Groom
Hello everyone! For those of you that do not know me yet, I am Tory. I consider myself the luckiest man in the world! I have the best friends and family, I’m living out my childhood dream of following in my uncles footsteps and painting cars for a living. I race motorcycles in my spare time! AND OH YEAH!! I almost forgot! I get to marry the most amazing woman in the world!!! Love you Age!
Best Man
AKA Stolichnaya Best dog in the world! Enough said. RIP Stoli Bear, you are missed every day!
Co-bestman
We met early in our Abra careers and he was a large part of my development and success in the auto body industry. Since then he has always been a phone call away any time I've needed him. Even though we did not go through childhood together he is one of my best friends and you would be lucky to have a friend like him. He is easily the most selfless person I know. Even though he broke my leg and has spent the last 15 years trying to make up for it, there is no doubt in my mind that he will continue to try until he physically cannot lift another piece of furniture (do not let his size fool you! He might be one of the best piano movers in the midwest) Quick fact: consistently 10 min late ( but he will be there )
Co-bestman
I have to start by saying that Derek is extremely allergic to poison ivy! I met Derek around junior year of high school from working at Walmart. It did not take long before we were inseparable! (unless the cops were chasing us. Cause then he would just leave me in the dust. He’s much faster than I am).We shared an interest in fixing cars, music, hot 100 and trailer houses. So it was only natural we would go to votech together and move in together afterwards. We have shared many of life’s ups and downs together and many nights in the garage just venting to one another as only true best friends can do. Quick fact: Derek has no doubt sat next to me in a vehicle (with his NOS and diet mt dew) for more combined miles than any one else in my life.
Co best man
I have so much respect for Derek it isn’t even funny. He has helped me through so many difficult times whether it was putting a clutch in my truck while I went on a date, or putting a transmission in my truck while I went to California. Or driving 500 miles to pick me and my Harley up in his truck cause I did a burn out and popped my tire trying to show off at a rally. Or just answering my phone calls EVERY time it rings and answering my endless questions. Derek is the most knowledgeable person I know. I envy his fearless loyalty. He would have my back to the end, even if knowing I was wrong. Which brings me to his stubbornness! It’s another trait that I oddly admire! But I guess it’s easy to be stubborn about stuff when you are almost always right. Right?
Co-best man
I met Nolan in the 8th grade during an outdoor school activity where I was playing with a frisbee that he proceeded to steel from me. When I confronted him he slapped my face with it! The next year he moved into my apartment building and we have been inseparable ever since! These stories could go on for days! The one thing I admire most about this guy is how he has done so much with his life and persevered when the deck has been stacked against him! I have see people that have been through half as much as him, give up or look for pity. But not Nolan! I’ve never heard him complain or ask “why me?” I am jealous of his courage and honesty and always thankful for everything he has done for me. Quick fact: probably my most competitive friend! Wants nothing more than to beat ME at ANYTHING!!
Groomsman
Wywy is my baby cousin! He is the truest meaning of the phrase “gentle giant”. He has one of the kindest hearts I have ever seen and standing at 6’7”ish tall it’s not hard to see why I’ve been looking up to him my whole life, both literally and figuratively. Wyatt is just plain fun to be around no matter what the circumstances. His selflessness and ability to make others smile are just a couple of his many great attributes. And speaking of smiles, those dimples!! Anyways, growing up we were more like brothers than cousins. We never missed a chance to get together and play with our ninja turtles or compare sports card collections. We also spent many hours demolishing the families four wheeler on his farm. Quick fact: only one of my groomsmen that I have taken a bath with😬
Groomsman
I have known Jason the longest out of all my groomsmen other than my baby cousin. Not even sure how old we were when we met but we were in diapers for sure. Growing up in a small town in Sodak there wasn’t much to do. Mostly spent our days catching frogs and selling rare marble rocks on my porch. There is definitely something to be said for a friendship that has lasted as long as ours. Even when there has been long distances or periods of time between us, it has always felt like we just saw each other yesterday! I admire how Jason is always himself. He impresses me with how he doesn’t feel the need to impress anyone. Quick fact: faster than a “google search” for any Minnesota Twins or Beatles trivia ( it’s been proven )
Ring Bearer
G-money is my youngest nephew. Son to my brother Brandon and his wife Timmi. I’m convinced that this young man was genetically modified and bred to be a ring bearer! I mean, he is so cute, I don’t know how we come from the same lineage.
Father of the Groom
I’m going to take this moment to talk directly to my dad. As for our guests, if you want to get to know him just find him at the wedding and strike up a convo. He loves to socialize! Dad, thank you for being there for me every day with the love and guidance I’ve needed. You have given me the best things in life; your time, knowledge and love! Everything you have taught me sticks with me. Although distance separates us, your guidance, advice and love are always with me. I would not be who I am today without you and am extremely proud to call you MY dad. Love, your son
Mother of the Groom
Mother of the Groom
Oh where to start. How about with THANK YOU! Something I never say enough. THANK YOU mom for teaching me to be honest, courteous, caring, appreciative and loving. Whether I choose to do these things or not is on me, but I know you taught me cause it was mostly by example. THANK YOU mom for always being understanding, encouraging, forgiving and generous. THANK YOU for never expecting more from me than I could give. THANK YOU for letting me fall when it was the only way I could learn. THANK YOU for showing me grace when I didn’t deserve it. THANK YOU for understanding my struggles and THANK YOU for the effort you put in to never letting me see yours! I am the person I am today because of you. So THANK YOU!! and I LOVE YOU!
