Jessica & Steven
Wedding Party
Jessica Samskar
Bride
Born in Virginia, Minnesota and a proud member to the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Tribe. When Jess was only one years old her parents decided they wanted change and made the trek to Alaska. They have been in Kenai since. She has one older sister & one older brother. Jess graduated high school from Nikiski and went on to college at UAA & KPC to earn two Associates. One in OSHA and the other Business Management. Jess is outspoken, competitive & always strives for self improvement. Recently accomplishing a dream of hers since she was 15, she had a new detached duplex built. She enjoys listening to Dave Ramsey, playing Call of Duty and hanging out with good company. She is a 911 Dispatcher but all she wants to do is travel the world with her best friend and make memories.
Steven Burger
Groom
Born in Soldotna, Alaska. He has five siblings - of which only one is a sister. He graduated high school from Cook Inlet Academy and though they don't hang out as much these days he has had the same group of best friends since he was young. After high school Steven spent his time in the oil industry & began earning hours to get his privates license to fly helicopters. He also owns a duplex that he and his father built, and is currently pursuing a degree in Process Technology with KPC. He is happiest in the sky. He loves to be outdoors drinking beer & exploring new areas. Steven can travel anywhere new & it will feel like he has been there before. There is always a sense of calm when you are in his presence. He is incredibly laid back, easy going and would drop anything to help someone.
Ashly Samskar
Matron of Honor
My brother started dating Ashly in 2005. In 2010 I invited her to join me for two weeks in Hawaii, just the two of us. You know what they say, if you want to learn who someone really is... go on a trip with them. In the last 15+ years we have fought harder than I have fought anyone in my life, but yet have never been closer to another person. Ashly is not only family but my best friend, confidant, counselor and so much more. We have shared every major event in our lives together. Be that the good or bad. I am honored to share this big day with her next to my side. Conversation Starters: * Agate Hunting and Beach Combing * Family (Husband: Chad. Daughter: Harper Jayde. Son: Kraten Orion.) * Call of Duty (yes she plays on xbox and has a good KD)
Chris Pinkerton
Best Man
Most of Chris's life is top secret classified, but I can tell you a little about him without risking the chances of vanishing after you read this. He is an exceptional man who has been married to my sister since 2006. Together they have four children. When on R&R you can find Chris watching a baseball game, putting his bartender skills to use & enjoying the great outdoors with his family. Or in reality, dreaming of all those things because his wife or career has him going in every other direction when he's home. Chris has devoted his career to the U.S. Army & is still currently serving our country. Strengths: Disciplined. Peer pressing Jess into drinking. Could probably kill you with his thumb. Weaknesses: His wife & Whisky Convo-Starters *Family *Fishing *His Harley Davidson Motorcycle
Sarah Pinkerton
Bridesmaid
My fondest memory with Sarah occurred in Arizona at a cousins wedding. Steven was across the way. Sarah & I were sitting at the table chatting about upcoming weddings. She was starring across the room at Steven as I stared at her. Tears began to fill her eyes which subsequently made mine fill up as well. I could see the love & admiration she has for Steven. She simply said "I love my brother fiercely." We embraced in a hug as tears rolled down both our cheeks with smiles on our faces & I assured her my love for her brother is just as fierce. Sarah has a contagious laugh & can brighten up any room she walks into. During family feuds she is the calm level headed voice in the chaos and gracefully tells people when she disagrees. I admire her for that. Strength: * Country dancing skills
Aaron Agosti
Groomsman
Aaron & I have been friends since 5th grade. My fondest memory with him is spending time at his aunt's property in Homer along with spending time helping and playing at his parent's house while being built. He and his wife Felicia have two boys together, Carter and Cooper. He's adventurous and outgoing. Like any Alaskan, he loves to get out and enjoy the state when he can. Aaron served 6yrs. active duty in the U.S. Navy and currently has 5yrs. in the Navy reserves. Conversation Starters: * Scuba diving * Travel destinations * Navy jokes
Kristen Agosti
Bridesmaid
Kristen and I met a few years ago. She has a gentle, optimistic and outgoing personality. It was quickly observed that we have many things in common. For starters, she is also a 911 Dispatcher, Kristen also listens to Dave Ramsey and cherishes time spent with friends & family. Kristen portrays the traits you could only hope of in a quality friend. She is mellow and is mindful of how we could leave a smaller footprint on the Earth - I love this! If you are looking for Kristen you will most likely find her outside playing in the dirt, venturing around on nature hikes or nestled up at home with a fine wine or tea reading a good book with her adorable kittens at her side. Conversation Starters: * Her journey with Dave Ramsey * Hiking & Camping * Her move to Alaska
Mike Kytonen
Groomsman
