Hamilton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church

Wedding Ceremony

Reception

Thank You!

Dear Family and Friends, They say it takes a village - our wedding day was proof of that. This day would not have been possible or pulled off nearly as beautifully without the help of multiple loved ones who volunteered their time and assistance, some traveling long distance. To our families, now blended as one. You made things happen in ways we know and ways I am sure we don't! Thank you to parents of the bride Debbie and Kenneth Lee who did the majority of the funding, especially to my mom who helped me pick out my wedding dress and design the decor. Also HUGE thank you to the groom's parents, Coralie and Edward Dinger, who traveled all the way from California and were tremendously helpful throughout the whole of that weekend. Special thank you to Jonah's aunt, Heidi Meyer, and the Sprenkle and Thompson families who came up early to assist with set-up and teardown before and after the ceremony and reception. To all other family and friends we haven't mentioned who helped through the weekend, thank you!! To our wedding party - you are amazing!!! You represent so many special times and seasons in both of our lives and it was an honor to have you stand with us. Thank you to our best man, Alex Powell, maid of honor, Cienna Ledesma, groomsmen Dominic Fisher, Ethan Cruz, Jonathan Meyer, Samuel Vargas, and Neal Nelson, bridesmaids Hannah Busch, Julia Dinger, Mafer Cortes, Haley Nelson, and Joanna Ketter, and my flower girl, Emma Busch. Special shout-out to my bridesmaids, specifically Julia and JoAnna who acted as my hair and nails team! You guys are the best and I felt at my best thanks to your work! Also thank you to all my ladies who stepped in literally at the last minute to help finish decorating before the ceremony. You all mean the world to us! Thank you Pricilla Eckright for making your magic happen during the reception and helping to pull it off beautifully! I've never been so happy to have a friend with a culinary degree! Thank you Angel Guerrero for being an amazing photographer!! We will love these photos for the rest of our lives! Thank you to Dr. Alan Parker - can we say best officiate ever? Thank you - for everything. Jonah and I wouldn't be where we are without you and your support! You are such a blessing! Thank you to our amazing Hamilton Community church family for all your love and support - we're so lucky we got to hold our wedding at HCC! Thank you to our pastor Jonathan Michael and wife Alisha - for your prayers, support, attendance, and for doing our Scripture reading during the ceremony. We love y'all! Thank you also to Susan Jones-Hayes for being our wedding coordinator! You are AWESOME! ❤️ Biggest THANK YOU to my bonus mom Lori Busch and my uncle and aunt, Rick and Myra Busch (and indeed virtually the whole of my step-family) who showed up for the wedding in style, have been some of our biggest cheerleaders, and most importantly made our honeymoon in the Smokies possible and so special!! You were the reason we got to crash and spoil ourselves in the aftermath of this big weekend and we will never forget it! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! To the friends and extended family who traveled near and far to celebrate with us, and to the countless others who watched online, sent gifts and well wishes, supported, and prayed for us all the way through - thank you. We love and appreciate all of you so very much. We pray God blesses you all with the equal measure and more for the many ways you have blessed us! With love, The Dingers (established 11.23.2025).

