Sam is love. He is the warmth of a hug, the assurance of safety and comfort. The bubbles in your stomach at the top of a roller coaster, and the exhilarated laugh as the cart tips and falls. He is the fireplace on winter nights and the warm breeze as the sun sets in August. His eyes are the amber of my favorite stained glass. He is southern charm, masculine, reliable and dependable. His voice lights up my mind like that of a favorite song. The first I turn to when things go wrong. He is my partner in crime, and one I am eager to have and to hold for many years to come. Loving him is simple and pure, one at first sight. His company calms and grounds me until we are like fireflies that glow, basking in each others warmth and light.

You know it’s love when it’s as easy as breathing. It’s a choice I make everyday and one I never have to question or think about. Like putting on socks before shoes, I don’t have to think to say I love you, and I know at the end of the aisle it’ll be a joy and honor to say, not only that but also, “I do.”

Brendan is Music. He’s like a favorite song from your childhood that brings a rush of warmth and nostalgia. It’s hard writing about him because I don’t know where to start. He’s startlingly bright like the fast part of the song where his fingers are flying across the piano. He’s funny and easy going like lilting melody. He can be scary when he’s protecting himself or his family like a building crescendo. He can be quiet and contemplative like the music fading out when a song ends. A childhood with Brendan meant growing up with genius musically and mentally, and tire swing time of course. This musician will charm you with his extensive knowledge on aerospace, guns, music, and much more! Ask Brendan about kerbels!

Samantha is a Firecracker: She is Fiery and Fun! My younger sister has always been a force to be reckoned, and one I could never do without. Growing up with with Samantha, she was never one to hold back, she taught me confidence and how to not care so much. She challenges me everyday and it’s been amazing growing up with her. From silly stories late at night, to dance classes together, Samantha was my sister, therapist, and confidant all rolled into one. This fashionista will cut you, literally! (Only hair if you ask nicely). Ask her about makeup, fashion, shopping, or Salsa night. Samantha has always been true to herself, and I’m being truthful in saying: This girly will keep you on your toes.

Brandi is Autumn: Charming and the embodiment of growth and change. The strength and perseverance of well rooted trees, and young in bright colors and adaptability. This girl can roll with punches and throw you for a loop. Growing up with Brandi, she held many roles. She was my friend, my sister, my second mother. She helped teach the value of hard work, ambition, and embodied kindness and hope. When this Wonder Woman is not at the dental office she could be found running, enjoying nature, winning a game of dominos, or spoiling her kids. Between Horror movies and Singing in the car, Brandi is the picture of your favorite big sister- Oh and watch it on the dance floor for the one who taught me how to dance! For the one who taught me there’s nothing I can’t do. Ask Brandi about leg wrestling!

Growing up with Rachel saw us spending days splashing at the pool with Mimi and our cousins. We would race downstairs to see who would change the holiday calendar. Fun puppet shows with dad, tubing out on the lake with family, Leumas and Lehcar. I don’t think there’s a favorite memory I can pick. But, she was the first person I went to when I picked out Abby’s ring.

Max is a warm Summer day. A quiet balm on your nerves, with just enough wind to be comfortable. He is nostalgia, a comfort, a stead fast and easy going friend to everyone. Growing up, max was my first friend, sharing our grade and childhood in a way that made us feel like siblings more than cousins. Max is quick to smile and laugh, while still perceptive and quick. He’s considerate and caring, empathetic and kind. Ambitious, hardworking, and with a quiet strength, his optimism reminds me of the carefree sunny days of a school vacation. This goofball enjoys gaming, civil engineering, hiking, and going out with his buds. Don’t forget to ask Max about his Ozzie.

Zoe is Sunshine: Bright and Bubbly, easy to talk to. Zoe and I met in highschool and when she decided we would be friends, how could I say no? We all need those friends who give us that little push, with Zoe, that means texting your highschool crush to ask when he’s going to ask you out. Six short years later that same guy asks you to marry him! When not doing a shift at the hospital this GA native enjoys crocheting, tea, hiking, and perfecting her cinnamon rolls recipe. Ask her about Donovan!

Lauren is a daffodil: Beautiful and Resilient. Lauren and I have been friends since second grade. It takes two strong personalities to maintain a friendship this long while being states apart. Lauren has always known who she is, her values, and has been a grounding force in my life. This devout Christian can be seen running marathons, working on her newest artistic masterpiece, or spoiling her nieces and nephews. Hide your chocolate! This girl is quirky, silly, and still tries to talk me into trying a peanut butter and pickle sandwich. Ask Lauren about Captain Chocolate!

I’ve known Trent since I was a little kid. We would spend an entire day Sun up to sun down out biking around the neighborhood. We built forts and random stuff out in the woods and we would get tanned out fishing on the pond. It’s hard to say which memory is my favorite here, I guess it’s between playing manhunt when the parents would get together or racing the red wagon down the hill before bailing before we slammed into a fence.

Austin and I met in high school, we both were in the same math class. Outside of school we hung out a lot, driving late at night and sometimes running from the cops. Other weekends we’d meet up at the shooting range and pop off a few, I think I even helped him campaign a few times. Gotta admit I’m pretty proud of the couple of times I got him when we tussled but Austin was always the low maintenance friend. Just kind of disappear for awhile before showing back up again like nothing ever happened, just back outside with us enjoying another fire.

I met Miguel in high school. We were in automotive class together and I remember one time he went out and got this old beater that we spent a couple of weekends fixing up that I helped cut, and we took that thing out and drove it until its wheels fell off. We had great times shooting at Governor's or just hanging out at Buffalo's. One moment that stands out though is at his wedding, he had one game where all the guys linked arms and began running around the room and he would stop us randomly and have us take shot and damn it if he didn't stop me every single time!