Wedding Party
Annie Stempski
Matron of Honor
Also known as “the fourth Hovland daughter,” Annie is Dana’s oldest friend and has been part of the family for over 20 years. Their friendship began over a game of Guess Who in 4th grade, has spanned many milestones, and now they both get married in 2023!
Paige Johnson
Matron of Honor
Dana refers to Paige as her “adulthood best friend,” going back to 2016. They met through work, though it’s been a long time since she’s been considered a work friend. She has become chosen family for both Dana and Matt; expanding her own little family with our honorary niece this summer!
Haley Hovland
Bridesmaid
Haley is Dana’s middle sister and very first best friend. Haley was Dana’s sidekick for innumerable sibling hijinks; if you can imagine a small child and a toddler sneaking into a neighbor’s house when no one was home… that’s just the start!
Bridget Hovland
Bridesmaid
Bridget and Dana had a classically tumultuous sisterhood growing up, with hard to forget pranks (a couple involving teeth whitening strips and shellfish) and other stories making their relationship now all the sweeter. From the start, Bridget has welcomed Matt right into the family, for example, when she heard they were engaged her response was to tear up and say “I get a brother!!” Yes, Smidgen, you get a brother 💛
Nick Gleason
Best Man
Nick aka Gleason aka Geason aka Geasberry aka Glease aka Gease. He is the Most Nicknamed Man in the World. From sleepovers that always followed family gatherings around the holidays, to the present day; Nick has always been Matt’s unofficial fourth brother. He can always be counted on to be the life of the party and he’s never one to shy away from a dance or a warm Hamms. Never change dude, never change.
Vince Vik
Groomsman
Vince is Matt’s younger, more charming brother. There was no beating Vince at any video game growing up. A small consolation was that at least Matt was better at sports. But wouldn’t ya know, Vince had to go and eventually claim that mantle too. That jerk. Even so, despite this betrayal, Matt and Vince have grown closer with each passing year. That friendship is something Matt will always cherish. Love you, man.
Andy Vik
Groomsman
Andy is Matt’s older, better looking brother. In Matt’s first week of 9th grade, while on a computer in the school library, two Senior girls looked over and asked “Hey, are you Andy Vik’s brother?” Matt had no idea who they were, but replied, “Yes…?” The girl, eyes wide with excitement, said “He’s gorgeous!” Since you’re Burnsville AND Minnesota’s Firefighter of the Year, I’m looking forward to your Firefighter Calendar, “gorgeous.”
John Vik Jr.
Groomsman
John is the oldest of the Vik boys, and Matt’s most distinguished brother. Growing up, John was older than Matt, and that made him cool. John got to go places, do things, and have stuff. Matt wanted to also go places, do things and have stuff. John was wise and a good role model, and Matt learned a lot from him. To Matt, he just seemed to know stuff, like what good music was. A couple of favorite mementos from John were Matt’s first CDs, Eve 6 and a kickass mixed CD. John also gave Matt his first and only snowboard lesson, which he mostly remembers as “my tailbone hurt.” Thanks for all the fun memories, Bro.
Shadow Hovland
Ring Bearer
With Dana now for over 28 dog years, Shadow has been the Best Boy since day one. Shadow is happiest when meeting new friends, and has a near-saintly tolerance for his “little” fur-brother, Odin. Shadow helped Matt pop the question, so they can’t imagine anyone else bringing the rings down the isle.
Pilar Santos
Head Flower Girl
Xiomara Santos
Junior Flower Girl