bridal party
Meet our favorite people!
These are the friends and family who have shaped our lives,
shared our laughter, and supported us through every adventure.
We are so honored to have them standing by
our side as we begin our greatest
journey yet.
Chantel Ackerman
Mother of the Bride
My "Liefie" Celeste, you have always been my whole heart, a blessing I have cherished every single day of your life. Watching you grow into the woman you are today has been one of the greatest joys and honors of my life. And Nick, from the moment you came into her life, you never felt like an outsider, you felt like family, like a son. I am so grateful for the love, strength and kindness you bring into her world. May your life together be richly blessed, filled with deep love, unwavering respect and a friendship that carries you through every season. May you always choose each other, stand side by side in every storm and celebrate every joy with grateful hearts. Let your home be a place of peace, laughter and belonging where God dwells. May you grow not only as partners, but as individuals who inspire one another to be your very best. And above all, may God guide your steps, protect your union and fill your lives with purpose, grace and abundant love. I love you both so much!
Andre Ackerman
Father of the Bride
Celeste and Nick are part of Generation Z, a generation shaped by connection, adaptability, and a global outlook. Their story reflects this. They first met online and built a meaningful relationship across distance before meeting in person, turning a digital connection into something lasting and real.
Celeste brings creativity, individuality, and an adventurous spirit. Nick is calm, steady, and grounded.
Despite their different styles, they are deeply aligned in values and commitment. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, resilience, and shared experience. As they begin this new chapter, a simple truth stands: what sustains a marriage is not how similar two people are, but how they navigate their differences together. Their partnership reflects exactly that, modern, balanced, and enduring.
Suzanne & Gregory Sharkey
Mother & Father of the Groom
Nick you have always been a constant source of pride & joy for us. Your kindness, your loyalty, your love for your family & friends. Your integrity & strength of character.
Then you fall in love with a beautiful girl on the other side of the world & somehow she manages to elevate you even more. We love the life that you have created together. You bring out the best in each other. Your love for each other & life is infectious. Watching your instagram reels reminds me of a song called seasons of love. It talks about trying not to measure your life in time like the 525,600 minutes that you live in a year but measuring it in moments. It concludes that love is the ultimate metric for a life well lived. If that is true then you & Celeste will live a wonderful life together 💖
Marli Lemmer
We’ve been side-by-side since we were two years old, which means there isn’t a single memory in my life that doesn’t include her. She’s far more than a best friend; she is the sister I was lucky enough to choose. Having her stand by me as I say 'I do' is the most natural thing in the world.
Suné Weideman
She is the true definition of a 'forever' friend. Once we finally clicked, there was no looking back! We’ve become absolutely inseparable. She’s the person who I turn to and always knows how to make me laugh. I feel so lucky that our paths aligned exactly when they were supposed to!
Chanté Botha
If you hear laughter and Afrikaans music, you’ll probably find Chanté! She has this incredible gift for bringing the party wherever she goes, but beneath all the fun is a deep, special connection that I treasure. She’s the friend who brings out my biggest smiles and shares my happiest memories.
Lara Greyling
They say friends are the family you choose, and in this case, I got the best of both worlds. She’s my brother’s future wife and the sister I’m so lucky to gain. I’m so grateful for the bond we’ve built and can’t wait for a lifetime of more memories together.
Layla Sharkey
My future sister-in-law and Nick's younger sister. She has such a kind and loving soul, and it is a true honor to finally gain a 'little sister' in her. I’ve loved getting to know her, and I’m so happy to have her sweetness and support by my side as I officially join the family.
Oliver Sharkey
From childhood mischief to this milestone moment, Oliver has been my partner-in-crime since day one. He’s gone from the little brother I used to boss around to the family comedian who always knows how to make me laugh. I’m so proud of the man he is today and honored to have him by my side.
Chris Hogan
Chris has been my best friend since we were four years old, and we’ve stuck together through every stage of life since. We’ve grown up together, stayed close through it all, and I’m so lucky to have a lifelong friend who has become more like a brother.
Strahan Ackerman
Gaining a brother and a lifelong friend all in one! Strahan is the person I can always rely on. He is the reason I met Celeste & have him to thank for bringing us together. I’m honored to have him by my side. So happy to officially call him family.
Chris Sharkey
As my big brother, Chris has been my constant support and someone I know will always be there the moment I need him. We have the best time whenever we’re together, mostly thanks to his wicked sense of humor and ability to keep everyone laughing. I’m so lucky to have grown up with him by my side!
Steven Sharkey
As my eldest brother, Steven is someone I’ve looked up to my entire life. He’s the kind of person who would be there for me in a heartbeat, and I’ve always admired his heart (and the incredible food he cooks whenever I visit!). I am so honored to call him my brother.