Our Wedding

If you were to ask Jonah and Michelle about their story, they will tell you from the get-go that their coming together is due to two major things - God and Southern Adventist University (also known as Southern Matrimonial College from its former SMC name).&nbsp;Prior to coming to Southern, Jonah, a Southern California native, completed a semester’s worth of training at CORE, a discipleship Bible college in Pennsylvania, where God refined his calling and gave him a passion for ministry. That season would not only significantly grow his spiritual life, but would also aid in leading him to Southern Adventist University to join the SALT evangelism program. Another appeal was being near his sister Julia, who was already studying there as a nursing major. Meanwhile, Michelle, who was raised in North Carolina, graduated from Mount Pisgah Academy and arrived at Southern the same fall as Jonah to begin the Theology program. Jonah and Michelle first noticed each other during Freshman Service Day. They have varied recollections of their first meeting, Michelle recalling introductions in the gym as the day was starting, while Jonah remembers noticing her during their assigned service project at the Chambliss Center in Chattanooga. Michelle thought he had the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen, while he thought she came off as perhaps mildly shy, but sweet. The next week, they found themselves sitting side-by-side in Southern Connections, a class full of religion majors. They exchanged smiles, a few words, and that was all. With the exception of a eulogy assignment to establish how they wanted to be remembered when Michelle read Jonah's, there was nothing dramatic or significant about their earliest memories. For most of that first semester, Jonah and Michelle led very separate lives and didn’t become much more than acquaintances. Michelle was in another relationship at the time and Jonah developed several prospective interests. By the second semester though, their friendship began to form and grow. Along with their mutual friend Dominic, they became a trio, spending hours hanging out and talking. By the time the school year ended, something had shifted. Jonah and Michelle, both single at this point, had already shared a few one-on-one conversations, which turned into long WhatsApp chats over the summer and even a few phone calls. Before they knew it, it was just the two of them. That summer would turn out to be life-changing. At the time, they were on opposite sides of the country - Jonah in California, Michelle preparing to move from North Carolina to Georgia - but they reached a point where they talked every day, defying the three-hour time difference. Those long conversations became a safe place where God began healing and deepening their hearts. For Michelle, that summer became a sacred turning point. She had spent a lot of time wrestling with past heartbreak and struggling with her calling. That summer, she reached a place of surrender, ready to deepen her faith in light of what she had learned during her first year at Southern. Jonah’s prayers, patience, and unwavering encouragement were exactly what she needed in that season. He reminded her of who she was, and that God still loved and wanted her. Meanwhile, Michelle prayed for and challenged Jonah as he continued to grow and make his faith and beliefs fully his own for the very first time. That summer didn’t just bring them together emotionally, but spiritually. Jonah found himself woven into Michelle’s testimony, and she into his. When fall arrived, they couldn’t deny that something was changing. They kept “accidentally” running into each other at Friday night vespers, both secretly hoping the other would be there. Every lingering conversation, every shared moment of worship, deepened the quiet love forming between them. It finally happened at Southern’s Student Association’s opening event. Jonah brought Michelle, and she nearly stopped in her tracks when he showed up in a button-down shirt and a hat. Somewhere between the music and the small talk, it clicked—this was becoming more than friendship. Not long after that event, they mutually confessed they were falling for each other. At the end of September, they officially began dating, celebrating the new chapter with a date at CK2. The months that followed became some of the best of their lives, filled with favorite memories they still treasure. Jonah quickly became part of Michelle’s family, forming deep bonds with her parents. They studied together, served together, laughed constantly, and learned how to walk with Christ more deeply. They explored scenic locations like Cloudland Canyon and Sunset Rock, enjoyed cozy movie nights at Michelle’s house, and cherished the quiet, ordinary moments that felt anything but ordinary. March 2024 is a favorite memory as it’s the month they went on their first road trip—a joyful mix of long drives, honest conversations, shared worship, and Taylor Swift playlists. Jonah also met Michelle’s younger sister and stepfamily for the first time, fitting in instantly. Just weeks later, they faced an unexpected and painful personal situation that could have broken them. It was raw, real, and difficult, but it drove them to their knees. They clung to God and to each other, emerging stronger. They note this chapter of their story because though it was challenging, they believe God allowed it to draw them closer—to Him and to one another. After that, they began praying seriously about their future. They knew that surviving such a season together was no accident—God had brought and kept them together for a reason. That summer, they worked in camp ministry at Leoni Meadows in California. Michelle got to know the Dinger family, met all of Jonah’s living grandparents, explored Yosemite, and saw the world Jonah had come from. Having her in all his favorite places brought new meaning to the idea of home for him. In August, they road-tripped with Jonah’s dad back to Southern and began pre-engagement counseling with Dr. Alan Parker. With each week, their certainty deepened, and they more and more became each other’s steady support through every season. That semester was a defining one. They championed and cheered each other on through mental health challenges and major transitions—Michelle switching to Religious Education, Jonah to Religious Studies and media ministry. They encouraged and prayed for each other, reminding one another of their callings when they couldn’t see them for themselves. It became crystal clear—they simply belonged together. In November 2024, Jonah bought the ring, and on December 7, he brought Michelle to Signal Point in Chattanooga, a place filled with some of their earliest memories. Under the wide sky, overlooking the Tennessee River, he nervously but excitedly asked Michelle to be “the next Mrs. Dinger.” Of course, she said yes! Today, they are best friends and partners in life and ministry, living the truth of Proverbs: “Two are better than one.” More importantly, they have learned they are at their best when Christ is the center of everything they build. They are eager to step into this new chapter—hand in hand, hearts aligned, ready for whatever God has ahead. They know it won’t be perfect, but they are perfectly fine with that. The best things worth doing aren’t easy—and they know their love, tested and redeemed, is worth it. For the future Mr. and Mrs. Dinger, November 23 can’t come fast enough. The rest of their lives are up ahead, and they can hardly wait to take it on. Though they have already experienced so much together, this is only the beginning.

