Wedding Party
Ashli Gold
Matron of Honor
When Jason moved to a new school district in the 4th grade, he came home and told his mom that he’d met his forever best friend on the first day of school. And now that we are (redacted) years later, that turned out to be true. Jason and Ashli have been inseparable throughout elementary, middle and high school, as well as college, and Ashli’s excursion into the Peace Corps. When she was looking for a place to land after being in Kazakhstan, she chose to be Jason’s next-door neighbor and now their friendship remains strong in it’s bi-coastal format. Jason served as the man of honor at Ashli’s wedding and is thrilled to have her return the *honor*!
Alec Papazian
Best Man
Perhaps luckily for the first-year class at GW at the time, Jason and Alec did not hit it off initially. That, however, would change, and they would join forces in their college career and have been inseparable since. From their visits to one another in DC and Boston and trips to Provincetown and Minneapolis, Alec and Jason remain very close and yet still thankful they don’t live in the same city – that just seems dangerous. Alec remains a constant source of support and is never afraid to tell Jason what he’s really thinking. Jason is very excited to have Alec as his best man!
Adam Pendleton
Best Man
Adam has been Matthew's best friend since they met at Canisius College, as they were both chemistry and biochemistry students. Matthew beat Adam for the treasurer of the chemistry club (yes we know we are nerds), its the only leadership position Adam ever lost, and Matt never lets him forget it. They have been each others support throughout the years through happy times and times of tragedy. Matt considers his family to be his own and is happy many of them are here for the wedding. Adam is a quick witted, sarcastic, and empathetic soul, and Matt is forever thankful for his love and presence in his life.
Alex Waitner
Best Man
Alex is Matthew's younger brother, and has forever been in his shadow. That said, he has carved out his own life after high school, when his personality was finally be able to be shown. He has been one of the most supportive people in Matt's life through joyful moments and family tragedies. Matt was honored to be his Best Man in 2014 when he married his wife Stacy, and now it is his turn. Alex has created his own family since that time, and Matt is honored to be the uncle to Lily and Audrey, and loves spending time with and watching them grow up, albeit too quickly. He has always been Matt's confidant, first best friend, and biggest support, for which, Matt is forever thankful. Love you bro.
Hilary Waitner
Officiant
Hilary is Matthew's younger sister and the baby of the family who can do no wrong. He remembers vividly when she was born when and showed photos of her to all his kindergarten friends . She quickly grew up to become an intelligent, empathetic, and witty young woman. She uses all of those attributes daily as a nurse practitioner, and Matt is so proud of her accomplishments and so glad to share his profession. Much like Alex, she was present for many joyful and tragic moments through our family life, and she too has been super supportive through Matt's life. Matthew officiated her wedding in 2019, and she graciously offered to officiate our wedding. Matt and Jason are so glad for her presence and ability for this role.