Mike and I have been friends for 20 years. We have great memories that fill all those years. Though my memory and stories get strewn together sometimes Mike was always great at correcting or refreshing those memories. Some even relied on Mike to interpret what I had said or meant. Mike is an exceptional person and likes to be self-reliant. He is definitely the most level-headed out of the bunch. Don't let this fool you either, he can be quick-witted and is an exceptionally fast drinker. I'm thankful for his mother Mrs. K she was always like a second mom to me and to others, she raised a great guy. Strengths: Electricity & goats Weaknesses: Jack Daniels Conversation Starters: * Building his house with his wife Chloe * Driving in reverse * Smoking meats * Rouge waves
Christine Encelewski
Bridesmaid
We became close after I moved to Anchorage for work and to finish my college degree. Christine convinced me to join a pool league & even sponsored me. After a while she started telling me & Steven we should just date because she could see the chemistry and to quit denying it. Christine is independent, confident, intelligent, selfless and loving. Anyone who knows her understands she will speak her mind but in a tactful manner. This photo was taken at the Buckaroo in 2015. We had a serious talk that night and she told me that she could tell we loved each other and that I had better not break Steven's heart. Conversation Starters: * Ask about her background and military services * C-130s or anything with high altitude advantages * Her son Tristan * School
Calder Hillyer
Groomsman
Calder is happily married and has two children. He works at his family-owned plumbing business and is awesome at what he does. He is a great friend to have. He always makes the most out of every situation and is quick with ideas in the moment. Like all my close friends we share many memories and some of the best include this guy. Some fond memories with Calder are exploring the mountains with snowmachines and floating the Sawnson River. Strengths: The best at returning calls. Roman candle wars, best chaperone, and DD. Weaknesses: Plumbers-crack (maybe a strength??), spicey pork rinds. Conversation Starters: * Dirt bikes * Snowmachines * Roman candle wars
Deni Oren
Bridesmaid
Deni is my oldest friend. We both attended Nikiski High School. I was bullied in school by some pretty catty & vicious women but Deni always had my back and stood up for me. She's always been my backbone when I wasn't able to voice myself - for that I am thankful for her. I still have days I have to consult with her on how to handle saying no to people. She is incredibly outspoken & can have a mouth of a sailor at times. Deni worked 5+ years with USPS but recently began working as a barista at a local coffee shop in Soldotna. She is a woman that knows what she wants in life and is pursuing it. I cherish our friendship and her beautiful, strong heart. Conversation Starters: * Her son Kyle & her husband TJ * Funniest memories working for USPS
Josiah Warren
Groomsman
There isn't enough space to go through all the memories. Josiah & I spent what feels like a lifetime of weekends together making some smart & not so smart choices. We are all still here to talk about them though. He's a hard worker and will always lend a hand to help. He is new to the parenting world & gets to raise a beautiful little girl named Elouise with his wife Haley. Strengths: Hugs, Rebuilding/refurbishing things, Moving Dirt. Weaknesses: Returning calls. His beard will make you feel like a lesser man. Conversation Starters: * Flying * Motorcycles * Hunting
Harper Samskar
Flower Girl
This little girl doesn't need any more sugar... she's already sweet enough!! Harper Jayde is the brides first and only niece. She is always the first to ask if someone is okay after getting hurt and she'd rather make friends than enemies. Harper has a free spirit but doesn't like to go far from her parents. She loves playing outside and hanging out with her little brother and at times I'm sure picking on him as siblings do! Harper is an animal lover and doesn't like being in trouble. Conversation Starters: * Her little brother Kraten (she loves him so much) * Beachcombing & agate searching * Riding the snowmachine or kids side-by-side
Makayla Pinkerton
Flower Girl
And though she be but little... she is fierce! A moment of silence for Makayla as she is the only girl in her sibling tree!! She has three brothers who will no doubt make her crazy some days but oh how she will be loved and protected. She is truly living in the footsteps her mother went through growing up. The best memory I have of Makayla is when Steven & I were in Seattle visiting. There happened to be a daddy-daughter dance and it was the sweetest thing. Her daddy came down stairs in his suit and by his side was little Makayla in her stunning dress. Chris assisted her with her shoes and had flowers ready for his date. She is just darling! I'm so excited to have a new niece!! Conversation Starters: * She wants to be a Vet! * Animals
Kraten Samskar
Ring Bearer
The last of his family to one day carry out the "Samskar" name. He is Type 1 Diabetic and ferocious like a honey badger! Kraten is incredibly smart & asks some sophisticated questions for someone so young. He is outspoken, stubborn and enthusiastic about life! While Kraten loves his Aunt Jess, it should be mentioned that he is always more excited to see Steve. While many things are harder to do with this unruly illness... (that’s just the unvarnished truth) you will have the opportunity to observe Kraten & Corbin muster-up the grit to do them anyways. These kids and their family display courage and strength and it has been a humbling experience to share their story and be moral support for them. Our love for all of them has no limitations. Conversation Starters: * Dinosaurs & Sharks
