Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist

Wedding Day

Wedding

The Riverside Hotel

Reception

Our Story

Boy Meets Girl

In the quiet, small town of Moscow, Idaho, two teenagers fell in love at first sight. It all started on a late August evening in the most romantic setting a first encounter could take place...Sigma Chi Fraternity. As Alexandra was standing behind the bar, Alex walked in and made her lose all focus of anything else going on around her.&nbsp; Alex says that he knew at this moment that he would marry her one day. What he didn't know was the unique path that they would take to get there. Both too shy to approach one another, a friend---thank you, Breanne---&nbsp;introduced them and their journey began.

Falling in Love

Round 1

From their initial meeting they started a friendship and an "on again, off again" relationship. There were various Greek system functions in between, dates to Moscow’s finest restaurant (Sangria), and flirtatious moments, but the Alexes wouldn’t figure it out until the end of Senior Year. On the night of Delta Gamma’s Cream Rose Formal, they walked back to Sigma Chi together even though they weren’t each other’s dates.&nbsp;They knew they had to figure things out. Reminiscing on that night, both Alexes say that it was almost as if they knew this moment was going to happen at some point in their lives because after a year of not talking to one another, the conversation about how much they loved each other was completely natural. Before Alexandra graduated in May of 2011, these two stubborn, love struck kids finally made it official and decided to head home to Boise as a couple.

The Alexes began their careers in Boise and tried to figure out life after college together. This led to another two years of dating, but as time continued on, they realized their paths were slowly pulling apart. Unfortunately, but later realized to be a blessing, the Alexes split in 2014. They would not communicate for the next three years. During this time, they both focused on themselves, grew emotionally and independently, and figured out what mattered most to them in life. Both individuals would tell you at that time that they never thought they would be where they are today, but God had other plans.

Round 2

Fast forward to spring of 2017. As fate would have it, one of their best mutual friends (Emily Ringer) called each of them individually letting them know she was moving to Seattle and stopping in Boise on her way. Being the true Vandal that she is, Emily gathered all of the UI friends for some beers&hellip;. including both Alexes. The group of friends met at one bar, which was the first time the Alexes had interacted in 3 years. They awkwardly said hi to each other but did not converse. The next bar they moved to happened to force them together. As they piled into seats, ironically enough the two Alexes sat next to each other. It was clear that they would have to talk, so they both dove in head first. As questions were asked and stories were told for the next two hours, they realized how much they missed one another and how natural it was all over again. The rest of the night was spent with the two of them ignoring their friends and catching up. 



Although the connection was palpable that night, the Alexes somehow slipped back into their on again, off again routine. The difference this time around was that they both hesitated to jump back into this, involve their families, and not be ready for commitment. As they played mind games with each other, they found themselves constantly thinking about the other and asking to go on&nbsp;hikes, to happy hours, and camping. Finally, in November of 2017&nbsp;they knew this was the real thing and that it was time to focus on what they really wanted- each other. Alex knew that he would never let her go again.

Deciding on Forever

Numerous trips, adventures, laughs, and cries led to Florence, Italy in the summer of 2019. Alexandra wanted to take Alex to Michelangelo Square- this had been her dream for years! This was the one place that she had always thought of him while studying abroad in college.&nbsp;When she visited with her parents in 2010, she saw how beautiful and romantic this place was and made a wish to return to this spot with the love of her life one day.&nbsp; 

After a day of adventuring around Florence and a walk in the heat wave before dinner, Alexandra and Alex made their way up to the Michelangelo Square. Trying to take selfies that were not working out, Alexandra asked a stranger to take their picture. As she was taking their picture, Alex suddenly became very peculiar about the angle of the camera. He asked her to take another picture. Alexandra thought he was being crazy and didn’t understand why the guy who never wants to take pictures was suddenly invested in this one. As she turned to give him a confused look, she found him on one knee with a ring in hand. The moment was romantic, perfect, and felt like a fairy tale. It was everything every little girl hopes for. Alexandra couldn’t believe the moment she had hoped and prayed for had actually happened.&nbsp;







The Alexes are so excited to share their big day with all of you and see what adventures life brings them next.&nbsp;







“It doesn’t matter where you are going, it’s who you have beside you.”