Our Story

Photos

Thank you to our wedding party - for everything.

Thank you for standing with us - but even more for being part of our stories along the way. We love you all so very much. May God bless you all!

Meet The Wedding Party

Cienna (CeeCee) is impossible to introduce in a few words. She's been Michelle's best friend for over 15 years, sharing everything from Sabbath School memories to first loves to celebrating all of life’s milestones. She's one of the most important people in Michelle's life, her un-biological sister, so it only makes sense that she’s fulfilling a childhood promise and standing by her as maid of honor.

Cienna Ledesma

Alex makes his mark as one of Jonah’s closest college friends, and they grew even closer working at Leoni Meadows Camp in California alongside Michelle. The three formed the “Welcome to Ministry” trio—a nickname born from their Intro to Ministry class. Being little brother Michelle never had and one of Jonah's most loyal friends establishes him as the perfect best man.

Alexander Powell

She's the youngest of the bridesmaids...and secretly the favorite! Hannah is Michelle’s sister, sidekick, secret-keeper, and biggest fan. Being by Michelle's side on this day is as natural for Hannah as it is special. She also may not your typical ring bearer, but she’s presenting the rings with a whole lot of love. 

Hannah Busch

Dominic, Jonah, and Michelle formed a trio during their first year of college, one that eventually turned into a forever duo. One of the couple's best friends since day one, he has been a witness to every chapter of their friendship, love story, and even their engagement. Needless to say, Dominic has more than earned his spot in the wedding party.

Dominic Fisher

Julia already holds an irreplaceable place in the spotlight - she’s the Groom’s sister! As one of the most important people in Jonah’s life, she’s also quickly becoming a treasured part of Michelle’s life, as well. That growing bond will now be honored in a beautiful way as Julia will be standing beside the couple on their wedding day. Michelle couldn’t be more thrilled to have her future sister-in-law on bridesmaid duty, and even more excited for all the memories they’ll share in the years ahead.

Julia Dinger

Jonathan is Jonah’s cousin, but they might as well have been brothers. From childhood games to homeschooling together to inventing ridiculous words only they understand, their bond has been built on a built-in and lifetime friendship. Having Jonathan as a groomsman is a tribute to those memories that are so dear to Jonah's heart.

Jonathan Meyer

JoAnna may not show anything more than being Michelle’s cousin-in-law on paper, but she’s incredibly special. Academy roommates, built-in besties, and partners in every high and low, JoAnna and Michelle have shared everything. The "everything" will now include the best day of Michelle's life. 

JoAnna Ketter

Samuel met Jonah during their first semester at Southern, where they became partners in the SALT program. They've shared field experience, deep conversations, and a shared passion for serving others. They also share a love for airplanes, ministry, and meaningful friendship. Having Samuel as a groomsman is a tribute to his steady presence in Jonah's life.

