Ashlyn & Nathan
Wedding Party
Cassandra St. Ours
Maid of Honor
Ashlyn's sister Cassandra is her lifelong, built-in best friend. That really sums it up. The two may be complete opposites, but they share an irreplaceable, incomparable bond. Ashlyn and Cassandra have been there for each other through the worst times and have cheered each other on during the best times. When Ashlyn was little, she called Cassandra her baby – now that they're all grown up... actually, no, she still considers this to be true. Plus, Ashlyn believes there’s absolutely no one on earth who is better at making fun of her. She loves her "C-ah" so much and there's no one she'd rather have by her side on her wedding day.
Brendan Mitchell
Best Man
Nathan has known Brendan his whole life — literally. As Nathan's older brother by 2 years, Brendan preceded him through elementary, middle, and high schools. Nathan's dad has joked that Nathan's quiet nature was born in the shadow of Brendan loquacious beginnings. Brendan is also a comedy enthusiast and always good for a pun (especially when it warrants a groan). The two brothers have spent far too much time exchanging lines by Monty Python and Stan Freberg. Ask Brendan about: voice acting lessons in San Francisco and his penchant for origami.
Britney Poirier
Matron of Honor
Each of Ashlyn's bridesmaids is one of her best friends – but Britney is her one and only BFF. Ashlyn and Britney met in 2004, in Biddeford High School drama club. Even though Britney has been her BFF for 15 years, she never ceases to surprise and amaze Ashlyn. She's equal parts organized and easy-going, high-achieving and humble. When Ashlyn was one of Britney's bridesmaids in 2016, she was so impressed by Britney's cool, collected attitude – she's incredibly thankful that Britney will bring the same calming presence as her Matron of Honor.
Alex Mitchell
Best Man
Alex is Nathan's younger brother, but despite their birthdays being a year and 5 days apart, people often asked if the two were twins when they were little. They both played in the same youth soccer leagues and on their high school's badminton team, and they completed their undergrad degrees at the same university. In addition to these commonalities, the two share an intense interest in science. Although Nathan studied physics and astronomy, and Alex chose a more down-to-earth discipline, geology, they both enjoy talking about the discoveries of the day. Ask Alex about: his in-progress PhD work in Vancouver (and his mouthful of a focus: computational modeling of glacial valley river evolution), or hiking/mountain biking through redwood forests in Santa Cruz, CA.
Lorea Dandoy
Bridesmaid
Of Ashlyn's bridesmaids, Lorea is her newest friend, but she feels like they've known each other forever. Ashlyn and Lorea met at work in January 2016, where Ashlyn was appointed as Lorea's office mentor. It wasn't long before the two ended up attached at the hip. Ashlyn regards Lorea as her closest confidante, with whom she shares everything – from strange dreams to gifts for Nathan. Lorea is the most perceptive, empathetic and observant person Ashlyn knows. She is an incredible listener and always knows the perfect thing to say. Ashlyn admires Lorea's daring spirit and hopes that many more adventures are in store for this duo. She's so happy that Lorea will be a part of her wedding day.
Luke Johnson
Groomsman
Luke was one of five roommates Nathan had after moving from Melrose into a Somerville apartment. Eventually, Nathan and Luke moved out of “The Frathouse” (so-named because of its perpetual messiness) and upgraded to the two-bedroom unit downstairs, which was a much better environment for these responsible adults. Although they eventually moved on to separate apartments, they regularly grab beers and catch up. Luke's directness, generosity towards friends and family, and upright character were apparent from the start, and are qualities that Nathan continues to admire today. Ask Luke about: his involvement in the National Guard, industrial robotics, and his bike trip through New Hampshire.
Marissa Emanuele
Bridesmaid
Ashlyn and Marissa have known each other since third grade – but it’s a running joke that they didn’t become friends until after college. They “ran in the same circle” at St. James School but went to separate high schools, lived in different states for college and ultimately didn’t reconnect until Marissa moved to Boston after graduating. Since then, amidst a TV series’s worth of situational comedy, Marissa has become one of Ashlyn's dearest friends and a permanent fixture in her life. In 2016, Ashlyn was the Maid of Honor in Marissa’s wedding. Ashlyn is so grateful that Marissa will stand by her side on her wedding day, too.