Our Love Story

Our Wedding

Planning Your Stay

Wedding Registry

Ryan is Alex’s younger brother and best man. They are separated by 7 years, so clearly most of what Ryan knows, Alex has taught him. Ryan and Alex both have a love for baseball, are self-described foodies (probably food snobs at times) and love to travel. Alex would describe Ryan as loyal, approachable and kind-hearted. One of Alex’s favorite memories with Ryan was during a family trip to Germany.&nbsp;After a few beers at the Hofbräuhaus, they ended up &nbsp;drinking&nbsp;until 2:00am&nbsp;at the hotel bar&nbsp;charging whiskey Cokes to the room. Thankfully, the next day Roland, their dad,&nbsp;kindly picked up the tab for them. Alex will never forget that night and the bond that was created with his brother in such an amazing city.

Ryan Ochoa

7th grade Spanish class is not your typical location for a life changing moment, but in this case at East Junior High, the stars aligned and brought me to my best friend and the sister I&nbsp;never had. Carly and I have been friends for 18 years and I can honestly say that she has been there through the thick and thin and everything in between. She is the most loyal and dependable friend. Whether we are in the same time zone or not, I know she will answer the phone at all hours and be there for me no matter what. Carly has a heart of gold, and the best laugh you will ever hear. She always knows exactly what I need, even when I don’t. She is one in a million and I am beyond lucky to call her my best friend and have her by my side as my Matron of Honor.

Carly McCraney

If you need an honest friend- Sarah is your girl! I remember the moment I met Sarah, like it was yesterday. She was standing by her locker and a friend introduced us. I remember thinking, “Wow! What a kind person! She was unbelievably sweet, approachable, and had the warmest smile on her face. This was Sarah in seventh grade, but is also Sarah today. She is comforting, welcoming, and has the purest heart. If life ever throws you for a loop, Sarah will be the first one at your doorstep with wine, ice cream, and flowers.

Sarah Mohr

Jack and Alex have been friends for almost 13 years after meeting during their freshman year at the University of Idaho. They lived in the Sigma Chi Fraternity together for 4 years which consisted of&nbsp;&nbsp;awesome memories, spring break trips and summer vacations&nbsp;in Boise. After graduation,&nbsp;Jack moved to Salt Lake and later to San Diego. When he returned to Boise, he and Alex&nbsp;moved in together. They were roommates for 4 years.&nbsp;Alex considers Jack one of his best friends. Jack is smart, loyal and a decent golfer. One of Alex’s favorite memories with Jack was when they traveled to Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan for vacation and celebrated&nbsp;New Year's Eve. The experience, food, and people are something they&nbsp;will never forget.&nbsp; Together, Jack and Alex&nbsp;have shared&nbsp;trips to San Diego,&nbsp;traveled to Germany, and have watched the University of Idaho play USC in the Coliseum in Los Angeles. Alex is grateful for the adventures he and Jack&nbsp;have shared.

Jack Strong

Byron is Alexandra’s older brother, one of the twins, and one&nbsp;of Alex’s future brother in laws. Byron and Alex met a few times in college when Alex and Alexandra were freshman starting to spend time together.&nbsp;Alex remembers being completely intimidated as a Freshman and&nbsp;meeting Byron and his brother,&nbsp;Frank.&nbsp;Since graduating college, Byron and Alex have become great friends and have&nbsp;developed a much closer relationship. They both enjoy camping, fishing, and golfing together. Byron is&nbsp;quick witted,&nbsp;one of the most genuine people you will ever meet, and an&nbsp;amazing dad that Alex completely&nbsp;admires. Some of Alex’s favorite memories with Byron have been enjoying outdoor&nbsp;activities together which have turned into traditions: Kurly’s Golf Tournament, Mountain View fishing trip, and weekends at the Erstad cabin. Byron is the father of two of our ring bearers (Hyatt and Kalum).

