Brannen Sorem and Allina Bryan, both from McKinleyville, were married in a small ceremony in Lake Tahoe, Calif. Bran is a freelance Web programmer, and a student at College of the Redwoods and Foothill College. Allina is a nursing student, in her second year at Humboldt State University. She also works part time at Mad River Birth Center as an aide. They live in McKinleyville and have a beautiful beagle named Belle. During their free time, they enjoy walking Belle on the Hammond Trail, going to movies and spending time with friends and family. They plan to take a road trip to Vancouver this summer for their honeymoon.

The Setting
The ceremony took place at Lake Tahoe in a private cabin. The couple’s good friend Eric Stackpole (from San Jose and McKinleyville) officiated the ceremony. The mother of the groom (Linda Thompson, of Eureka) and the mother of the bride (Chris Miller, of McKinleyville) helped with the decorations of pine branches, white tulips and blue irises.

The Flowers
The bride made her own bouquet, as well as the groom’s boutonniere. The maid of honor (the bride’s sister Keriann Bryan) also made her own bouquet, using white calla lilies, purple roses and other assorted flowers.

The Food
The mothers made the food. Cheese tortellini with alfredo sauce, salad and bread were served to the guests. They will have a wedding cake at the reception on Aug. 9.

The Photographer
The couple’s friends took pictures. Scott Wallace was the main photographer for the day, as a gift to the couple. He lives in San Luis Obispo and is working on his mechanical engineering degree at Cal Poly.

Something Else
The couple bought their rings at Greystone Jewelers in Eureka. Best man Morgan White flew in from New York to be there. “It was amazing and perfect,” said Brannen. The couple wanted something relaxed, fun and stress free, and that’s just what they got. This summer they will have a large celebration in Willow Creek with extended family and many more friends (and cake).