Alyska & Sam
Wedding Party
Sam
Groom
Lover of Jesus, people and all animals.
Alyska
Bride
The bride <3
Mariska
Matron of Honor
Mariska is one of Alyska's sisters and irreplaceable when it comes to her desire to always be there for family. She's quite emotional, so be prepared to watch her tears flow on the wedding day.
Saskia
Matron of Honor
Saskia is Alyska's oldest and wisest sister. She always has everything together and fully organized (she is the wedding planner after all), but that may not be apparent as she watches her baby sister get married.
Renee
Bridesmaid
Renee is one of Alyska's best friends. She is the most reliable person in keeping things real, being brutally honest, and making hugs and social situations as awkward as possible. Seriously though - if you see us do more than a hand hug on the wedding day in the affection realm, then something is seriously wrong.
Irena
Bridesmaid
Irena is one of Alyska's best friends and is always just a phone call away. She is known for her sneaky abilities in making sure that your drink is ALWAYS full.
Sam
Bridesmaid
Sam - not to be confused with the groom - is another one of Alyska's best friends. She currently lives in Italy, but is always only a phone call or text away. She will be tearing up the dance floor and you will always be able to find her by listening for her laugh.
Brynna
Bridesmaid
Brynna is Sam's sister and soon to be my sister too! She exudes happiness and joy throughout every day. The day would not be complete without her by my side to celebrate this special day.
Mary
Bridesmaid
Mary is Alyska's brother's girlfriend and *hopefully* soon-to-be sister-in-law! She has been a part of the family for many years and I'm excited to have her by my side to capture every moment. p.s.: that's not her baby ;P
Carter
Groomsman
Carter a.k.a C-Bass and Sam have been friends since kindergarten and he still remains as one of Sam’s best friends today. Carter attended NC State University and now lives in Florida playing professional golf. Carter had a unique bond with Sam’s pet guinea pig “moo” before it’s passing in 2017. R.I.P Moo.
Allen
Groomsman
Former child star. Allen and Sam have been friends since kindergarten and he still remains one of Sam’s best friends today. Sam and Allen roomed together for a short stint at Eastern Carolina University. Currently, Allen resides in Tennessee where he snaps necks and cashes checks.
Craig
Groomsman
Nick named “The Hammer” Craig and his family have been a big part of Sam’s life since 2013. Bishop is known for his cunning abilities to trick people into doing tasks for him.... sort of like a modern day Tom Sawyer. Currently, Craig and his family reside in beautiful Colorado where they enjoy mountain biking, hunting, and being outdoors.
Arno
Groomsman
The brother of the Bride and soon to be brother in law to Sam. Arno and Sam have become good friends over the past few years. Arno is also very into CrossFit like Sam and Alyska so it makes for good conversation and comparison when everyone is together. Growing up, Arno was an avid hockey player in Atlanta, GA. Currently, he still resides in Georgia with his girlfriend Mary.
Jake
Groomsman
Jake a.k.a Black Bear. Jake and Sam started their friendship in 2014 where they met at the local CrossFit gym. Since then, they have made a lot of great memories together. Jake currently resides in Sylva, North Carolina where he enjoys working out and bear hunting. (Fun fact about Jake: He’s getting married at this same location next year.)
Josh
Groomsman
Josh could have a 20 page bio but we will keep it short. Josh and Sam were reunited in 2014 at the CrossFit gym where they instantly hit it off. Josh has many unique abilities including handling pythons, driving mini coopers and making Sailor Jerry’s taste good. Josh served with the U.S. Army infantry where he was deployed over seas. He currently resides with his family in Kentucky.
Chance
Officiant
Chance has the best hair out of anyone in the wedding party including all of the women. He’s an extremely talented musician all around but can shred on the guitar when he wants to. Sam and Alyska have become good friends with Chance and his family through their Church, The Well, where Chance leads worship.
Don
Best Man & Father of the Groom
The best man, a.k.a “Big Donny.” Don is a man of many talents. A graduate from Auburn University, he is a retired physical therapist and currently an instructor at Western Carolina University. If he isn’t teaching, you’ll find him somewhere in the woods on his mountain bike. Other activities Don partakes in include triathlons, running, road cycling and open water swimming. He prefers people refer to his hair as “titanium” rather than grey.