Growing up as close cousins, Shelby and I developed a deep sisterly bond. Jerry, on the other hand, has always faced stiff competition, as I had already found my person. While a best friend is truly irreplaceable, he graciously accepted being the third wheel in our dynamic. As carefree kids, we were constantly giggling and plotting against unsuspecting delivery drivers, pretending to be much taller than our actual height. We loved dressing up and sitting on each other's shoulders, using spare change to buy pizza. I know I could never fall short in life because I've always had the unwavering support of my best friend and maid of honor, Shelby, by my side. Shelby has the biggest heart, she is the best godmother to Junie and to top it off she is a gifted baker! you can all look forward to savoring her delicious cakes at the wedding.

Jason, my big brother, has been someone I've looked up to throughout my life. He's a skilled plumber, an average hunter, and a mediocre fisherman. Growing up, we would often get into physical altercations, but I believe those experiences helped shape our character. Our close bond as brothers persisted until our teenage years, when we didn't like each other quite as much. That changed around the time I turned 22 and returned from the Navy. If it wasn't for Jay and Mike's wrong turn over 20 years ago, I never would have met, Alicia. Jay is my best friend. I'm the godfather to his son, Cole, and he's the godfather to my daughter, June. I'm incredibly grateful that my brother is such a large part of my life.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have found such a wonderful friend in my younger sister, Jessica. She has consistently been there for me, and I have been there for her, as if we raised each other. Some of my favorite memories are watching Jessica's vibrant personality come alive when she played hockey growing up and roller derby during her college years. Those who know Jessica would describe her as easygoing and the life of the party. I have high hopes for her dance moves at my upcoming wedding, as she is not afraid to get down on the dance floor. In addition to being an amazing friend, Jessica is a wonderful mother to my nephew, Owen, our ring bearer, and the best godmother to Halle. I'm overjoyed to have Jessica by my side as I navigate life's journey, including this exciting new chapter of marriage.

Mike has been my best friend for two decades. He played Division 1 football for Tulane University, and is an avid, though mediocre, fisherman and hunter. Despite our rocky start when we first met in 2003, Mike is an extremely genuine person. Though not family, he is known as "Uncle Mike" to my daughters, June and Halle, and the Godfather to Halle. We share a love of the outdoors, often going on hunting trips together across the Midwest. I'm grateful for everything Mike does for me and my family.

Nicole and I have been close friends since middle school when we first met. Our friendship grew even stronger during my freshman year of high school. In college, we both attended Winona State University, and I became an unofficial roommate, often crashing on her couch. While we have countless hilarious drunken stories, one that stands out was our ongoing "Jers day" routines - there's just something about the big hair and bold personalities of those Jersey Shore folks that made for the best drinking games. On a more serious note, our friendship has continued to flourish over the years. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful, long-standing bond with Nicole. I love that our children are growing up together, with a deep friendship that has them often referring to each other as cousins. I am very lucky to have Nicole by my side when I say, "I do."

Brenden and I have been friends since 2008. What started as a boss-employee relationship at Abt quickly grew into a great friendship that has stood the test of time. Brenden is the definition of reliability. The man has never let me down, no matter what crazy hour of the day or night I call him up needing a hand. We've logged countless hours together out on the chain of lakes, so much so that we finally bit the bullet and went in on a boat together. Even though I've been living a solid 8-hour drive away for over 5 years now, every time we reconnect it's like no time has passed at all. Brenden is that kind of friend who is always there through thick and thin, who you can count on no matter what life throws your way. I'm beyond grateful to have him standing by my side on my wedding day as one of my groomsmen.

Carissa and I have been friends since high school, and our bond has only grown stronger with each passing year. I have countless cherished memories, from sleepovers at her childhood home to Winona basement parties during our college days, and from countless country concerts and festivals-We Fest! Carissa is an empowering woman, and I am truly grateful to call her my friend. She has a heart of gold and gives selflessly in both her career and personal life. There's a saying that you don't know who your true friends are until you're navigating the challenges of motherhood - and Carissa has always been there for me and my girls, who lovingly call her "Auntie Chrissy." In a lighthearted manner, Jerry jokingly reminds me that his favorite among my friends is Carissa, even though it's no secret.

Vince and I met while working at Abt. I've known Vince for over a decade now and I can honestly say he's one of the best guys I've ever met. He is nearly impossible not to like. Vince is one of those people who is always in a good mood, no matter what. We worked together every day for just over two years and stayed friends even after I left. Something you should know about Vince, he is a ringer on the golf course. He acts like he's just out there for a casual round being modest but don’t let that fool you on the green. Even though Alicia and I moved away to Minnesota, Vince and his family have gone out of their way to come visit us every single year. They're just thoughtful, caring people like that.