Mariah & Ashton
Wedding Party
Julian Mitchell
Best Man
I first met Ashton when gas was less than a dollar and Clinton was in his first term. We were just two young MCs in Charleston with the aim of putting the South on the map in hip hop. Instead of beefin’, we partnered up. We were Outkast before Outkast. Alright, I can’t keep that up. Our story isn’t that cool, but the first sentence is true. I was Ashton’s first first cousin on his dad’s side. We grew up as cousins do, chillin, playing, and sometimes fighting. One thing I’ve always appreciated is how he encourages me to be confident and own my space, even though I’m still stubborn about that a lot of times. He has always been a true “big cousin” that looks out for me and I’m honored to be his best man.
Monic Heiterer
Matron of Honor
I met Mariah at MUSC ! She was a newbie on our unit, 3N Institute of Psychiatry, Adult Inpatient Unit. Sounds fancy right? Rethink that ish. ANYWHO. Mariah was on orientation on evening shift, I remember she came in and sat down in the break room and was introduced to everyone. She was shy, I guess, and I guess everyone is a little shy at first. By the time we got on the unit, she was learning some things on our system and I decided to befriend her and literally said HI WE’RE FRIENDS ! And then she never left my side for a whole year. Literally. Attached at the hip or constantly texting, because I’m intrusive that way. That year we needed each other more than we knew we did. The universe definitely created our friendship with intent for big things. What’s funny about the universe, those big things turned into us becoming family.
Aaron Jiles
Best Man
I 1st met Ashton at our grandmother “Omah” house when we were about 15 months. We were both crawling and walking around, we spent many of Sundays and holidays there with the family. Our mothers are sisters so we would often dress like twins. Even though we went to different schools most of our lives. We shared being the best of cousins. We enjoyed sports, movies & family together. We literally grew up like brothers more so than cousins. Ashton is one of the most loyal people I’ve ever met. One of the things I love most about Ashton is his unique sense of humor & there is nothing he won’t do for those he loves.
Hannah Dean
Matron of Honor
I had the privilege of meeting this beautiful lady while we both suffered as nurses, working the night shift in an inpatient psychiatric unit. We immediately bonded after so many late night talks, delirious 4am conversations, and laughter. Soon after we were inseparable… Now I couldn’t picture my life without her in it. I cannot wait to stand by her side while she transition from Miss to Mrs. Let’s get her married!!
Sam Daniel
Groomsman
Ashton and I met in college through mutual friends. We both lived in the dorms and continued to get close through classes, parties, and eating in the caf. Fast forward to me getting my first job in Charleston. I called Ashton and told him about the offer, and he didn't hesitate to suggest we live together. From then on, we did almost everything together. Ashton has been one of my best friends for as long as I can remember. My wife and kids love you and knows how much our friendship means to me. We have been through some pretty tough times together. Even through all the things he has been through, one thing remains; he will always put his family and friends first. Ashton, it's time to celebrate you and your forever future with Mariah! She is definitely lucky to have a man like you. Your Mom would be so proud of the man you have become, and I know she is looking down with a big smile as you marry the girl of your dreams. I wish you nothing but the best and pray for a beautiful happy ever after!
Morgan Cina
Bridesmaid
Mariah didn’t come into my life I came into hers, even though she had no choice. As her little sister, I have followed her around everywhere like a shadow. Now I can’t wait to be her shadow standing next to her on her wedding day.
Moses Richardson
Groomsman
Ashton and I first met in 7th grade. We formed a friendship early on that school year but somewhere along the line we became more than just schoolmates on good terms. We became family. We became brothers. It’s an honor to have been invited to be apart of the upcoming wedding. I look forward to sharing that special day with Ashton & his soon to be wife Mariah.
Alissa Martinez
Bridesmaid
Mariah and I met freshman year of high school at the good ole HUHS volleyball tryouts! She was the new kid on the block from Horicon! We experienced lovely high school, basketball, college, and being roomies together!
