Meet The Wedding Party - Jim

Jim Shearer . Groomsman

After watching that video, what more can I say?

Jim is my famous friend.

But what I truly love and appreciate about Jim is that you'd never know it. He is one of the most down-to-earth and humble guys I know -- and I don't say that lightly. He would feel equally at home discussing the finer points of grilling a burger at McDonald's, as he would telling you about the highlights of interviewing the best and worst of pop culture and music celebs as an MTV2 VJ. Honestly...you can ask him about either one during the reception!

Jim and I met during my freshman year at Waynesburg College. His sister, a junior at the time, tipped him off that there was this one kid who had some personality traits and tendencies that kinda fit his unique approach to life. From the best of my recollection, one day after a staff meeting for the college radio station where we were both DJs, Jim and I ate lunch together with a couple of his friends and the rest, as they say, is history!

From there, we crafted a friendship, which defied the typical college party/drinking scene, and was made up of sharing a mutual affinity for music (especially the Beastie Boys), attending numerous "rock" concerts, Pittsburgh Fun Days, raves (without the drug use), putting on concerts with Jim's college band (Milkweed), eating pizza, learning from Professor Krause, being members of a hip-hop group (D-Boiz), urban fashion and just sharing a bunch of unique stuff in common. We even did a fashion makeover of this one girl on campus long before any of those cable television makeover shows existed.

Simply put, Jim is the most original guy I know. His ability to embrace his uniqueness really influenced me and, in a sense, gave me the courage to live a life outside of society's neatly crafted bubble.

Little Known Fact: During their days at Waynesburg College, Jim and Troy co-founded Q.P.T. (Quality Play Time) -- an hour between lunch and their next class where they engaged in the higher pursuit of mastering Nintendo's Excitebike.

Meet The Wedding Party - Rachel

Rachel Rineer . Bridesmaid

Many people have said to me over the years: "You and Rachel are friends? But you two seem so different." And in some ways I can see their point. Outwardly we may seem quite different. But in reality, Rachel and I have a lot in common inwardly; which is why over the years she has been a friend I can return to again and again and talk to about anything, even if we haven't seen each other for months at a time.


One of those common interests is music and while at Lancaster Bible College it just seemed inevitable that we would become friends -- since we were 2 of about 4 in the music education program:) We also shared a heart for leading others which is why we shared a room for a year as an RA and DA. And we share a heart for teaching others about God's gift of music and striving for one's highest potential in using one's musical gifts for God. So we have shared many conversations over the years about this particular subject.


So even though outwardly we may seem somewhat different, inwardly we have a lot in common. And I think there is a lesson here that can be learned by all of us during our lives. Though outwardly we may think someone is totally different than us and we could never really be their friend, maybe we really just need to take a little time getting to know them and find out who they really are. Maybe we won't become best friends with them, or even good friends, but maybe we will find out something that will help us to really know who they are. And isn't that what Jesus was all about? Looking at people inwardly and not outwardly and really looking at their hearts.


Thanks for all the wonderful memories and your great friendship Rachel! I will always remember the humidifier in our room in Esbenshade, stolen shoes in the middle of a corn field, numerous food outings with the "music gang" and the music office.


I am so thrilled to have you be part of my big day.

Meet The Wedding Party - Josh

Josh Cales . Groomsman

I've been friends with Josh since our days at Waynesboro Area Senior High School. Josh, I and another friend were pretty much inseparable during our junior and senior years of high school -- we hung out at each others' houses, spent countless hours battling each other on Sega's NBA Jam, "cruised the strip" in Hagerstown (Maryland) on Friday and Saturday nights -- which basically meant driving around a certain loop of roads looking for who really knows what -- because we had nothing better to do, went to all kinds of high school sporting events and graduated together in 1994.

Although Josh and I went to college in different areas, we never lost touch and always looked forward to Christmas and summer breaks. Even when I went to law school, although we rarely talked, every time that we did it was if we had just talked yesterday -- it was always so easy to be Josh's good friend, mostly due to his good-natured character.

And then there was this point after I graduated from law school and he got married that we just really re-connected. Although we had both matured and changed in many different ways, we shared a rekindled passion for all things spiritual and living out our faith authentically. We've had some great talks in the years since. Oh...and who could forget our mutual "love" of UNC basketball!

I've always appreciated Josh's drive and ambition for life. And his authenticity -- he'd be the first to admit his mistakes, ask for advice on how to make amends and then tell ya what he learned in the process. What a great friend he has been to me for so many years!

