Wedding Party
Christina Smylie
Maid of Honor
As Victoria’s older sister, Christina has been by her side through a lifetime of memories. Thoughtful, generous, and endlessly supportive, Christina has always been a role model, trusted confidant, and the best big sister Victoria could ask for. She is now a wonderful mother to her son Michael, who is dearly loved by our entire family. Fun facts: "- I am your big sister - My childcare skills have come a long way since age three, when I nearly decapitated you - I jumped out of a plane once - I love cooking, baking, and all things domestic; my hobbies make me better suited to be a stay-at-home-mom but I am in fact a doctor"
Owen Sheekey
Best Man
Ryan met Owen while studying physics at UBC. They spent many late nights working through problem sets, taking occasional "strolls to the garden" during this time (i.e. acquiring a slice of pizza from the UBC staple Pizza Garden). More recently, they sat huddled under a thin tarp through blistering rain as part of hiking the West Coast Trail in 2024. Through these adventures, Owen has been a trusted and reliable friend. Fun fact: Owen restored an old espresso machine from his grandfather's attic!
Wendy Wang
Bridesmaid
Victoria met Wendy in first grade, and they have remained close friends ever since. From piano duets as children to navigating university and medical school together, Wendy has been a steadfast friend through every stage of life. More recently, they have enjoyed exploring the mountains together on hiking trips to Banff and Zion National Park. Fun facts: "- Victoria and I have known each other since we were 6 years old and attended the same daycare. - I’ve fostered over 20 dogs with my family. - I’ve recently discovered my love for pickleball and played in a casual rec league."
Anders Bretsen
Groomsman
Ryan and Anders met in high school, where Ryan took note of Anders' uncanny ability to be precisely ten minutes late to class almost every morning. In Grade 10, they spent a portion of the year on backcountry trips as part of a school program (with Chris as well!) and made many fond memories. Ryan vividly remembers Anders nearly toppling over carrying a backpack larger than himself on numerous occasions! He also has great taste in literature and music and Ryan has much appreciated his many fantastic recommendations over the years. Fun fact: Anders is an amazing chef; pasta is one of his signature dishes, and in his photo you can see him rolling out pasta dough!
Dorrin Zarrin Khat
Bridesmaid
Victoria met Dorrin during the first week of medical school. Over the years, their friendship has grown through mildly-panicked study sessions, navigating the challenges of residency together, spirited board game nights, and a shared enthusiasm for pilates. Fun facts: "- We met first year of med school and learned our basic physical exams together :). - I love to draw and paint in my free time! This year I took up wheel pottery & made some dinnerware! - In the last couple of years we’ve become ‘reformer Pilates girlies’. It has been our beloved biweekly catch up! - While I’m Persian, I can safely say Victoria has cooked & mastered many more Persian dishes than I have!"
Chris Pang
Groomsman
Ryan met Chris in Grade 8 English class. Ryan has always been inspired by Chris' drive and tenacity, and over their nearly fifteen years of friendship, Ryan has seen Chris transform from a bestselling author (see below) to a champion debater to a full-fledged lawyer. Ryan has many fond memories of late-night drives with Chris through Vancouver and Richmond as they were growing up. When Ryan moved to Toronto in 2021, Chris was there to help him navigate life in the big city. Chris is a true social butterfly and he has a gift for bringing people together. Fun fact: Chris wrote and published a book in Grade 5 that "haunts [him] to this day." Ryan has a copy!