Byron Erstad

Jenn is not just my sister-in-law, but she was the first "Erstad&nbsp;sister"&nbsp;I ever had. From the moment we met, I knew she would be a part of our family forever. We’ve since shared plenty of karaoke sessions at the cabin, dance parties (including our terrible, personally created version of Basque dancing), and laughing fits that hurt our abs and made us cry. Jenn has been a strong supporter of “The Alexes” from day one and has been our biggest cheerleader through our journey. She is a beautiful soul who wants the best for everyone and is an incredible mother to two of our adorable ring bearers. She is&nbsp;my sister and forever friend.&nbsp;You will find Jenn singing along to most songs and busting some sweet moves on the dance floor.

Jennifer Erstad

Lindsay is not only my sister-in-law, but also one of my dearest friends. She has always allowed me to come over unannounced, call her with medical questions, and stay late enough that she makes me dinner. Linds is a humble and brilliant woman who leads, mothers, and cares for others in such a strong manner that she sets the example. Some of my favorite moments with Linds end in deep belly laughs and hours escaping us. She is my role model, my sister, and my friend. She is also the mother to one of our handsome ring bearers and one of our beautiful flower girls.

Lindsay Erstad

Frank is Alexandra’s older brother, the second of the twins, and Alex’s future brother in law. Frank and Alex have been able to spend a lot of time together since Alexandra and Alex have been dating. &nbsp;Alex really looks up to Frank as a big brother. Frank and his wife, Lindsay, live close by and the Alexes seem to find themselves at their house almost weekly, spending time together. Alex and Frank&nbsp;both love golfing and have bonded over helping Frank’s son Harrison learn about the game.&nbsp;Frank is dedicated to his family, hardworking, and always has a way of making people around him laugh. Some of Alex’s favorite memories with Frank are weekends spent at the Erstad family cabin, fishing trips, and foosball tournaments. Frank is the father of one of the ring bearers (Harrison) and flower girls (Sloane).

Frank Erstad

Derek is Alexandra’s older brother and one of Alex’s future brothers in law. Derek and Alex have been able to spend much more time together over the past 3 years since the Alexes started dating again. During this time they have been able to bond over conversations of the latest Ronaldo news and&nbsp;Alex’s new found love of European soccer. Alex appreciates the time Derek sets aside for him when they visit and the relationship they have formed.&nbsp;Derek is extremely driven, humble, and one of the most down to earth people you will ever meet,&nbsp;considering all he has accomplished. One of Alex’s favorite memories with Derek was a trip that&nbsp;the Alexes took to visit him and his family in the fall of 2018 in Boston. They went for a long fall weekend to meet Derek and Natalie’s daughter, Vivienne, for the first time. This trip was centered around family and was one they won't ever forget.&nbsp;Derek is an amazing&nbsp;father to one of the flower girls (Vivienne).

Derek Erstad

Natalie stole my brother’s heart the moment they met. Little did she know, she stole all of ours as well. Nat was an instant friend and sister. Although distance may lie between states, there is no distance in our relationship. She is truly an all-around amazing human, and also one of the most patient people on the planet. Nat allows me to play twenty questions every time I call and calms and reassures me that my google search is not a valid medical diagnosis. She is the mother to two&nbsp;of our beautiful flower girls and is someone I will always look up to.

Natalie Vokes

Rochelle and I met in Moscow, Idaho, in 2009. &nbsp;Her brother,&nbsp;Alex, had asked my sorority sisters and me to help move her in and make her feel welcome at school. That was easy to do once I met her, and found our shared love for Harry Potter, Coors Light, and Duck Farts. As time passed and the Alexes came to be, Rochelle quickly became the one that made me feel welcome. She brought me into the family with open arms and made me feel right at home...even the second time around. Rochelle has a huge heart, a passion for the outdoors, and a love for life that one rarely sees. She has an infectious laugh and can always crack us up with her silly jokes and random facts about nature.

