Derek & Ashlee
Wedding Party
Matthew Peterson
Best Man
I met Derek on a Sunday after church and he invited me to Eightfive0, and the rest is history. Since that moment, Derek and I just clicked and related on so many areas in our lives. We’ve done so many things together and grown extremely close in such a short amount of time. Every memory with him has been fun and hilarious, but I think the best one was our cruise to the Bahamas. We had so much fun but the best part was the deep conversations on the way to and from. I’ve been extremely blessed with our friendship and how we’ve both matured in many areas in our lives. I’m excited for your new journey in marriage, and will always be there to support and encourage you in any way I can! Congratulations brother!
Racquel Williamson
Maid of Honor
Ashlee has been my best friend for nearly a decade, after first meeting freshman year of college. Ashlee is one of the most loyal people I know, and I couldn’t be happier to stand by her side on her wedding day. Keep an ear out for my Maid of Honor speech which will be filled with embarrassing tales from our college days!
Deunta Hartwell
Best Man
I met Derek at Jubilee Church. He is someone I knew from the start that I could trust with anything. I look at Derek as one of my closest friends. He is one of the most dependable and trustworthy people I know. I look forward to sharing in this big day, and beyond, with two people I hold near and dear to my heart.
Ashley Hartwell
Matron of Honor
I met Ashlee at Jubilee Church in 2008. Our relationship was a little rocky at first considering our personalities are complete opposites! We have led each other in ministry and led along side each other. Over time we built a really strong bond and have now become family. We have known each other over ten years and counting. Ashlee, without saying it, decided we were her people; showing up for birthday parties, special moments and always being someone I know I can trust. We share in each other’s lives and I’m so excited to share in another one of her big moments. I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Ashlee, Derek and Amina will forever be a part of our tribe!
Dustin Woods
Groomsman
My name is Dustin and I’m Derek‘s favorite brother. Well, at least his favorite biological brother. I’ve always admired Derek’s love for the Lord, his compassion for others, his practical wisdom, and his tenacity to blaze his own trails. My favorite memory is the time that we proceeded to compete in a doubles tennis tournament even though I was confined to a wheel chair, post knee surgery. I’m pretty sure we won. I pretty sure it was because of him.
Ansley Woods
Bridesmaid
I cannot wait to welcome Ashlee and Amina into the Woods Family. I am thanking Jesus for the beautiful gift of a sweet new friend, sister and niece! Cheers to a lifetime of adventures as the Woods sisters!
Jean Mary "JM" Eugene
Groomsman
I remember when I first met Derek. I was going through a tough time as a first-semester international student living on campus at UWF. At just the right time, God decided to bless me with a caring and loving brother. We first met at a Night of Worship at UWF. Somehow Derek noticed that I was Haitian and spoke to me in Creole. He invited me to church and in a really short time we became best friends. I have to say that I’m truly happy for my brother. I am beyond happy and blessed to be a part of this beautiful journey, especially as a groomsman! I’m excited!!
Lauren Narvaez
Bridesmaid
I met Ashlee when we were about 11 or 12. I was jumping on my trampoline one day, and saw her playing in her back yard. She accepted my invite to come over to play, which started a long lasting friendship. From making up dances before the middle school bus arrived, blowing out our ear drums on the way to Tate High School, serving as Student Ambassadors at UWF, starting a family of our own, and now to me being able to stand by Ashlee’s side on her special day. I’ve always looked up to her, treasured her advice, and love our ability to pick up right where we left off no matter the time or distance between us. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Derek and Ashlee, and I pray for God’s overwhelming blessings on their life together!
Stephen Calix
Groomsman
Ever since we were randomly assigned as roommates in our sophomore year of college, Derek has not only been a stand up guy but a great and close friend. From late night debates about politics or discussions about God, the Bible and spirituality, to potluck Hangouts with friends and late night worship sessions with the guitar: I cherish all the memories from our almost decade of friendship and can't wait for both our new found families to create new memories together. I'm so happy and honored to be a part of this next step of his life and can't wait to see what God has planned for him and Ashlee.
