Bride
Lindsey was born in upstate New York and was immediately drawn to the outdoors. From drawing cities in chalk on the driveway and riding bikes and climbing trees with her brother, Geoff, Lindsey spent little time indoors; but when she did, she was dancing. Tap, jazz and ballet for ten years, Lindsey quickly learned how to balance her studies and athletics. She played field hockey, volleyball and ran track in high school, where she decided to continue with athletics into college. Lindsey ran track and studied architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Upon graduation, Lindsey found herself moving to Baltimore, where she worked in an architecture firm and began coaching track for Johns Hopkins University. A few years after moving to Baltimore, Lindsey began work at BCT, where she met Ryan. As most know, Ryan and Lindsey did not begin dating right away; they remained friends for many years until they finally decided on their first date. The rest feels like perfection. Lindsey still enjoys being outside: biking, running, camping, hiking, grilling and just relaxing. She also has brought much of the outdoors into their home, where she has dozens of plants (most of them alive). Lindsey brings with her an Italian Greyhound (Thunder), a grey tabby (Mimosa), and a greyhound (Remington). She loves her fur-babies very much and wishes they were a part of their ceremony. She is very excited to marry her best friend and looks forward to our many adventures together. With Love <3
Groom
Ryan was born in Cape Town but grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. Although he had toured Europe as a teenager, he had the urge to continue to see other parts of the world. When he finished his architecture degree in 2004, he decided to take an internship at a firm in Baltimore. This was the beginning to a much longer American chapter of his life. An 18 month internship turned into several working VISAs, a green card, the birth of his son, Bjorn, and years of living in and exploring America. It was a big adjustment in the beginning, but is now second nature; the place he calls home. Along the way, Ryan was always looking for someone to share his life with, however things never seemed to fit or feel right. It wasn’t until Ryan started dating Lindsey in 2019 that things turned around. He had finally found a connection that felt real; a love that was true; deep, and a relationship that clicks so well it’s enough to make others jealous. I think it's safe to say a relationship based on a long friendship is definitely a good idea! He knew that the person he chose not only has to be right for him but also right for Bjorn. Dating Lindsey showed him just how important that relationship is; just how well it works with the right person. She has a big heart with seemingly endless love to give and has adopted Bjorn into her life with ease. Ryan feels he has truly found his partner, his travel, hiking and adventure companion, his best friend, his true love and the one to grow old with.
Mother of the Bride
My mom and I have always had a great relationship. She is strong, motivated and confident; attributes that I have acquired, learned, and grown up with. But she is also sweet, loving and nurturing, which is why I love her so much. She has encouraged me to become everything I could ever imagine and has taught me never to settle for less than the best. I guess it is a good thing that Ryan and I make such an amazing couple and he treats me like a princess. Lisa is a nurse in central PA and has always been the care-giver type. When she's not working, you can find her near a fire on her porch, hanging out with friends or entertaining family. She is the planner, the preparer, and the hostess (all qualities that I am still trying to learn!) I am proud to call her my mom and a truly dear friend. I could never have done anything without the continual love from my mom.
Father of the Bride
What are the many things that I have inherited from my dad?... The most notable being our stellar calves... But in all seriousness, my dad has been a role model for me throughout the years. He is hard-working, caring and loyal. He is always more interested in getting up to speed with what I am doing than answering any of my questions in return. One of my favorite memories from growing up is of my dad rowing a boat with my brother and I on a tube, dragged behind on the lake. I truly get excited when his name comes across my caller ID. James has many hobbies and 'gigs' in retirement, most impressive being his woodshop where he crafts frames, shelves, wine racks and other beautiful wall art. When I look back at all of my high expectations in life, I realize that he is the reason that I have such a high bar set for myself and for the qualities that I admire the most in Ryan. I cannot wait for my dad to walk me down the aisle in October!
Mother of the Groom
Liz grew up in East London, South Africa . She comes from two Dutch parents who immigrated to South Africa in the late 1940s. Growing up, Dutch was her home language and English her second, however that has definitely switched later in life. I always enjoyed listening to her speak to her folks in Dutch (as Afrikaans, a Dutch dialect is taught in schools), as well as taking part in their traditions. Liz is wonderfully creative and I would say I owe almost all my creativity to her. Although she was never a professional seamstress, you could definitely say it was a true passion of hers. For years, my brother and my wardrobes were solely her creations. We grew up to the sounds of those sewing machines. She's sewed countless Prom dresses, Wedding dresses, suits, everyday clothes, even the curtains and blinds that hung in our Johannesburg house. Having an eye for detail, meticulousness, and being a driven and very hard working woman, I don't think I can say I have achieved her level in those qualities, but I certainly try, thanks to her fantastic example! My mom is also very caring and nurturing and would do just about anything to help make sure my brother and I succeed in life. Whether it be our studies, sports or passions. I owe a great deal to her and am thrilled that she and my dad will be making it out to the US to share in our special day. Her first trip to the US!
Father of the Groom
My dad is born to "British" South African parents, but of German descent; a lineage and history my dad is quite proud of (he even wrote a book about it!). He grew up in Cape Town, and tells many great stories of fishing and being raised in a coastal life. He has always been outdoorsy and adventurous and I have so many great memories while growing up; of adventures spent together, whether it be camping, hiking, biking or just generally touring the country on long road trips together. Thank you for instilling an everlasting sense of adventure in me dad! My dad, now retired from the music industry, has always been passionate about his hobbies, which range from gardening, birding, hiking and home DIY. He is a jack of many trades, a people person, a storyteller and a genuinely well rounded great guy; again qualities which I don't yet think I equal, but certainly strive to achieve daily. I thank both my parents for being such excellent role models, in life and in marriage. They have been married 45 years and I find this truly inspirational. For all of your examples and guidance in life I am truly grateful and am honored that you will be here to share in the start of my next adventure!
Maid of Honor
Sister-In-Law of the Bride: I met Zena through my brother, Geoff, and later lived with them in NYC. It is then that Zena and I became such close friends. Fast forward to us becoming sisters-in-law and getting even closer as time goes on. Zena is the most caring and compassionate person and just all around a wonderful human. It has been such an honor having her join our family and now I can't imagine my special day without her standing by my side.
Best Man
Son of the Groom: What can I say, I’ve known him since day one… He’s the reason my life has became a permanent tour of the US. He’s the reason my life is so full of love, happiness and laughter. I’ve watched him grow up to become the wonderful young man he is today. Without a doubt I want him by my side; on this - the first day of the next wonderful chapter in our lives. He and I are both ecstatic to have Lindsey join our little group of craziness!
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride: Abby and I met when we were in Elementary school. From Girl Scouts and Windsor Town Softball (Diamondbacks!!!), to being adults and standing by her side on her wedding day, Abby has been one of my truest friends. She is artistic, creative, smart and has helped me through some pretty rough times. I can't wait to have her by my side as I value our friendship so much.
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom: Dave is the type of person that not only makes friends quickly but also forever. It’s a true testament to the type of person that he is, and no doubt the reason I want him standing next to me on our special day. He’s genuine, a straight shooter and unbelievably generous. He helped me settle into the states, has been there for me through all my ups and downs. He’s my snowboarding buddy, my travel guide, my NFL teacher and, yup, we like to share some IPAs. I highly recommend chatting to the guy
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride: Katie and I have been longtime friends since attending Sunday school together. In middle school, when all of our classes were together, we became inseparable and it all grew from there. Katie is one of the most genuine and hard working humans in my life and I cannot wait for her to stand by me on my special day.
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom: I’ve known Ed since the second weekend of being in the states. He drove me and a couple crazy South Africans to the Greyhound Station to head to NYC. He’s a thinker, creative and deeply insightful. He has always been there for me and I cherish his knowledge and advice dearly. I definitely want him standing next to me when I say I do.
Ring Bearer
Lincoln and Jacob Dubas are sons of Geoff Dubas (Lindsey's brother) and Zena Dubas. Lincoln is Lindsey's god-son and first nephew, who will be going into kindergarten this fall. He loves dancing, our pup Thunder, planets, and any kind of olive he can get his little fingers on. Jacob will be celebrating his 3rd birthday right before the wedding. He enjoys Paw Patrol, our dog Remington, relaxation and putting any type of hat on that he can find. They both have been a complete blessing to our family and are excited to meet a new little brother, coming this summer! Ryan and I are both excited for these sweet, caring and handsome boys to be our ring bearers.
Officiant
Brennan has been a close friend of the groom since 2011 when they both worked together at DDG; their friendship evolving over the years. When they were young, they partied together. Now that they have “grown up,” their friendship has matured as well. Brennan now works with Ryan and Lindsey and they are able to share in this friendship daily. Brennan is a graphic designer and heads up the Signage and Graphics studio at BCT Design Group. He is exceptionally creative, eccentric, insightful and genuine. However I think the one of the most important aspects to know about Brennan and one that perhaps he doesn’t immediately advertise, is that he is very spiritual. God, and the church play a very big role in his life. Brennan is a reverend at Doxa Ministries Church Without Walls. There, he, the pastors (his parents), and the church assist the community of Penn North spiritually and socially. Whether it be spiritual counseling, life-necessities donations, life skills training, informational or monetary resources, Brennan and Doxa Ministries is focused on improving people’s lives in every aspect. It’s without a doubt that Lindsey and Ryan are delighted to have him be the one to marry them on their special day.