Ashlen & Richie
Wedding Party
Ashlen Richards
Bride
Just a small town East Texas girl who found her Prince Charming!
Richie Vierra
Groom
Just a California boy who moved to the right town at just the right time!
Cindy Richards
Mother of the Bride
My Mama is a special woman in so many ways. For one she has devoted her entire life to take care of me and ensure that I was raised as a Southern Belle with an incredible life to boot. If you've never tasted her food, you're definitely missing out because everything has at least a pound of butter! Mama is my person I run to with the latest gossip, my person I run to if I ever have any sort of problem, and my person I run to when I need a warm hug. Though she claims to be shy, there is never a dull moment, especially if she, her sister and I are around! We're three peas in a pod! !Wednesday Night Girls Nights were something to write home about, in more ways than one! Mama has moved mountains to shape me into the person I am today and I am forever grateful for her falling into my life!
Ricky Richards
Father of the Bride
My Daddy, described in two words is, role model. My favorite quote regarding life is not found from a book, nor a movie; it's said daily by my dad. "Your words will influence the world." Daddy has always been my biggest supporter and advocate, since the day I was born. Daddy has taught me to not be a wallflower, to put myself out there and be the first person out on the dance floor to get the party started! Daddy taught me what hard work and dedication looks like and to dream endlessly because I can do it. My dad has devoted his entire life to me to make sure that I grew up in a loving, beautiful household with values centered around kindness and love. There is no one I would rather have walk me down the aisle on my wedding day because I know my Daddy would never let me fall.
Gina Vierra
Mother of the Groom
Gina is Richie's mother who ultimately decided to move her family to Texas, which in my opinion, was the best decision ever made because it landed Richie right smack into my life! Gina is a loving wife to her husband, John, a devoted member of New Life Pentecostal Church, and a mother to all boys... poor thing! Even though she's totally outnumbered, Gina can sit and talk with the girls for hours.. if you don't believe me, watch her and my mother get together. If you're ever around Gina when music plays you better move over because she's always ready to dance! Be on the lookout at the reception, she'll most definitely be in the middle of the dance floor!
John Vierra
Father of the Groom
John is a loving husband to his wife Gina, an incredibly hard worker, and an all around do-gooder. Though John's genes may be different from Richie's in this family we stand by a quote that is very dear to my heart: "DNA doesn't make a family; love does." John came into Richie's life at a young age and stepped in to help the family through some difficult times. John didn't have to do what he did, but he fell into the right place at the right time. Right before Richie received his Undergraduate Degree at SFA, Richie decided to change his last name to Vierra so that future generations could carry on the legacy that John started for Richie and his family.
Molly Thrash
Maid of Honor
"Gagi", as I call her, is my aunt, but in my life she is my best friend, my confidant, my sister, my trouble making partner, and all around my favorite person. We pride ourselves on the jokes we tell and the pranks we pull, especially the ones where my mom is involved. They say you act like the people your around the most, and I guess that shows because growing up, Gagi stopped by my house everyday after school just to say hi and ask about my day. Gagi has rubbed off on me so much, in fact, that I've even decided to pursue the same career path as her. She has always gone above and beyond for me in everything that I've done, and though I could never repay her for all the times she has dropped everything she's doing to be with me , I would not want anyone else beside me on my wedding day!
Dillon Haltom
Best Man
Dillon was Richie's very first friend when he moved to Texas, and trust me that friendship has only grown stronger. Dillon and Richie are so much alike in almost everything that they do such as, the sports they're into, the way they think, and most of all, the way they act. When they're together, Peyton and I certainly have our work cut out for us! Having Dillon as a friend means that he will always tell his crazy jokes and nine times out of ten he'll remember to grab Catan... which he always wins. Richie and I really admire how excited Dillon gets about life and he's always ready for an adventure! He's one of those people that's ready to take a stand, and he will stand by you for the rest of your life... even on your wedding day!
