Ashton & Eric
Wedding Party
Chad and Melissa Mountcastle
Parents of the Groom
Eric joined Chad and Melissa's journey shortly before the high school sweethearts were married. Chad’s career in the United States Coast Guard took them to numerous coastal states around the country where Eric was thankfully joined by two lovely sisters that helped tip the balance of power. Through the years, Eric’s relationship with his parents has continued to grow into a beautiful friendship with many shared interests. Chad shaped Eric’s character and made him a man of his word. They share a love of The Eagles, WWII history, road trips, and trips to Disney with “their girls”. Melissa was monumental in shaping timid Eric’s outlook on the world and made sure he was kind, gentle, and empathetic just like his mama. They share a love of cooking, the arts, and nature. Pic: 2011 chic
Michelle Rhodes
Mother of the Bride
In many ways, Ashton and her beautiful mom, Michelle, are the same person…for better or worse, to borrow a phrase from the upcoming ceremony. Better: Same sense of humor and love of laughter, same inclination to not take life too seriously, same giving spirit. Worse: Same ability to lose or forget almost anything anywhere, same inability to mail things in a timely manner (or at all), and with increasing sameness each passing year, a voice that is characterized by their nasal passages. But Ashton wouldn’t have it any other way, and she looks forward to the day that she too is mistaken for Fran Drescher on the phone. Pic: Another shared love, light wash denim.
Kevin and Lisa Quinlan
Father and Stepmom of the Bride
Ashton met Kevin on the day she was born, & they’ve been very close ever since. In addition to having the female version of his face (and bulky calves), Ashton also inherited her love of travel from her dad, & her love of taking 1000 photos of everything. This is his 2nd trip to Juneau, which is great for everyone – on his 1st, all the animals came out like he was George of the Freakin’ Jungle. Kevin and Lisa married in 1995 on a beautiful Hawaiian beach (beach weddings, another thing Ashton inherited!). She's known for being an amazing host & always makes Ashton & Eric’s MO trips comfy & delicious. She is also credited in the formation of Ashton’s ~style game~ as she did basically all the Christmas shopping (sorry dad) & kept her in all the best Limited Too threads. Pic: Niagra Falls!
Savanna Quinlan
Sister of the Bride
Sweet lil’ beebee Savanna arrived on February 27, 2005. Sadly, Ashton would only live in the same city as her for those first 6 months before she left for college, but that didn’t stop their sisterly bond. Savanna, thankfully, was able to develop the same sassy attitude as her sis even without her physical presence. Savanna is now a sassy, smart, beautiful teen who enjoys video games, her terrifying cat Hunter, and ignoring SnapChats from her big sister. She’s also an amazing aunt to her dog nephew, Manny, and can always be counted on to make sure he doesn’t get eaten by the aforementioned terrifying cat. Pic: Cute lil' Savanna with her older sibs, probably thinking about how much cooler she is than them
Vanessa Teran
Maid of Honor
In high school, Vanessa and Ashton both did cheerleading, Honor Society, and Student Council, and they were friends. But it was after high school that they began slowly morphing into one person. Throughout college, Ashton's most permanent residence was Vanessa's mom's couch. They coordinated outfits and costumes at every opportunity. They developed their own language (only a few words, most of them “schmeeb,” but still). Though they have grown-up lives now and live far apart, they are literal (figurative) sisters forever. Vanessa is now a very accomplished CPA and lives in St. Louis with her husband, Esteban, their precious bb boy, Sebastian, and two insane dogs named Osa and Murphy. Pic: One of the many coordinations.
Heather Backer
Maid of Honor
In 2006, Heather and Ashton put their fate in the hands of the CampusView apartment complex, and were matched as roommates. They became friendly, but a night that began as a simple painting project and ended with the frantic, semi-successful cleaning of an entire gallon of pink paint from their carpet would cement their sisterhood forever. They were physical roommates for 2 more years and remain mental roommates to this day. They maintain plans to reunite as roommates eventually, though their partners have not yet signed on. Heather is now a talented Ultrasound Technician and lives in Kansas City with her husband, Chris, two beautiful boys, Penn and Silas, and two wiley cats, Veda and Winston. Pic: A few hours before complete painting chaos ensued.
James "JR" Rosales
Best Man
JR (James) and Eric knew of each other in high school but never really hung out until after graduation. They started jamming together in JR's garage and quickly became friends. Playing music together in Alaska inspired them to take the passion to Seattle. Through the years, JR has been a source of strength, comic relief, and pure joy in both Eric and Ashton's lives. JR is now a salesman by day and a bassist in FOUR local bands by night. He lives with two lovely roommates, Kurt Wade and Lance Fohrenkam (lead guitarist of SHIVERTWINS). Fun Fact: The name "SHIVERTWINS" comes from a drunken night when Eric and JR went to the bathroom together and a cold gust of wind came in through the door causing them to shiver at the same time. The rest is rock and roll history- or will be!