I'll close with a story. In 2002, Josh landed a job with James Allen, an online jewelry store specializing in diamonds. I always told him (and others) that he had to keep that job until I finally found that special girl for me. Well...five years later Josh is now the sales manager there, I have been blessed with such a girl and he helped me secure the engagement ring I gave to her, including finding a beautiful diamond and custom designing the band/setting to our tastes. Thanks so much bro!

Meet The Wedding Party - Danielle

Danielle Reider . Bridesmaid

Meeting a fellow country music fan doesn't happen too often, so when it does there is an immediate connection between you and that person. Add the fact that you both enjoy basketball, are single (well I guess I can't qualify for that anymore), graduated from Lancaster Bible College, and hate long meetings...and you have a FRIENDSHIP.

Over the past two years I have had the privilege of getting to know Danielle and have appreciated so many things about her. She has taught me much about Christ-like character without even knowing it.

Here are some of the things I have gained from my friend...

1. Her positive attitude no matter what the circumstance (whether teaching a class with more than 15 sixth-grade boys or squishing four high school girls in her car for a 1 1/2 hour car ride to a basketball game).

2. Her smile and joyful attitude towards everyone.

3. Her care and concern for her students.

And the list goes on! Thanks for making me laugh, being such a positive influence, and sitting through all those girls basketball games with me:) I am glad you will be standing by me on my big day too!

Meet The Wedding Party - Adam

Adam Hertlein . Groomsman

Adam is one of the 3 siblings taking part in Angie and Troy's wedding party. Two years younger than Angie (6 years younger than Troy - lol), Adam is the younger brother of Angie.

Adam and Angie grew up spending a lot of time together as kids. Some of the fondest memories Angie has as a kid is building tepees in the woods, playing G.I. Joe, and riding bikes with her brother. ;)

Adam currently lives in Hershey where he is almost finished with his fourth year of medical studies at Penn State/Hershey Medical School. And even though it has been a busy four years and Angie hasn't been able to hang out a lot with her brother, it has always been nice knowing that he was in the same town and could be called on at any moment if something was needed.

Not only is Angie proud to have her brother be a part of her wedding, but she is proud of all that he has accomplished and is going to become in life. Looking forward to you taking part in my big day in less than 4 months bro. :)

Meet The Wedding Party - Kiaya & Kiera

Kiaya & Kiera Mouer . Flower Girls

These two sisters are the daughters of my brother, Kevin, and his wife, Katie. Which makes these two cuties my nieces!! They mean an awful lot to me and I love them dearly. It's been so cool to see them warm up to Angie over the past 9 months. Even though we don't get to see them all that often, the bond is slowly forming and I'm pretty sure they are both excited about having another aunt!

Their story goes a little something like this. Follow the links below for more of their story.

Kiaya June was the first born and will always hold a special place in my heart based on the nature in which she entered this world -- fighting to breathe, spending some time hooked up to different medical devices and finally emerging therefrom to find the arms of her mommy. I can't even begin to explain what this little one meant to me at the time, but being away from her was certainly an internal struggle for me. Her beauty left me speechless.

Next was Kiera Lynn -- born in June of 2006. It didn't take Kiaya too long to warm up to her little sister; nor anyone else in the family, for that matter! Time and time again, I'm stunned by their innocence.

Some of my most cherished moments are the times when I have learned from them. Like what Kevin and Katie have taught me about parenting, just through their example. Or what my 3 year old niece taught me about love.

But its not all serious...we have a lot of fun together!! Remeber the faux-hawk episode? Or how Kiaya wears her socks like her Uncle Troy? Or Kiera's first birthday party? Too many good times to even count.

In the end, we are so blessed by these two little girls.

And wait till you see them in their flower girl dresses!!

Meet The Wedding Party - Max

Max Davis . Ring Bearer

Max is the joyful son of our very dear friends Matt & Diana Davis. Max is also Troy's godson! He was an easy choice for ring bearer given his good looks, charm, million-dollar smile and easy-going character.

We've had the pleasure of baby-sitting Max on a number of occassions. The funny thing is that this kid actually likes to go to bed. I mean, we were sitting there on the glider chair beside his crib reading his bedtime story and all of the sudden he just like lunges toward the crib. Angie laid him down, he grabs his blanket, curls up and falls asleep without making a single peep. You gotta love that!

Another fond memory I have of little Max involves the very day he was born. His mommy called me early in the morning -- just hours after he was born -- and left one of the most amazing messages I've ever received. Her voice was serenely calm and hushed from the events of the night and she proceeded to share the news of Max's birth with extreme clarity and cohesiveness. The sad part of the story is that I no longer have the message -- it mysteriously disappeared from my phone. I blame Verizon.