Layne Trantham
Matron of Honor
Layne and I met in preschool and from the day we met, we've never separated. We've shared a lifetime of events together such as softball games, sleepovers every weekend, swim parties, pasture parties, road trips, dates, sneaking out (sorry Mom), secret clubs but you name it; we did it! We definitely drove our Mama's crazy with all the red-headed schemes Layne came up with, but she has made my life one heck of an adventure! Her life motto has always been to make life count, and that's exactly what she has done for my life. Layne has helped make me into the person I am today, and has been there for me since day one, literally. Together my LaynaPoo and I have made memories that a movie producer couldn't even dream up, but more than that we have created a bond that can never be broken!
Jon Mireles
Groomsman
Jon is one of Richie's good friends that he met in high school. As they have gotten older their friendship has grown, and I have developed an incredible friendship with Jon as well. We basically spend every free weekend with Jon, whether it's at the lake riding the boat for hours, watching he and Richie play FIFA, or just simply talking until the sun comes up. When the boys start talking about soccer, you might as well pull up a chair because they'll go on forever! Jon is one of those friends that everyone needs who is willing to do anything for you, and he is always up for an adventure. Jon is always willing to listen and be there in any circumstance, and he also knows how to have a great time!
Peyton Pelham
Bridesmaid
Peyton and I met when she began dating Richie's best friend, Dillon. The very first time I met her she was this timid girl from Dallas on her very best behavior, but after getting to know her she became this live wire that keeps me on my toes! There is never a dull moment with Peter the Pirate and when she's not cracking jokes she is the most genuine, heartfelt person you could ever meet. It's an added bonus that she and I think very similarly and can literally talk for hours about everything under the sun. We have made such fun memories together, and our trip to Mexico was a once in a lifetime trip we can't stop talking about! #NadaEmpanada! We may not have grown up together, but she is the type of girl that you get to know then feel like you've known her your entire life!
Ryan Gutierrez
Groomsman
Ryan is Richie's youngest brother who will be attending TJC in the fall of 2020. Ryan has always been a very quiet person, but if you really get to know him you'll watch his sense of humor come out. Like Richie, Ryan played baseball in high school, and if you ever watch all the brothers get together you can watch them relive those days playing wiffleball, or some other sort of sport. During the summer you can find Ryan out on the lake flying past you on his jetski, but I can assure you, you don't want to ride with him because you will be thrown off! Ryan also really likes to play video games in his spare time and a lot of times you can find my cousins in the lobby with him. Ryan is a sweet person who I have watched grow from a young kid, to a great young man!
Madison French
Bridesmaid
Madison French is a solid member of The Chosen Ones, which is what my friends from LSU and I call ourselves. I met Madison when I moved to Cypress Hall in the middle of my first semester in Baton Rouge. As soon as I moved we discovered that we knew each other through mutual friends, so it was destiny that we lived on the same floor! Madison is a certified comedian, and if you don't believe me, check her Twitter/ TikTok! Madison can hit you with a witty comeback faster than anyone I know and she can come up with crazy fun schemes to lighten up a person's life. We will always be " Too Hype for Cyp" and we have lots of timer camera photos to prove it! I constantly reflect on my time at Louisiana State University, and there's not a memory that does not include Madison French!
Rhoman Gutierrez
Groomsman
Rhoman is Richie's older brother, and if I had to sum him up in two words it would be "role model." Richie has looked up to his brother and has followed in his footsteps throughout his childhood and into his adult life. Rhoman is the proud father of our sweet ring bearer, Jack, and our beautiful flower girl, Juniper, and I can promise you they are the light of his life. He has been such an incredible father to his growing family, and I have been really impressed with who he has become since I first met him! Rhoman is a very hard worker, but he always finds time to compete with his brothers like boys do. He and his wife, Jarissa, are devoted members of New Life Pentecostal Church and they are two of the kindest people you'll ever meet!
