Caroline was literally the first person I met in college, and somehow, she didn’t run away—so I knew she was a keeper. From day one, we tackled almost every class together, survived engineering chaos, and, by senior year, became the ultimate roommate duo. She’s the reason I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and tried new things (some of which I probably wouldn’t have done without her persuasive powers). She’s my built-in adventure buddy, my academic survival partner, and hands down one of the best humans ever. No matter what life throws my way, I know I can always turn to Caroline—whether I need advice, a pep talk, or just someone to binge-watch trashy dating shows and Twilight with while aggressively judging the characters. - Amelia

Noah and I go way back—high school chemistry class, to be exact. And let’s just say, the chemistry is still strong. Even after a couple of years of drifting apart, we found our way back to the same college, proving that true bromance never dies. Noah is the kind of friend everyone wishes they had—always there when you need him, whether it’s for car troubles, building a computer, or just having a solid heart-to-heart. He’s the most welcoming, non-judgmental guy you’ll ever meet and will drop anything to help anyone. Basically, if you don’t already love Noah, just wait five minutes. - Nathan

Davey is the only guy in the bridal party, and that’s because he’s simply too important not to be here. Caroline and I technically met him freshman year when we asked him to be our group partner (because we thought he was cute). He agreed… and then promptly ignored us for the rest of the semester. He claims he has zero memory of this, but we will never let him forget. Thankfully, by second year, we actually got to know each other, and the rest is history. Davey has been my hype man, my confidence booster, and the reason I’ve fully embraced my most authentic self. He also played a crucial role in getting me to experience Cincy nightlife—because every main character needs their fabulous, ride-or-die bestie. - Amelia

Houston and I met in high school chemistry class, and at first, we were definitely not fans of each other—because, of course, we were both too cool to not be in charge. But by the first lab, we realized we made a pretty solid team. From after-school basketball games to late-night talks, we’ve been there for each other through anything life throws our way. My favorite memories with Houston are the simple ones—sitting on his kitchen floor, having a beer, and chatting about life. Every summer, we make time for our tradition of bonfires, and no matter how much time passes, it’s like nothing’s changed. Houston is one of the funniest people I know, and his quick wit and sense of humor are a constant reminder that life doesn’t always have to be so serious. Plus, nothing beats the epic Great Wolf Lodge trip with Noah, where water slides, laughter, and way too much pizza were the perfect recipe for a good time. - Nathan

I met Caitlin in college during our second year, and little did I know, she’d become one of my most treasured friends. Fun fact: Caitlin is getting married the week after us, and I have zero doubt she’ll be a gracious, stunning bride. Caitlin has always been the studious one in our little crew (Caroline, Davey, Caitlin, and me), encouraging us to choose study sessions over snack breaks or bar trips—though, let’s be real, we all found a balance. I couldn’t have made it through college without her dedication and support. She also has a wonderfully charming, slightly aloof way of asking questions that always catch you off guard and leave you chuckling. Whether it’s a deep, thought-provoking question or a hilarious observation, Caitlin never fails to keep us laughing. Above all, she’s a rock for the people she loves, always offering unwavering support and kindness. - Amelia

Rylee and I met in Electromagnetics class, and for the first two weeks, I didn’t even know his name (definitely didn’t ask, either). Eventually, I managed to figure it out, and from there, Rylee and I became inseparable lab partners. At least when we weren't skipping class to watch Amelia bartend during happy hour—only to casually walk past the professor on our way out. Of course, the next week, attendance became mandatory. Classic. I love that you can hit him up to play video games, throw back beers, have a bonfire, or whatever wild scheme we cook up; Rylee is the definition of reliable. If you need a partner in crime—or just someone who will show up regardless—Rylee’s your guy. - Nathan

