Wedding Party

Jalen Allamby

Groom

Sophie Ippolito

Bride

Eddie Enriquez

Best Man

“I met Jalen and Sophie through our love for powerlifting and the gym at NC State. Over the last few years, I have shared so many beloved memories with them and have watched their love for each other blossom into something beautiful. The unconditional love and support they show to each other and to me is something I cherish in my heart. I am extremely blessed to call both of them my best friends. It is an honor to be one of Jalen’s groomsmen and I cannot wait to celebrate this next chapter in their lives!”

Victoria Manson

Maid of Honor

"Sophie and I met in 5th grade when she was the new kid at our school. We were inseparable and spent lots of time at her parents Chapel Hill house. This house is where many of our memories were made and we have continued to remain close since. I have watched her go through nearly almost every era of her life, from a hyper little girl who I towered over to a sensible young woman and my best friend. She deserves the best, which is Jalen! Can’t wait for the wedding!"

Hector Martinez

Groomsman

“I’ve known Jalen for a couple years now and I can easily say he’s like a brother to me. We first met on a Saturday at Spider Strength Gym, where we both shared a love and passion for powerlifting. Our trip to Houston a couple of months later is where we really formed that brotherhood. From then on, we’ve only gotten closer and have been a constant in each others lives, even after I moved across the country. Jalen is extremely determined and motivated, truly being an inspiration I can look up too. I met Sophie at a party Jalen invited me to my first couple weeks at NC State. I noticed quickly how much they cared for each other even in the beginning stages of their relationship. Having just transferred to NC State, their friendship was one of the first I made and one of the strongest as well. I am so happy they decided to take the next step and it is an honor to stand at their side. I cannot wait to see what their future holds.”

Gretchen Mackie

Bridesmaid

“Sophie and I became fast friends after meeting at the first high school gymnastics competition of the year. We bonded over off-campus lunch breaks, late-night trips to Cook-out, and summer days spent floating in the Eno quarry. Even though we are separated by hundreds of miles today, I can always count on her to provide laughs and support during our weekly FaceTimes. It’s been a privilege to witness her and Jalen’s love story, and I can’t wait to be there with her when she walks down the aisle.”

Lucas Ibáñez

Groomsman

“When I first moved to North Carolina from West Virginia, the first friend I was made was Jalen. What started as riding bikes around the neighborhood, turned into dancing in the talent show, which turned into a lifelong friendship. Jalen has continued to be a mentor, friend, and someone I look up to everyday. We have continued to grow next to each other and I’ve been fortunate enough to be considered a groomsman for such a great guy. I have seen how Sophie has helped Jalen explore the world around him in such a rich and fulfilling way. I see how she brings out the best of him and I can’t wait to see what the future has for them both!”

Theya Havranek

Bridesmaid

“I met Sophie while being her hairstylist! She was always my favorite when she came in since we'd exchange funny experiences and stories every time she came and visited. Over time, we got so close that we started hanging out outside of work and she quickly became the person I wanted to give big life updates to and vice versa... It was like having the little sis I never had. I was there when she and Jalen first started dating and I'll be there until their 50th anniversary and whatever's after that. She will always be the big sis to my lil sis, and Jalen knows that since Sophie is family, so is he. I can't wait to watch them both grow, as individuals and as a couple, and they complement each other beautifully. I can't wait for couple trips, making new memories, and experiencing some life together! I couldn't feel more honored or blessed to be apart of their wedding party!”

Jordan Humes

Groomsman

“I’ve known Jalen for as long as I can remember. We grew up together as best friends since kindergarten. Even when just playing manhunt, doing bike tricks or playing video games, he’s always been there for me. I’m truly blessed to have this guy in my corner, Jalen is one of the most genuine, driven and energetic people you will ever meet. I know he will bring the same values and outlook to his marriage with Sophie as they complement each other perfectly. I’m truly happy for my brother and look forward to seeing how much stronger their relationship grows.”

Savannah Delisi

Bridesmaid

"I met Sophie through powerlifting, and we quickly became friends, competing and training for meets together. We’ve bonded over our shared passion for working with children, which has strengthened our connection. Sophie is an amazing, kind friend who is always there for others and genuinely cares about people. Her energy is infectious, and she has a natural ability to make people feel seen and valued. Whether it's a tough training session or just a casual conversation, Sophie always knows the right words to lift others up. She has a rare blend of strength and compassion that makes her not only an incredible athlete but an even more remarkable friend. Sophie and Jalen are an incredible couple, radiating love and positivity. Both are amazing individuals, and I’m so happy for this next chapter of their lives. I can’t wait to see all the wonderful things they’ll accomplish together and I’m grateful to be apart of their journey!"

Colby Wagner

Groomsman

“Jalen was my first friend in middle school, and he’s been a constant presence in my life ever since. We’ve created so many amazing memories together—countless late nights battling it out in Call of Duty, sharing endless laughs in school, and pushing each other to be our best at the gym. Those moments, along with many others, have helped our friendship grow. Jalen is not only a great friend but also a truly remarkable man. He is a role model for dedication and pushing yourself to be better. I’m immensely grateful to have been chosen as a groomsman and couldn’t be happier for him and Sophie. I’m excited to see what the future holds for them!”

Jenny Ngo

Bridesmaid

"Sophie and I met at a college football game, instantly bonding over our shared love for NC State, music festivals, and delicious food. From that moment on, we’ve been inseparable—whether it’s spontaneous road trips, dancing like no one’s watching, or texting each other 24/7 about our daily lives. Sophie’s genuine kindness and her ability to make everyone around her feel loved make her truly one of a kind. She’s not just one of my best friends; she’s like a sister to me. Sophie and Jalen are truly a power couple, bringing so much love and happiness into each other’s lives. Jalen’s kindness and sense of humor complements Sophie in the best ways. I couldn’t be more thrilled for them as they begin this exciting chapter together! I’m so honored to be part of this special moment!"

Brendan Cole

Groomsman

"Jalen was one of the first people I met after moving to North Carolina in 7th grade and has been one of my best friends now for over a decade. It was always easy to bond with Jalen because we share a significant overlap in interests, coupled with an inclination to become hyper fixated on those interests. Having Jalen by my side while growing up was truly an enrichment to my childhood and the same holds true to this day. We've shared numerous transformative experiences that I wouldn't trade for anything and to be able to stand by him on the most important day of his life is only fitting."

Emma Williams-Turner

Bridesmaid

"Sophie and I have been close friends for 7 years. I met Sophie through our love of gymnastics, we coached together at TAG. From then on we bonded and have been smitten ever since. Sophie and I are both adopted, as well as both the only children in our families. I like to say Sophie is the sister I never had, but the one God gave me! I’m so lucky we were able to stay close even into our young adult years, with her going to NC State and me being right down the road at Meredith. I'm very blessed to say I not only got to grow up with her but watch her shine in everything she does. I’ve seen her through the good, bad, and the ugly and I know we will always have each other to lean on in life. It’s an honor to be included in the special union of Sophie and Jalen and I could not have asked for a better man to guide and love Sophie through this life. I consider both of them friends that I will cherish forever and I’m excited to help open this next chapter!"