Sarah & Ricky
Wedding Party
Sarah Dykstra
Bride
Born: Bellingham, WA College: Alfred University, NY Pharmacy: University of Montana Brothers: 3 Sisters: 0 Favorite color: blue
Ricky Ballou
Groom
Born: Lake Forest, CA College: Cal State Fullerton, CA Speech Pathology: Eastern New Mexico University Brothers: 0 Sisters: 1 Favorite Color: purple
Allison Stanfield
Maid of Honor
Ali has been my close friend since the days of Sehome high school orchestra and swim team. She recently moved to Portland, OR, and lives with her amazing husband Dane, Mr. Cooper Stanfield (new arrival) and their cat Oppenheimer. Like Ricky and I, Ali and Dane love traveling and the outdoors. Ali and Dane got married in 2016, and I was honored to be a part of their wedding.
Kevin Pardo
Best Man
Kevin and I met at Rancho Canada Elementary School. We grew up playing baseball, singing in choir, and watching the NBA. Kevin is like a brother to me. We lived down the street from each other once we started attending Cal State Fullerton and Kevin was always ready to play basketball, grab a burrito, or catch movie. Kevin works in TV and Film on major studio shows as well his own independent projects. He currently lives in West Hollywood, CA.
Lexi Duce
Bridesmaid
Lexi and I met at Pharmacy School Orientation when I sat down at her table for lunch (because they looked friendly). Lexi is my #1 study partner, and half the time I wouldn’t know where to go for my classes without her. Lexi was born and raised in Missoula, and loves Zootown. She has two brothers, and a dog named Dempsey. Lexi plays basketball, which, along with Dempsey, made Ricky instantly like her. Lexi is finished her PGY1 residency in Spokane, WA.
Lonnie Murphy
Groomsman
Lonnie and I met on a little league baseball field in Lake Forest, CA. We both share a love of sports, music, and over sized portions of food. Lonnie recently graduated from the University of Montana’s pharmacy program. Lonnie is one of the main reasons I moved to Montana to begin with. He had a room available in his house, and I had just graduated from Cal State Fullerton and was ready for a change in scenery. Even though we no longer live together we still frequently hang out and watch Top Ten sports highlights late into the night.
Gina Migneco
Bridesmaid
Gina and I met this year as co-residents at Oregon Health and Science University. Moving to the West Coast from St. Louis Missouri by way of Washington, DC, Gina has fully adopted the PNW. Gina and I lived in the same apartment over this past year during residency, and although we were always super busy, and worked opposite weekends, we managed to find time for a few rooftop fire pit nights. I am honored to count Gina as a colleague and a friend, and she will be staying at OHSU for a PGY2 in Oncology. Both Gina and her Fiancé Vince have made our year in Oregon better, and I’m grateful for both of them in Ricky and I’s life.
Nate Torres
Groomsman
Nate and I met the night I moved in our college house while we attended Cal State Fullerton. Nate was the only person in the house I didn’t know previously, but he quickly became one of my closest friends. He is one of the most genuine, thoughtful people I know. He loves riding bikes, drinking coffee, and playing music. No matter how long it’s been since we’ve seen each other, we always pick up right where we left off.
Tess Placek
Bridesmaid
Tess and I met at Alfred University, in Alfred NY. Tess and I were both Biology majors, but Tess went on to become an engineer while I went into Healthcare. Our time at Alfred was a wild ride and Tess was always an amazing roomate and friend. Even though we now live on opposite sides of the country, we still try to meet up once a year or so for a girl's trip or a brew fest.
Ryan Blank
Groomsman
Ryan and I met at Serrano Intermediate school in PE class. He is one of the funniest people I have ever met. We grew up going to the beach together, going to concerts, and eating Denny’s early into the morning. Ryan is the operations manager for The Observatory, a concert venue in Orange County. When he isn’t at work he enjoys drinking rum, going to the beach, and running! He currently lives in Costa Mesa, CA.
Erin Zadina
Bridesmaid
Erin and I met through mutual friends in Missoula. We bonded over both being from the great state of Washington, as well as a love of the outdoors. Erin and I have camped all over Montana and Idaho, and even though she moved to Helena and we moved to Portland, that won't stop us from continuing to adventure. We have travelled to Hawaii together, and to Washington to watch the Griz play UW, and most recently I was honored to be in Erin and Jake's wedding. Erin is pursing a degree in nursing and lives in Helena, MT.
Duncan Williams
Groomsman
Duncan is one of my oldest friends. We met in Mrs. Zoradi’s first grade classroom. Not a lot of people have friends that they’ve known since before they could tie their shoes all the way through moving away for college. Duncan enjoys surfing, drinking beer, and playing video games. This will be Duncan’s third time visiting Montana! He currently resides in Costa Mesa, CA.
Sidney Aviles Dimova
Bridesmaid
Sidney and I were co-residents this past year along with Gina. Sidney and I's desks were right next to each other in the residency office and her smiling face and persistent optimism lifted my spirits every day. Sidney has accepted a job at OHSU, and her partner Evan will be joining her in Portland, teaching high school history. Both Sidney and Evan love basketball, and this is one of the many reasons that Ricky and I are so lucky to have them in our lives.
Jack Ortner
Groomsman
Jack and I met during his freshman year at Cal State Fullerton. Jack and I shared a bedroom when I first moved out on my own and we became very close. We share a love of baseball, going to the movies, and music. Our wedding is going to be the second time Jack has been to Montana! He came to visit me a couple years ago and we had a great weekend exploring Missoula. Jack is one of the kindest people I have ever met, and I am lucky to have him as a friend.
Sam Tracy
Bridesmaid
Sam and I met the first day of Pharmacy School and studied together for the next three years. Sam is an amazingly dedicated and kind person who I am incredibly lucky to have in my life. Our relationship grew over the course of pharmacy school, and we became even closer as we finished our 4th year and graduated. She is engaged to Zach, a wonderful man who both Ricky and I immediately loved. Sam is currently completing her PGY1 residency in Missoula, MT.
Jake Winegart
Groomsman
Jake was born and raised in Montana. He attended Carroll College with Lonnie and we met once I moved to Missoula. We have been close friends ever since. Jake was the first friend I introduced to Sarah. Jake and I enjoy camping, snowboarding/skiing, and visiting many of Montana’s wonderful breweries. He recently moved to Helena, MT.
Katie Klein
Bridesmaid
I met Katie Klein just before the start of Freshman year of high school, at cross country practice. She is one of the happiest and kindest people you will meet, and our friendship has grown despite up always being super far apart. Katie and I both played in the orchestra, and ran cross country and track. We both love the musical Moulin Rouge, and we can sing every song word for word. Katie is a traveler, and has spent her entire life moving from destination to destination. She is currently finishing her degree from Middlebury University and recently took a position as a high school French teacher!
Daniel Cano
Groomsman
Daniel and I have known each other for almost 15 years. Growing up we had plenty of fun going on road trips and spending days on the beach, but the moments that stand out the most to me now were the nights hanging out in his backyard talking about whatever was going on in our lives. Daniel is an incredible listener that knows exactly what to say when you are feeling down. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Cal State Fullerton.