Ashley & Christopher
Wedding Party
Alaysia Cleveland
Matron of Honor
To truly understand the bond Ashley and Alaysia share you must know they met in 5th grade after a summer involving the Trial of Mother Goose. They both aspired to be lawyers and had their sights set on Yale (to say Rory Gilmore had no influence on that wouldn’t be true) They planned to practice law together and take over the world. Now, 17 years later, that hasn't happened. But what has remained is a friendship like no other. Despite the twists and turns in life, their friendship has never faltered. Ashley has remained the best friend anyone could ask for. Her reliable honesty and trusting nature has been a cornerstone for the bond they share. As Ashley moves into another chapter of life, Alaysia is excited to be a part of such a special moment and thrilled to call her a friend and sister.
Brian Lima
Best Man
Chris and Brian met at Freshmen Orientation at Molloy College. From there, it was best bros forever. They shared many laughs in different classes they had together early on in their college career; having different code names to talk about different people in their class to pass the time. They shared their passion for all things sports, especially football. Almost every Thursday night at Brian's house during the football season during college was for football watching (and copious amounts of pizza and wings eating). One day they'll be able to watch a Super Bowl featuring the Jets and the Eagles (you heard it here first). Now, even in two different states, they are the best of friends. They may be only children, but they've found a brother in each other.
Courtney Murray
Bridesmaid
Ashley and Courtney met some 24 years ago, when Courtney entered the world and made Ashley’s life a notch brighter. Ashley has always been a great big sister, helping her with things like essay editing and decisions like the right purse color. Even though she annoys her frequently, Courtney's sure Ashley wouldn’t have it any other way. She's also, hands down, the funniest person Ashley knows. Courtney couldn’t imagine life without the sound and logical person that is Ashley Ann!
Ben DeGarmo
Groomsman
Ben and Chris are coworkers at the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Even though Ben works in Detroit, they both have leaned on each other for various work needs. However, it's not because of their perfect work ethic that these two became great friends. Definitely not. It was their love of Pokémon. Ben had been playing the Pokémon Trading Card game for practically all of his life, and Chris had re-discovered that the card game was still a "thing". Chris got back into the game, and Ben and Chris have been traveling to many different tournaments (across the country and Toronto, Canada) to compete over the past couple of years, and they have had an absolute blast. Chris is so grateful to have an awesome bud like Ben to work with, and more importantly, play Pokémon with.
Chenel Flowers
Bridesmaid
On September 30, 1991 Chenel's life changed forever. After enjoying her reign of being an only child for 1,207 days, Ashley entered into the world and stole her spotlight. She didn’t understand the infatuation with this little human but people really seemed to take to her. After some thought and adjustments, Chenel eventually came around to having a little sister. To her surprise they became inseparable. The memories they share are some that they still look back at and laugh til this day. She’s grown from a mean little girl to a woman her family and friends can depend on for honesty, candor, and support. Chenel is glad she gave Ashley a chance way back then. She’s truly been a blessing in her life.
Johnny Faure
Groomsman
During the weekends while a young lad, Chris would always spend his weekends at his cousin Johnny's house while mom was at work. They were always fun weekends together, whether it be playing video games or tossing the ball outside. Even though sometimes it would get a little too competitive, it was always great for Chris to spend time with his older cuz. Even after moving out of Long Island, Chris always looks forward to seeing Johnny when he comes home for the holidays. Johnny is a great friend and an awesome cousin.
Sarah Hammel
Bridesmaid
Sarah met Ashley (and Chris) after graduating college when they did a year of service with Dominican Volunteers USA (DVUSA). They lived and worked together in Atlanta, Georgia where they bonded over delicious southern food, weekend adventures, their shared faith, and social justice issues. They became fast friends and “soul” sisters. Now almost six years later, they are both living in Maryland supporting each other’s dreams and trying to figure out how to be strong, authentic, adult women in this crazy world.
Matthew Hammel
Groomsman
When Chris moved to Maryland, he knew he would have a friend to hang with in Sarah (Ashley's bridesmaid, Matt's wife). But Chris and Matt would soon form their own friendship together and it would turn into a great one! Sharing their interests in board games and beer (lots and lots of beer), their bond grows stronger as the days go on. Chris is grateful and appreciative of a friend like Matt to support him and Ashley past their big day!
Raylan Cleveland
Page Boy
I’m Raylan! I’m three. I love swimming and playing outside and pretending to be a superhero. Ashley is my godmother. I like when she comes apple picking with me for my birthday. It is so much fun. We make funny faces together on FaceTime and I like saying “Hi! Hi! Hi!” and “What ya doing”. Her funny faces make me laugh. She’s so nice. I’m happy she’s mommy’s friend. One day I will have a friend just like Ashley.