Dylan is my beautiful 17-year-old daughter, but more than that, she is my best friend. Dylan is a senior at Millard West high school and will be attending college next fall. Her kindness and empathy go far beyond her years, and she has a natural ability to make everyone around her feel seen and loved. She’s smart, witty, and somehow manages to be both the calm in my chaos and the sass in my step. I couldn’t imagine saying “I do” without her right by my side – mostly because she’d never let me live it down. It means the world to me to have her stand beside me – not just as my daughter and the pride of my life, but as my greatest support and most treasured companion.

Annie is my younger sister. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband Nolan and their two sweet boys, Luther and Murray. We are only 17 months apart, so we’ve shared just about everything. Annie has been my built-in best friend for forty years, and my voice of reason since I could talk (and let’s be honest, probably before that too). Annie is the one who knows how to push all the right buttons – in the best (and occasionally psychotic) way by constantly challenging me to step out of my comfort zone, especially when it comes to fitness and travel, where she somehow convinces me to do things I swore I couldn’t. