Our Wedding PartyOur Wedding Party
Finn SchlaflyFinn Schlafly
Guardian of the Bride and Groomsman
Finn is stepping into this day in a truly special way as both a groomsman and the one walking his mom down the aisle. There is no one she would rather have beside her. He is not giving her away, but joining her as they step together into this new chapter of our family. Finn loves all things video games and spends plenty of time playing alongside Dave. Also, he is Mom’s official horror movie partner, always ready for monster and zombie films or another Stranger Things rewatch. Ashley and Dave are so grateful for his steady heart, his amazing sense of humor, and the honor of having him walk with his Mom on this day.
Lucas SurdovelLucas Surdovel
Best Man
Lucas is stepping into the role of Best Man for his dad, and we could not imagine anyone better for the job. As a rising sophomore, he has already had an incredible year on stage, performing in Newsies as part of the company and taking on the unforgettable role of Plankton in SpongeBob the Musical. His talent, confidence, and presence always shine bright. Offstage, Lucas brings energy and humor wherever he goes. We fully expect him to be out on the dance floor, celebrating big and making the night even more fun. We are so proud of him and cannot wait to celebrate this special day with him by our side.
Ellie SchlaflyEllie Schlafly
Maid of Honor
Ellie is going to be an absolutely amazing Maid of Honor. She is most excited about the flowers and her big, special moment walking down the aisle and she has been practicing for it, of course. A devoted dancer, Ellie is already planning her time on the dance floor and is fully expecting a night filled with as much Taylor Swift as possible, plus her personal request, Golden from K-Pop Demon Hunters. We are especially excited for her unforgettable Dirty Dancing lift with Dave, which she has declared her official moment of the night. We cannot wait to watch her shine, laugh, and dance her way through the celebration.
Katelyn SurdovelKatelyn Surdovel
Bridesmaid
Katelyn is stepping into this day as a beautiful and proud bridesmaid, and we are so excited to celebrate with her. Heading into her senior year, she is deeply involved in her successful high school band, where she plays trumpet and brings both talent and dedication to everything she does. Her hard work and leadership already stand out. As the oldest of our total five kiddos, Katelyn carries a steady strength and grace that we admire so much. She loves her dad deeply and is especially excited to stand beside both he and Ashley as they celebrate this new chapter. We are so proud of the young woman she is becoming and cannot wait to watch her shine on this special day.
Chloe SurdovelChloe Surdovel
Bridesmaid
Chloe is stepping into this celebration as one of our wonderful bridesmaids, and we are so happy to have her by our side. Heading into seventh grade, she brings a quiet creativity and talent that makes her truly one of a kind. She loves all things crochet and has an incredible ability to turn simple threads into something beautiful, showing patience, imagination, and skill beyond her years. She also has some impressive dance moves that we are very much hoping make an appearance on the dance floor. We cannot wait to celebrate with her and watch her creativity and personality shine throughout the night.
Jordan LordJordan Lord
Voices of the Ceremony and Honorary Bridesmaid
As Ashley’s brother, Jordan has been part of every chapter of her life. She truly cannot imagine a single milestone without him somewhere in it. His steady presence, insight, and deep understanding of her heart have shaped who she is. A professor at Colorado College and a successful documentarian, he has built a life around powerful stories and meaningful ideas. It feels only right that his voice is woven into this day. He knows Ashley deeply. He knows Dave. He understands what this moment represents, and there was never a question that he would be part of it. Standing beside his sister as both reader and honorary bridesmaid is a reflection of a lifelong bond. His presence, wisdom, and love mean more than words can fully capture.
Ashli YuAshli Yu
Voices of the Ceremony and Honorary Bridesmaid
Ashli holds a deeply special place in Ashley’s life as one of her best friends. She is the friend she turns to for support, for honesty, and for the kind of laughter that fixes almost anything. She tells the truth with love, stands steady in every season, and shows up fully and faithfully. Both Ashli(ey)'s share a love of good books, great food, and a perfectly timed mani pedi, but more than that, they share a friendship built on trust and joy. Ashli has been there through conversations that mattered and moments that shaped everything. Having her stand beside Ashley and David and lend her voice to this day feels exactly right.
