Ashley & Dakota
Wedding Party
Derrek
Groomsman
Ever since leaving the womb, Derrek has been stuck with Dakota. Dakota was the bully to him until Derrek got bigger than him and stopped putting up with this crap. One of the best things Dakota's mom has given him, is a brother that is only 1.5 years apart. Derrek was Dakota's first roommate when they both left the nest at 18 and 19 years old. As their mom puts it, Derrek is more the street-smart, handyman, kind of guy. While Dakota is more the booksmart, follow the recipe, kind of guy. They have been through many trials and tribulations together and have always been there for each other.
Anna
Bridesmaid
Ashley and Anna met day one freshman year of college at Wright State. Class was ending and Anna stood up and asked the class if anyone cared to have lunch with her. Ashley was the only one to accept her advancements. They discovered that they both have a passion for traveling and have now been to many places together from Chicago, Boston, to Israel. They had more plans of traveling together but Anna met her now husband, Garrett. Instead of catching feelings, Ashley caught another flight. Today they talk many times a week and enjoy going to plays and museums together. Although Ashley is still waiting for Anna to agree to the two week trip to Italy they planned many years ago!
Brendon
Groomsman
Brendon, another Gemini, is Dakota's cousin, Cami's husband. One of the most caring people he knows. Always willing to help out, and wants everybody to have a good time. Dakota loves their yearly trips down to the stadium to watch the Bengals. Dakota also appreciates Brendon for always inviting Dakota to Dakota's family events.
Claire
Bridesmaid
Ashley and Claire met while at a wedding photography workshop. They bonded over their love for photography and the fact that they both didn’t quite know what they were doing compared to everyone else at the workshop! They’ve helped each other out with second shooting and growing their photography businesses. They had their greatest adventure traveling to Hawaii for a photography workshop together! They enjoy shopping and definitely encourage each other to spend way too much!
Matt B.
Groomsman
Part of the Bravo Bunch, Dakota met Matt at Bravo when Dakota was one of his "trainers." Dakota recalls being understaff and Matt ran the terrace while Dakota ran the indoors. No training was necessary for Matt. They really connected when Matt moved in with Dakota many years later where they stayed roommates for 5 years. They have enjoyed a lot of great times together. The day Dakota became a fur father to Shelby, he took her to Matt at work and he asked Matt since his dog was such a good dog would Remi teach Shelby the way. He sure did and now Shelby is showing Ashley & Dakota's dog, Kia, the way. Dakota looks up to Matt as an older brother and has helped Dakota grow to who he is today.
Jamie
Bridesmaid
Ashley met Jamie while working at the Clark County Court House. Jamie was there as a court reporter. A co-worker of theirs told Jamie that Ashley had no friends (even though she did). Awkwardly they got each others numbers and set up a date. They didn't realize they were both pretty cool. During brunch, early on in their friendship, their waiter asked if they were best friends forever and Jamie said yes. They didn't realize they were committing so early on. They were both single together and Jamie made Ashley go out one night when she wanted to stay home and watch Disney movies. That night they met Dakota. So it’s a good thing Jamie made Ashley go out! Today they enjoy martinis and eating out together.
Matt T.
Groomsman
A fellow Gemini and a great person all around. Dakota and Matt connected in their mid to early twenties through a friend Danielle at a concert. They were the only ones without a date and decided to leave the crew and push their way to the front and coined the phrase "We Gotta Go!" in yelling those magical words pushed them to the front. What truly grounded their friendship was many months later of not talking, Dakota called him out of the blue, to be his vacation partner to Florida as everyone else had a somebody. Upon marrying his wife, Jill, Matt later retired from wingman status for the pursuit to find Ashley. Matt was kind enough to to find a replacement, Bryan Lude, to fill his big shoes.
Laura
Bridesmaid
Ashley met Laura when she moved to Illinois in high school. They were in gym class together and Laura spiked a volleyball at Ashley’s head because she knew Ashley was not athletic enough to block. The next semester they had foods class together and eventually became great friends! Laura, Ashley, and Katy were inseparable in high school and were known as the three amigos! The three alway get together when Ashley comes to Illinois to visit. Today Laura and Ashley like to eat at restaurants and watch reruns of Friends and Grey’s Anatomy together.
Mike
Groomsman
Dakota first met Mike through Dakota's brother at a poker table in their mom's basement when they were all in high school. Mike is considered one of Dakota's earliest wingman in the path to find Ashley. They’ve traveled far, wide, and to many bars to find her. 145 to be exact. Mike was there when Dakota first met Ashley. Although, Ashley didn’t really meet him that night because he was doing his own thing at Bar 145. Today, they enjoy playing volleyball every Thursday at Miami’s Valley Sands and talking about this crazy world.
Kylee
Bridesmaid
Kylee and Ashley met while in middle school. During twin day in high school Ashley went as the good twin and Kylee the bad twin, which they still like to reference. When Ashley moved to Illinois they kept in touch and grew even closer. They’ve gone through some tough times together and have leaned on each other for support. Today they enjoy getting together as much as possible and catching up!
Frank
Groomsman
One of the rare, Class of 2004, high school graduates Dakota is still friends with. In the beginning it was partying that brought them together. Then they went their separate ways for a while to find their paths in life. They were brought back together years later when they saw each other at Bargos. At that time he was selling mattresses out of his garage. Today, they enjoy getting together every few months or so and helping each other grow their businesses.
Lauren
Bridesmaid
Ashley met Lauren when Ashley moved in next door. Ashley was five years old and Lauren was seven. They found out they had the same birthday and have been friends ever since! They got to grow up together and fought like any sisters would. They used to love playing house with baby dolls and today enjoying getting together for pedicures and to catch up.
Bryan
Groomsman
The youngest realtionship of Dakota and his last wingman. Bryan first met Dakota at Dakota's house. Apparently they were at a bar with a large group of friends watching college football and Dakota left his leather jacket. Although the jacket looked way better on him, someone said that it was Dakota's. Bryan got his number and delivered it to Dakota’s house where they chatted for a bit. Didn't really connect untill a few more times of hanging with their mutual friend, Matt Tomb. Tomb retired as wingman when he met Jill and told us both we'd be a good team in the search for Ashley. Many bars later they ended at the right place, at the right time, and Bryan helped Dakota find the right lady.