughs.

Logan Schultz

Just like Megan, John has been one of Jake & Erin's biggest supporters. Not only has he modeled what a loving husband looks like for them, but he has often mentored them and prayed for their future together. He also has an impressive movie and video game collection!

John Coats

The Flower Girl and Ring Bearer

Big Boy Ames is the son of Erin's older cousin Brigid Smith, but Erin likes to call him her "little cousin". His favorite things are superheroes and Legos. His favorite food to eat is spaghetti and meatballs, and his favorite color is green.


Ames Smith

Baby Shay is Big Boy Ames little sister. She is also Erin's "little cousin". Her favorite things to do are dance and play with baby dolls. Her favorite food to eat is mac n cheese, and her favorite color is pink.