Officiant
Garrett is the husband to Kylee and father to Simeon and Josie. Ashleigh met Garrett through Kylee. Ashleigh introduced James to her childhood best friend and her husband, and they all created a great bond and appreciation of the Lord. When Ashleigh and James were thinking about who they wanted to perform their special ceremony, they knew they wanted someone who had a strong love for the Lord and who also knew and loved them. Garrett immediately came to mind. They are honored to have Garrett officiate their special day!
Matron of Honor
Kylee and Ashleigh have known each other since kindergarten, and their friendship took off starting in eighth grade when Ashleigh joined the girl's basketball team as their "manager" (really, she just brought candy for the girls, win or lose ;)). Kylee and Ashleigh were inseparable throughout high school and have kept their strong bond throughout these years.
Best Man
James met Pete when he moved to Iowa from Ohio in 2011 at New Life Community church through their program CORE Ministry. James was a drummer in Pete's band for a few years. They enjoyed their time jamming out together while worshiping God! They also enjoyed spending time together playing ultimate frisbee. Pete has been a confidant to James through good times and bad.
Bridesmaid
Ashleigh has known Kayla since she was a baby. Ashleigh and Kayla are more than friends. They are "sisters." They have shared a special bond from the beginning. They love each other and, growing up on occasion, fought like sisters, lol. They have been there for each other through thick and thin! Ashleigh couldn't imagine not having her "litter sister" by her side on her special day!
Groomsman
Jim is not just James's uncle, but a man that James looks up to.
Bridesmaid
ShaBria came into Ashleigh's life by first being one of her amazing home health aids. But their relationship quickly grew into much more than that. They grew to become best of friends going on adventures together and sharing ups and downs.
Groomsman
James met Jadon through Pete at CORE Ministries. While Jadon wasn't in the band, he and James connected through "Guy's Night," which included playing video games and board games. James is thankful for Jadon's friendship!
Bridesmaid
Stephanie and Ashleigh share a special bond of understanding each other's world through disability and sarcasm ;). Ashleigh met Stephanie when Stephanie's family moved from CA to Iowa and was involved with the local Iowa MDA office. Stephanie and Ashleigh, through talking and getting to know one another, have really build a solid friendship.
Groomsman
James met Jacob through CORE Ministries also, and their bond grew through photography. Jacob helped grow James's interest in photography by teaching him some tricks to the trade. Jacob has been a great friend to James through the years.
Jr. Bridesmaid
Rylie is the daughter of Stephanie and Jordan Erbacher. Ashleigh and Rylie share a special bond through their disabilities and life challenges, and moments. Rylie is also Ashleigh's "mini-me."
Jr. Groomsman
James met Carson through his Fiance Ashleigh. Carson is the son of Stephanie and Jordan Erbacher. Carson enjoys having Nurf wars with James and always wins the battle. James enjoys hanging out with Carson and getting to feel like a kid again!
Flower Girl
Mavis is the daughter of ShaBria and a girl full of a big attitude that will lead her to do big things. Ashleigh is referred to as "her Ashleigh." Ashleigh and Mavis share a special bond.
Ring Bearer
Steve is the son of Kaitlyn. Steve is a special kid to James and Ashleigh. James and Ashleigh enjoy spoiling Steve and taking him to the Playstation and the park to fly a kite! Steve is a bright young boy who wants to be an astronaut police officer one day!
Flower Girl
Josie is the daughter of Kylee and Garrett. Josie is full of spunk, has respect for the mosquito, and loves to ride on Auntie Ashleigh's wheelchair.
Ring Bearer
Simeon is the son of Kylee and Garrett. He is a tender soul, has a love for penguins, and loves to take rides on Auntie Ashleigh's wheelchair.
Honor Attendant
Vicki is the sister and soon-to-be sister-in-law to James and Ashleigh. While Ashleigh and Vicki didn't get to meet in person until November of 2021, they shared a bond through the phone immediately after "meeting" one another.
Honor Attendant
Ashleigh Met Mandy six years ago when they started working together in the MDA National Resource Center. They immediately formed a friendship over their LOVE and appreciation for Disney! They have also been told on occasion that they look like sisters.
Usher
Tannor is the younger brother to Ashleigh and the soon-to-be brother-in-law to James. Tannor enjoys riding his motorcycle and has become quite an avid fisherman.
Usher
Ethan is James and Ashleigh's nephew and son of Vicki. Ethan is a bright young man who is working hard on his interest in technology and building technology.
Usher
Mehlyna is James and Ashleigh's niece and daughter to Vicki.