Bride's parents
I'll start by saying, hands down I have the most incredible parents in the world! They have been married for just shy of 41 years, which in itself is an accomplishment. They have shown me what love is and what to strive for in my own marriage. They are patient with one another, they travel and spend quality time together, continue to have fun and compliment each other, not only verbally but with their personalities. It's so comforting to see a happy marriage firsthand and I cannot wait for Tory and I to follow in their footsteps.
Bride
Yes... Ashley is my real name. I can't think of one of you that calls me that much less anyone else, but I suppose I should mention it. For those of you who don't know me well, some would say I'm a passionate individual. This could really go for anything, my work, sports/competition, animals, writing and checking off my lists, and most of all relationships. It's taken me a long time to get to this chapter of my life but with enough persistence I think I finally found the "one" who keeps me on my toes, will take my backlash (to an extent), loves my quirky ways and most of all has the PATIENCE my personality requires! Love you Tor and thank you for exploring this life with me!
Matron of Honor
Tara is my matron of honor, my right hand gal, best friend, and the one I consider the sister I never had. We first bonded many moons ago at a slumber party and I remember thinking she's a sweet, fun girl and we're going to click. Sure enough here we are today! I'm so very thankful for Tara and the life experiences we've had together or have been able to share with each other. I love her to death and I'm more than lucky to have her standing by my side during this huge event in my life!
Bridesmaid
Stef and I go way back to our college days in Mankato. We met at orientation and hit it off. After college we drifted apart for several years, but then randomly reconnected because of lovely Facebook. She was going to the Bierstube in Hastings and the last person out of all her FB friends that had gone there was ME! (meant to be b/c I normally wouldn't be caught dead in there) She reached out to me, we met up and its like we never skipped a beat. Stef is the sweetest, kindest and most fearless woman out there! She has a heart of gold and is an amazing mama, who would do anything for her kiddos. I'm not one to compliment FB much, but for once I can say I am super grateful for it! It led me back to Stef. Who knows if we would have crossed paths again, but now I can say our friendship is better than ever and I'm privileged to have her in my wedding.
Bridesmaid
Ohhh Sammy!! All the stories that pop in my head with this girl.... cruising to Hastings trying to find boys (like that's the place to find them) while blasting Lucky by Britney Spears, in my beast of a car "Rashid Alameade." Or times where we'd go to Club Cancun and she'd have to sneak clothes in her bag to change at my house. This all transitioned into being a part of her journey while starting a life with her hubby Greg and having 3 babies who call me Aunty JJ. Sammy, thank you for all the memories and being a part of my big day!
Bridesmaid
Lauren is my "little" cousin, but I think of her more of as a niece because of the dynamics of our family. I've seen her grow up and what a Firecracker!! This girl can blow you away. Her tenacity and motivation will move mountains! She has had to face a lot of challenges at such a young age, but it hasn't stopped her from being the strong, independent woman she has become and I couldn't be more proud to call her family and my bridesmaid. Although beware, don't let this fool you. If you cross her, she'll cuss you out worse than a drunken sailor. Love ya kid!
Bridesmaid
Jess and I first met each other in our elementary years through rec sports, competing against one another. We eventually ended up on the same fastpitch softball team and became inseparable. We had the time of our lives in our early 20's! No matter what week or weekend it was you'd find us at Moose Country (RIP) burning calories on the dance floor. Other than partying, I've shared multiple family gatherings, weddings, bdays, you name it with her and her family (still working on all the names). Best of all, I've made her grandma's list of top 5 people she likes!! I cherish the friendship we had and memories we've shared. The rest, well let's just say its complicated....
Flower Girl
Miss Aubrey is Tara's daughter and I couldn't think of a better little peanut to be my flower girl. I helped take care of her the week she was born and immediately fell in love. Since then I've watched her grow into a spitfire, with so much spunk and sassiness at just 3 years old!! I know for sure she'll have no problem telling the boys who's boss as she gets older! Even though I dont get to see her as often as I'd like, she still knows I'm her Aunty AJ and would do anything for her! She is very excited to get dressed up in her "pretties" and show off her Swag!
Personal Attendant
Courtney is Tara's younger sister and my "biotch" for the day. (I can say that we're basically family) I've seen this girl grow up and still to this day treat her as if she was my own little sister. She's a goofball who doesn't take things too seriously. I won't get into too many details but sometimes she makes ya shake your head and just go "hmmmmm." That aside, she has become quite the business woman who has is extremely successful planning different events, whether it be the Vikings Superbowl event to organizing a Timberwolves outing or even her day to day jobs. Knowing her quirky ways I still sit back and think, "how the hell did you get here and damn am I proud of you!" I wouldn't want anyone else helping me prep or organize this day because I'm pretty convinced I have the BEST of the best!
Usher
Jack is my younger cousin but he's more like an obnoxious little brother. He does whatever he can to irritate me, just to get a rise out of me. I think it's his goal in life! Although I'm convinced it's his special way of showing me how much he loves me. So far I trump everyone! I've watched Jack blossom into a young, aspiring business man who I know without a doubt will become the millionaire he dreams to be one day! He is too smart for his own good and has the attitude he can do anything, unless it's bags then forget it. He still can't beat me! Needless to say, I am very proud of the man he has become and can't wait to see where he goes in life. Thanks Jack for showing up and wearing socks for me today! Love ya!
Usher
Jagger is the oldest of my three nephews and my sister Summer's only son. He’s a natural athlete and excels in hockey and baseball. (Pretty sure he gets those skills from me or his dad cause his mother, god bless her, couldn’t throw a ball into a swimming pool.) He is also the only one that has a chance at catching me in our family contest of receiving the most injury related stitches. Pretty sure I have him edged out only cause I grew up in the 80s and 90s (much less safety equipment back then)