Best friend, book club for two, dancing partner, and sister for life (thanks Phi Mu). I recognized her at a spin class one day and told her we should be friends. She didn't know it then, but she was stuck with me. It's scary how similar we are, but it makes for easy jokes and forever friends.

Libby and I met our freshman year at Belmont, as across the hall neighbors, and we became best friends immediately. Once we realized we had the same schedule, you wouldn't find us apart. So much so that when a professor would see one of us in the halls, he'd ask where our other half was. Forever my go to happy hour date, sorry Tim.

At only two years apart, we grew up as cousins and best friends. You could always catch me and abby performing "All I Want for Christmas is You" or begging our parents to let us have a sleepover. I have to say not much has changed especially if you see us on Christmas past 6pm.

Alexis being my older sister got the joy of having me as an annoying little sister. We may not always see eye to eye (but what sisters do?),but her love for Disney is something we can agree on! I'm lucky to call her my sister.

My PT school twin flame, gym buddy, immediate TikTok share, and fellow book lover. We became inseparable, and aside from spring semester of 2nd year, where you'd find one you'd find the other. Can't wait for the future when we're basically neighbors living it up in Spring Hill.

My first PT school friend and a for-lifer. I still remember our second year mentor telling us that we would get along and should meet, and now look at us. We have the best coffee chats, even if you do have a slight coffee addiction. I love our little Sunday church dates, and wouldn't trade them for the world.

My literal first friend EVER. Thank god for our moms moving down the street from each other. Separated only by ten days, I remember all the pain we used to put our families through. Like hiding in the closet whenever your mom tried to pick you up from a playdate and you refusing to leave. We may not live doors away from each other anymore, but our bond is strong as ever!

Another thank you to Phi Mu. My sweet little Clair. Every now and then when I want a laugh, I rewatch our karaoke videos from big little reveal (absolute nightmare for the ears). She is an absolute goofball in the best way, and never fails to put a smile on my face. I love that we can always be our authentic selves with each other no matter what!

My soon-to-be sister-in-law. I'm lucky that we can always share a laugh together (even if they're sometimes at Tim's expense). I'm looking forward to creating many memories with her in years to come.

Another best friend from PT school that I can't imagine life without. Kendall is such an absolute ray of sunshine. I live for the days when she would bring in something her or her mom baked or a new bomb recipe she found to share. Our morning chats (and occasional tea sesh) before class is something I will always cherish.

When I met my best man Blitz in freshman year of high school, I just knew there would be no getting rid of him (mainly because we had 7/8 classes together). Noted as the King of Kosher, Blitz is truly a man of Judaism, often reciting quotes from the Torah on command. A spreadsheet wizard (accountant) by day and former pizza delivery driver by night, you don't have to know Blitz long before realizing he's an incredibly dedicated and hardworking guy. Blitz's dedication to his craft closely aligns with his ability to put down 30 craft beers on any given night -- he's simply unstoppable.

My best man Joe the "Sad Bear" is a day-one friend from the St. Damian days. He currently lives in Washington DC, but the only secret service he's doing is downing Coors Lights like it's nobody's business. You might catch Joe performing an "Irish goodbye" at parties to go grab himself a scrumptious sandwich from Jimmy Johns or chanting "SKI-U-MAH" at the TV while cheering on his Minnesota Golden Gophers to yet another 7-5 season. Whether it's getting sturdy at a hometown bar or visiting Muncie, Indiana to drink some riot punch at The Chug together, it's truly an honor to have Joe as one of my best men.

If you've ever enjoyed a refreshing drink from a tiki bar with comrades and suddenly found yourself 45 minutes deep in conversation about the casino game "craps", congrats -- you've likely met Dr. Wachs. A hospital pharmacist by day (yes, we don't just work in retail) and craps connoisseur by night, Andrew is the definition of a good time. If you haven't met him yet, just listen for a high-pitched squeal echoing throughout the room -- that's his legendary Aunt Cathy impression; many have tried to unhear it, none have succeeded. As the biggest Bears fan I know, Andrew is eagerly excited to discuss the looming success/failure of the 2025-26 Bears at the wedding!

My brother Brian (better known as "BKraf") is a middle school choir teacher that loves having an impact on his students. BKraf's a stand-up guy that loves to have a Budweiser (or three) during his summers off. Known for his generosity and his incredible memory of the lyrics to any music hit of the 2000s, BKraf enhances the vibe of any party. There's no version of this day that doesn't include BKraf.

Jack Carter, widely known amongst the general public as "JC", has always been a day one (considering we were born one day apart). A loyal friend and former collegiate lacrosse player at Carthage College, JC brings the same energy to the field as he does to a group hang: loyal, outgoing, and always ready to get rowdy. Nowadays, JC is best known for his consistent attendance at beer-related events and being the "bull" of the group. You simply cannot have a party without JC there.

Zwartz and I go all the way back to our freshman year of high school and from day one it was clear: (1) he's always down for a good time and (2) the odds of him showing up shirtless to any given event were significantly high. A dedicated farmer by day, it's never a surprise to see Zwartz deleting copious amounts of tasty beverages amongst his sheep, pigs, and cows, acting as some kind of beer-fueled Dr. Dolittle. In his free time, Zwartz enjoys surfing along Gravel Lake in Michigan and saving families of cats from trees as an Orland firefighter. If you're ever craving a taste of the Holy Trinity of Busch beer (apple, lime, or peach), you know who to call.

Liam has been a true day one -- from the lacrosse field to the golf course, he's a natural athlete who also happens to be one of few who can successfully pull off a mullet. His alter-ego "Lam" comes out after many ice-cold beers and a few too many smuggled international Zyns. Liam is the expert smooth-talker of the group who doubles as an excellent wingman -- he doesn't fear the open bar, the open bar fears him. Don't be fooled, however, Liam is essentially a golden retriever in human form -- if that doesn't win you over, then his actual dog Birdie certainly may.

Known far and wide as the "#1 Sports Guy", Nick and I go way back to our young days at St. Damian. Our friendship was forged over intense readings of the critically acclaimed children's book "Dogzilla" during recess and as teammates on the basketball court. Nick's always down to do beers, crack a joke, give a sappy speech, and occasionally stand atop railings outside of your local bar (you just had to be there). A dude with a heart of gold who bleeds Indiana Hoosier cream and crimson, I'm stoked to have Nick in my corner at all times.

A day-one friend from the St. Damian days, Tanner (better known as "Squid") currently hails from the land of cheese curds and beer-filled dreams -- Wisconsin. The Squid man has seemingly dedicated his craft to three simple, yet worthy M's: Milwaukee, Marquette, and Miller Lites. If there's a Miller Lite within reach, Squid is already holding two -- I'm not saying he'll have his own keg at the reception, but I'm also not not saying it. The Damian boys are also indubitably thankful to have a Spotted Cow plug that can supply us down south. If you're looking to meet an incredibly generous guy to talk some Golden Eagles basketball with, Tanner's your guy.

Meet Dr. Jordan-- a man hailing from Elmwood Park that's better known as "Squilly" when he comes out to the south side. Squilly and I met in pharmacy school, where we pulled all-nighters on campus, played intramural basketball (and lost many games), and drank way too many half-yards at the local Yard House -- needless to say we're great friends. When he's not slinging pills as the pharmacy manager at your local Jewel Osco, Squilly loves to kick back with the gents over a fishing or golf session. By the end of the wedding, he'll likely be handing out ibuprofen and electrolyte packets as part of his anti-hangover protocol. Not all heroes wear capes.