Rochelle Ochoa

Spencer and Alex have known each other for almost 13 years after meeting during their freshman year at University of Idaho in the&nbsp;Sigma Chi Fraternity. They had grown up playing baseball against each other&nbsp;at different times in Boise, but never really knew one another. When meeting at the UI, the two of them quickly bonded over sports, travel, and good cocktails. Since graduating, Spencer has become one of Alex’s best friends.&nbsp;Spencer is extremely intelligent, adventurous, and one of the nicest people you will ever spend time with. Alex has never seen Spencer mad or speak poorly about someone. Alex and Spencer enjoy many weekends golfing, spending&nbsp;time at the Homan cabin, and countless travels together. A few of Alex’s favorite memories with Spencer have been traveling to Japan for New Years and a trip to Carmel/Pebble Beach.

Spencer Homan

Bryant and Alex met their freshman year at University of Idaho and became pledge brothers in the&nbsp;Sigma Chi Fraternity. Finding out that&nbsp;Bryant is from Coeur d’Alene, Alex realized that&nbsp;they had actually&nbsp;played baseball against each other in the past. The two of them were roommates 3 separate times while at U of I. They&nbsp;have made a point to travel and try to&nbsp;meet up&nbsp;yearly to spend time together. Bryant is humble, kind-hearted, and one the funnest people you can spend time with. Some of Alex’s favorite memories with Bryant&nbsp;are going to Kauai over Alex’s 30th birthday and 4 different&nbsp;trips made to the country concert,&nbsp;Watershed, at the Gorge.&nbsp;

Bryant Sampson

Breanne and I met August 2007 when I became a Delta Gamma at the University of Idaho. We had our phones taken away during recruitment so that no one would influence our choice of house. Once I chose DG, I was so excited to get to the house! As I was&nbsp;standing outside of DG, Breanne ran up to me and in about 15 seconds said, “Hi, my name is Breanne. Welcome to DG. My dad and your dad are best friends and my dad can’t wait any longer to tell your dad that you are a DG. Here, you can use my phone and call your dad to tell him!” and placed her phone in my hands. I couldn’t process much in that moment, but I knew from that instant on, that this girl had my back...and she has ever since. Breanne is the most giving, driven, and compassionate person I know. She has been by my side through a range of life experiences- including jumping out of a plane to skydive! Whether I need someone to talk to, run with, or explore,&nbsp;Breanne is always there. I can’t imagine another person in this world that I would go on crazy adventures with, other than Breanne- she is my forever friend.

Breanne Simplot

Ryan and Alex met their freshman year at University of Idaho as they became pledge brothers. They quickly became friends when discovering&nbsp;that they were&nbsp;both&nbsp;from Boise and would be in the&nbsp;business college together. Over the next 4 years, Ryan and Alex&nbsp;had many classes together, lived together multiple semesters in the fraternity, and spent various school breaks together in Boise.&nbsp;&nbsp;After college, Ryan moved to San Diego and opened his doors to Alex every time he visited.&nbsp;Ryan holds strong to his beliefs, might be the only person more stubborn than Alex, and is&nbsp;a friend you can always count on to support you. Alex’s favorite memories with Ryan include numerous&nbsp;trips to San Diego, attending&nbsp;multiple NFL games, going to &nbsp;San Diego Padres games ,&nbsp;and days spent Pacific Beach Shore Club Bar, one&nbsp;of the greatest bars in the world and Ryan’s second home.

Ryan Heiser

In the moment that Emily and I met, we knew this friendship was something special that would last forever. We quickly became best friends and a part of each other’s families. Emily is one of the kindest, humblest, and funniest individuals I have ever known. She puts others first, ensures everyone is happy, and is always ready for an adventure. Whether it’s going for a run at 1 am or trying to jump fences to get the hide-a-key, Emily is always there by my side,&nbsp;laughing while rooting me on! She is a support system I wish everyone had. “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” I am beyond blessed to have Emily as that friend.