Meredith Larriviere
Bridesmaid
Meredith is a solid member of The Chosen Ones, which is what my friends from LSU and I call ourselves. I first met Meredith when I went through sorority recruitment and we both got bids from Pi Beta Phi. When I moved into her dorm in the middle of my first semester, I felt like I made the right choice to move because I had a sister on my floor! When I really got to know Mere, I discovered her perfectly unique sense of humor and sense of adventure. If you ever need a party cup made, Mere is your girl, as long as you take her with you because she absolutely loves to dance and will always put a smile on your face! Meredith has no problem being the life of the party, but at the end of the night if you ever need someone to talk to she's always willing to listen and lend a hand. PPL!
Will Chancey
Groomsman
Richie and Will met in high school, playing for the Jacksonville Indian Baseball team. They also played fall ball, and then went on to attend SFA together. These two went from bleeding blue and gold to die hard Lumberjacks! Will is also the only person who might come close to beating me at Texas Hold Em’ (emphasis on the “might”). Both Richie and Will love to show their competitive side in every sport or activity they can think of. Whether it's playing golf, poker, or corn hole, Richie and Will always find a way to have a good time! Will is always the life of the party, and you always know with him around he's going to think of a crazy idea but, you also know he'll show you a fun time!
Madison Kahn
Bridesmaid
Madison Kahn is a solid member of The Chosen Ones, which is what my friends from LSU and I call ourselves. When I first moved into Madison's dorm she was directly across the hall from me. I was nervous to move to a new place especially since everyone else had already settled, but Madison was the first friendly face that I met as I moved in to my new home. She came in the room, day one, to introduce herself and we clicked! Madison is the hostess with the most-ess and she is always willing to help in any way that she can! She knows all the best spots for the Mardi Gras parades, and she can even hook you up with the golden spot at your dorm. Anytime she's around, you know we're going to have a good time! Madison always make your life more fun and she's there to lend a hand!
Seth Bonner
Groomsman
Seth is one of Richie's good friends that he met in high school, and has kept up with through the years. They began their friendship sharing calculators in math class, and now almost anytime he's playing video games, Seth is on the other line. When they aren't yelling at their screens, they are out playing as many rounds of golf as they can squeeze into a day, or fishing in any sort of weather. They also have a tendency to hit a casino in the middle of the night in a different state (Imagine my surprise, especially since it was in the middle of the week)! Seth is a fun friend to have around, and you never know what sort of plan these guys will come up with, but you can rest assured it's going to have some sort of adventure involved!
Lily Garza
Bridesmaid
I first met Lily at UT Tyler when I sat at her table in a math course. We became close the following semester in summer school, then we just escalated from there. We spent months studying for certification exams together, and having mini-meltdown sessions, but Lily always made it better when she brought us Nothin' Bundt Cake! If you ever have a mystery that needs to be solved, call her because she will not stop until she figures it out. Trust me... she will figure it out! Lily is always willing to take a stand and her confidence shines around her at all times! She would do anything in the world for her people, and I'm thankful to have her as one of mine! No matter the day, whether you're having a fun night out on the town or having a quiet movie night in, Lily is your girl!
Robbie Beall
Groomsman
Robbie was one of Richie's first friends once he moved to Texas from California. They spent their high school years devoted to any and all sports, working out, and their coveted "Valley Bowl". After high school, Richie and Robbie became roommates at TJC, and had boy's nights at my apartment when I had late night classes. I have known Robbie since we were in GT together at East Side Elementary, and I have gotten to know his sweet family over the years since. Robbie is the type of person that you may not see every weekend, but when you go catch up with him, it's like you never missed a beat.
Kylie Evans
Bridesmaid
I first met Kylie by accident actually. I had missed a day at UT Tyler, one which they assigned partners, and when I walked in Kylie didn't have a partner either. We ended up registering for the same summer schedule, then we progressed from there! We have had many days where we stressed over school and had mini-meltdowns together by Kylie always managed to help me stay on track! She's my go-to person if I have a question in school, but also I know that I can go to her with more personal, life topics too. She is always willing to lend a hand and be there for people. When she Lily, and I get together, the restaurants have to kick us out or we'd talk all night! She says she's a shy girl but when you really get to know her she's a dedicated, sweet person who helps keep us all in line!
