Wedding Party
Melissa Young
Mother of the Bride
Ally's mom, Melissa, the mother of the bride, has been Ally's rock and pillar of strength throughout her life. As a single mother, she selflessly sacrificed to provide Ally with everything she needed, from childhood through college and beyond. Her unwavering love, guidance, and resilience have shaped Ally into the person she is today. It is an honor behind words for Ally to have her mom walk her down the aisle on her wedding day, symbolizing not just her support but their unbreakable bond and journey they've shared together.
Dionisio Mitchell
Officiant
Dionisio, our wedding officiant and dear friend, has been a significant presence in Matthew's life since their days on Crew 87, where he served as a foreman while Matthew began as a seasonal firefighter. Despite his higher ranks, Dionisio has always treated Matthew with warmth and friendship, offering mentorship and guidance along the way. He and his wife Valerie have been pillars of support, always there when we needed them, including orchestrating and sharing in the joy of planning Matthew's proposal to Ally. Together, the four of us have explored the country, enjoyed thrilling hockey trips, and built countless memories. There is no one we trust more to officiate our wedding than Dionisio, whose friendship and unwavering support have enriched our lives beyond measure.
Madison Van Horn
Maid of Honor
Madison, Ally's maid of honor and lifelong best friend, has been by Ally's side since they first met in ballet class at the age of 8. From giggling at sleepovers with endless rounds of Mario Kart as kids, to experimenting with makeup during their junior high years, they have shared countless memories and milestones together. Now, as they navigate adulthood, Madison continues to stand by Ally, as they support and celebrate each other through significant moments of their lives. Her unwavering friendship and genuine presence make her not just a maid of honor, but a cherished part of Ally's journey.
Mason Wagner
Best Man
Mason and Matthew crossed paths at 19 years old on a wildland firefighting crew. Since then, he has been more than a friend; he's been a steadfast companion, always ready to tackle life's projects together with enthusiasm and dedication. Mason's loyalty has enriched our friendship and made him an integral part of Matthew's life journey. Matthew couldn't imagine celebrating this milestone without Mason by his side.
Jasce Sanders
Bridesmaid
Jasce, Ally's bridesmaid and cherished friend, embodies unwavering loyalty and honesty. From their days together at Bakersfield Sports Medicine, where their friendship took root, Jasce has been a steadfast companion who listens attentively and supports Ally wholeheartedly. Their bond has flourished over camping in the mountains, savoring early morning coffee, working out, and enjoying peaceful beach outings. Through every milestone and moment, Jasce's presence has been a pillar of strength and genuine friendship, making her an invaluable part of Ally's journey.
Jeremy Mcgill
Groomsman
Jeremy, Matthew's groomsmen and dear friend, entered Matthew's life during their days as seasonal firemen, a bond that only strengthened when they became roommates. Their friendship blossomed further through their shared passion for hockey and parallel journeys in the fire department. From joining the county fire department together to advancing as engineers side by side, Jeremy has been a steadfast companion through it all. His loyalty, camaraderie, and shared experiences have enriched Matthew's life immeasurably, and Matthew is honored to have him as a groomsman on his wedding day.
Ali Eucce
Bridesmaid
Ali, Ally's bridesmaid and dear friend, first became part of Ally's life during our junior high years. They reconnected in adulthood when Ally started dating Matthew, who plays on the same hockey team of firefighters as Ali's husband, Chris! Their friendship quickly rekindled, fueled by shared laughter at games and heartfelt conversations over dinners. Ali's warmth, loyalty, and genuine care have made her not just a friend, but a cherished member of Ally's bridal party, ready to stand by her side on this joyous day.
Jon Davies
Groomsman
Jon, Matthew's friend and groomsman, entered Matthew's life when he bid station 64 and Jon became his captain. What started as a professional relationship soon blossomed into a deep friendship, marked by mutual banter and trust. Jon has consistently shown his unwavering support and reliability as a friend, including the time he came to our rescue in Dallas, Texas with just an hour's notice when our flight was cancelled at 1 am. Whether he's in Texas or California, Jon has always been there for Matthew, embodying true friendship and camaraderie. Matthew is grateful to have Jon by his side on his wedding day, standing as a testament to their enduring friendship.
Corey Wilford
Groomsman
Corey, Matthew's friend and groomsman, entered Matthew's life through the fire service when he bid into Fire Station 64 where Corey served as the engineer. Over 4 and 1/2 of working closely together, their friendship deepened as Matthew came to admire Corey's expertise and dedication within the fire department. Beyond work, Corey has always been a pillar of support, offering invaluable life advice that he can count on. His leadership and friendship have shaped Matthew's journey in profound ways, and he is honored to have Corey standing by his side on this important day.
James Haskins
Groomsman
James, Matthew's friend and groomsman, was introduced to Matthew as a fellow wildland firefighter and later became a close companion during their time in the Kern County Fire Academy. Their friendship deepened when they became roommates, and they spent a decade working side by side as firefighters before both being promoted to engineers together. James has consistently been there for Matthew, offering support and valuable advice whenever he has needed it. Outside of work, they have shared many memorable moments, from relaxing with beers around his fire pit to adventurous outings at the Monte Carlo. His friendship and camaraderie have been a constant in Matthew's life and he is honored to have James stand with him on his wedding day.
Brandon Nabors
Groomsman
Brandon, Matthew's groomsman and dear friend, holds a special place in Matthew's heart as someone he bonded with during his first year as a wildland firefighter. In those early days, they grew incredibly close, spending countless hours together and forming a strong friendship. Matthew often found himself in the company of Brandon and his welcoming family, who became like a second family to him. They shared not only the challenges and camaraderie of the fire service but also memorable travels and experiences that strengthened their bond. Brandon's steadfast friendship and the support of his family have been a constant throughout his journey, and Matthew is thrilled to have him as a groomsman, standing by his side as they celebrate this milestone together.
Robert Bennitt
Groomsman
Robert, Matthew's little brother and groomsman, has been a cherished family member and friend since they were young. From Matthew coaching Robert's baseball team in childhood to now golfing and hosting family BBQs together, their bond has only deepened over time. His presence in Matthew's life has been a constant source of joy and support, and Matthew could not be more grateful than to have him standing by his side on this special day.
Michael Bennitt
Groomsman
Michael, Matthew's older brother and groomsman, has been not only a sibling but a trusted mentor and friend throughout Matthew's life. They share a deep bond, strengthened by their love for bringing their families together, working on their vehicles, and enjoying game nights with their loved ones. Michael's guidance and wisdom have been invaluable to Matthew, and he has always relied on Michael's advice during significant moments. Michael's unwavering support and presence in Matthew's life make him an indispensable part of his journey, and Matthew is grateful to have him by his side on the wedding day.