Wedding Party
Elise Miller
Maid of Honor
Elise and Ashlee met on the first day of 6th grade. They were at the same bus stop and bonded over the fact they both had instruments which meant they were both in band. All through middle school Elise and Ashlee became best friends! From late night car chats to crazy adventures Elise has been there for it all. During the darkest parts of Josh and Ashlee's relationship, Elise was there to support us both and encouraged us and most importantly lifted us up in prayer. She truly feels like the sister Ashlee never had. Ashlee and Elise were neighbors all through middle and high school so they were together all the time. They were also in drama class together so they had the honor of performing alongside one another! Josh and Elise in their adult lives have become incredibly close friends, and Elise is always a major encourager in Josh’s corner. Elise is one of the funniest, most loyal people Ashlee has ever met, and she is so thankful for their friendship!
Jordan Ingraham
Maid of Honor
Jordan and Ashlee have become best friends over the past year and a half. Jordan and Ashlee are neighbors (literally living across the hall from one another!) Jordan is always encouraging and challenging Ashlee to be more like Jesus, and her kindness is inspiring. Jordan and Ashlee met because they are in the same family group as Passion City Church. Ashlee cherishes their carpool chats, wine nights, walks and any other adventure they take together. Not to mention they bond over their love of pickleball and puzzles! Ashlee is truly able to be herself around Jordan, without fear of being judged. Jordan and Josh have a sweet relationship where so much kindness is shared between one another.
Cam Free
Best Man
Josh and Cam meet by working at sneaker stores in Atlanta. Come to find out he was also a Youth Pastor. Josh noticed Cam reading his bible in the background Mall Food Court (of all places), started a conversation and the rest is history. Over time, they became friends over their bond of sneakers, and their walk in ministry. Around that time, Cam was also looking for a leader for the female students in his ministry at Mars Hill Presbyterian Church. This lead to Ashlee stepping into that role. Cam, Josh and Ashlee now are the NextGen team at Mars Hill building a youth, college, and young adults ministry! Cam and Josh are currently roommates and have become best friends. Cam is continually encouraging Josh to become the man God has created him to be.
Maddie Gough
Bridesmaid
Maddie and Ashlee have been best friends since sixth grade. They had the same math class (Thank you Ms. Gunther!) Ashlee was the new girl and didn't know anyone yet and was struggling to make friends. Shortly after, while Ashlee's family was church hunting, they attended Westover Church in Greensboro NC. When Ashlee walked into the youth room, Maddie was the first person she saw and was so excited because she knew someone! Maddie was also super excited to see someone from school as well! This created an instant friendship and they never looked back! Maddie has been there through the thick and thin of it all. From Making dance videos to California Girls to food fights in the house (sorry Mom and Dad!) Maddie's friendship is one that Ashlee deeply values. Ironically, Maddie actually dated Josh prior to me our junior year of high school, and she is the reason Josh and Ashlee met...really we owe Maddie the world!! Besides bonding over how better they both are broken up, Maddie and Josh bond over their love of dogs!
Nikki Gough
Bridesmaid
Nikki and Ashlee have also been friends since sixth grade. Nikki was there when Ashlee walked into the youth room at Westover Church. But Nikki and Ashlee didn't truly form their own friendship until seventh grade. From sharing lockers in PE class to playing Super Ball...the greatest sport to ever be invented (yes we invented it) Nikki has been there through it all. Ashlee has so many fond memories through high school, such as writing the longest notes ever (I mean like 10+ pages) daily during first and second period, to our American Horror story and Austin and Ally days, we truly have been through so much together! Ashlee knows it will always be a crazy fun adventure when they are together. Nikki and Josh have been close friends since high school as well, and she has always been so encouraging to us and supportive every step of the way.
Reilly Hodges
Bridesmaid
Reilly and Ashlee have been best friends since 6th grade as well! Some of Ashlee's fondest memories of her childhood come from her friendship with Reilly. Reilly helped teach Ashlee how to drive (sorry Mom and Dad!) as well as their many all nighters sneaking papa johns pizza and wings into the house super late at night. Reilly stood by Ashlee through some of her darkest moments and was encouraging every step of the way. They played softball together for a few years, and even after Reilly switched schools they stayed close. Reilly has always felt like a sister to Ashlee, and has been a part of the Caraker fam since middle school. Reilly has always been so supportive of Ashlee's dreams!
