Wedding Party
Nikola
Bride
Nikola grew up in both Sammamish and Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Western Washington University in 2016 and moved to Florida post-grad. Nikola met Zach while living in Orlando and the two have since moved to the PNW with their beloved cat, Dameron.
Alyssa
Matron of Honor
Alyssa and Nikola have been friends for nearly 14 years. The two grew up together in friendship alongside Allie and Alexa. From high school and college graduations to annual trips, and surprise visits over the years… the two have stayed close, no matter how far away Nikola moved. Some of Nikola’s fondest memories with Alyssa include… Nikola’s 18th birthday trip to Disneyland, surprising and visiting with Alyssa at Whitworth, countless sleepovers and holiday parties thrown through high school, and, of course, feeling so loved, supported, and care for by the entire Stromswold and Wales family. Nikola would like to thank Alyssa for her commitment to being her Matron of Honor. Alyssa hosted the couple’s engagement party and planned Nikola’s Bachelorette trip. She has also supported Nikola through all that comes with planning a wedding, and for that Nikola and Zach are grateful!
Allie
Maid of Honor
Allie and Nikola have been friends for nearly 14 years. The two grew up together in friendship alongside Alyssa and Alexa. From high school and college graduations to annual trips, and surprise visits over the years… the two have stayed close, no matter how far away Nikola moved. Some of Nikola’s fondest memories with Allie include… snuggling up in sleeping bags under the stars at Allie’s family’s cabin, sitting in Allie’s car and talking for hours and hours, and generally feeling so loved and supported by the entire Knechtel family. Nikola would like to thank Allie for her commitment to being her Maid of Honor. Allie helped plan the couple’s engagement party as well as Nikola’s Bachelorette trip. She has also supported Nikola through all that comes with planning a wedding, and for that Nikola and Zach are grateful!
Alexa
Bridesmaid
Alexa and Nikola have been friends for nearly 14 years. The two grew up together in friendship alongside Alyssa and Allie. Their friendship became long distance after they graduated from high school, but stayed true no matter how far either of them moved away… Alaska and Florida! Some of Nikola’s fondest memories with Alexa include… turning their high school history class into, what can only be described as a bad improv show, passing notes that only Nikola or Alexa would ever be capable of decoding, let alone enjoying, and taking the whackiest photos possible anytime a digital camera was whipped out. Nikola would like to thank Alexa for her commitment to being a bridesmaid. Alexa brings so much joy and support to the wedding planning process!
Katie
Bridesmaid
Katie, Nikola, and Zach met over 8 years ago while enrolled in the Disney College Program. Katie and Nikola both worked at the same food locations in the Magic Kingdom. The two got along so well that when they each made their ways back to Florida post-grad, they lived together! It was during this time that Katie became close with both Nikola and Zach. Since then, the three have moved away from Florida but have stayed long distance friends. Zach and Nikola make trips down to Anaheim, CA to visit Katie when they’re able. Zach and Nikola are grateful for Katie’s commitment to be both a bridesmaid and officiant.
Christian
Bridesman
Christian and Nikola became close friends during the 4 years Nikola and Zach lived in Orlando, FL. Christian and Nikola had mutual friends and became close as a result. The two bonded while venturing through Home Goods, Target, Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Studios together. Nikola is grateful to Christian and his fiancé Brad for their friendship and some of the most magical vacations she’s ever been on. It’s also important to the bride that everyone know that Christian and Brad might just be the funniest people she knows!
Zachary
Groom
Zach is originally from Houston, Texas. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 2017 and moved to Florida post-grad. Zach met Nikola while living in Orlando and has since moved to the PNW with her.
Trevor
Best Man
Trevor and Zach met in 2012 at Texas Tech University after joining the school’s spirit and traditions group known as the Saddle Tramps. Major credit should be given to Trevor for starting Zach’s 5 year career at Walt Disney World. Trevor participated in the Disney College Program and later helped Zach with his application for the program. It should also be noted that if Trevor hadn’t participated in the Disney College Program, then Zach would not have participated, which would mean Zach and Nikola may have never met! Originally from and currently residing in Ohio, Trevor has been able to share the state’s greatest treasures with Zach. From tours around Ohio State University, a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo, an FC Cincinnati game, and Bengals open practice, to introducing him to the Ohio delicacy that is Skyline Chili. Through his kindness, resourcefulness, and humor, Trevor has been an invaluable friend to Zach for over a decade, with many more years ahead.
Kyle
Groomsman
Kyle and Zach met in 2019 while working together at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World. The two bonded over their love of sports, Star Wars, and video games. It was Kyle who first introduced Zach to his new found love of Formula 1 racing. As a result, they both attended the United States Grand Prix in Austin, TX as a birthday gift to Zach, alongside Zach’s dad. Through sheer coincidence, Zach and Kyle ended up living only miles apart from each after leaving their Disney lives behind and moving to Vancouver, Washington in 2021. Kyle now serves as the parking manager for the Portland Trail Blazers. Zach would like to thank Kyle for his commitment to being a groomsmen and for his support and generosity over the years.
Clay
Groomsman
Clay and Zach met in the summer of 2016 as roommates in the Disney College Program. The following year, the two found themselves living together again as they pursued full-time careers with the Disney company. Zach began a management internship with the custodial team in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Clay started his management internship in housekeeping at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Clay and Zach lived together with their significant others, Nikola and Ashley, until 2019 when Clay moved to Birmingham, AL to begin a career in construction management. Since then, Clay and Zach have kept in touch by supporting each other through their career journeys and engagement life. Cheers to Clay and Ashley on their April 2024 wedding! Zach would like to thank Clay for his commitment to being groomsman and for his spirited conversations and tight sense of humor since the Disney days.