Wedding Party
Scot Stevens
Father of the Groom
The man who I've looked up to and admired since day one, Scot has been the best role model, support system and friend that a son could ever ask for. The hard work and sacrifice he's made over the years gave me incredible opportunities in life which I'll always be grateful for. With retirement quickly approaching after 42 years of service in the Department of Defense, Scot will likely be spending his free time cruising around in his beloved diesel truck, building guns to add to his ever-growing collection, and driving said truck to the shooting range to make sure he put all those guns together correctly.
Todd Albertson
Father of the Bride
The first man I ever loved. My partner for countless dances, outdoor adventures, happy hours, and of course an “Albertson Favorite”: yard projects. When not troubleshooting “micron” sized problems or building Business Process systems for the semi-conductor industry, Todd can be found chasing chukar all across Idaho & Oregon, practicing his target shooting or digging up a sprinkler line. Daddy, thank you for showing me what a strong man looks like, giving me the gift of my education, and teaching me invaluable life skills such as how to use an ohm meter and the benefits of diatomaceous earth in a garden.
Teri Stevens
Mother of the Groom
Easily one of the most selfless people I know, Teri would do absolutely anything for her family and friends while asking very little, if anything, for herself in return. When not doing the taxes for her two adult children (thanks mom), Teri can be found keeping the books for a family friend's small business, going on walks around the little town of Manchester, and staying in touch with old friends over the phone. While we obviously have countless great memories together, one of my favorites has to be Mom's Weekend 2006 at WSU when she simply could not miss at beer pong for some reason (after having never played the game before) and then confidently exclaimed "I used to go here, I know what I'm doing!". I love you, mom.
Lana Albertson
Mother of the Bride
Words will never be sufficient to express my love and respect for the woman I get to call my Mama. Over the past 30 years she has been my strongest support system, the first person to offer a helping hand whenever I need one, quick to share advice, and still reminds me daily to say my prayers. Some of my favorite memories together include cooking my great grandma’s recipes, watching plays at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival every summer, and working on countless crafts over the years for school projects. Mama, thank you for all the sacrifices you’ve made for me, leading our family with such grace & quiet strength, and for always salsa dancing around the kitchen with me when Feliz Navidad comes on the radio.
Justin Bleth
Best Man
Ask anyone who knows Justin and they'll tell you that he's a bit of a conundrum. On one hand, he's a hard-working family man who would do anything for his amazing wife, Josie, his adorable son, Lincoln, or any of his many friends. On the other hand, he's also been known to frequent sketchy dive bars in the Vancouver, WA area, chase racoons along concrete retention walls, and roll down various hills after a few too many beers. I suppose he's mastered the whole "life is about balance" thing. Justin and I met freshman year of college over a nice bottle of lukewarm banana-flavored rum and have been best friends ever since. If (when) the DJ plays "Stanky Legg" at the reception, keep an eye out for the best man charging to the floor like a linebacker and prepare yourself for what I can only describe as a complete and total mastery of mid-2000's hip-hop dancing.
Rachael Miller
Maid of Honor
I have to be VERY careful what I write about my spitfire best friend since she’s giving the toast at the wedding. The shortest member of the wedding party, what Rachael lacks in height she makes up for in entrepreneurial endeavors and vegan recipes. She is the first person to jump out of her comfort zone to try something new, offer advice with a wisdom far beyond her years, or ask if she can bring her dog Benny along wherever you’re going. Always looking for an adventure, she has been known to trick me into 16-mile hikes and skiing down terrain that ends with me buried in waist-deep snow. Opposite in almost every respect, Rach is truly the yin to my yang, always putting things in perspective and fiercely having my back in every situation. Although she's not the first one to start dancing, bring her to a silent disco and you won’t be able to drag her off the dance floor.
Tom Backus
Groomsman
I met Tom in March of 2019 when my sister, Leah, decided to fly out from Seattle and introduce me to her new boyfriend; and without realizing it at the time, the three of us started a new annual tradition of watching the first round of March Madness together while hopping around to all the fun bars and breweries in downtown Boise. Tom has quickly become part of the family as well as a great friend; and lucky for me, Leah said "yes" to his proposal this past Christmas so I'll officially get to call him my brother-in-law next year! Leah, thanks for taking in this sports-obsessed East Coast transplant - you picked a good one.