Dylan Gidado
Groomsman
Through a mutual friend, I met Ashton at a house party to celebrate the start of the College Football season back in 2018. Till this day, I still laugh at the memory of walking into the house, seeing Ashton in a Miami Hurricane’s sweatshirt, and immediately getting into a 30 minute argument on who was better between our favorite teams (Florida vs. Miami). As one could guess, this conversation did get a little passionate at times, but ended with the two of us laughing and deciding to exchange numbers. In that very moment, little did I know that this guy in the Hurricane’s sweatshirt who I was exchanging numbers with would become one of my best friends. When I think about Mariah and Ashton’s future, I get excited at the fact that she’ll be able to spend the rest of her life with someone who I know truly cares for her, accepts her for who she is, and most importantly, wants to see her shine in all that she does. Regardless of what the future has in store, I promise to always love and support you in all that you do (just like you’ve always done for me), and I remain blessed and thankful for being able to call you one of my brothers.
Alexandra Jordan
Bridesmaid
I met Mariah when we were little baby freshman at Carroll University. We were living in ancient ugly dorm rooms just trying to make it through our classes, and the weekend without losing our bad fake IDs. Mariah had a plan for everything and she wouldn’t let anyone stand in her way. This girl truly can make any problem disappear. From late nights with way too many shots to every non-productive study date, we somehow made it to graduation. Whether we were on campus or living in different countries with a crazy time differences, we always pick up right where we left off. I am so thankful to have her as a forever friend. She truly is the best emergency contact a girl could ask for. I can’t wait to celebrate & support you on your big day and this next chapter of your life! Let’s get these two love birds married!! 🤍
Blaise Rashtchian
Groomsman
I've known Ashton since I was in fourth grade. I came to Pinewood and I could tell within seconds that we would have beef by the way he was walking through the halls. It wasn't easy, but once he accepted that I was the new top dawg on campus- we slowly became close friends. Flash forward to high school, Ashton was my ride to and from school. Sadly...I was too lazy to get a license until my senior year of HS and he lived just down the road from my house. Around this time is when we developed a close friendship, we've had countless memories and I'm extremely thankful to call him a friend. This man loves to play tough! But, I know we can always count on him in the moments that matter.
Larissa Pasciak
Bridesmaid
Mariah and I grew up 5 minutes from each other in neighboring towns, but somehow connected for the first time when I moved to Charleston in 2021. We became inseparable so quick, it made me wonder how I survived 24 years without her! Pool days, comedy shows, shopping, wine nights, they’re all so much better with our girl, Riah.
English Mitchell
Groomswoman
My brother, We've been going at it since '95, too many memories to speak on and plenty more to make. I'm so happy God gave you me lol. You make me proud to say that "Thats my big brother!" Keep moving forward and I'll always be on the side cheering you on and reminding you of who you are. I Love you Ashton and I know you love me (look at your wrist)
Faith Sayles
Junior Bridesmaid
I came into Riah’s life when I was born and she had to deal with me since then. I have looked up to her my whole life and always had fun bothering her and making memories. I will always love her so so much.
Lushen Evans
Usher
Ashton and I have known each other for over 20 years. We met in 3rd grade and we’ve known each other ever since. About 5 years ago, we reconnected when we randomly ran into each other in the gym. After a short conversation, we realized we lived in the same apartment complex in West Ashley. From there, we became super close. From introducing me to Game of Thrones to being there for me when I married my wife, Ashton has become one of my best friends. I’m super proud of the man he has become and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for him!
Trevor Willis
Usher
I met Ashton through my wonderful girlfriend Larissa, she mentioned her friend Mariah had a fiancé and they thought we would be friends! We hit it off right away and the first time we hung out was just him and I driving to a house party and I don’t think there was a moment of silence. It felt like I had met an old friend and we had known each other for years. Since then we have talked business, relationships, and everything else from sports to life goals. Ashton is always there to lend an ear and I know he’s always going to be up at the crack of dawn if I need anything. I can’t think of a more reliable friend.