Ashley & Eric
Wedding Party
Carol McMasters
Mother of the Bride
Ashley would describe her mother as her biggest fan and number one supporter because throughout middle school, high school, and college she was always on the sidelines cheering (both soccer and field hockey). Ashley also attributes her fierce independence and generous character to Carol's unconditional love and parenting style. Even though people poke fun at her mom's nickname of "Binkie", Ashley is thankful every day to have a mother who loves her so much, and cannot wait to share this momentous occasion with her.
Mac McMasters
Father of the Bride
Ashley gained two amazing characteristics from her father: the drive to always provide and sacrifice for your family when needed, and an "unhealthy" love of puns and dad jokes. Mac served in the Navy for over 25 years and continued the same work as a civilian after retirement. Even though he spent deployments and long term assignments away from his family, they felt his love from afar. Ashley will always be his princess and will chuckle when he inevitably says that he feeling is "finer than frog's hair" before walking her down the aisle.
Anne-Marie Lai
Mother of the Groom
Eric credits his mom with his studiousness and work ethic. Anne-Marie always pushed him to work hard and always do his best. One memory that comes to mind is when she was working on an end of the semester paper for graduate school; she spent hours and hours refining the minute details of the paper. Eric reminded her, "No one asks for your graduate GPA." Eric then had to eat humble pie when he grumbled about finishing his Masters' program with a 3.98 instead of a 4.0. Eric appreciates his mother's unconditional support and is excited to share the day with her.
Tony Ramirez
Father of the Groom
Eric has always admired the fact that his dad will do anything for his children. Eric inherited his dedication, athleticism, and half of his sense of humor from Tony. The two can spend hours making obscure Howard Stern Show references or listening to the phony phone calls. Eric, Tony, and Alanna even managed to yell "Baba Booey" on live TV behind Fox's local weatherman while he was reporting around the corner from their apartment. Eric and Ashley are happy to honor Tony's love of ice skating in holding the ceremony at an ice hockey rink.
Jo-Ann Provencher
Maid of Honor
Jo-Ann, Ashley, and Eric all became friends at Columbia University. Ashley and Jo-Ann became close after a road trip in 2009 with a shared hatred of the "grumbly, rumbly" car, and became even closer after numerous wine, cheese, and flashcard dates helping Jo-Ann study for her boards in 2014. Through the years, Jo-Ann's loving, thoughtful, and loyal character has shined and provided Ashley with unconditional support and advice.
Sean O'Reilly
Best Man
Sean and Eric met in the 7th grade at De La Salle Academy, and the two have grown together as brothers ever since. They have been there for each other throughout high school, career changes, and both of them temporarily moving out of state. Eric and Ashley love going to watch Sean perform at open mics, and a favorite shared memory happened on the eve of New Year's Eve 2014; it involved drinking and racing the clock in the game "Perfection".
Alanna Ramirez
Bridesmaid
Alanna is Eric's younger sister by 8 years, but her genuine, loving spirit has prompted the two to grow closer as adults. Eric and Ashley love spending time with her discussing or watching live music, and they recently rocked out to Phantogram, Royal Blood, and Tool at Gov Ball 17. Alanna shares laughs with the couple while quoting Arrested Development or Rick and Morty, or as she teaches them how to throw secret parties in an older sibling's apartment!
Adolfo Cuesta
Best Man
Adolfo and Eric met in middle school, but became much closer after going to the same summer research program. They've remained close friends over the years, even after Adolfo moved to California to pursue an M.D./PhD. Even though they had met before, Ashley grew to appreciate Adolfo's wit, charisma, and generosity when the couple stayed with him in San Francisco in 2014. While Eric and Ashley have yet to keep their promise- they will be back to visit soon!
Julia McMasters
Bridesmaid
Julia is Ashley's sister-in-law, and the two started their friendship around a decade ago. Even though they live hundreds of miles apart (Jon and Julia are in Ashley's hometown of Virginia Beach), they have shared many great memories over the years from New Year's Eve in NYC to boating in Broad Bay. Julia even introduced Ashley to one of her favorite stouts on a 2015 birthday ski trip in Virginia (Biggie S'mores!)
Jonathan McMasters
Groomsman
As Ashley's older brother, Jon has always been a figure she looked up to. After Eric and Jon met in July 2010, Eric also began looking up to and admiring Jon's fierce entrepreneurial spirit and fun-loving attitude. Jon quickly welcomed Eric into the family and made him feel at ease with his humor. While not everyone "loves" Jon's random neighborhood updates, he is easily the life of any party and an extremely loyal person to those he loves.
Heather Aspegren
Bridesmaid
Heather and Ashley met through playing street hockey in BTSH, but they really became friends after several nights full of antics. Heather was one of the ladies who traveled to New Orleans for Ashley's 30th birthday, and the pair recently spent almost two weeks exploring Cambodia. In addition to traveling, they both love eating Popeye's fried chicken, exploring microbreweries, and drinking champagne (adult soda!). Eric and Ashley are grateful to have such a loyal and honest friend.
Doug Yorke
Groomsman
Eric and Doug met when Eric moved to Delaware for a job opportunity in 2014. A mutual friend introduced them through Facebook, saying: "You both like cars and hockey." Doug was really excited to possibly gain a friend outside of his current circle from AFDIL. Eric and Doug finally met while playing volleyball one night, and Doug was dismayed to learn that Eric actually worked at AFDIL too. Nonetheless, the two became fast friends sharing a similar sense of humor.
Felicia Lucero
Bridesmaid
Eric and Felicia met during their (still unfinished) Masters program at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. They bonded over inside jokes and nicknames while in school, and grew closer after Eric started working at the OCME with her. While Ashley and Felicia met each other through after work happy hours, the trip to Windham Mountain is where "PIZZA!" was born; Ashley helped/saved Felicia down the bunny slopes. Ashley loves Felicia's easy going manner and spirited personality.
Mike Smith
Groomsman
Mike and Eric are basically identical, "grumpy" old men- it won't be long before they start yelling at people to "get off the lawn!" The two met after realizing they both worked for the same adult rec league and played in BTSH (NYC street hockey league). They share a love for car racing and went to several NASCAR and IndyCar races over the years. In addition to their shared passion for cars and hockey, the two can share a laugh over twisted jokes and Simpsons references.
Chris Fernicola
Officiant
Eric and Ashley knew for several years that their wedding would not be traditional in a lot of ways. When they reached the subject of who they wanted to officiate their wedding, it was an easy decision. Ashley and Chris have known each other for almost 20 years and have shared countless memories together from spaghetti man to walking ALL over the island of Manhattan. Eric met Chris in 2010 and appreciated his great sense of humor and his honest, caring attitude. The friendship of the three has grown since 2010, most notably through late nights of playing spades and drinking beer.