Meet The Parents - The Hertleins

I remember as a kid never wanting to hear the mushyness about my parents (i.e. how they met, where they went on their first date, how they got engaged). I mean, I was grossed out even seeing them kiss :)......which is why there was always the comments of "Yuck" and "EWWW" from me and my siblings everytime they did (sorry mom and dad:).

Now that I am engaged and about to marry and begin my own family, I found myself thinking several months ago about how I don't even really know the story about my parents. Yeah, I think I had heard it in my adolescence, but my semi-conscience brain at that time of my life probably didn't really comprehend the significance of it and the story had been forgotten.

So I questioned my mom a little bit about it the other day and found out the following. As with all good love stories, I feel that it is worthy to share and for all to hear.

My mom and dad grew up about 20 miles from each other in two rural towns in Western PA. They attended high school together, knew of each other, but were not really friends and didn't talk much. What they do seem to remember of each other during those days however is "Those green knee socks" that my dad swears my mom wore everyday; and that, in the words of my mom: "He was such a country bumpkin". So how did they ever get together?

Well apparently one weekend my mom's roomate asked her to come along on a double date with her to meet the brother of this guy she was seeing. So my mom agreed and they headed off to the movies where she encountered "the country bumpkin" -- dressed in cowboy boots and a jean jacket. Yeah Dad!!! Instead of watching the movie they talked the whole time (which doesn't suprise me given my mom :), but I would have never guessed my dad would have been much of a talker.......well, I guess he could have been listening.

So from there I think some flirting continued, love notes may have been exchanged and in a little over a year, they were engaged and married. Several years later, I was born!

My parents taught me a lot about their love story though the years growing up with them. I saw that even though things are not always easy, you work through them, you turn to God for wisdom and love each other most importantly through God's love.

Today my parents are living without any of us kids and I hope they are finding the times they did back at the beginning of their relationship to just really enjoy each other.

I love you both so much and am so thankful to have two Godly individuals unite to guide me into the person I am today.

Meet The Parents - The Mouers

So you've heard about my parents, Rick and Debby, on this blog before. And you may have known them longer than me. Maybe you've never met them. Either way, I'm almost certain you'll enjoy their love story as much as this oldest son of theirs did.


In the words of my Dad (as typed and edited by my Mom)...

We met in the spring of 1965 at a mom-and-pop soda shop called “The PenSupreme.” That was the first girl named “Debby” I’d ever met and I kept forgetting her name. For several weeks after that we danced with each other at Saturday Night Club at the YMCA, or another familiar dance hang-out called “The Varsity.” After several weeks of getting to know each other, I asked Debby on our first date. We went to see a movie called, of all things, The Art of Love. It was about two single guys in Paris going around to art museums looking for girls.

Before school started in the fall, I gave Debby my class ring and we did the in thing of “going steady.” We dated for two years, then broke up and dated other people for awhile and then got back together for Debby’s senior year. As Debby approached graduation, we talked about getting engaged and eloping. I asked Debby’s dad if he approved of us getting married and he said as long as you elope like her mother and I did. He was kidding, but when my mother (Sarah) figured out we wanted to elope, she encouraged us to have a small family wedding.

On the night of May 28, 1969, we went for a prime rib dinner at the Colonial Restaurant in Hagerstown, Maryland. I proposed to Debby after dinner and she accepted. We set our wedding date for June 28, 1969. I was 20. Debby was 18.

In the next four weeks we planned a wedding and made several major purchases – a wedding gown that fit perfectly and a suit, my first ever, at the encouragement of Debby’s mother. We also chose a best man and maid of honor, lined up flowers and a reception and personally invited family and friends to join us on that special day.

We had an evening wedding planned and in the morning of that day, my best man and I went bass fishing at the Potomac River. When we got home we washed my brand new 1969 Candy Apple Red Ford Mustang Mach I so it would be ready for the Honeymoon. When my best man went to move the car, the door came open and caught on my dad’s car, and tore the door off. News traveled fast and when Debby found out, she said if we couldn’t go on our honeymoon, the wedding was off. But her dad came to the rescue and said we could use his car and gas card for our Honeymoon. They always say something memorable happens on your wedding day, and that was certainly ours! We had a wonderful ceremony and a nice celebration at the reception – and that was the beginning of a dedicated life together. Even though we were a young couple starting out, we made a decision that our marriage would be God-centered and that we would take our vows seriously. We celebrated our 38th Wedding Anniversary this past June.


