Doni & Brian Wedding
Wedding Party
Jeff Ahola
Best Man
I’ve known Jeff since I was 13 years old. Almost 30 years! We met when we were in junior high and have been friends ever since. In school, having fairly close last names, Allen & Ahola, we were regularly either seated next to each other or paired up with one another; so naturally over time we became good friends. Together we’ve experienced all of the ups and downs life has to offer. Funny fashion trends like his 90’s style middle part in his hair (it was never cool), to his weird obsession with trance music (electronic dance and techno…also never cool). Difficult times like breakups with girlfriends and the untimely passing of his father, who I will always remember as a great and caring man. Great times like all night poker with him and his brothers, and attending his wedding almost six years ago. Jeff lives in Redding now with his lovely wife Carrie. Since his move to Redding I don’t get to see him as much as when he was close by, but I’ll always consider him my best friend and know that I can rely on him anytime I need to and that I will always be there for him as well. I am grateful to have him in my life and as my best man.
Hong Duong
Matron of Honor
I met Hong about 12 years ago when I had just met and moved in with Brooks & Ryan, and we decided to go out to Concerts at the Park in downtown Sacramento. Ryan and I were walking around when we suddenly realized that Brooks had ditched us. As we were listening to the bands play, we spotted Brooks dancing with a cute, short-haired girl who was dancing as if no one was watching, so we forgave him immediately. Their chemistry was undeniable. It turns out that Brooks and Hong knew each other from high school, and had just recently reconnected. At some point Hong was invited back to our house to hang out, and I can honestly say that I don't remember her ever leaving after that. We connected immediately, she soon moved in with us and our adventures as besties began. I admire and appreciate Hong for so many reasons. She's an incredible and reliable friend, a great daughter/sister/aunt to her family, a caring teacher, a genuinely kind person, and truly one of a kind. Hong is also always thirsty to learn new things and work with her hands. Hong is always building, creating, and looking for new adventures, such as building a travel van, climbing, gardening, doing acro yoga, backpacking, dancing. Her appreciation for life and the body is something I've always admired about her. I'm grateful for Hong's love and friendship, and I'm honored that she agreed to be my Matron of Honor.
Makayla "MJ" Thompson
Flower Girl
Makayla Jai is the youngest daughter of Brian's sister, Tanesha. We all thought she would be a boy with a great football career as a kicker as hard as she kicked. Turns out her feet were meant for other things! Makayla landed two positions in the Charlotte Ballet Nutcracker two days after her first class! Within a few years she was in pointe shoes 🩰 Mj, as she’s affectionately called, is an author and screenwriter. She’s working on several projects and we can’t wait to see them in Barnes & Noble or on the big screen. She’s imaginative and fascinatingly creative. She’s learning to play guitar and is writing songs. When she’s not in her creative mode, she’s an A/B Honor Roll Student. She’s an actor at Drama Kids Kannapolis, witty, compassionate, loving, quick learner and loves to read. She’s also a Swifty, snake mom, gardener, and very fashionable! We're so grateful to Mj for agreeing to be our flower girl!