Details ...
Wedding Day!
Saturday, October 23, 2021
Webcast and Prelude begin at 5:00pm Central Time
Driving Directions:
Remnant Fellowship Church
1230 Franklin Rd.
Brentwood, TN 37027
Wedding colors:
Brown, light brown and ivory
Registry Information:
Amazon
Accommodations:
Aloft Nashville Franklin
Their Story...
Andy McDonald:
My parents, Glenn and Michelle McDonald, joined Remnant Fellowship in 1999 when I was less than one year old. I’ve had the opportunity to grow up in this church, and from the time I was very young, God and Christ have always been the center of our day-to-day life. I was brought up and taught the importance of prayer, the virtue of obedience, and the truth that you can, in fact, have a personal relationship with God. In this church, my parents not only raised me to love God with my heart, soul, mind, and strength, but I was blessed to be surrounded by amazing examples of how to walk out this love in words and actions. From my parents, to my friends, to all the families I am close to, I have seen countless examples of the peace, the purpose, and the blessings that come from putting God first in every way.
My mom has worked for Remnant Fellowship and Weigh Down Ministries in media production for all of my life. When I was young, I would frequently spend time in the church office, playing with other children whose parents were at the church that day. Even as a child, I noticed that my mom was the same person in front of others as she was when we were home—she didn’t become a different person behind closed doors. I was able to see that a true love for God would give you joy, and that you could be peaceful and content with whatever He brings you for that day. I realized that I would never have to fake cheer, joy, or even contentment, as long as I had a faith in God and backed up that faith with my actions, just as Christ did.
As I got older and continued through the school system, I truly began to appreciate that I had a purpose for my life that other people my age were looking for, and I know that I only have this purpose because of what I have been taught here at church from an early age. As an older teenager, I was very active and involved in the church’s Youth Group...and it was through this that I met Lily Brooks.
The more time we spent together, the more I recognized how much Lily truly means to all those around her. She selflessly serves God, the church, and the church families anytime she sees a need. Everyone knows Lily, and everyone loves Lily. It became clear just how blessed I was that Lily would care for me as well, and I feel undeserving to be able to soon call her my wife! We are both looking forward to a life putting God first in our household, and as long as we do that, we will build a foundation of peace, kindness, laughter, caring, and love above all. I cannot wait to walk this out with Lily by my side! - Andy
Lily and I were acquainted through the Youth Group, but we really became better friends during our college years. She and I were in carpools to MTSU for multiple semesters, and while the carpool groups would change every semester, Lily and I seemed to always be in the same one. We became closer friends over those years, as we had a lot of time to talk and laugh together in the car. She eventually even began making an extra cup of coffee for me, bringing it out of the house when I picked her up early in the morning. I always told her that she didn’t need to do that, but she would very sweetly tell me that it wasn’t any trouble. She was always encouraging and never failed to look for the needs of those around her. She always sought God’s will in everything, living out her love for Him day in and day out.
We started dating after graduating college, and from our first date, Lily has been the biggest encouragement, best companion, and brightest light! I began to realize that every quality Lily possessed was a quality I would wish to have in a wife. The more time we spent together, the more I fell in love with her. The longer we dated, not only did my love for her grow stronger, but the more I recognized how much Lily truly means to all those around her. Lily selflessly serves God, the church, and the church families any time she sees a need. Everyone knows Lily, and everyone loves Lily. Each time I witnessed this, I knew even more what a special person she was. It became clear just how blessed I was that Lily would care for me as well, and I feel undeserving to be able to soon call her my wife!
As we move forward to marriage, we are both looking forward to a life putting God first in our household, and as long as we do that, we will build a foundation of peace, kindness, laughter, caring, and love above all. We both have seen countless examples of blameless lives and right living in the people of Remnant Fellowship, and that is priceless to us. Each day is a testament to what Faith, Hope, and Love can bring into every heart, and I cannot wait to walk this out with Lily by my side!
Lily Brooks:
Before my parents discovered Remnant Fellowship, I was a stubborn and prideful teenager who only wanted to move far away and have independence. I didn’t understand how this church would be any different than all the others I had been to.
We lived in Washington at that time, and when we visited Remnant Fellowship in person for the first time, we were able to experience what a day-to-day true relationship with God looked like. I was able to meet the Youth Group and was blown away with how many of them had a personal relationship with God. I knew God was real, but this was the first time I was around people who genuinely sought God and Christ in everything throughout the day. I had never experienced such sincere love and inclusion ever before. I knew I couldn’t miss out on what these people were doing because I saw the fruit and blessings of putting “loving God first” and “not my will but Yours be done” into practice! I was so excited to move to Tennessee with my family later that year to be closer to the church, and I personally have been so blessed because of it!
What I admire most about Andy is that he always wants what God wants. He is never afraid to stand up for Truth and testify to what God is doing in his life. He truly exemplifies one of my favorite scriptures: First John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” ... I know we will spend the rest of our lives building each other up as we seek God in the years to come!- Lily
After moving here and getting more involved with the Youth Group, I was able to meet Andy McDonald. We were friends for years through the church, but once we started attending college, we grew closer through carpooling with our friends to MTSU. We had the same friends and same priorities of serving the church, so naturally were spending a lot of time together. We started dating and enjoyed getting to know one another even better—whether on a date, volunteering at church, babysitting together, or just hanging out with our friends. Through all this, I noticed how when Andy and I were together, it furthered my relationship with God. Together, we spurred one another on to focus more on God and Christ, and we sought out God’s will in every matter.
I fell in love with Andy for so many reasons—we had the best time together no matter what we were doing...always laughing and always encouraging each other. We complement one another. What I admire most about Andy is that he always wants what God wants. He is never afraid to stand up for Truth and testify to what God is doing in his life. He truly exemplifies one of my favorite scriptures: First John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
Andy and I had talked about getting married, and I knew that a proposal was coming at some point, but I had no idea when! Andy and I enjoy trying new restaurants, so when he invited me out, I assumed it was another regular date. When he picked me up that evening, one of our close friends texted that they needed our help with something, so of course we said “yes!” and headed that direction. When we got there, I went inside to help with the task, but then I got a call that Andy needed help outside. As I approached, I saw Andy standing there by the garden gate, and all the lights in the garden suddenly turned on, and I knew this was it! This garden location was a special place for both of us, and that made it feel even more magical! Of course, I said “YES!”
After the proposal, we were so blessed to be able to celebrate with our families and closest friends. It was a perfect night that only God could have orchestrated. I have learned through this church that when you put God first and others’ needs before your own, God gives back tenfold! And now I get to marry my best friend! I know we will spend the rest of our lives building each other up as we seek God in the years to come!
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 | NIV84
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 | NIV84
