Ashley & Tyler
Wedding Party
Brandon Smith
Best Man
Brandon & Tyler have been friends since Brandon’s Mom, Charlotte, made Brandon invite him over after Tyler received an award at their 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony. She never thought it'd lead to 20 yrs of Tyler sleeping over, eating the top off the family cobbler at holidays, & Tyler randomly stopping by to steal Brandon’s clothes—even when he wasn't home. Tyler was Brandon’s favorite high school football teammate, often connecting on many long touchdown throws…in practice. You could say their friendship blossomed over late-night Taco Bell runs, rap beefs, & their love of the movie ‘Bad Boys’, but in reality, it was probably all the times Tyler "came to visit Santa Barbara for a weekend" that often lasted several weeks. We'd need a whole website to share all the stories between these two!
Chelsea Smith
Groomswoman
Not sure in the beginning if Chelsea knew that marrying Brandon meant she also inherited Tyler, but after lots of Coffee Bean iced teas, mud facemasks, McConnell’s Ice Cream, and Tyler living on the couch in their one-bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara, they naturally became BFFs. Over the last eleven years, their nights out have transformed from ‘HIMYM style bar nights on State Street’ to ‘Let’s all get Chipotle, watch a comedy that Chels won’t find funny, and hang out with the kids’ -- and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Chelsea & Brandon are also Tyler’s go-to for advice and stories, which I'm sure exhausts them, but he is forever grateful. Chelsea can also be credited with getting Tyler hooked on his love for pedicures.
Nick Parsons
Groomsman
“Oh brother, where art thou?” is often what Tyler is asking, as his brother Nick is deployed all over the world flying chinooks for the U.S. Special Forces. As kids, Tyler loved to trick Nick into what some might call embarrassing situations, but that got harder to do as they got older and Nick gained more training on how to take his older brother out. Nick is also an expert meme creator, never missing an opportunity to plaster Tyler’s face into an iconic movie shot. They’ve remained close even when they’re literally a world apart, and Nick’s three beautiful daughters are a blessing to the whole family. Holidays are always better when Nick is around to tell questionable jokes. Also, an important note: Nick has never finished higher than Tyler in their fantasy football standings.
Jess Ourand
Groomsman
Who would have thought that six years after meeting Jess (his new roommate) in a crowded Hong Kong Starbucks that he would be a groomsman in Tyler’s wedding? Well, Tyler did. Even though Jess isn’t a fan of football, he would wake up at 3am in Hong Kong to watch the “big football games” with Tyler. If Jess wasn’t able to go somewhere in Hong Kong, Tyler wasn’t going either. Over their several years in Hong Kong and their many rooftop talks, Jess became one of Tyler’s best friends. When either of them need support, they always know the other person is just a FaceTime away...or even better, a short flight between New York & Chicago. Also, ask Tyler to tell the story of the time Jess was incredibly ill and needed Tyler to take him to the hospital during a 49ers’ playoff game.
Kevin Burgoon
Groomsman
Kevin and Tyler rode the same bus to middle school every day for three years. But, they didn’t speak once during that time. So, that’s not where this story begins. This friendship blossomed during the great San Francisco Giants World Series run of 2010. While Kev and Tyler had been friends, talking fantasy football and grabbing drinks in San Francisco before 2010, it was during the World Series run that they became besties. Ten years later and Tyler still looks forward to Kevin’s calls to chat Malcom Gladwell, podcasts Kev knows Tyler won’t listen to, football, Tyler's dislike of Gary V, and updates of his coaching of his daughter’s soccer team. Even better than his phone calls are his hilarious voicemails.
Andrew Parker
Groomsman
Half of Tyler’s vocabulary and catchphrases can easily be attributed to Andrew “Drew” Parker. Ever since they were on the same baseball team in the 7th grade (Andrew made the All-Star team despite missing half of the games for a trip to DC and Tyler played every single game and gave 100%, but, whatever) they have been best friends. Whether it was staying up super late watching Austin Powers movies, jumping off his roof into his pool when his parents weren’t home, trying to race in his Nissan Maxima, walking through the drive-thru for tacos at 2 am in San Diego, or stealing a bamboo stick from a restaurant, there aren’t many memories in Tyler’s life that don’t involve his Bestie Drew.
