Ashley & Tyler
Wedding Party
Brenna and Brandon Smith
Maid of Honor and Groomsman
Brandon is Ashley's brother. Brandon married Brenna in 2019, which is a front runner for the best decision Brandon's ever made. Why? Brenna is the best sister a girl could ask for. Despite only knowing each other for 3 years, it feels like it's been a lifetime. Brenna will make you feel 100% comfortable in your skin, and adds light and laughter to every encounter. She's also a go-with-the-flow person. She's down for any adventure you throw at her. Brandon is a smart man and chose well. Together, they have been a fantastic example of love and dedication. And then they both went and made the CUTEST baby ever! Ms. Lottie might steal your hearts if you're not careful! So much love for these three amazing human beings! We only wish they lived closer. Stinkin' Utahans!
Julia Goldblatt & Aaron Thomas
Bridesmaid and Best Man
Tyler met his best man, and glue of the group, Aaron Thomas in elementary school. Once Aaron invited Tyler and friends over to his house, they never left. They locked themselves in the basement playing video games for thousands of hours, eating thousands of bagel bites and chicken patties, and watching thousands of movies and tv shows. And Tyler wouldn't change a thing. Aaron's passion for the things he loves is admirable, and his devotion to his friends has kept our group together since middle school. When Aaron met Julia, she immediately became part of the group. Smart, beautiful, and funny all in one package, Julia compliments Aaron in every way and we are so glad to have them both in our lives.
Alyssa and Ethan Ducken
Bridesmaid and Groomsman
Ethan and Tyler met while serving at Red Lobster, where they first bonded over music. Ethan invited Tyler to a multi-day festival with his wife and friends, but little did he know that Tyler was a parasite and would forever infect their lives. Ethan has forever become a brother, and a source of influential internal growth for Tyler, through many conversations and experiences shared. And as they grew together, (master) Alyssa also became the lioness that has protected Tyler since the day they met. She is the kind of person who will do anything for the benefit of other people, putting her own life aside for the sake of future generations. The strength, dedication, love, and empathy that pours from her is something that should be strived for by all. Often referred to as the "second husband", Tyler and Alyssa have spent countless nights together learning about life and sharing the love they know with those around them. When Alyssa and Ethan met Ashley, they knew Tyler had found his missing half. Tyler and Ashley officially became a couple the next day, and the Ducks become one of the pillars of their friendships together. The positive influence these two bring, the complete understanding and wisdom they share, and overall selfless love they offer will keep them around for life.
Jessica and Jarett Snyder
Bridesmaid and Groomsman
On Jarett's birthday, Tyler began his training under Jarett as a server at Red Lobster. As charming as Tyler thought he was, Jarett always made more in tips. Perhaps it was his rugged good looks and charismatic personality, but nonetheless, Tyler knew he had more to learn from J and ended up moving in with him in 2018. Shortly after, Jess came into our lives and brightened up the house with her kindheartedness, overall compassion for others, and great interior decorating skills. When Tyler met Ashley, Jess and Jarett did a great job hyping Tyler up (We can thank Jarett for the perfect ploy that led to our first kiss). Since then, we have enjoyed countless holiday parties, movies, tv shows, games, and eventful camping trips together. Oh, and Jarett and Jess just got engaged!! CONGRATS!
Sandy VanLuven
Bridesmaid
"What do you guys think of Sandy? Do you think we can let her into the Pink Ladies?" HECK YEAH. (Ashley here) Sandy is one of the coolest people I know. We became friends through work and continue to be, even though Sandy has since moved away and adopted the van life. I always kinda figured that's what she'd do. Besides the fact that it's literally in her name (Van luvin'), last year she spontaneously took off on a two month long road trip where she lived and worked out of her SUV. Super cool. P.S. Sandy takes some of the best photos IMO.
Will Zhao
Groomsman
Tyler and Will met in the 6th grade, playing violin in orchestra. They like to share that story a lot. Not only because it signifies how long they've been close, but because they met over music, and nothing has changed since. It didn't take long for their friendship to grow. With so many shared interests like gaming, music, sports, hiking, concerts and more, these two have been inseparable ever since. Even though Will can beat Tyler in literally. every. single. sport... They still love the friendly competition in playing together. Will's boundless positivity, energy, and fuse-like laughter ignites any room you're in. Seriously, it doesn't take much to make him laugh, and when you do, it's impossible not to laugh alongside him. Everyone needs Will in their lives, so we're excited to share his presence with you all.
Rahul Ranade
Groomsman
Rahul is one of Tyler's first forever friends. They met in elementary school, and continued life together through middle school, high school, and college. Over 20 years they've been friends!... Poor Rahul... No matter how bad Ashley thinks she's got it, Rahul has always put up with Tyler for longer. But for that, Tyler is eternally grateful. Rahul has a sharp wit, well-timed sarcasm, and a roaring laugh that's is infectious to be around. When Rahul, Will, and Tanner start laughing, there's no stopping the eruption that ensues. Their laughter feeds off one another and creates a Tanganyika-like epidemic.
Ryder Richardson
Groomsman
Tyler and Ryder met under perfectly unfortunate circumstances. While they only knew of each other throughout high school, in summer 2014 they became like brothers. They bonded quickly through playing pool, card games, video games, cribbage, and sports. Although it's only when you get a beer or two in Tyler that he actually wins in any of these games against Ryder, and despite Tyler's losing record, they still both celebrate each other's victories and love the wholesome competition. Ultimately though, it's Ryder's positivity, charm, and charisma that draws all that are nearby to him.
The Garland Siblings
The Garland Party
Travis, Casey, Carly, Cody, and Carson make up the rest of the Garland kids. Growing up, we were all very close (almost too close in proximity), and were forced to get out of trouble by leaving the room with arms around each other. While the numerous holes in the walls around the childhood house would suggest otherwise, we loved each other deeply, and still do. A large portion of our days were spent either fighting over who gets the controller, or running amuck in the neighborhood playing games like "murder", building forts, or playing capture the flag. We all bonded over music too, each child with their own unique style, instrument, and talent. We grew close through athleticism as well, riding bikes, playing soccer, in the gym, and a myriad of other sports. Basically, despite our differences, we each grew to know and love one another through a lifetime of challenges we went through together. That same love we feel for each other is extended to all of our family-- Grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends. I speak on behalf of all of us when I say we are so glad to be together with everyone to celebrate.