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. After a few beers at the Hofbräuhaus, they ended up drinking until 2:00am at the hotel bar charging whiskey Cokes to the room. Thankfully, the next day Roland, their dad, 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.

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 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.

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.

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 awesome memories, spring break trips and summer vacations in Boise. After graduation, Jack moved to Salt Lake and later to San Diego. When he returned to Boise, he and Alex moved in together. They were roommates for 4 years. 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 New Year's Eve. The experience, food, and people are something they will never forget. Together, Jack and Alex have shared trips to San Diego, 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 have shared.

Byron is Alexandra’s older brother, one of the twins, and one 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. Alex remembers being completely intimidated as a Freshman and meeting Byron and his brother, Frank. Since graduating college, Byron and Alex have become great friends and have developed a much closer relationship. They both enjoy camping, fishing, and golfing together. Byron is quick witted, one of the most genuine people you will ever meet, and an amazing dad that Alex completely admires. Some of Alex’s favorite memories with Byron have been enjoying outdoor 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).

Jenn is not just my sister-in-law, but she was the first "Erstad sister" 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 my sister and forever friend. You will find Jenn singing along to most songs and busting some sweet moves on the dance floor.

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.

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. 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 both love golfing and have bonded over helping Frank’s son Harrison learn about the game. 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).

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 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. Derek is extremely driven, humble, and one of the most down to earth people you will ever meet, considering all he has accomplished. One of Alex’s favorite memories with Derek was a trip that 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. Derek is an amazing father to one of the flower girls (Vivienne).

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 of our beautiful flower girls and is someone I will always look up to.

Rochelle and I met in Moscow, Idaho, in 2009. Her brother, 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.

Spencer and Alex have known each other for almost 13 years after meeting during their freshman year at University of Idaho in the Sigma Chi Fraternity. They had grown up playing baseball against each other 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. 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 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.

Bryant and Alex met their freshman year at University of Idaho and became pledge brothers in the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Finding out that Bryant is from Coeur d’Alene, Alex realized that they had actually played baseball against each other in the past. The two of them were roommates 3 separate times while at U of I. They have made a point to travel and try to meet up 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 are going to Kauai over Alex’s 30th birthday and 4 different trips made to the country concert, Watershed, at the Gorge.

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 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, 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.

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

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, 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.

Chris and Alex have been friends for 11 years and first met when Alex was the Recruitment Chair at the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Chris was going through recruitment and had strong ties to the house, which made Alex’s job easy. Chris and Alex spent 2 years living together in the fraternity and both ended up back in Boise after graduating. 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 some great trips together over the past few years. Chris has become close with the Ochoa family, and is considered part of the family. Some of Alex’s favorite memories with Chris include a trip to Lake Tahoe for Chris’s bachelor party, Saturday beers while watching sports, and the annual Friendsgiving that he and his wife host.

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 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.

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.

Zack and Alex met about 10 years ago when the Alexes first started dating back in Boise. Zack and Alex bonded quickly over their competitive personalities and love of sports. They have become great friends over the last 3 years through 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 constantly make you crack up 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 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.