Spencer Jones
Groomsman
Spencer (along with Brandon, Drew, and Kevin) is an original member of the text group “Besties” that started with the aforementioned 2010 Giants’ World Series and hasn’t missed a day of texting since. Seriously. While Spencer and Tyler were friends in high school, walking to school together and being on the baseball team (notice Tyler was on the team, not “playing” on the team), it’s been the last 10 years these two have become close friends. Whether its CIA conspiracies, advice on which job Tyler should take, or insight on buying a house, Tyler knows Spencer is always a text or call away.
Nathan Biasotti
Groomsman
If you’ve ever seen ‘Night at the Roxbury’ then you know Nate and Tyler’s Friday and Saturday nights when they were younger. They even wore matching black shirts and studded belt buckle! From playing high school football and baseball to working together as adults and synchronizing 112 dance moves at The Bear in Chico, Nate and Tyler have remained close friends. Tyler even takes credit for introducing Nathan to his wife, even though it’s probably not 100% accurate, it makes for a good story for Tyler.
Brandon Cole
Groomsman
Brandon became one of Tyler’s best friends when they were 20 years old, but feels like Tyler has known him his whole life. Coming from the same area of California, there was an instant friendship that was strengthened on their hour commute to work from Chico to a Chili’s in Yuba City. Even though they haven’t lived in the same city (or state) in 10 years, Tyler knows Brandon would drop everything if he ever needed him and Tyler’s mom has always considered him family. Brandon and Tyler flew to Atlanta to watch the Niners punch their ticket to the Super Bowl in 2012, one of the best days of Tyler’s life (until now of course, Ashley!).
Erika Greenia
Groomswoman
It took all of about 4 minutes for Tyler & Erika to form a strong bond & life-long friendship (Yes, Erika, no getting rid of me). Erika instantly became the sister Tyler never had; making fun of him all she wants, but sticking up for him against anyone else. Tyler became an honorary Michigan State fan and even once rooted for the Lions. Their friendship grew stronger over their admiration of grimy hip hop & dancing solo (yet managing to take up the whole dance floor) at Slippery Slope. Though Tyler is in Portland and Erika is in a Master’s program at University of Chicago, this friendship will always be a priority. They have many photos together, but none really of them *both* smiling. Tyler wants everyone to know he swears they are really friends.
Julianna Kobs
Maid of Honor
Julianna "Jules/Julie" and Ashley first met when Ashley moved to Fort Collins, CO in 2014. Not too long after, Julie left on a fishing boat in the Pacific to be her adventurous self. Near and far the two have connected over their Midwest roots, crazy love of their nephews/nieces, Spanish jams, and the trials & tribulations of the FoCo dating scene (ask Julie for a great story about a sleeping bag). A favorite memory is spending Galentine's Day together in Oaxaca, Mexico eating a romantic feast with friends. Ashley is constantly inspired by Julie's worth ethic, drive, and organization--that's right, this gal is a COO! Julie has coached Ashley through many career ups & downs and she is her go-to sounding board for a lot of professional decisions. Plus, this girl can rock a mean skort!
Jamie Reff-Wagner
Bridesmaid
Ashley first met Jamie her senior year of college during their J-term program studying the work-life balance policies in New Zealand. They had plenty of adventures from impromptu piercings to forbidden sky diving (sorry, Sue!). Though they attended different colleges, Jamie quickly became Ashley's partner-in-crime, visiting often and jamming to Chris Brown while downing an entire bag of chocolate chips. While Jamie's lawyer life and wrangling three cute kiddos is far different than her wine guzzling days with Ashley, they always pick up right where they last left off. The Reff family has always included Ashley as if she were a 3rd daughter, even housing her for a week during a very tough break up. Perhaps someday Jamie and her mom Sue will finally convince Ashley to relocate to MN?
Jess Spinner
Bridesmaid
Ashley met Jess through Emily & Brandon Walter (see below) in the early post-college years during Tuesday night Glee viewings. They've spent New Year Eve's dancing til dawn, eaten their way through the MN State Fair, crushed a few 5ks, toured breweries & vineyards all over the States, and even tried to create a fake sorority (RIP BOM). Jess is a phenomenal photographer and champion of advocacy for the American Heart Association. Ashley greatly admires her dedication to her job and appreciates that she is a no-nonsense friend she can always count on. An original member of the Fab 7, there aren't too many friend-adventures Jess has not been part of. Make sure to ask her for her cucumber app recipe--it's bomb!
Jessica Houston
Bridesmaid
Ashley “inherited” Jess through marriage to her brother, Doug. But it wasn’t until Ashley’s 4-year stint back in Chicago that they grew much closer. Jess is always someone Ashley could go to with crazy dating stories, weekend recaps, and to get advice. She has been a really solid encourager and support in helping Ashley maintain a close relationship with her nephews Dean and Davis. Ashley is so grateful for all the overnight stays in the guest room accompanied by morning pancakes & coffee. Plus, Jess is one of the craftiest people (she is an art teacher after all), always making a great theme event providing inspiration and creativity. Ashley admires Jess’ loyalty and kindness.
Doug Houston
Bridesman
Growing up 5 years apart and being step-siblings, Ashley and her oldest brother Doug did not have too much of a relationship until their 20s. It was then that Doug always stepped in—whether it was to take Ashley out with his older friends for her 21st birthday, making sure to hide the fact that she was quite drunk during his rehearsal dinner from their parents, or including her in the Cirque du Soleil annual outing. He’s always followed through with commitments and has really been the one to make her feel apart of her family and wanted. From Illini games to computer issues, endless requests for cute nephew pictures/Facetime dates, to getting her car cleaned, he can always be counted on.
Emily Walter
Bridesmaid
Emily & Ashley lived on the same floor sophomore year in college (Go Gusties!), but other than saying “hi!” in the hallway, they didn’t reconnect until the 1st day of a new job at Capella University in Minneapolis. They found out they lived in the same apartment complex which led to wine nights on the porch, weekly Glee gatherings, and trips to Toby Keith’s Bar for dancing! Emily’s connections also led to forming the Fab 7 friend group. Ashley loves that Emily laughs at literally all of her jokes, making her feel far more funny than she likely is. Emily and her husband Brandon have always made Ashley feel welcome in their home (Chateau Walter) and never forget to reach out to her with a cute card, no matter how far away she lived. And those single years were long and hard at times!
Brandon Walter
Bridesman
Ashley nicknamed her friend Brandon, “Beebs,” during her short-lived days loving Justin Bieber, and to also be a little bit different than everyone else who just calls him “B”. Brandon always felt like one of the gals to Ashley and is up for any adventure—from teaching her a new line dance to sharing a great new Sammy Adams jam to tune into. Thanks to his work for Delta Vacations (and his generosity in giving up his seat), Ashley was able fly first class once, travel with Brandon & Emily on a 7-day Caribbean cruise, and be apart of many of their couple adventures. Brandon never forgets to text Ashley a good error fare flight deal and makes her “work from home” visits to MN tasty (breakfast sandwich master) & fun-filled! She is lucky to have Beebs as her only male friend.
Cordy Elkins
Bridesmaid
The first time Cordy met Ashley at lululemon she was not a fan. Through training Cordy (and likely realizing how unintimidating she really was), Ashley won over her friendship. This led to a couple of the wildest years of shenanigans in Boston. Cordy & Ashley had many epic nights out in Southie, “led” community yoga at the store very hungover, and even ran the Seawheeze Half Marathon in Vancouver together. Ashley’s favorite memory is being snowed in in New Hampshire over Thanksgiving with the Elkins family--the power dying did not ruin their holiday or feast! Though far apart the last 6 years, Cordy stuck with Ashley during some of her hardest years and has always been a steadfast friend. Ashley admires Cordy’s moxie, advocacy work for the Human Rights Campaign, and her inclusiveness.
Darrell Houston
Bridesman
Knowing one of Ashley’s top 5 strengths is “competition”, tells you a lot about her early relationship with her brother Darrell. Growing up 10 months apart, Ashley was always competing with Darrell in school, in sports, and with friends. She very much looked up to him from a young age and wanted him to think she was cool. He never did, so it was a constant effort to see what she could do next. In high school Darrell did his best to include her in his happenings and she did her best to try and date all his friends…none of which ever worked. She took after him playing lacrosse in college and appreciates how competitive the relationship made her in life. Ashley thinks Darrell is one of the funniest people she knows and he can always make her laugh.