Joe Lambert
Groomsman
Nathan first met Joe through Ashlyn, as he is an old friend of hers, but he quickly became a close friend of Nathan's, too. Joe has established himself as Nathan's go-to source for interesting conversations about coffee, tech and gadgets, and culinary experiments in bread-making and fermentation. Joe's decisive nature is amusing and inspiring to Ashlyn and Nathan, respectively. They make a point to get together with Joe every time they visit Ashlyn's hometown in Maine, and the three catch up over Chinese food and small-batch ice cream. Ask Joe about burr vs. blade grinders, traveling to Japan, and why greyhounds make excellent pets.
Lexi Salazar
Bridesmaid
Lexi was Ashlyn's first friend in Boston. In 2010, when Ashlyn transferred to BU, she was looking for a roommate to share the apartment she’d already signed for. She put an ad out on the BU Facebook group, and by some stroke of serendipity, Lexi responded. They discovered that their birthdays were a day (+ 1 year) apart, and instantly hit it off when they finally met in person at BU orientation. The two share mutual love for coffee, cocktails and writing – and even a matching tattoo. Since Lexi moved back to her home state of Texas after graduation, she’s proven that their friendship can withstand the prolonged distance, with semi-regular visits, snail mail and text. Ashlyn thanks her lucky stars that she and Lexi found each other, and that Lexi will make the trip to Topsfield in the fall.
Dan Mitchell
Father of the Groom
"Grace and I grew up 2 blocks from one-another. Due to the vast distance, there were cultural differences, but we still connected. Nathan and Ashlyn grew up 2,700 miles from one another. Again, distance didn’t matter. Compatibility, humor, kindness, and love found a way. We’re ecstatic that Ashlyn is joining our family, and delighted that Nathan has been welcomed into Ashlyn’s. The East Coast is just a little further down the sidewalk from us." – Nathan's dad Nathan and Ashlyn are thankful for everything Dad has done to help with the wedding from afar, including management of all the West Coast Mitchells (no easy feat). We appreciate you so much!
Rita Turcotte
Bridesmaid
Rita and Ashlyn met in first grade, at St. James School. They stayed friends through high school and kept in touch through college, but, oddly, it's been since Ashlyn has lived in Boston that she and Rita have spent the most time together. The two fell into a weekend routine during Ashlyn's trips home, which included going out to breakfast, getting coffee at Elements, sitting on the beach or by the pool, and searching for hobnail milk glass at antique stores. Ashlyn trusts that she can always count on Rita’s honesty and on uncontrollable laughter whenever they’re together. After so many memories, Rita isn't just a "phrend," she's family.
Grace Mitchell
Mother of the Groom
"First impressions were memorable. Oct. 5, 2016, Carmelina’s, North End Boston. It was Meet the Parents night. Nathan, nervous but happy. Ashlyn, thoughtful and cheerful. That night and ever since, we've enjoyed getting to know Ashlyn. Her kind, enthusiastic and supportive personality meshes well with Nathan’s. We look forward to their magical day in November and adventures beyond." – Nathan's mom Nathan and Ashlyn can't thank Mom enough for her loving and patient demeanor through the wedding planning craziness. We're so grateful.
Miranda Whitcher
Honor Attendant
"Mir" is one of Ashlyn's dearest friends from home. The two have stood by each other through all of life's milestones since meeting in 2010. This September, Mir and her husband Josh will be welcoming Baby Boy Whitcher into the world! Ashlyn is thrilled that Miranda will facilitate a special part of the ceremony on the wedding day and that the two have oh-so-much to celebrate together this year.
Shirley St. Ours
Mother of the Bride
"I am so happy that Ashlyn has found someone who appreciates her individuality, who is also 'gentle, kind, loving, and patient,' my lifelong dream for her. I love the love she shares with Nathan; he is the son I’ve never had." – Ashlyn's mom, "Shmoo" Ashlyn and Nathan appreciate all of the support and encouragement that Shmoo has provided in the lead-up to the wedding. We know we can seek your advice on anything. We love you, Shmoo!
Tyler Smith
Usher
Tyler is Ashlyn's "best cousin." With only 8 months' age difference, the two have shared memories spanning their whole lives, from running around at family Thanksgivings and Christmases to summer camping trips and, of course, the famed story of sitting next to each other in preschool. Ashlyn is so thankful that Tyler has remained such a close friend in adulthood, and she and Nathan are honored that Tyler will serve as the wedding's usher.