Jess and I met during our freshman year at Miami University when we both joined the same sorority. Fate had it that neither of us had a roommate for sophomore year. That was only the beginning as we lived together for the rest of our time at Miami. We have remained such good friends and have tackled medical school, the CPA, drawing 101, breakups, new cities, and everything in between. Our friendship would not be complete without surprise visits to Chicago, banana pudding, deep dish pizza in the middle of winter, and Jess's favorite...diet coke. Jess is easily one of the smartest people I know and I am so fortunate to have stood by her side at her wedding in 2020. I am thrilled to have her stand by me in September.

Courtney and I (along with Katie) were assigned as random roommates our freshman year at Miami University, sharing a dorm room the size of some people's closets. Courtney studied finance, so we initially became friends through our core business classes. After graduation, Courtney lived in Cleveland for a short period of time before taking a new job and moving to Chicago all in the span of just a couple months. As two city girls, Courtney and I have spent many afternoons/evenings exploring new restaurants and bars in Chicago, and revisiting our tried-and-true favorites (Beatrix, Quartino, Sopprafina). I know I can always count on Courtney for a dose of logic and straightforward advice and I am so thankful for her continued friendship.

Katie was my freshman year roommate (along with Courtney) at Miami. We certainly made the best of it and became great friends. Together we've enjoyed concerts, candle-making, comedy shows in Chicago, and even a wine tasting trip to Canada. Katie is the light-hearted spirit in any room and the one person I know I can go to for a Friends reference (mainly...PIVOT).

Of all of my bridesmaids, I have known Susie the longest. We navigated the ups and downs and teenage drama of middle school and high school together - Susie was always the one to take the high road and that is still reflective of her today. After being in the Coast Guard and traveling all over, Susie relocated from Folly Beach, SC back to Chicago, and we picked up right where we left off. Susie lives in the Boston area now. She is quirky and creative and also shares in my love of good red wine (or any cocktail with an egg white in it!).

Kristen is Brian's younger sister. She's one of the few other people that will call Brian out for his occasional shenanigans. Kristen is so easy to talk to and we've definitely become closer over the past few years. I was delighted to celebrate Kristen and Jake at their wedding in 2019.

Ashley and I met playing tennis in high school. We became teammates and close friends. Over the years, our tennis outings may have become less frequent, but our friendship has continued to grow. One summer, we took a weekend trip to Louisville to explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It was super spontaneous, but we had an absolute blast and still talk about it to this day. Ashley is level-headed, a great listener, and certainly one of my favorite 'gal pals'.

Kelley and I played tennis together all through high school. We spent many hot summers (and cold fall mornings) together on court. She was my doubles partner first, but I am so thankful for our friendship since then. Kelley lived in Chicago after college and has since lived in San Francisco for several years. Though we don't get to see each other as often, our Zoom calls (especially during quarantine!) are always something I look forward to.

Nick and I first met in high school at Detroit Catholic Central where we became very close friends. So much so that we were basically part of each others families. I spent a lot of time at his house (typically showing up unannounced but always welcomed!). Nick was the only one who called my parents by "T" and "C", while everyone else used your standard Mr. and Mrs. Nick is the type of friend who you get into shenanigans with one day but is there when you just need someone to lend an ear the next. I could not be happier that we've stayed in touch for so long even though we went to different colleges and live in different states. I'm honored to have him as my best man.

I met Corey at the beginning of our grad year at IU. We became close over the course of that year and ended up spending the following summer together studying for the CPA exams. Since the closest testing center was in Louisville, KY (Corey's hometown), Corey offered to let me stay at his parents house the 2-3 days leading up to each exam to continue studying. We both ended up in Chicago for work after the exams to begin our careers. Corey is one of the best guys I know and am very happy to have him be part of our big day.

Colin and I were teammates during our high school days playing club soccer for Vardar in MI. At the time, we really weren't that close. It wasn't until a college football day in Chicago at a mutual friends house party that our friendship really took off. After that day, we hung out all the time in the city. We became so close that a day came where Colin was set to meet up with his girlfriend's (Taylor's) parents, sister, and brother for the first time in Chicago. Colin was so nervous that he asked if I would join for supportive purposes and comic relief. I was more than happy to help out! I like to think my participation that day played a minor role in Colin and Taylor tying the knot in December (Congrats you two!). So glad we ran into each other at that party and have become great friends since.

I first met Chris when I came to visit Corey in Chicago before I moved there from MI. At the time, Chris was Corey's roommate. I had come in for the Notre Dame football game at Soldier Field and Corey offered to let me stay with them. When I arrived outside their apartment, I figured Corey would come down to the lobby of their building to get me. Instead, I was greeted by Chris with a beer and friendly "hello brother". Needless to say, I had a feeling this new friendship had potential, and I wasn't wrong.

I did not have a brother growing up as it was only me and my wonderful sister (Kristen). Insert Kyle, Alexa's older brother. It has been a blast getting to know Kyle over the last 6 year spending time on the golf course, family vacations, exchanging funny articles, family holidays, and visits to CLE/CHI. I look forward to officially making Kyle my brother and building future memories!