Rebba Dickerson
Bridesmaid
Ashlee and I met nursing our children in the nursery at Jubilee where we exchanged stories, struggles, and ideas. I knew I liked her from the start. Our friendship and our children’s friendship has blossomed and continues to grow. I admire her tenacity, strong will, realness, and sense of humor. I’m blessed to have her in my life and honored to be one of her chosen ones! l I am beyond excited for her and Derek and all the Lord will do for and through their union! I consider them family and look forward to continuing to do life with the Woods family!
Paco Uribe
Groomsman
It was a typical Wednesday evening at Pastor Tim’s connect group, where I met Derek. I didn’t instantly connect, but something in me (probably the Holy Spirit) told me that one day I would develop a good, solid friendship with him. Fast forward a couple of years and now we’re part of Eightfive0 (young, adults ministry at Jubilee) and we’re co-leading in many areas including Men’s ministry. Derek is definitely a friend that I can always count on. He has become a friend that I confide in, trust and know will always speak truth into my life. Derek and I have done a lot of ministry together. We understand each other, complement very well and push each other to be better men. Derek is a true brother-in-arms in the faith. Love you man! And I am so excited for you and Ashlee!
Kiara West
Bridesmaid
I met Ashlee while in school at UWF 10 years ago! Ashlee just grew on me. We volunteered together as Student Ambassadors and shared many mutual friends. We both enjoyed finding humor in just about everything and became great friends to one another. Ashlee has a big heart and always finds a way to relate to others and encourage them. My favorite things about her is her unwillingness to give up as well as the kindness and love she shows to those around her. I can’t wait to support my friend on her special day. She deserves the love and happiness that she shares with Derek and I’ll be right there to share this milestone with them both!
Alex Lanclos
Groomsman
I’ve known Derek for years, from doing life, ministry, traveling together & being one of my closest friends. It’s an honor to be apart of the journey & see him step into this next season of marriage & fatherhood. One of my favorites memories is when we first started to hang out. We spent hours upon hours which seems liked mere minutes discussing faith, life, theological issues & much more. A true sign of a great friend is one where you can go two weeks plus without seeing each other & pick up where you left off effortlessly.
Megan Harden
Bridesmaid
We met in graduate school while working in the graduate assistant program at the University of South Alabama. Small talk turned into longer conversations over coffee every Tuesday and going out on the weekends when we could. Ashlee means so much to me. Our connection and similarities not only in day to day mind juggling complexities, but on a spiritual level as well makes us super close. Ashlee is a strong, confident, intelligent, loyal, and beautiful woman inside and out. God knew what he was doing when he brought us together in friendship. I’m honored to call her not only my friend, but my family at heart and soul sisters for life! I love you Ashlee!
Roberto Rodriguez-Lespron
Groomsman
After two years, Derek has turned into another brother of mine. Ever since the first time I met him at our church, he seemed like the most laid back yet adventurous person I’ve ever met. He loves to eat-sleep-travel-repeat, just like me. Even though the future is always uncertain until it happens, I know Derek is beyond ready to take on his next chapter in life becoming not only a husband, but a father at the same time. That alone should say a lot about who he is.
Breonna Chambers
Bridesmaid
I met Ashlee back in 2009 at UWF! We joined Student Ambassadors together and were called “The Three Musketeers” with one of our friends! My favorite thing about Ashlee is when I left UWF we still remained close friends. We might not always talk but we always reconnect like we just left off the last time we spoke or saw one another! Ashlee is an amazing friend! I love her and Amina and I am excited for this new chapter in their life with Derek!
Graham Ziglar
Ring Bearer
I can't wait to show off my style to all of the young ladies at my cousin Derek's wedding!
Amina Austin
Flower Girl
"I can't wait to throw flowers in church" (before my Mommy comes down the aisle)!