Wedding Party

Briana Britton

Co-Maid of Honor

I've known Ashley since Freshmen year in high school when she offered to shove me in a closet...yes, a closet. We didn't really talk again until the beginning of the following school year when I attended a birthday party for a friend of Ashley's. By the time we finished Sophomore year, we solidified a relationship through mutual dislike of people and a kidnapping (just kidding..kinda). After spending 13 years being her best friend, I am thrilled to be standing by Ashley as she marries one of her other best friends! I met Stephen for the first time at the end of 2019 and again in 2021 when he nervously picked me up from the airport to help him and Ashley move into their house. I like to think that we're pretty much best friends who know very little about each other but both adore Ashley.

Ryan Xquies

Best Man

I met Stephen in first grade. And it’s not a competition or anything, but he proposed to me first. He came up and said “hey, wanna be best friends?” And I said “sure.” And it’s been a life long commitment ever since.

Kaylynn Root

Co-Maid of Honor

Kaylynn and Ashley first met during their time at the University of South Dakota, when they became Fraternity House Moms. They instantly bonded over their love of queso and cake pops, spooky season, versatile tastes in music and spontaneous adventures. We love Ashley for her contagious laugh, huge heart, genuineness and unmatched grace!

Ben Strahle

Groomsman

Steve and I met in the summer before freshman year in our summer history introduction seminar and more or less since then I have counted him one of my closest friends. He has always been someone I knew I could count on and always someone I was happy to spend time with. From Tough Mudders to Iceland, we have been through a lot, and I’m thrilled he’s found someone that makes him happy.

Annie Graf

Bridesmaid

When I met Ashley, I was a freshman in college who was scared to death. She was the junior assigned to my UCOL class who let me follow her around campus for the next two years. Whether it was late night Steak ‘n Shake, movie marathons, or balcony naps I have cherished every adventure. I am forever grateful for Ashley as she has been my rock, my confidant, shoulder to cry on, cheerleader, mentor, and one of my very best friends. For a lot of us she is what can best be described by Grey’s Anatomy as, “my person.” She has pushed me to want more for myself no matter how scared I am. I will forever love her and cherish our friendship. I will forever love Stephen for being Ashley’s person as she has been for countless others in her life.

Eli Worth

Groomsman

I have known Stephen for most of my life, though it wasn't until high school that we became such good friends. Countless nights were spent at bonfires in my backyard or playing ping pong in our friend's basement. Stephen, or Hoppy as we affectionately call him, is single-handedly the reason we stopped holding poker nights, as we were all tired of watching him win every time. Over the years we have moved away from poker nights to golf outings, which is great for me, as Hoppy is only slightly better.  Hoppy is the kind of friend that you can go months without seeing, and when the stars finally align and you can hang out together, it's as if no time has passed at all. I am incredibly honored to be one of Stephen's groomsmen and am excited to see what the future holds for him and Ashley!

Kayla Garrett

Bridesmaid

Ashley and I met in November of 2014 at a conference for student leaders within residence life (I refuse to type out the acronym lmao). Though we don’t see each other frequently, our friendship is one of the most meaningful ones in my life. Ashley helped me get into grad school, and at some point in those two years, she started talking about this dude, who we dubbed #StephenFromTwitter. After that, it’s pretty much history. I knew Ashley and Stephen were meant to be after Stephen looked at me and said “I’m gonna marry that girl” and proceeded to keep me in the loop for the entire proposal process via our D&D Sessions. The three of us kept in touch ever since, and this couple has absolutely changed my life. It is truly an honor to be able to stand by Ashley’s side on her special day!

Dennis Whalen

Groomsman

Stephen and I met freshman year of college at Rider University. We were moving into our dorms in Conover Hall, where Steve's room was directly across from mine. I noticed that Stephen had an exceptionally large tv, and I thought to myself "what a great person to live across from, we should be friends." As I was lost deep in thought, Stephen interrupted me and asked if he could borrow a screwdriver to put together his tv to which I responded "as long as I can come over and watch Giants games!" It was then that I found out that Stephen is also a huge Giants fan, and on that day a friendship was born. 10 years later I couldn't be happier to see someone I'm proud to call one of my best friends marry the love of his life. Congratulations Ashley & Stephen, I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Rachel Raymond

Mother of the Bride

Sharon Hopson

Mother of the Groom

Rev. Jacob Raymond

Officiant

Bill Hopson

Father of the Groom

ZoeGrace Raymond

Flower Girl