Brooke Humphrey
Bridesmaid
The only woman responsible enough to be a mother in my bridal party; Brooke is only the quiet one until you get to know her. We met at the University of Idaho when I was doing my undergrad and Brooke was working on her Masters and became fast friends when I convinced her to throw a Halloween party on my behalf because “her place was better for hosting”. Always down for BOGO margaritas, watching a Total Solar Eclipse, or making a mean moose chili, Brooke is one of the most fun (& busiest) people I know. She absolutely LOVES to dance so watch out for her husband, Joe, and her swing dancing their way around the dance floor all night.
Matt Claxton
Groomsman
If I had a nickel for every time Matt started a new business, I think I'd be up to a quarter by now. Always the entrepreneur of the group, Matt's creativity, drive, and ability to connect with people has taken him all over the western United States, starting and running awesome companies (driving celebrities around Alaska in a limo might be my favorite though). Lucky for me, he and his girlfriend, Michayla, decided to move from Las Vegas to Boise to start his most recent venture, so I get to see my "old college friend" all the time now! Matt will definitely be tearing up the dance floor and showcasing some of his many signature moves, but watch out if he disappears for a while - it likely means he's secretly ordering a round of shots that nobody asked for.
Caroline Lincoln
Bridesmaid
The Aquarian of the group, Caroline has more friends than anyone I know and is always trying to plan the next trip to a hot spring. Quick to listen and slow to speak, she is an advocate for the under-represented and under-served both professionally through her work and education, as well as personally with everyone she meets. Historically always the late one of the group, Carol has turned over a new leaf in the past year and is now often the first one to arrive for events, although it is still common for her to double-book herself because FOMO is alive and well. She has a contagious laugh and will be easy to spot at the wedding because she’ll be showing photos of her dog Wilson to anyone who will pay attention.
Marcos Peña
Groomsman
Marcos and I met during our final semester at WSU but didn't really become friends until after we graduated. On one fateful Friday night in 2010, I sent him a Facebook message asking how he's been doing since college. After chatting for a bit, we realized we only lived a few blocks away from each other and decided to meet up at a local bar for a drink. Over twelve years later and we've been roommates, gone to more concerts together than I can count, and luckily Marcos is yet another friend who's recently moved to Boise! A self-proclaimed international DJ because he once pressed play on Spotify while in Canada, Marcos will likely put in the most song requests of anyone during the reception (and might even take over the DJ booth if we're not keeping an eye on him because he actually is a pretty good DJ).
Erica Albertson
Bridesmaid
You’d probably never guess it based on looking at our blonde hair, blue eyes, and mutual love for wine, but Erica is my cousin and the last of the 3 granddaughters to wear the Albertson name after September 8th. My very first best friend and the closest thing to a sister I had growing up, the memories and embarrassing stories with this one are numerous. Our favorite thing to play growing up was “house” where we were adults with jobs and houses to clean and now that we have those things in real life, I think both of us wonder how that was ever fun. I can always count on Erica to pour me way too many drinks, ask me to keep an eye on her small backyard farm while she’s away, and to gift me a homemade craft to go with every season. This girl has literally never met a stranger in her life and is probably going to leave the wedding with at least 10 new friends.
Jimmy Van Beek
Groomsman
If I had to describe Jimmy in two words, it would probably be "gentle giant". Often resembling a red-headed lumberjack who could bench press twice my body weight, Jimmy's heart of gold (and impressive whiskey collection) has made him one of my best friends for over 10 years and counting. I also wouldn't have met Rachel if Jimmy didn't convince me to follow him out to Idaho, so I'll always owe him for that. A newly-minted father, he and his wife, Erin, will definitely be looking forward to dancing the night away (although it might take a couple of Matt's surprise shots to get him out there).
Megan Suitts
Bridesmaid
The tallest and arguably most poised of the bridesmaids, Megan Suitts is sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets. It is a well-known fact that her fiancé, Mike, and her host the best dinner parties, from which you will likely leave with a succulent, some type of game meat, and sourdough starter. She will also send you a thank you card for attending the party SHE hosted, making you reflect on the fact that your own thank you cards to people are several months overdue. She's one of the easiest people to talk to so be sure to ask her for a wine recommendation or travel tips for South America.