Olivia Miller
Sister of the bride
Ashley is my big sister! I grew up idolizing her and everything she did- from wanting to wear the same prom dress to rowing crew. I admire her work ethic and how dedicated she is to helping others. I remember first meeting Ryan at a Miami rowing event and remember how close the two of them were. I am so happy to get to stand by my sister on her special day and continue to be a part of Ashley and Ryan’s life together.
Laura Baker
Friend of the bride (and groom)
Ashley and I met during our freshman year of college upon joining Alpha Delta Pi and being given the same “big” in our sorority making us “twins.” We hit it off from the start and became great friends and have been inseparable since. I have also known and been close friends with Ryan since the 6th grade. While Ryan met Ashley through Miami Rowing, I obviously helped keep the two close friends. My husband would like to say it was his stomach (or maybe him being economical) in Vegas that caused them to end up together, but those of us who knew Ashley and Ryan at Miami knew it was inevitable. I am so happy and excited to be celebrating the marriage of my two best friends!
Katherine Miller
Friend of the bride
I met Ashley during our doctoral program at the University of Tulsa. I knew she would be my friend when I saw her animal print shoes on the first day of orientation! Then her tears and realization that we'd be in grad school for five years sealed the deal. Some favorite memories over the years include the Oklahoma State Fair (all the fried foods you can imagine), rodeos, coordinated Halloween costumes, and of course some very intense bonding in Ghana! :)
Shreela Palit
Friend of the bride
How did I meet Ashley Kay Miller? Well, in spite of being in the same grad program for several years and witnessing how welcoming, brilliant, and kind she was, our friendship officially began over our shared love of Chipotle during her last year in Tulsa! (True story: Ashley had a coupon and was her usual sweet self and invited me to tag along). She quickly became my neighbor, "momma," confidant, workout buddy, and birthday triplet. She even tried to teach me to ride a bike! From deep late-night conversations and supporting each other through challenging times, to frequent movie/dinner date nights, and being silly and sassy together, we created some pretty amazing memories!
Jessy VanGessel
Friend of the bride
Ashley and I met long ago at Miami University during our freshman year of college. We bonded over our love for crew, our dislike for the school (which we both grew to love), and missing home. We discovered we lived right by each other in the dorms, which led to frequent meals, talks, and fun nights out. While I transferred after that year to pursue a career in nursing, Ashley and I have continued to stay close and have had some truly exciting travel adventures together, including trips to NYC, Boston, Las Vegas, and Myrtle Beach. I am excited for many more adventures to come!
Peter Vaughan
Brother of the groom
Ryan is my one and only brother, and I cherish him. As kids he shared my room, which normally might be hard for a growing teenager, but it brought us incredibly close together. Seeing Ryan now grown up, I am incredibly proud of his tenacity and pragmatic success in everything he does - I learn a lot from him. I see the world through him and I am excited that he has found a great partner in travel and in life. I remember first meeting Ashley with Ryan over a great meal or two (we are all foodies!) and I can see the sparkle and gleam in their eyes that I know will carry them through all aspects of their new life together.
Matt Baker
Friend of the groom
I have known Ryan since our freshman year of high school and I first met Ashley freshman year of college, while vising Laura at Miami. Ryan and Ashley would not have found true love if it wasn't for one Saturday morning at the unlimited buffet, at the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas. This special morning the four of us went to the buffet for breakfast, but stayed through lunch (with bottomless mimosas). During the five hour event the sparkle in Ashley's eyes caught Ryan’s attention and the rest is history. Today, I feel lucky to call them both my friends and have shared many positive memories and look forward to many more.
Mark Friedman
Friend of the groom
Ryan and I became friends in grade school and have shared countless memories from that point on. Hanging out by the lockers before class turned into sleepovers on the weekend and eventually traveling to Italy, Vegas, Cincinnati, Tulsa, and Thailand. Next up is Ryan’s bachelor party for a proper send off.
Ben Herbstman
Friend of the groom
Ryan and I have known each other since Pee-Wee soccer. I once "kidnapped" Ryan for a birthday getaway. Ryan attended Miami University with my now wife and stood up in our wedding. I am happy and honored to be able to do the same for Ashley and Ryan.
Andrew Shafer
Friend of the groom
I first met Ryan while interviewing him for a job at Mercer. Despite my objections, Ryan got the job, and we quickly bonded over crunch lunches, 2012 election gambling, and a 24-hour impromptu trip to Vegas. While, thankfully, neither of us remain at Mercer, we’ve continued to be good friends to this day. These days, my wife Megg and I enjoy meeting Ryan and Ashley for sushi and living vicariously through their exotic travels.
Lily and Maddie Baker
Lily, 5 years old, and Maddie, 3 years old, are the daughters of Matt and Laura Baker. They are thrilled to be in Aunt Ashley & Uncle Ryan's wedding!