West Coast Latvian Education Center

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our humble love story began on Coffee Meets Bagel, a dating app that is best described as a virtual coffee shop that doesn’t work like today’s competitors requiring a swipe left or right. Rather, it works with the simple gesture of a “tap” on a heart next to a profile. When taps are mutual, a match is formed. The catch? Only first names and an icebreaker are introduced in a chat. Wild!

After quickly learning that we were each identical twins (both being the youngest) and had a connection to Washington state, we were jazzed and on track for a first date. Our first encounter was on July 24, 2020 amidst the unpredictable COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal was to (safely) let go of the world’s problems, even just for a day, and make an adventure out of it. We met at the M Street Coffee Shop in Studio City. With iced caramel lattes in-hand, we went to Topanga State Beach to soak up the day’s sun and bond over life’s dazzles and questions. Russell brought a big blanket and Sushi Go Party. Soon, the mood went from fun to sentimental. As we lay on the beach, the waves told us a story. It was beautiful. As the sun drooped low on the horizon, we took the PCH to Tacos tu Madre and ordered eclectic tacos, opening the Honda CRV hatch as our outdoor dining area. The evening concluded with a trip to Afters Ice Cream (Milky Buns, mmmmm…) and a spontaneous first kiss at the Topanga Lookout. With Ilze home safe, the drive home for Russell was nothing but a super cheesy grin. All was well!

The next 3 years were full of new experiences. Three big apartment moves brought us together in our charming abode in Woodland Hills. We’ve traveled the world - Maui, Washington (Russell’s first and longest road trip, even a first for Oregon), The Netherlands, Italy, France, and stunning Latvia. Qualities and ambitions complement each other well (Russell is now an IT developer at his current employer and Ilze continues to inspire children as a 3rd grade teacher). Ilze makes a mean parm chicken with asparagus. Russell is a BBQ grill-meister. Ilze loves The Bachelor and Russell is a Sci Fi nerd. Starting a family with kids is a resounding YES in our future. Life is good.

With the love we have for each other and the love we have for you, we are beyond excited to host you for our celebration at a place we both call home. We hope to see you soon! :)

Our Story

Memories

The Parties

Aija Mattson

Ryan Barton

Viktorija Hill

Sammie Ofina

Elana Helfand

Evan Herbert

Andra Stasko

Stephen Gomez

Daira Papalardo

Jorge Rangel

Kaija Stasko

Andris Mattson

The Families

Lolita Ritmanis-Mattson

Mark Mattson

Diana Barton

Additional Wedding Ceremony Participants

Lilija Carmen Jovel

Leni Ritmanis

Quinn Ritmanis

Markus Stasko

Christian Popalardo

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

Lodging Options

Dorm - available free-of-charge Saturday and Sunday nights August 31 and September 1. Bunk beds, 4 beds/room. Communal restroom and showers. First come, first serve. Prioritized for out-of-state guests and family, but we will do our best to accommodate you! Requesting a dorm room may be found on the RSVP page. Tent - available free-of-charge Saturday and Sunday nights August 31 and September 1. Tents may be pitched on the property near the dorms. Please bring your own tent, sleeping bags, warm clothes, etc. Communal restrooms and showers are available for campers. If you plan to pitch a tent, please let us know on the RSVP form. Hotels - discount codes for blocked rooms will be updated on this page as they become available and are subject to expire at any time. Complementary shuttle service will be provided to and from the venue from the three hotels listed below. If you have any questions please contact us and we will be happy to assist you!

Near Mason County Historical Society MuseumMake yourself at home in one of the 39 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and micr

Super 8 by Wyndham Shelton

Near Little Creek CasinoMake yourself at home in one of the 190 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Flat-screen televisions are provided for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.With a stay at Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, you'll be connected to the convention center, just steps 

Little Creek Casino Resort

Shelton Inn

Travel

<a href="https://document-tc.galaxy.tf/wdpdf-8ngr8lx4grz8yf4s8s0m4hhw0/nature-trails_cms-document.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here for hiking trails map.</a>

Alderbrook Hiking Trails

Prices: $8.00 for ages 12 and older$3.00 for ages 6-11FREE ages 5 and under

Skyline Drive In Theater

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

High Steel Bridge

Things to Do

Ilze & Russell

Ilze & Russell

Q + A

When should I RSVP by?

Is there a discount for booking a hotel room?

Will there be a shuttle to and from my hotel?

May I bring a +1 to the event?

What time should I arrive to the venue?

I’m excited for a photo with the bride and groom! How do I make sure I get with them in a picture?

What should I wear?

I plan to lodge overnight and want to attend Atkāzas (day after Wedding) festivities. Should I pack anything specific?

Is there anything I need to know about the venue?