Corbin Pinkerton
Ring Bearer
Godson to the Groom Corbin's smile is contagious and he has been working crowds since he was in diapers. He is already one of the bravest people we know. Like Kraten Orion, this little guy is also Type 1 Diabetic. While diabetes is only part of his life, it doesn't define all of who he is. Corbin has a huge personality and there isn't enough room on this page to properly introduce him... but don't worry you will have the chance to see his charismatic personality! Although he's still vertically short due to his age, this kid will land you with a bruise or at the very least squeeze the breath out of you if he comes in for a hug! He is incredibly strong and often leads with his head! Conversation Starters: * Batman * Helicopters & Planes * Current cartoons the cool kids would be watching
Roxanne Samskar
Mother of the Bride
Born in Cook, Minnesota and graduated high school from Eveleth High in 1978. Roxanne is down to earth and a social butterfly. She loves to meet new people and have a good time. She has seven siblings, five girls and two boys. She is a mother of three children herself: Marie, Chad and the bride. Roxanne enjoys traveling back to Minnesota to visit her family and going ricing for wild rice. Every morning she gets up and watches Joyce Meyer at 5:30AM. She can be found in her down time having a few brews, helping her husband John with his projects or attending her grandchildren's events. Rocky has an incredibly huge heart and is willing to help anyone in need. Conversation starters: * The Beatles * Past job with TSA * Ricing in Minnesota * Gold Panning
Karen Hickel-Burger
Mother of the Groom
Karen was born in Anchorage, Alaska and is the fourth oldest of her 18 siblings. She has 8 bothers and 10 sisters. She graduated high school from West High and worked at the family owned Captain Cook Hotel for nearly 7 years. She has six children of her own: Mike, John, Peter, Sarah, the groom, and David. Karen loves playing card games with good friends, singing karaoke and helping raise her two youngest grand daughters. She enjoys being outside on sunny days and hosting fish camp in July. Karen is family-oriented and is always willing to help someone in need. Conversation Starters: * Best memories growing up with a full house * Hosting Fish Camp each summer
John Samskar
Father of the Bride
John has an old school personality and is fairly reclusive when it comes to socializing. Honestly big crowds aren't his thing and you probably won't see him out on the dance floor much. Should you desire to get a photo with or of him -- may the odds be in your favor to get him to smile, but when he does he sure is cute!! John comes from Minnesota and has two siblings, Debbie and Paul. He has five children: Andrew, Nick, Chad, Marie and the Bride. Conversation Starters: * Harleys * Classic Cars
Richard Burger
Father of the Groom
Richard was born in Tuscon, Arizona and is the youngest boy of his twelve siblings. He has six brothers and six sisters. He inherited his parents homestead in Clam Gulch and now resides out there and takes care of it. He graduated high school from Ninilchik and retired from the oil industry after 30 years of employment. Don't let this Old Man fool you, he's not half bad when it comes to First Person Shooters on PC. Strengths: Can fix anything, Jack of all trades, Older then he looks, Hair loss. Weaknesses: fixes everything, has too many projects, Pina colada's. Conversation Starters: * Building * Homesteading * Trip to Mexico & zip-lining * Caribou hills * Anything old
Chad Samskar
Usher
Chad is Jess's only brother and they are four years apart. He is laid back and easy to have a conversation with. He's not a big drinker so if you get the chance to have a drink with him cherish that moment! Chad has been one of Jess's major influencers and life-long confidant. He works incredibly hard to provide for his family and lives life to the fullest. Chad & Ashly have been married for over 10 years and they enjoy raising their two children, Harper Jayde and Kraten Orion. He is selfless, intelligent and truly a wonderful father to his children and a loving husband to Ash. Weakness: Ashly
Mike Singleton
Usher
Mike is Steven's oldest sibling. He is laid back, easy to have conversations with and enjoys drinking most anything or at least willing to try it. Mike and his wife Elisa have been married for over 21 years and they enjoy raising their two children, Spencer and Lily. He is level headed and great at explaining step by step "How to's". Though he has snow-capped hair he's still young at heart ;) Oh, and he knows a guy good at tiling. Strengths: Full head of dazzling silver hair, Electricity, Housing. Weaknesses: Falling asleep on the couch, He's good at tiling. Conversation Starters: * Hawaii * Traveling * a good cigar & glass of whisky or scotch
Shawn Pinkerton
Altar Server
Shawn holds an integral part during this celebration and we are so blessed to have him! He is the oldest sibling of the Pinkerton clan. He enjoys playing baseball, soccer and video games. Shawn is competitive like his father and has a hard time taking "no" for an answer.