Emily Weis

Chris and Alex have been friends for 11 years and first met when Alex was the Recruitment Chair at the&nbsp;Sigma Chi Fraternity. Chris was going through recruitment and had strong ties to the house,&nbsp;which made Alex’s job easy. Chris and Alex spent 2 years living together&nbsp;in the fraternity and both ended up back in Boise after graduating.&nbsp;Chris is hard working, loyal and one of the best times you will have, no matter what you are doing with him. Chris and Alex both love to travel and have had&nbsp;some great trips together over the past few years. Chris has become&nbsp;close with&nbsp;the Ochoa family,&nbsp;and is considered part of the family.&nbsp;Some of Alex’s favorite memories with Chris include a trip to Lake Tahoe for Chris’s&nbsp;bachelor party, Saturday beers while watching sports, and the annual Friendsgiving that he and his wife host.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chris Whipps

It is said that when paths keep crossing, two people are destined to be in each other’s lives. Destiny brought Annie and me together. Annie and I both grew up in Boise and had our paths cross multiple times through soccer, work, parents, etc. It wasn’t until 2014 we finally figured out that we were meant to be great&nbsp;friends! Annie is the most giving, kindest, and selfless human you will ever meet. If halos were visible, you would find one right above her head. She is the friend that picks you up when you are down, but raises you higher when you are on top of the world. She is the best at setting up walks on the greenbelt, hosting wine nights, and finding the positive from every situation.

Annie Schwab

My first day moving into my classroom was the most exciting yet terrifying day of my career. I was a nervous new teacher with about a million questions. All of that dissolved the minute I met Amanda. To this day, I still wonder how I was ever lucky enough to score her as my first teaching partner. She is simply amazing. Although this was a work relationship to begin with, it very quickly became a friendship that would last forever. I couldn’t pick a better person to go through all of our trials and tribulations, adventures, and discoveries with. Whether it is winning our cabin olympics, being superheroes, or riding bikes in the rain, Amanda is the sidekick that's been by my side.

Amanda Kuznia

Zack and Alex met about 10 years ago when the Alexes first started dating back in Boise.&nbsp;Zack and Alex bonded quickly over their competitive personalities and love of sports. They have become great friends over the last 3 years through&nbsp;training for half marathons, going camping at Redfish Lake, and hitting late night happy hours. Zack is motivated, extremely smart, and has an awesome sense of humor. He will &nbsp;constantly make you crack up&nbsp;when you're with him. One of Alex’s favorite memories with Zack was when they traveled to Playa del Carmen in 2018. Zack and Alex&nbsp;spent time dominating the volleyball court, making sure that the all-inclusive aspect was being taken full advantage of, and sharing awesome memories in paradise.

Zack McCraney

Wedding Party

Photos

Q + A

For transportation to/from the hotel from the airport, please call the front desk directly at 208.343.1871. The guest service agent will update you&nbsp;on the shuttle arrangements and give you an estimated time (if the shuttle isn’t waiting there already).

Rooms must be booked by Friday, July 9th to receive the wedding block discount.Ask for the Erstad/Ochoa Wedding&nbsp;Group Block &amp; Rate Need a ride from the airport to the hotel? Call 208.343.1871 and ask for an update of the Riverside Hotel's shuttle service!

Travel

Sunday Funday

Have Some Hair of the Dog!

Please come and enjoy some hair of the dog with us at Payette Brewing on Sunday from 12-3. A food truck will be available along with mimosas, beer, or wine for purchase! We look forward to sharing wedding stories and hearing about everyone's events from the wedding night. 

Address: 733 S Pioneer St, Boise, ID 83702, USA

Phone:&nbsp;208-344-0011

Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.payettebrewing.com/">http://www.payettebrewing.com/</a>

Alexandra & Alex

Alexandra & Alex

A&A

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception