Former reality TV star Jana Duggar got married to Stephen Wissmann from The Wissmann Family, on August 15, 2024. The couple exchanged vows in a wedding ceremony that was attended by nearly 500 guests at The Grand at Willow Springs.
For the unversed, Jana is the firstborn of the Duggar family from the TV show 19 Kids and Counting. Meanwhile, Stephen Wissmann is the son of Loren and Gloria Wissmann from Milford, Nebraska. He has 12 siblings.
Stephen's family, the Wissmanns, has been involved in Christian and Gospel music since 1980 when Loren and Gloria started a family band. All 13 children sing and play instruments. They have become well-known in Christian circles for their religious music and for spreading their beliefs nationwide.
The Wissmann Family's musical legacy
The Wissmann Family from Milford, Nebraska is famous in the Christian community as gospel artists and devout Christians. It was formed in 1980 by Loren and Gloria Wissmann; their 13 children are involved in the band as singers and musicians. The Wissmann Family have been using their musical talents to proclaim the word of God, singing in churches, conferences, and events all over the country.
For many years, the Wissmann family has recorded albums most of which feature their Christian beliefs and propensity to gospel music. Among them is an album called Simply Christmas, which comprises festive hymns and songs. The album has original songs and a collection of hymns under the title He is Faithful, emphasizing the trust in God.
In the past few years, the Wissmann Family have produced other albums, which show their obedience to their religion and focus on family values. Here are the names of Loren and Gloria's kids:
- Rachel Anna
- Ruth Elissa
- Josiah David
- Bethany Lynne
- Andrew Michael
- Elizabeth Joy
- Matthias Meinert
- Stephen Gerald
- Hannah Marlys
- Susanna Evelyn
- Alaythia Gloria
- Nathanael Loren
- Charissa Marie
Stephen Wissmann's new life with Jana Duggar
Jana Duggar and Stephen Wissmann had a short romantic relationship earlier and broke up. They got back together in early 2024. In an interview with People magazine published on August 16, 2024, Jana shared that their bond deepened when Stephen wrote a handwritten note to her this year.
"It was like, ‘What are we doing? We still enjoy each other. We still really appreciate each other,'" Jana responded.
As per the publication, their engagement took place in June 2024. At their wedding venue The Grand at Willow Springs in August, Jana's sisters served as her bridesmaids and the reality star described the entire ceremony as a "dream come true" moment.
Jana added that she fell for Stephen’s "character" and explained how she took things slow after reconnecting with him during her second semester of nursing school:
"I had been a slower mover on it, but just over time, his character, his coming back, still loving me no matter what. I know we have a big crazy family and [that requires] still kind of putting up with a lot of things."
In the same interview, Jana recalled that her and Stephen’s families have been familiar with each other for about a decade. She shared that the Wissmann family first visited the Duggar home, and played games and puzzles late at night. They bonded during a snowstorm that stranded the Wissmanns in Arkansas.
This family friendship also resulted in Jana’s brother, Jeremiah marrying Stephen’s sister Hannah in 2022.
According to the Wissmann family's website, Stephen works within the family business named Wissmann Enterprises where he is the assistant manager. The company focuses on commercial roof coatings, industrial blasting and painting as well as excavation and trenching services.
Outside of his musical arrangements (having mandolin, guitar, singing lead, and bass), Stephen is a pilot and a very skilled carpenter. In the bio-section on the website, he underlines his strengths in starting ‘positive’ dialogues and devotion to ministry. Moreover, Stephen is also very much involved with his church fellowship.
In another conversation with People magazine on August 16, Jana Duggar spoke about her faith, and how it helped her overcome difficult times. She added that it shaped her beliefs and expectations about love and timing:
"I think it's neat how God orchestrates."
Post-wedding, Jana plans to move to Nebraska to start a new life with Stephen. They are renovating a home together, which Jana described as a “fun” project.