Joseph "Joe" Comolli
Groom Crew
Joe and Eric decided to be friends in college after sharing a love of punk music, art, and getting in to trouble. Their years together have been an eventful mess of good times and bad times. Joe and Eric share a friendship that is closer to dysfunctional set of brothers that look out for each other than two college dropout roommates. Joe has been Eric's closest thing to a "bromance" over the years, which is fitting since his nickname is "Brosef." Fun Fact: Eric and Joe have inflicted wounds on each other numerous times: Joe chipping Eric's tooth and Eric shooting Joe with an arrow (nobody was mortally wounded). Pic: Joe and Eric wanted a "family photo" so they put on Joe's shirts at their friend's dorm and assumed a natural position. c. 2010
Laynie Thompson
Bride Crew
Laynie and Ashton go all the way back to Mr. Russell's freshman algebra class at MRH high school. They didn't do much algebra but they did get A's - in FRIENDSHIP. Together, they shared approximately 7463 cafeteria chocolate-chip cookies (RIP), and basically kept the blank CD industry alive (RIP). As they grew up, their shared interests evolved from Avril Lavigne singles to trying to figure out how to save the world. Laynie eventually returned to MRH to bless the elementary students with her wisdom and passion for teaching. She lives in St. Louis with her partner, James, and their adorable pups Lulu and Cooper. Pic: Laynie and Ashton being truly just the absolute coolest at Senior Prom with Wedding Party Affiliate Ryan Robertson.
James Holzenburg
Groom Crew
James (yes another James) and Eric became quick buds in college when they were placed in the same Psychology class. After realizing that they shared the same group of friends, it only made sense to be best buds and future roommates. James and Eric then proceeded to drink beers, play video games, and be the resident "dads" of the group. James has always had a strict moral compass and keeps Eric and the gang grounded- he is a true king in the north. Fun fact: James is the tallest friend in the group and has been brutally mocked by them for 9 years and probably will for the rest of our lives. Also, he has sung for SHIVERTWINS. Pic: James and Eric goofing off in the college cafeteria where they spent most of their time in college. c. 2010
Katy Mountcastle
Bride Crew/Sister of the Groom
Katy has been Eric's best friend for 26 years and could never be replaced. She has stood by him throughout the years and has been a constant source of encouragement, laughter, and love. She is the glue of the family and holds everything together while holding everyone up (sometimes from too many beers). Being the sparkling ray of sunshine that she is, Katy charmed Ashton about one second after they met, and they've been very close ever since. Together they enjoy taking well-angled pictures of each other, eating Taco Bell for every-single-meal while Katy is in Seattle, and loudly singing pop music against Eric's wishes. Pic: Katy, Eric and Lexi in a well-angled pic taken by Ashton.
Andrew Quinlan
Groom Crew/Brother of Bride
Growing up, Ashton and Andrew had their ups and downs, due to Ashton being ~very cool~ and Andrew being your basic little brother. But now they're adults, and Andrew, though still not AS cool as Ashton, is much closer and they get along great. Ashton is thankful to have a bro she knows she can always count on. They have many shared interests, including exploring Seattle when Andrew visits, making fun of their mom, and posing back-to-back in front of Christmas trees. Future bros-in-law Andrew and Eric have also grown close over the years. Andrew is a good hang and a great guy. They enjoy talking and bonding over music, nerd things including Star Wars and Marvel, and Ashton's bossy tendencies. Pic: A Star Wars twist on the classic pose.
Lexi Mountcastle
Bride Crew/Sister of the Groom
Lexi has come a long way from biting and kicking her older siblings, Eric and Katy. She now only rolls her eyes when they say something not cool enough for her ears. She is a determined, courageous, and steadfast young woman whose future excites all of us. Lexi is widely known as The Coolest Mountcastle, and as such, Ashton was nervous about being able to win her over. Luckily, through the years they've bonded over their love of travel, Ashton laughing hysterically at Lexi's antics, and a shared inclination to be "over" things. Pic: Lexi and Eric engaged in antics.
Lucy Dominguez
Groom Crew
Lucy came into Eric and Ashton's lives when she started dating Eric's sister, Katy, and was instantly part of the family. Having Lucy around is like having another sister, and Ashton and Eric are so grateful for her calming presence in a sometimes-not-so-calm family. She can handle anything and everything life throws at her and is often a peacekeeper in the group. Fun fact: Eric and Lucy went to Juneau Douglas High School together but were part of different crews! Eric kicks himself daily over the missed opportunity. Pic: Lucy, Katy, Eric and Ashton model the hottest trends in aprons.
Jen Parkin (AKA Princess Jen)
Flower Girl
Jen met Ashton and Eric when she started working at Juneau Youth Services with them and had no idea what she was getting herself into. Together with Lala Levale (below) they would become a group known (to themselves) as The Trifecta (Eric was an honorary fourth corner - it's complicated). Jen is truly an amazing friend. She can always be counted in tough times, and will always include her classic catchphrase, "It is what it is." Jen now works for the state of Alaska and lives in Juneau with her partner, Jeremiah, and her surely-first-of-many-cats, Mochi. Pic: Jen and Ashton about to run into the icy ocean water of Alaska for some reason (Polar Plunge).
Lala Levale
Flower Girl
Lala was a supervisor at JYS when Eric and Ashton started there, and she really didn't have the patience for either one of them. But they were persistent and eventually wormed their way into her heart (though she would deny this). Lala knew (she claims) that she knew Eric and Ashton would end up together long before they did and used her magic to help make it happen, and therefore is their Fairy Godmother forever. She now works for the State of Alaska with Princess Jen (causing Ashton to stew in a jealous rage in Seattle), and lives in Juneau with her big family and two pups, Mamba and Mako. Pic: Lala (middle, back) on the one night in history all the best JYS employees got together at the same time.