Wedding Day

St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church

Ceremony

Rock Hill Windmill Event Center

Reception

Summer

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Schedule

We first met after both being led to attend church at St. Nicholas. There was a growing group of young adults who were always talking at coffee hour, getting brunch, and hanging out outside of church. Jason was very intentional and pursuing, making the first moves for a relationship, introducing himself, being inviting, and offering his phone number "if you ever need anything" ;)(; We had been hanging out with the group for a few weeks, but interest grew between us. A course of events kept us apart for about 5 weeks in April and May of 2021. During this time Sarah visited California, having the blessing to see the relics of Saint John Maximovitch the wonder worker of San Francisco. She prayed about the uncertainties in her life as well as this budding interest with Jason. After reuniting, we went on our first date to Nettie's Mexican Restaurant, then added a stop at Culver's for ice cream. We had church later in the week and decided another time to go out. A few days later we went to the Safari Drive-through park and Platte River park, which was the most peaceful day! We felt deep in our hearts that we had found the answer to our lifelong prayers, and we are forever indebted to St. John. Pictured is our second date at Platte River State Park after our first kiss by the waterfall.

Our Story

Jason proposed on January 7th when we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord on the "old calendar". We were surrounded by some of our close friends and family after just leaving the service. We walked outside to "take pictures" and he got down on one knee! And she said yes!! We went to lunch with both our parents, then had a horse drawn carriage ride around the Old Market, concluding with dinner at Lo Sole Mio. We are so beyond excited and happy to celebrate our next big day with all our wonderful friends and family!

Photos

Brent and Rebecca's marriage has been an inspiration to Jason and Sarah. They felt a strong connection to the pair, having already started a couples Bible Study-reading books of the Bible and Saints' writings about marriage and family life. 

In the Orthodox wedding ceremony the couple getting married picks sponsors who will guide and support them in their first steps of marriage, then continue to pray for them, support them, and advise them throughout their days together. 

We are so thankful to have such a beautiful relationship with them. 

Brent and Rebecca Kraay

Naomi is from the Netherlands and was a foreign exchange student at Sarah's high school in 2018-2019. They had a few classes together and slowly started talking, but after they finally did, it was like they were soul sisters. Naomi is always traveling and had plans for an internship program in Suriname in spring of 2022! And wanted to come up through the USA on her way back home, spending the month of July in Nebraska! Just in time to stand by Sarah's side for her big day.

Naomi van der Pan

Sebastian and Jason met at Lincoln East High School’s marching band camp and marched in half-time shows and parades together. After graduation, they kept in touch by going on annual trips to Kansas City with Austin and working on Sebastian’s various projects when Jason came home for the summer. After talking about the Orthodox faith and attending church with Jason, Sebastian asked him to be his sponsor for this entry into the church, a great honor for both of them. 

Sebastian Snodgrass

Sarah&nbsp;and&nbsp;Maddie&nbsp;used&nbsp;to&nbsp;go&nbsp;to&nbsp;church&nbsp;together&nbsp;when&nbsp;they&nbsp;were&nbsp;younger&nbsp;and&nbsp;got&nbsp;close&nbsp;at&nbsp;a&nbsp;summer&nbsp;conference.&nbsp;Even&nbsp;when&nbsp;going&nbsp;separate&nbsp;ways&nbsp;they&nbsp;stayed&nbsp;in&nbsp;touch&nbsp;and&nbsp;continue&nbsp;to&nbsp;grow&nbsp;closer.&nbsp;Their&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;thing&nbsp;to&nbsp;do&nbsp;is&nbsp;try&nbsp;new&nbsp;restaurants!&nbsp;Sarah&nbsp;and&nbsp;Maddie&nbsp;could&nbsp;talk&nbsp;forever&nbsp;and&nbsp;ever!&nbsp;They've&nbsp;dreamed&nbsp;about&nbsp;this&nbsp;special&nbsp;occasion&nbsp;and&nbsp;are&nbsp;so&nbsp;excited&nbsp;it's&nbsp;finally&nbsp;here.

Maddie Trail

Austin and Jason met on a church youth group trip to Chicago just before their freshman year of high school. They played soccer together up through junior year and spent many weekends playing videogames, something they used as a way to keep in touch while Jason was away for college. He has always been a connection back to Nebraska for Jason, keeping him updated with Husker football and other big news from the best state in the Union. 

Austin Plucknett

Regan and Sarah went to school together from 4th grade to high school graduation. From playing tag on the playground, to singing in the stairwell, and then high school homeroom - they've been through it all. So of course she had to be by Sarah's side on her big day. 

Regan Warrick

After moving to Nebraska from New York, Chris began attending St. Nicholas where he and Jason met. They hit it off, relating with backgrounds in technical work. When he joined the church, he asked Jason to be his sponsor. They like to spend time going to bars with the other guys from church and planning future projects. 

Chris DeFranco

When&nbsp;Sarah&nbsp;was&nbsp;working&nbsp;full&nbsp;time&nbsp;at&nbsp;HyVee&nbsp;Starbucks,&nbsp;Kelsi&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;regular&nbsp;customer.&nbsp;What&nbsp;started&nbsp;as&nbsp;polite&nbsp;small&nbsp;talk&nbsp;easily&nbsp;turned&nbsp;into&nbsp;frequent&nbsp;updates,&nbsp;exchanging&nbsp;phone&nbsp;numbers,&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;close&nbsp;friendship.&nbsp;Kelsi&nbsp;got&nbsp;to&nbsp;hear&nbsp;all&nbsp;the&nbsp;details&nbsp;about&nbsp;Jason&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;date&nbsp;all&nbsp;the&nbsp;way&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;proposal Now&nbsp;she'll&nbsp;be&nbsp;by&nbsp;Sarah's&nbsp;side&nbsp;while&nbsp;taking&nbsp;the&nbsp;next&nbsp;step&nbsp;into&nbsp;this&nbsp;exciting&nbsp;new&nbsp;chapter.

Kelsi Weulling 

Jake was the first person Jason met at St. Nicholas after his first visit to the church. In the time since, Jake has been a source of great advice and thought-provoking discussion on a variety of topics. Jake and his wife Alanna have two kids that Sarah frequently visits with, Jason and Sarah are thankful to be involved in their lives in such a big way.

Jake Bahlburg

Wedding Party

Q &amp; AHere are some answers to frequently asked questions. We hope you understand our requests and find this helpful!

Q + A

Directions From the Church to the Reception

<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/V96GRZW5xQHMjAPs5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/maps/V96GRZW5xQHMjAPs5</a>

This a great hotel for any out of town guests, or anyone wanting to stay the night close by. It is located 10 minutes from the church and 20 minutes from the reception venue.