Sean Driskell
Groomsman
I have known Sean since he was in elementary school. From a young age, he had no fear whatsoever. One day he decided that I looked more like a "Jessica", so the name stuck for a while. I also remember him getting in the middle of our cheer circle as we were getting ready for a basketball game, and flirting with every girl of every grade level! Richie and Sean have become good friends, especially in their college years. They spend their weekends playing golf, poker, or video games, and Sean keeps everyone on their toes. He is a really fun person to be around because you never know what he's going to say, and he is also one of the funniest people you'll ever meet! Sean knows how to have a good time, and he'll always be there for you whenever you need him.
Laynee Hall
Junior Bridesmaid
Laynee Kaye is a confident, go-getter who I am proud to call my half-sister! Everyone tells us we look alike, and it's even more true now because she has caught up with me in the height department. Laynee is always ready to try a new hobby but new foods is a different story! She has been a devoted baseball sister her whole life, and cheering for her brothers has turned her into an amazing competition cheerleader! I have gotten to watch her compete a few times and let me tell you, coming from a former cheerleader, she dominates the floor! Laynee is such a kindhearted girl, who I have loved watching grow into this incredible young lady, and I can't wait to see what her future holds!
Matt Vierra
Groomsman
Matt is Richie's little cousin, who happens to be a twin. If that's not cool enough, I can honestly say, Matt is one of the coolest dudes I know. Richie and Matt are All-American boys who share a love of golf, fishing, swimming, football, ping pong, and almost any other type of competitive activity. I first met Matt at the lake when he was a young kid, but now he has grown into a wonderful young adult. As soon as you meet Matt, his sense of humor radiates and you will be laughing nonstop. If I ever have a bad day, I watch a video of Matt that he sent years ago and it never fails to make me laugh. I can't wait to where life takes him, because I know he's going to do incredible things, and keep a smile on his face while he does it!
Haisley Thrash
Flower Girl
This sweet girl is my little cousin, who I have loved way before she was ever born! I was one of the lucky few who found out about her mother's pregnancy before it became public, and I can honestly say I cried tears of joy when I heard the news! When Haisley was born she had such a personality and I have gotten to watch that personality grow. She is so smart and her sassiness is contagious! Look out world because Haisley Ann is coming through like a wild fire!
Juniper Gutierrez
Flower Girl
This precious little girl is Richie's niece. I have been around long enough for this sweet baby's birth, first steps, and achievements throughout her life. She began to call me, "Ashy the Pretty Pretty Princess" from such a young age when she saw a picture of me from the Texas Rose Festival. Juniper Rayne is smart as a whip with confidence to boot! I have loved watching her grow, and learn new things and I am so thankful to officially get to be her Aunt Ashlen!
Maddie Penn
Candle Lighter
Maddie Jane is my cousin/godchild, and I will never forget the day they brought her home. I was in awe of the new baby, but little did I know, she would one day grow from a sleeping baby into a shining star. Anytime this girl is in the room you know there is going to be a performance! She can dance like nobody's business, and just wait until you see her on the dance floor at the reception! Maddie has grown into a beautiful, strong, confident young lady, and I am so proud of her, and so proud that I get to be her big cousin!
Kenley Penn
Candle Lighter
Kenley Sophia is my cousin, and from when she was just a little girl, she was a live-wire. This girl is not afraid of anything, and she can hold conversations with adults for hours. Did I mention that she can fluently speak English and Spanish? How cool is that! She amazes me with how much she likes to learn new things, and how kind she is to others. She is a natural-born leader, and I am excited to see where life takes her. I am so proud of the beautiful, strong, confident young lady Kenley has grown into, and I am proud to be her big cousin!
Jack Gutierrez
Ring Bearer
This sweet boy is Richie's nephew who is a baseball star in the making! He can swing a bat and throw a ball just like one of the big kids, and if it's not a squishy ball, you may want to take cover! When he's not off being an All-American little boy, he'll giggle at you from across the room. Though I love spending time with him, I adore when it's time to leave because his goodbye hugs make you feel so special! I have loved watching him grow from a tiny baby into a rambunctious toddler, and I can't wait until I'm officially his Aunt Ashlen!