Samuel Vargas

Haley and Michelle met in Intro to Ministry their first semester at Southern Adventist University, and they were inseparable in every class they took together afterward. They've held each other's hands through multiple highs and lows, and Michelle would say Haley is likely her most treasured college friend. Haley has since moved out of the area, but Michelle is calling her back for a day, this time to stand by her side.

Haley Nelson

Neal (no relation to Haley), an old friend from church, recruited Jonah to join the CORE program in Pennsylvania in 2022. That invitation changed Jonah's life. His experience at CORE planted seeds towards his calling, made the gospel truly real to him for the first time, and set him on a path to the SALT program at Southern later that year, where he would meet Michelle! After many memories in youth groups, ministries, road trips, and even getting stuck on the side of the road together, Neal will now stand beside the friend he helped set on this journey.

Neal Nelson

Mafer and Michelle go way back. Their friendship began back in 2018 at Academy Days at MPA, and grew when Michelle came as a student that fall. From navigating high school chaos to sharing countless laughs, a little drama, and way too many inside jokes, Mafer was the one who got her through it all. Having her as a bridesmaid is a full-circle moment neither of them would miss.

Mafer Cortes

Ethan, a longtime friend of Jonah’s from church, recently reconnected with him after several years. Their renewed friendship and the discovery of new common ground have led to many meaningful conversations, and now to Ethan’s special role in completing the groomsmen lineup. His presence adds both history and meaning to the celebration, and Jonah could not be happier about it!

Ethan Cruz

Wedding Party

Timeline: The Story "So Far" In Photos

As anyone who knows us can tell you, we're picture nerds. In the last couple of years, we’ve documented thousands of moments throughout our time together, from our days as "just friends" to recent weeks as we're preparing to say "I do"! It's impossible to include them all, but these snapshots capture some of the memories that have shaped our story so far. Each photo is a little window into our journey. We hope it gives you a glimpse into the love, laughter, and everyday joys that have brought us to where we are today. This is only the beginning. Enjoy. :)~ The Future Dingers

Story Timeline

Ceremony & Reception

Personal Questions

Q + A

5 minutes from the venue (Hamilton Community SDA Church)

Drury Plaza Hotel Chattanooga Hamilton Place

Red Roof Inn Chattanooga - Hamilton Place

Wingate by Wyndham Chattanooga

About 8-10 minutes from the venue.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chattanooga - East Ridge

About 20 min from the venue (Hamilton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church).

Stay Express Inn Chattanooga, TN

Travel

Walnut Street Bridge

To Our Guests:Friends and family who have been to and/or are familiar with Chattanooga will know of the Walnut Street Bridge. For those staying in or wanting to visit downtown while here for the wedding, please be aware that the bridge is closed until September 2026.

Coolidge Park

Tennessee Riverwalk, Chickamauga Dam

Bluff View Art District

Tennessee Aquarium

This location is especially significant to the Bride and Groom as this is where their engagement took place.

Story Timeline

Timeline: The Story "So Far" In Photos

September 01, 2023

September 13, 2023

September 23, 2023

September 30, 2023

October 07, 2023

October 13, 2023

October 14, 2023

October 28, 2023

November 25, 2023

December 07, 2023

January 06, 2024

January 27, 2024

February 14, 2024

February 24, 2024

March 17, 2024

April 07, 2024

May 05, 2024

June 10, 2024

June 13, 2024

June 15, 2024

June 27, 2024

July 15, 2024

July 20, 2024

August 11, 2024

September 07, 2024

September 14, 2024

September 22, 2024

October 19, 2024

November 22, 2024

December 07, 2024

December 24, 2024

December 31, 2024

January 11, 2025

February 15, 2025

February 27, 2025

March 17, 2025

March 27, 2025

April 19, 2025

May 04, 2025

June 19, 2025

July 13, 2025

July 25, 2025

August 02, 2025

August 07, 2025