Wedding Party
Emma Stonehill
Maid of Honor
Emma is Sophie's big sister and greatest role model, except for when she forces Sophie to go on outdoor adventures that nearly kill them both. Emma was the first in the family to meet Noah, and he kicked things off by addressing her as “Ma’am” (a true gentleman). When she’s not inspiring the family with her wisdom, Emma’s a philosophy professor at the United States Air Force Academy, and she’s all about rock climbing, mountain biking, and pretty much anything that involves being outdoors.
James Ashmun
Best Man
James and Noah are proof that randomly assigned college roommates can lead you to finding your best friend. During the four years they lived together at Miami University of Ohio, they bonded over music and got up to no good. James was there when the couple first met and continued to hear all about this “funny, outdoorsy girl named Sophie.” In 2023, they went on a week-long road trip from Florida to California after Noah was stationed in San Diego. James currently works as a Senior Client Accounting Specialist in Cleveland, OH.
Emily Zwierzchowski
Bridesmaid
Emily (“Z”) and Sophie hit it off instantly when Sophie moved to New Hampshire from Germany. They spent their days hiking at sunrise and causing all sorts of mischief in their small town. More recently, they’ve shared adventures in California, New Mexico, and even road-tripped across the entire country. Z is now in her third year of medical school, studying family medicine. When she’s not saving lives, she’s at home with her partner, four dogs, and ten chickens—living her best homestead life!
Jake Simon
Groomsman
Jake is Noah’s older brother and Day 1 Homie. Growing up, Noah tried his best to follow in his footsteps and hang out with the cool older kids. To this day, Noah still envies Jake’s loving and caring spirit. Jake is an educator of children with special needs, teacher for English as a second language to kids in Korea, and a bad-ass drummer and guitarist. Jake currently works as a Design Center Manager in Fairfax, VA.
Chase Green
Bridesmaid
Chase and Sophie met their freshman year of college and were roommates throughout their time at Miami. They’ve definitely “significantly matured” since their wild days of beat the clock and hootenanny. Now, Chase calls Washington D.C. home, working in the public health sector. She’s also a fantastic yoga instructor and proud dog mom.
Zach Melone
Groomsman
Another member of the neighborhood gang, Zach was arguably the wildest. In college, Zach enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. After Noah commissioned in the United States Navy, Zach rendered Noah his first salute, a time-honored military tradition. From Marine to gravedigger to firefighter, Zach has done it all. He continues his service as a firefighter in the Stafford Fire Department, alongside Matt.
Aisling O'Brien
Bridesmaid
Aisling and Sophie first met in elementary school in St. Louis but lost touch when the Paukens moved to Germany. Their moms stayed close over the years, and when Aisling and Sophie both ended up in San Diego, they met up for an obligatory drink. Who knew that 15 years later, they’d hit it off and become true SoCal besties? Aisling is a therapist who loves a good coffee shop, a wildly intense San Diego pilates class, and showing up as a rock-solid friend.
Matt Mueller
Groomsman
Known as the Lawnfather, Matt and Noah were forced to sit next to the teacher in German class so she could “keep an eye on them,” fueling their shenanigans and creating a lifelong friendship. Growing up down the street from each other, Matt and Noah were on a constant adventure throughout high school. Starting with a wagon and a riding mower, Matt created his own lawn care business and hired Noah, providing him beer money and enough to travel to Europe to visit Sophie during college breaks. Matt continues to mow lawns while serving as a full-time firefighter in the Stafford Fire Department in Virginia.
EP Stonehill
Officiant
EP has known Sophie since she was 16 years old. She has watched her grow up and quickly became the best bonus sister. EP knew Noah from the very start. Known as "bean boy and sausage girl" they have become steadfast friends as they navigate the Pauken household together. EP has unequivocally been there for Noah and Sophie. From copy-editing papers, to providing sound advice, to inspiring our own marriage. We couldn't ask for someone more special to bring us together on this day.