LesLeigh Tabor
Bridesmaid
LesLeigh and Ashlee Met working at Summer Edventure Camp during college. They were placed as co-counselors. Even though they had an odd first impression, they became best friends very quickly. LesLeigh is one of the funniest people Ashlee has ever met. Being a fellow educator, Ashlee and LesLeigh are able to fully relate to each other about work. Some of Ashlee's favorite memories of LesLeigh is playing the famous "cheese touch" game at camp, and tubbing in the lake and so many more memories. LesLeigh and Josh became friends that same year, and LesLeigh has always been supportive of Josh and Ashlee's relationship. Even though we don't see each other as often as we would like, LesLeigh is a lifelong friend, whom Ashlee and Josh both deeply love!
Sabrina Shan
Bridesmaid
Sabrina has been one of Ashlee's small group leaders since January 2021. She was incredibly welcoming and eager to help Ashlee and Josh get plugged into church and find community. Over the past few years her and Ashlee have become great friends and Sabrina has always advocated for Ashlee's spiritual growth. Sabrina loves a good dad joke, and is always positive, yet honest. Sabrina was there through Ashlee and Josh's darkest moments as a couple. Sabrina has always been so encouraging, and challenges Ashlee to be the woman God created her to be! Sabrina and Josh have become very close, as they both serve on the worship team at Passion City Church.
Mackenzie Stockslager
Bridesmaid
Mackenzie and Ashlee have been a part of the same small group since January 2021. Mackenzie was there through the darkest part of Josh and Ashlee's relationship. She and Josh love joking around together (especially over Harry Styles!). Ashlee knows Mackenzie will always be honest with her and has a very similar personality to Ashlee! Ashlee loves all the times they get to talk about the highest of highs and the lowest of lows of life, and Ashlee always knows there is no judgement whatsoever. Mackenzie is an incredible baker, and her faith is so encouraging and inspiring to Ashlee. Mackenzie is generous, kind, and loyal. Ashlee and Josh both deeply cherish her friendship!
Madison Rogers
Bridesmaid
Ashlee has known Madison for over two years. When Ashlee joined her small group through Passion, Madison was one of the first people Ashlee met in Atlanta. Madison and Ashlee love doing things outside, whether that be going to a great coffee shop, or going for a hike and enoing (this is a hammock!). Ashlee cherishes their adventures to getting mexican food with a margarita (or margarona), and then their TjMaxx hauls. Madison has always been honest with Ashlee, and is always making Ashlee laugh. Madison is hilarious, kind, and compassionate! Madison has always been so supportive of Josh and Ashlee's relationship. Josh and Madison have bonded over their love of bread at Italian restaurants, and Ashlee and Josh are both so thankful to have Madison in our life!
Abbie Mulumba
Bridesmaid
Ashlee has known Abbie for about two years! They also met in that same small group at Passion! Ashlee had a really difficult time that year, and Abbie actually opened up her home to Ashlee until she was able to get her feet back on the ground! Abbie is always there when Ashlee needs her. Abbie and Ashlee love watching movies, and shopping together! Abbie is kind, generous, and is always encouraging Ashlee to deepen her relationship with Jesus. Abbie is such a great listener, and she is hysterical. Abbie and Ashlee have the same sense of humor, yet same level of vulnerability. Even though they don't get to see each other very often anymore, Ashlee cherishes her friendship with Abbie!
Robert Petteys
Groomsman
Robert has been one of Ashlee and Josh's best friends since their first year of college. Robert is "our guy" as some might say! He has always been so supportive of Josh and Ashlee's relationship, but has always encouraged us to do what is best for us both, individually. Josh and Robert love playing PlayStation together and talking sneakers. Robert and Ashlee love talking about fitness and living healthier lives. Robert has always been there when we have needed him, and we love our guy!