Carter and I go way back to high school (let’s be real, it’s been so long, I have no idea what class anymore). We were the ultimate before-school gossip partners and, of course, infamous cornhole teammates that one time (we lost... severely). After high school, we drifted apart since we went to different colleges, but fate—or a very powerful gust of wind—brought Carter back to Cincinnati for an internship one summer, and it rekindled our friendship in the best way possible. We spent that entire summer exploring the city and frequenting more coffee shops than we care to admit. Carter is a true old soul, a rainbow in any weather, and she shines her vibrant colors on everyone she meets. I’m endlessly grateful for her friendship, and especially for being my personal photographer, capturing some of the most important moments of the last few years—including our engagement. Though she has since moved back to Kentucky, distance has nothing on our friendship, and I know I can always count on Carter for a great time. - Amelia

Justin and I met when I was born, and I’m not entirely sure he was thrilled about it at the time (but my parents made sure he was there). He’s my big brother, and like most sibling relationships, we weren’t super close growing up—but that all changed when he started college. Like any good brother would, he took me to my first college party, where we definitely did not indulge in underage drinking. Over time, we’ve grown even closer, and I may have convinced him to move to Cincinnati—because, let’s be honest, anything is better than Dayton. Now, we spend time catching up over an IPA, chatting about life, work, and of course, how much we love our parents (because they are the best). Even if it’s reminiscing or just sharing what’s going on in our lives, our bond is stronger than ever. - Nathan

Dani and I have been friends since I was about six years old, and honestly, I may not have mentally matured much since then, but somehow she still seems happy being my friend. Dani is one of the bravest, most fearless people I know. Growing up, she was always ready to ride horses (which terrified me at the time). That fearless spirit has only grown stronger over the years, from moving to Virginia for college to transplanting herself to LA to start her life. I’m constantly amazed by her ability to try new things without fear—or at least without showing it. She’s also been the one friend who can always put me in my place, which I love about her. As we all know, I have a strong personality, but she’s the only one who will stand up to me—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. And of course, I treasure our Thursday night Baldur's Gate sessions, where she only gets slightly irritated that I accidentally killed a character we needed for the storyline. - Amelia

I met Hans in ENED, that first-year engineering course where we kicked off what would become a very interesting friendship. We spent a lot of time together, and more often than not, you could find us at Stadium View after class, enjoying lunch and, well, playing footsies under the table (sorry, Amelia, but Hans is my true love). Over the years, we’ve shared so many classes, countless study sessions, and a surprising number of bar breaks—each holiday fueled by more than one double rum and coke. I even took on the challenge of teaching him to drive a stick shift in my car, and somehow, no one got injured, which I count as a success! Hans has been my workout buddy off and on, and I’ve also had the privilege of enduring—ahem, I mean enjoying—his musicals, where he totally killed it. Oh, and let’s not forget the “Sebastian” nickname that Amelia has been calling him for years, despite none of us remembering how it started, absolutely classic. - Nathan

I’ve known Riley since kindergarten, and she was basically the only girl I had the confidence to talk to back then—looking back, I must’ve known she’d turn out to be a lifelong best friend. What makes our friendship so special is that we’ve never grown apart, and that’s pretty rare in a 20+ year friendship. Sure, we’ve had our share of catty arguments over the years (I mean, when you’re practically sisters, why wouldn’t you?), but at the end of the day, we’re soul sisters. After I moved from my hometown, Riley made sure to spend every summer coming up to Kentucky, and we’d spend weeks terrorizing my parents, the neighborhood boys, and the poor cashiers at Ulta. She’s one of my most favorite things in the world—sorry, Taco Bell, but Riley takes the crown—and I wouldn’t be who I am without her, which I think is pretty important. She’s also one of the goofiest, most charismatic people I know, and an absolute makeup guru. I love her to pieces. - Amelia

