I am beyond honored to introduce my incredible best friend, Connie Thompson, as my Matron of Honor. For the past seven years, Connie and I have worked side by side as 4th-grade teachers, sharing not just a connection of our careers, but a deep bond of friendship that has brought endless support and laughter to my life. She’s been there for me through every step of my journey with Shane—from our first date to patiently listening as I asked her every day for two months if she knew when Shane would propose! Connie isn’t just a friend; she’s become family to both Shane and I. Her kindness, humor, and unwavering support have been a rock for us. She’s the kind of person who lights up every room she walks into and makes everyone around her feel valued and loved. Some of my favorite memories with Connie include our family vacation to Florida with her wonderful husband and children, who we absolutely adore. Those trips were filled with intense laughter, joy, and moments that I’ll remember forever. Having Connie by my side on our wedding day means the world to me. She’s more than a friend—she’s a sister at heart, and I’m so grateful for her presence in our lives!

Dani isn’t just one of my closest friends—she’s family by choice and one of the most important people in my life! We’ve been inseparable since birth, all thanks to our parents becoming best friends while working at Taco Bell in the 80's (yes, really!). Dani has been by my side through every stage of life—birth, awkward pre-teen years, the confusion of young adulthood, and now into beautiful, married, adult life. She’s always been someone I look up to, inspiring me to be the best version of myself. I’ve admired her for as long as I can remember! As we’ve grown older, our journeys have aligned in so many ways, and that’s only strengthened our bond. One of my favorite memories is the month I spent living with her in Oregon during the COVID shutdown. Those weeks were filled with laughter, deep late-night chats, and so much love and adventure—it’s a time I’ll always hold close to my heart! Dani is more than family to me; she’s my role model, my biggest cheerleader, and my lifelong best friend. I couldn’t imagine my wedding day without her standing by my side as my matron of honor. I feel so incredibly lucky to have her in my life for so many reasons!

Hannah is married to my brother, and from the moment she joined our family, she’s brought so much warmth, laughter, and love into our lives! She is endlessly supportive, genuinely funny, and always willing to help in any way she can. Some of my favorite memories with Hannah are from our family trips to Mendocino and Fort Bragg, where we shared laughter, good conversations, and unforgettable moments together. Those trips wouldn’t have been the same without her, and they’re a testament to the strong bond we’ve built over the years! I feel so lucky to have Hannah as my sister-in-law and even luckier to have her standing by my side on our wedding day. She’s not just family—she’s a true friend, and I’m so grateful for her.

Bailey is engaged to Shane’s younger brother, Ian, and I feel so incredibly lucky to have her as my future sister-in-law! From the moment we met, we clicked instantly—our personalities are like two peas in a pod, and being around her is always such a joy. I’ve always felt fortunate to be marrying into the Smith family, and having Bailey in my life is one of the many reasons why! She’s not just a sister-in-law to me; she’s also become one of my closest friends. Her warmth, humor, and amazing energy make every moment together special. I’m so happy to have Bailey by my side on our wedding day and even happier to call her family!

Markell has been one of my best friends since high school, and she’s truly one of the most special people in my life! During those years, she was my rock—always there to support me and make life more fun. High school was such a memorable time, largely because of her! Over the years, we’ve stayed so close, and I’ve always cherished the time we’ve spent together. I loved visiting her in Utah during college; those trips were full of adventure, uplifting talks, support, and so many great memories. Markell is one of the funniest and most genuine people I know, and her energy is something I always want to be around! I truly adore Markell, and having her by my side on our wedding day is such a joy and honor.

Brianna has been my best friend since we were just 15, working together at the after-school program. From the very beginning, she’s been one of the most important people in my life. Over the years, we’ve shared so many adventures—road trips, Disneyland days, and even seeing Hamilton in LA together! Every moment with her has been filled with laughter, love, and memories I’ll cherish forever. Brianna and her husband, Alan, have been my “mom and dad” couple best friends for as long as I can remember, taking me under their wing and treating me like family! Their kindness, support, and love have meant more to me than words can express. But Brianna is more than just my best friend; she’s my constant, my sounding board, and one of the most talented people I know. Having her as our wedding photographer is such a blessing—her ability to capture life’s most beautiful moments is truly unmatched! But being our photographer wasn’t enough for me, because Brianna is family. There was no way I’d walk down the aisle without recognizing her as one of my bridal party members! Brianna, your friendship has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. I am so grateful for you, and having you with me on this day makes it even more special.

Shane’s younger brother and lifelong partner-in-crime, Ian has been by his side through every stage of life. From childhood adventures to navigating the ups and downs of adulthood, their bond has remained one of unwavering support and brotherly mischief. Whether it was late-night conversations, inside jokes that no one else understands, or pushing each other to be better, Ian has always been someone Shane can count on. Their relationship is built on trust, loyalty, and a lifetime of memories, making it only fitting that Ian stands beside Shane as one of his best men. There’s no doubt that Ian will bring his signature wit, energy, and unconditional support to this special day—just as he always has.

For years, Trevor and Shane have shared a friendship built on laughter, competition, and countless late-night gaming sessions that often stretched into the early morning. What started as a shared love for video games quickly evolved into a true brotherhood, where teamwork extended far beyond the virtual world. Whether strategizing in a game or navigating life’s challenges, Trevor has always been there with unwavering support, plenty of humor, and maybe a few too many “one more game” moments. As one of Shane’s best men, Trevor represents not just the fun and camaraderie they’ve shared over the years, but the deep friendship that has become an unshakable part of Shane’s life. Their bond is proof that some of the best friendships are forged over controllers, caffeine, and an endless stream of inside jokes.

As the oldest of the brothers, Austin has always been a role model to Shane in his own way—whether through life advice, shared laughter, or their mutual appreciation for a well-crafted drink. Over the years, Shane and Austin have bonded over their love of unique whiskeys and interesting cocktails, always eager to discover a new favorite bottle or swap recommendations. Their conversations, whether deep or lighthearted, have strengthened their relationship and made every moment spent together meaningful. Austin’s presence in Shane’s life has been one of warmth, wisdom, and good humor, and there’s no doubt he’ll bring that same energy to the wedding day. Shane is beyond grateful to have him standing beside him as he takes this next step in life.

As Shane’s older brother, Patrick has always been someone to look up to—though maybe not when it comes to golfing advice. A passionate golfer, Patrick once attempted to teach Shane the finer points of the game, but it quickly became evident that Shane’s skills were better suited to the skies than the fairway. Despite the frustrating lesson (for both of them), their bond has only grown stronger over the years. Whether it was offering guidance, sharing words of wisdom, or just giving Shane a hard time like only an older brother can, Patrick has always been a steady presence in his life. Shane is honored to have him standing by his side, even if he’ll never quite master Patrick’s swing.