Zach Pickholtz
Groomsman
Zach and Josh became friends in their Young Adults family group at Passion City Church in 2021! This was a year of healing for Josh filled with lots of confusion and frustration; Zach helped shine the light of God’s love into Josh’s life again. Zach has consistently walked beside Josh through his walk in worship ministry and He continually stretches Josh’s faith to see Christ for who He truly is. Josh admires Zach’s heart for others. Truly one of his best friends, Zach and Josh share an everlasting bond — through Otter’s Chicken (RIP).
Ash Adams
Groomsman
Ash was one of the first people Josh met in Atlanta! Through a year of isolation in 2020 and 2021, Ash initiated a conversation that would change — and in some ways, save, Josh’s life. His continual support and friendship has given Josh confidence to be himself and all that God has created him to be. Ash and Josh enjoy having conversations that take their faith deeper and sharing their own revelations with each other. Josh and Ash have taken their mental health journey together and have seen the Lord’s faithfulness through it!
Landon Wolfe
Groomsman
Landon was Josh’s Family Group leader at Passion City Church in 2022! Oddly enough, the same neighborhood where Josh and Ashlee would work for DoorDash, is the same neighborhood where Josh would eventually find his family here in Atlanta. Landon leads Josh not only from the stage but also in the Holy Spirit as Josh grows as a worship leader, but also as a man. Unknowingly to him, God used Landon to speak purpose into Josh’s life again. Through many vulnerable conversations over early-morning coffee runs — Josh values Landon’s willingness to be a listening ear, offer incredible advice and speak truth over His life.
Will Herndon
Groomsman
Will is Josh's younger brother. The move to Atlanta was extremely hard on their relationship in the beginning. However, in a way, it ultimately brought them closer together. Through constant phone calls and really long discord chats, they never missed a moment in each others’ lives. Growing up, Josh has continually tried to be the best leader and role model for Will — and his prayer is that he can continue to do that in this next stage of life. Will is an All-Star forward for his High School basketball team but Josh still cooks him on the court!
Ty Caraker
Groomsman
Ty is one of Ashlee's four younger brothers. Ty is the second oldest being two years younger than Ashlee. In their adult lives, Ty and Ashlee have become much closer. A large part being Ashlee's senior year of college, Ty was a freshman at Western Carolina University (GO GATS!). Ty always shows up for Ashlee, and even though he is very protective, has always been welcoming to Josh. Ty and Josh love playing fantasy football, and talking sports.
Parker Caraker
Groomsman
Parker is one of Ashlee's younger brothers. He is by far the most joyful person anyone has ever met. Parkers laugh and smile is contagious. Parker makes the world brighter everywhere he goes! Parker and Ashlee have always been very close, and love watching Disney movies, and having snowball fights. Parker and Josh have a very special bond. Parker loves high fives, gives the best hugs, and can quote all of Finding Nemo and all four Toy Story movies!
Peyton Caraker
Groomsman
Peyton is another one of Ashlee's younger brothers. Peyton has a heart of gold, and is definitely the sweetest of the Caraker children. Peyton and Ashlee have gotten much closer as they have gotten older. Ashlee and Peyton bond (and also compete) over Clash of Clans, and love playing board and iPhone games (20 questions and battleship), and ping pong. Peyton and Josh have a great relationship and they love playing Madden together.
Zac Caraker
Ring Bearer
Zac is Ashlee's youngest brother. Zac and Josh have a great relationship and love playing virtual reality together, and Zac always has so much energy. Zac and Ashlee have always been close and even though they are 13 years a part, they have always had a very special bond. Zac and Ashlee love watching Moana, and playing board games.
Lee Decker
Officiant
Josh and Ashlee met Lee and his wife Lizzie a little over a year ago when they started volunteering at Abide (the student ministry that Josh and Ashlee both work in) at Mars Hill Presbyterian Church. Throughout the year, they have poured into Josh and Ashlee both individually and as a couple. Lee has become one of Josh's mentors, and the Decker's have challenged us to glorify God throughout all aspects of our relationship. We are so thankful God placed them in our lives, and we are so excited to have someone so dear to us perform our ceremony!