So there you have it. The cool thing is that it ain't the end of the story. I continue to see their love grow. What a foundation they have laid for me. What a blessing they are! Love ya both!

Influence

Merriam-Webster defines influence as "the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways."

Take a second and think about your life. Think about all the people you know. Think about those who are closest to you. And then think about some of the ways in which those people have influenced your life -- the way you think, your morals, your beliefs, how you dress, what music you listen to, the movies you watch, your passions, the activities you enjoy and the list goes on and on...

A wedding being a major event in one's life, you tend to think about these things in a more significant way than normal. We are so blessed to have such wonderful families and friends. In fact, one of the hardest parts about planning your wedding is picking the wedding party -- we both have friends and family that span so many years and "chapters" of our lives -- how can you possibly pick just a few to be involved?

Part of the answer lies in influence -- for those who have influenced our lives in the most significant and lasting ways are the ones who are ultimatley chosen to stand with you on one of the biggest days of your life.

Given that, we'd like to "introduce" you to our wedding party. Over the next 3 months we will post blogs -- one every week -- about each of those very special people in our lives.

And you were worried we wouldn't be able to come up with enough content on this blog to hold your interest until March!

Inspiration

'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.

-Mark 10:7-9 (NIV)

And this speaks to a much bigger story than Angie and I.

For I am both a groom and part of His bride.

And Angie is both my bride and His.

love.

The Meeting of the Parents

October 6, 2007
This was a pretty big day in the immediate Hertlein and Mouer families. That's right...it was time for the parents to meet.

Angie's parents -- Lee and Beverly -- would travel from Frenchville (PA) to Hershey.

Troy's parents -- Rick and Debby -- would travel from Waynesboro (PA) to Hershey.

At 6:00 p.m., all would converge on Fiesta Mexico.

As you would suspect, everyone was feeling a bit nervous that day. Not that any of us actually thought there would be any problems; but its just that whole "meeting new people thing" and worrying about breaking the proverbial ice and carrying conversation.

Here's the play-by-play:

Troy's parents arrived a bit early and were seated prior to 6pm. Angie's parents arrived promptly at 6pm -- thankfully the PSU football game was already in progress and they were able to breeze through State College on their way to Hershey. We met Angie's parents outside and walked them into the table where Troy's parents were seated. What ensued were handshakes and a hug between our mothers. After which there was a bit of chit-chat, and then it was time to review the extensive menu -- a welcomed reprieve from the pressure of making conversation.

After the orders were placed, the talk changed naturally to wedding plans and such. Followed by talk of Rick & Debby's grandchildren, college football, our other family members, pets, baseball (Yankees v. Red Sox -- yikes!!), rubber plants, compliments on the food and atmosphere of Fiesta Mexico, Frenchville, and pretty much anything else normal people talk about!

After all plates were cleared and drinks re-filled one last time, Angie and Troy were able to sit back and finally relax as we watched our mothers discuss who knows what from across the round table, while our fathers discussed various aspects of their jobs. As it turns out, they work in similiar fields and were actually able to understand what each other do (although no one else does)!

From here on out, it should be pretty smooth sailing...

...as long as we can work out suitable

Thanksgiving and Christmas visiting schedules. :)

This is when it all goes down...

The Proposal

August 10, 2007
I proposed to Angie inside Heinz Chapel, which sits on the University of Pittsburgh's campus. The chapel was significant to me because I'm a Pitt alum and have long-admired the beauty of this chapel. The chapel, and Pittsburgh itself, was significant to both of us because last summer -- before we were dating -- I gave Angie and her sister, Amanda, a detailed list of sites to see in Pittsburgh when they were in town for a concert. Although I suggested they visit the chapel, they couldn't find it.

Here are some pictures from the proposal.

Two Become One - The Blog

Hello and welcome to our wedding blog!!

Angie and I both have our own personal blogs (see links in the right-hand column), so when we started to think about a wedding website it was natural that we decided to create a joint blog for our wedding. If you're not familiar with the concept of a blog, you can read up on that here. In essence, this is our place to interact with our guests concerning all things related to our wedding.


In the coming months, you'll find all kinds of helpful information here. From hotel options for those coming from out-of-town, to restuarant ideas, to directions -- and everything in between. And we want to hear from you as well. Feel free to use the comments feature to communicate with us via this blog. Whether its specific questions for us, or suggestions of content to add to the blog, we're open to your feedback.

Thanks for stopping by! Check back often for updates.