Brooke LeeBrooke Lee
Honorary Bridesmaid
Brooke is one of Ashley’s very best friends and the kind of person who brings joy into every room she walks into. Whether they are belting out Selena at full volume, meeting for a Mexican food friend date, or lingering a little too long at cocktail hour, life is simply more fun with Brooke in it. She is hilarious, loyal, and always ready to celebrate big. As the official Table Captain, she will absolutely be making sure the party starts early and stays strong all night long. While we chose to have our kids stand as the wedding party, Brooke is an honorary bridesmaid because if we had gone the traditional route, she would be right up there without question. We love her dearly and cannot imagine this day without her laughter, her energy, and her heart woven throughout it.
Kayla HodgeKayla Hodge
Honorary Bridesmaid
Kayla is one of Ashley’s very best friends and one of those rare people who simply shows up, every single time. She is fun, steady, and the kind of friend who makes life lighter just by being in it. Her loyalty, warmth, and joyful spirit mean more than words can say. She brings laughter, encouragement, and an energy that makes every gathering better. Whether it is a big milestone or an ordinary Tuesday, Kayla is there. While we chose to have our children stand as the wedding party, Kayla is an honorary bridesmaid because if we had gone the traditional route, she would be standing up there without question. We are so grateful for her friendship and cannot imagine celebrating this day without her by our side.
Karin AliKarin Ali
Voices of the Reception
Karin has always been a steady and loving presence in Dave’s life. As his sister, she has walked beside him through every chapter, offering support, honesty, and encouragement along the way. Their bond runs deep, and it means so much to have her standing with us on this day. She is an incredible mom and has been such a wonderful friend to both of us. Her kindness, strength, and thoughtful heart make her someone we admire deeply. We are especially grateful that she made the trip from Patterson, New York to celebrate with us. We cannot wait to hear the toast she will share at the reception, and we are so thankful her voice and love will be part of this unforgettable evening.
Albert LordAlbert Lord
Voices of the Reception and Father of the Bride
Ashley’s dad has been one of the most steady and faithful presences in her life. Through every season, he has offered strength, wisdom, humor, and unwavering love. His steady heart has shaped her in countless ways, and both Ashley and Dave love him deeply. Dave looks forward to football Sundays spent watching games with Albert. Their shared laughter and friendly commentary have become one of many things that bond them. And Ashley cannot imagine this day without her dad’s humor, his perspective, and his words woven into it. Having him not only stand as her father but also offer a toast at the reception makes this celebration even more meaningful.
Deborah LordDeborah Lord
Mother of the Bride
Ashley’s mom has been by her side through every step of this journey, from the big decisions to the smallest details. She came to wedding planner meetings, asked thoughtful questions, and supported every vision along the way. She even made the drive to Navasota because Ashley was absolutely determined to have French toile linens. That kind of love and commitment says everything. Her steady encouragement, excitement, and willingness to dive into the details have made this season even more special. She has celebrated every choice, every change, and every moment with a full heart. We are so grateful for her love and support and cannot wait to celebrate this beautiful day together.
Carol MeissnerCarol Meissner
Mother of the Groom
Carol recently made the move to Texas this March, and we could not be happier to have her close by. Having her nearby has been such a gift, not only for Dave but for Ashley and all of the kids as well. Dave loves his mom deeply. She has always been a steady source of encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional support in his life. Their bond is strong, and the respect and gratitude he carries for her are evident in the way he speaks about her and shows up for his family. That same warmth has extended beautifully to our entire crew. Her kindness and presence have meant so much as we step into this new chapter together. We are incredibly grateful she is here with us, celebrating not just this day, but the life we are building as one family.