I think I first met Matt in Electromagnetics, but we really got to know each other during our last year of college. It’s crazy, looking at the rest of the wedding party stories, because I’ve known most of them for ages—but Matt’s a little different, and that says something special. When we realized we both worked at Duke Energy, we started hanging out more, studying together, and really making an effort to be around each other. Now that he’s officially at Duke, I guess he’s basically my work wife (sorry, babe!). Matt’s always the one to say “bless up” and it cracks us all up. But on a serious note, his optimism is contagious and honestly, it impresses me. He kept everyone going through capstone with his positivity and quick wit. Matt is the definition of an engineer—always thinking outside the box—and the care he has for the environment is something everyone could learn from. He does so much to clean up Cincinnati, the city we both love, and always encourages his friends to do better and be better. - Nathan

I met Peyton in high school, most important of all those memories is that we were on the most legendary dart wars team together—something I’ll never forget. Of course, like many high school friendships, we had a bit of drama that caused us to drift apart for a couple years, but fate (and some very sugary shots) brought us back together. We partied the night away, and from that point on, Peyton started visiting me at the bar I worked at, talking with me all the time, and we’d make plans to catch up whenever we could. Peyton has this incredible ability to make everyone feel included, and she’s always expressing her love for people. But what stands out the most is how she’s the ultimate supportive sister to everyone around her. I’m so lucky to call her my friend—THE Peyton Fransen—but I’m even luckier that she and her wild sisters pulled me into their crazy, fun world. - Amelia

Vince and I have been frenemies since high school. Sure, we’re more friends than enemies now, but who could forget the fun times we had pretending to hate each other? He’s always been that friend who’s up to no good and gets you into trouble—perfect for me as the mostly goody-two-shoes child who needed a bad influence. What makes Vince even better is that he loved Nathan before I did. I’m pretty sure they bought each other beers before I even knew Nathan’s middle name! But, at the end of the day, we all knew nobody would make this party feel more like a party than Vince. So, it only made sense to have him as our "flower" girl. You’re welcome, everyone! - Amelia

From day one, my mom has been my biggest supporter, my loudest cheerleader, and the source of my very twisted sense of humor (which I consider one of her greatest gifts to me). She’s the reason I face life with a quick wit, a sharp tongue, and—let’s be honest—a truly gorgeous face. I am endlessly grateful for everything she’s taught me, from strength and kindness to the importance of laughing at life (and at ourselves). There’s no one else I’d rather get my sass from, I love you mom! - Amelia

My mom made sure I grew up to be the perfect mix of respectful and fun. She’s always held me accountable, teaching both the importance of responsibility and never letting me forget how to enjoy life. Thanks to her, I know when to be serious, when to crack a joke, and—most importantly—when to call my mom. I am so grateful for the love, wisdom, and just the right amount of tough love that shaped me into the man I am today. I love you mom. - Nathan

My dad is the ultimate dream enabler—whether it’s a wild idea my mom and I cooked up or just a childhood fantasy that needed some extra magic, he’s always been there to make it happen. He passed down his intelligence (thanks for the engineering brain, Dad!) and, just as importantly, his love for all things fandom. Star Wars, Harry Potter—you name it, we’ve bonded over it. If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that he’s always been there for me and the mastermind behind turning crazy ideas into reality. Couldn’t have asked for a better co-conspirator in life, I love ya dad! - Amelia

My dad has always been the one to push me to give 100% to everything I do—whether it was school, work, or some new hobby I decided to dive into. He’s encouraged me to explore my interests, supported every wild idea, and been there to cheer me on every step of the way. But beyond that, he’s also the guy I can always count on for a meaningful conversation over a good glass of bourbon or beer. Whether it’s life advice, deep debates, or just catching up, those moments are something I’ll always cherish. Love you, dad. -Nathan

Brewski joined our little family in June 2024, and life has never been the same—in the best way possible. We named him Brewski because of our love of bartending, but if we’re being honest, no other name could truly capture his goofy, lovable spirit. He’s a professional sock thief, an expert cuddle buddy, and hands down the most affectionate member of our household. As our Ring Bearer, he’s ready to make his grand entrance—though he may get a little distracted by all the new best friends he’ll be making along the way. P.S. If you see him, be prepared for tail wags, kisses, and an unshakable determination to get ALL the pets. You’ve been warned!