Jen Wolding
Bridesmaid
Ashley first met Jen in Fort Collins, CO and had no idea their free spirits would lead them to a serendipitous surf meetup in Chile years later. Some of Ashley's favorite memories with Jen include New Belgium brewery outings, cheering on the Badgers (once Illinois was eliminated of course), indoor & outdoor volleyball, brunching at Snooze, crashing a Bachelor party in Breckenridge, throwing flowers at her wedding, learning important VSA's at her babymoon, and surfing together!
Martha Houston
Usher
Ashley's sister-in-law Martha is a fitness enthusiast, Beautycounter sales rep, and lover of kitties (she and Darrell have 4!). Martha works as an assistant teacher at KinderCare Learning Center near her home in Wheaton. Ashley loves cheering on the Illini football team with Martha, sipping a nice glass of red wine, and Houston Sibling Movie Night. Her favorite memories with Martha are from times up on the lake in Rhinelander and playing family games around the holidays. Fun fact: Martha's visit to Minnesota to see Ashley years ago was one of her very first airline flights!
Chad Parsons
Usher
While Chad is Tyler’s youngest brother in age, he could be Tyler’s older brother with his maturity. When Chad was younger, Tyler would take him out to get food or to the park and everyone thought Chad was Tyler’s son (there are 15 years between them), often prompting Tyler to play along with some crazy story. Tyler is very proud of the young man Chad is becoming and even looks up to Chad for his hard work ethic, love of hip hop, and determination to see every Tarantino film in order.
Elsie Storm
Officiant
Ashley first met Elsie when she moved to Fort Collins in the spring of 2014. It could have been a clothing swap or ladies night in, but Ashley distinctly remembers feeling an instant connection to the native Minnesotan. From educating Ashley about the value of essential oils to serving as her life coach and professional mentor, Elsie is all about helping others better their lives and Ashley has benefitted immensely over the years. Whether on a party barge in the reservoir, snowshoeing up to a yurt, touring New Belgium for the 100th time, or sharing a delightful 5-course meal in Oaxaca (Mexico), Ashley deeply admires Elsie's strength, authenticity, and generosity of herself and her time. To my curly-haired coach & friend, Luh Ya Elsie and so honored to have you officiate our special day!
Jonny Roman
Officiant
Though Ashley met Jonny after Elsie, he's equally special to her. Now a transformational life coach like his wife, Jonny has always been someone Ashley had an easy time talking to and could learn from. From nights watching Ixcanul and making delicious chicken tinga to celebrating their wedding in Belize and sharing a Starbust on a tiny prop plane, time spent with Jonny is sure to be meaningful and fun! Ashley is inspired by watching the relationship Jonny has with Elsie and has learned a lot in observing how they interact with one another. Jonny is a thoughtful and intentional friend and we have no doubt that he and Elsie will be able to help us capture our special day and special relationship better than anyone else.
Nikki Powers
Reader
Nicole Powers, aka Pow Pow, was an instant friend to Ashley in Colorado and supported her through some tough times helping start up a company. Nikki also served as Ashley's manager at GoAbroad and traveling companion on the inaugural JANK Napa trip (that's right, inaugural, it's happening again!). Nikki's laugh is incredibly infectious, her humor on the spot, and she has beautiful artistic skills. Ashley admires Nikki's work ethic and dedication to helping women all over the world through Street Business School. One of her favorite memories of Nikki involves a very rambunctious game of What Are The Odds at a country bar in Grand Junction, CO.
Sue Treis
Reader
Aunt sue is not only Tyler’s aunt but also his favorite partner in crime on their trips to Vegas. Sue is always a fun time and Tyler is grateful for her constant support and love!
Dean Houston
Flower Child
Her firstborn nephew, Dean was Ashley’s pride & joy from the moment he arrived in this world. Ashley never knew how strong love could feel until she met that little Beanie for the first time (via FaceTime). It made her realize how important family was and how much she wanted to have her own child someday. Ashley is insanely proud of how kind Dean is to others, how much of a soccer & lacrosse superstar he is for his age (seriously watch for him on Team USA someday), and how funny he can be. Dean (and Davis) are the reason Ashley moved from Colorado back to Chicago for several years. Ashley is so thankful for all the special memories they’ve made together in the last couple of years—Medieval Times, Illini football & basketball games, Blue Man Group, and countless soccer tournaments.
Davis Houston
Flower Child
Ashley’s love for her nephew and godson Davis ("Mim") cannot be measured. He is one of the most genuinely loving and hilarious 7-year-olds she has ever encountered. He is her favorite couch snuggle buddy (sorry, Tyler), snack fiend, and dancing maniac. Ashley appreciates his love for all things spooky and Halloween-oriented and thinks he truly embodies the Hulk character he likes so much. Davis loves to play soccer & lacrosse like his big brother, Dean, and from what Grandma Kitties (Ashley's mom) shares, he is becoming quite the "helper" in the garden. You all have a lot of excitement in store for what's to come on the dance floor with this lil man!
Crosby Smith
Flower Child
Brandon and Chelsea’s oldest daughter, Tyler had to work pretty hard for Crosby’s love as he lived in Hong Kong most of her first few years. Making matters worse, when she would see Tyler at their house that meant two things: 1. Her dad was leaving the house to go somewhere with him which meant she didn’t get to see her dad for a few hours and 2. Tyler would be staying for awhile and taking up her playroom space. Eventually, she came around and now asks Tyler to help with Legos, create a stunt course, and memorize poems on the walk to school with her.
Lucca Smith
Flower Child
Crosby’s little sister, Tyler is *still* working pretty hard for Lucca’s love, but all it takes is a good ice cream snack or donut to break her walls down. Whether it’s hanging out watching The Goonies or flying like an airplane, Tyler loves spending time with Lucca, even though she now always asks for Aunt Ashley on the phone. Her mom warned us she may be eating beef jerkey walking down the aisle and we once bought her a shirt with a snack pocket, so if you’re feeling hungry at the wedding, you know who your supplier is.
Hallie Smith
Flower Child
Tyler still remembers the night Jordon (Brandon's younger brother) and Kaylie told him they were pregnant with Hallie (it took me a month to believe it wasn’t a joke, but that’s a different story) and he remembers thinking two things: He would have to move out of the house and things will never be the same. And he is so thankful for that because Hallie is not only a blessing to her family, but for him as well! She rocks out to music with me, hugged him when the Niners were losing the Super Bowl, and teaches him new choreographed dances yearly. She is also one of the sweetest and most thoughtful 10-year-olds on the planet. Seriously.
Ezra Smith
Flower Child
No, it’s not a Channing Tatum clone, it’s Ezra Smith, Hallie's younger brother. We hope he remembers we put him in our wedding when he’s a huge movie star (or model) one day and lets us attend a movie premiere or two! Ezra loves Spider-Man, cruising in his Spider-Man car, and smiling 24/7. He also tells some great jokes if you run past him at the wedding.
Abby Parsons
Flower Child
Somehow Abby, Tyler’s first and oldest niece, is already 8 years old! She’s seen Little Rascals several times and always laughs harder than the time before, making her one of the coolest nieces ever. She knows a lot of interesting facts about elephants, is amazing at crafts, and even though she may be laughing *at* her uncle, Tyler loves that he always gets a big smile and laugh when she sees him.
Emma Parsons
Flower Child
Who knew that children had minds like a sponge that absorb everything around them? Tyler learned the hard way when after one short car ride with the girls to dinner Emma remembered choice lyrics from a Chance The Rapper song. It’s still the cutest rap of all time when she does it. Emma is quite the hilarious storyteller and always a crackup when she tells people ‘they’re number one’. She also is in running for the Best Hug Giver.
Chloe Parsons
Flower Child
Look at her smile and say she doesn’t melt your heart. While only a little over two years old, Chloe is learning quickly from her sisters whom she is always delightfully happy to be around. If you feel a bit stressed out at the wedding, just find this adorable little one, give her a hug, hold her for a few seconds, and feel the stress drift away. She’s a great snuggle!