Michael & Victoria
Wedding Party
Joel Walker
Best Man
Mr. Walker…what a guy! On a day when the phrase “through thick and thin, through good times and bad” will be uttered, it’s fitting that Joel stands as best man to Mike. Best of friends for about three decades, Mike and Joel have been through it all together. They grew up around the corner from one another, and their friendship started out of competition. They found in one another an almost perfectly matched opponent in any sport, video game, or other childhood activity in which one could keep score. The friendship was solidified in middle school when they found themselves on the same baseball team. Somehow they managed to take the team from last place to league champions in a matter of weeks. They’ve lived their lives in that spirit ever since: underdogs that just don’t give up. All these years later, and even though life has taken them to different states, time zones, and career paths, they always find themselves laughing over a glass of beer, arguing over the best way to cook a steak, or talking through difficult decisions together. If you meet him, shake his hand and tell him “thanks buddy.” Because, everybody needs a best friend like Joel!
Ashley Pollack
Matron of Honor
Ashley is Victoria's Bestie since 2006. They met during 7th grade when they were both placed in the varsity choir. It was not friendship at first sight -- Victoria couldn't stand Ashley's whacky, go with the flow energy. However by the end of the year, Victoria chilled out a bit and they became best friends, crushing middle school together. Ashley has been a never ending support to Victoria over the years -- late night Whataburger runs, coming to see her perform in OKC during college, and cruising with her twice! She and her hubby, Johnny, even kept Victoria sane during a shipboard Quarantine Christmas by sneaking her food and cocktails from the guest areas. Victoria couldn't imagine not having Ashley by her side on this very special day and is grateful for Ashley's love over the last (almost) 20 years!
Nathan Dean
Groomsman
Nathan has known Mike since the day he was born. First cousins, Mike and Nathan have always thought of each other as brothers . As kids they were excellent at scraping knees, causing trouble, and annoying their sisters. As adults…well, not much has changed. Nathan taught Mike the correct way to “cruise the bully” (aka drive an old Toyota with the seats reclined too far back, windows rolled down, and music blaring down the streets of Kirkland, WA). Nathan once took a train from Washington DC to spend a few hours in New York City with Mike. It was the first time the new city felt like home. Nathan has opened his doors to Mike numerous times as a port of safe refuge during difficult travels. Nathan has shown Mike how to properly clean a pool filter, tie a good knot, and how to host a family reunion. Nathan has shown Mike how to be a good neighbor, a good husband, and a good father. Mike continues to look up his cousin/brother Nathan. If you want to get know Nathan after the ceremony, chances are he’ll be in the middle of the dance floor. Let’s get this party started!
Ashtyn Zingler
Bridesmaid
Ashtyn & Victoria technically met during their freshman year of college at Oklahoma City University in their English Diction class -- it was also not friendship at first sight. Ashtyn transferred schools after the first semester and that was the end of that. Fast forward 5 years later, their paths crossed again, by chance, when they ended up in the same cruise ship cast. They were able to laugh about that short time together at OCU and move forward to become fast friends. Over the years, Ashtyn invited Victoria to visit her in Florida often and continued to build their friendship. Victoria & Mike were even able to visit Ashtyn & her hubby, Shawn, in Berlin, Germany in summer 2023! It was as if no time had passed. Victoria would not have survived that ship contract without Ashtyn's love and friendship and is honored to have her standing by her side on her wedding day.