Wedding Party

Alena Martin

Bride

Ben Soini

Groom

April Martin

Mother of the Bride

My favorite memories of my mom are the trips they would take together. We have gone many times to San Francisco for school shopping and went to Disney World several years ago. It meant so much to have that time for just to two of us.

Paul Martin

Father of the Bride

My favorite memories of my dad are all of the crazy inventions and projects we would do together: projects for school, working on the car, building trampolines on the end of docks, water balloon catapults, or renovating the second floor of our house. I am so lucky to have a dad that has always been patient, willing to take my ideas and teach me.

Sigrid Soini

Mother of the Groom

Mom's always been supportive of us three brothers. I still remember when I left for college she was so concerned if I had everything that she offered to mail me a pack of staples. That's the kind of caring mom she is!

Brian Soini

Father of the Groom

Dad is full of sage wisdom that I continue to glean, and hope to pass to my children someday. Growing up, my brothers and I were told to either hold a chef's knife correctly or else we'd be "the wearer of the band-aid and the one who says 'Ow!'". He also taught me how to tie a dragon knot by tying a knot and dragging it behind himself.

Emily Pheil

Maid of Honor

Emily and I met through Sigma Kappa while I was studying at OSU. It seemed meant to be when we became roommates and had our movie marathons with lots of crafts and Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

Jeffrey Edwards

Best Man

I originally met Jeff at a brewery in Bellingham with Nate and mutual friends. He does not remember this, but I do. Since that day we've bonded, and now he's my favorite coworker.

Josie Solari

Bridesmaid

Josie and I met when the manager of my apartment building told her that "this girl moved in that you HAVE to meet." Who would have thought that the person living above you would become one of your best friends and one of the only people I know that can sit down and watch 12 straight hours of Pride & Prejudice.

Amy Malone

Groomswoman

I met Amy while working in the Haggen deli almost a decade ago. Amy has always been a voice of reason in my life, and someone I can always go to for life advice like an older, wiser sister. My favorite memories with Amy have to be all the themed food parties she's either hosted or helped me organize with our friends.

Elizabeth Hediger

Bridesmaid

Liz and I met through Sigma Kappa at Oregon State University. We immediately got along because she is one of the sweetest people. There were too many times to count of just hanging out and being goofy together.

Jacob Standaert

Groomsman

Jake was my first ever roommate when I moved to the dorms at Western Washington University. We knew we would be good friends when we both unpacked HP Lovecraft books the day we moved in. Jake and his wife and their families have been a big part of my life, from helping me move to inviting me to their family holidays.

Karlie Pasion

Bridesmaid

Karlie and I met through work at Rochester Middle School. Our first day of new teacher training basically went like this: we sat together, "I like nerdy stuff" "I like nerdy stuff too!", forever friendship made!

Michael Hourigan

Groomsman

I didn't meet Mike until I moved into the Northwest Avenue house in Bellingham. We bonded instantly over our mutual love of good food, retro videogames, and cheesy movies. Some of my favorite memories with Mike are when we'd drive to Western's campus late at night in the summer with our roommates just to walk around and talk about life.

Danielle Barbier

Bridesmaid

Danielle and I have been friends since we were 3. There have between countless trips to Disneyland, VHS Beauty and the Beast movie nights, and dress up sleep overs.

Ian Bradley

Groomsman

I got to really know Ian in our Econ 309 class at WWU. We recognized each other from previous classes, and bonded over our mutual love of good food and cooking. The first time he came over to my apartment we cooked Julia Child's bœuf bourguignon. My happiest memory with Ian is hanging out at his parents' house in the summer, drinking beer and his dad's cocktails and making homemade phở.

Emma Johnson

Flower Girl

Emma is the daughter of Liz, one of Alena's bridesmaids. She is so sweet and will give you a makeover anytime.

Luna Stallings

Flower Girl

Luna is the daughter of one of Alena's long time friends, Julie. Luna is hilarious and will have some great commentary if you give her the chance.

Cassian Pasion

Ring Bearer

Cassian is Alena and Ben's godson, and yes he really is that cute.

Marvin Schwartz

Officiant

Marvin has known Alena since she was 3 years old and their families have made so many fun memories together. Marvin is always there with a big hug and a smile, plus some killer dance moves and a mean Billy Joel impression.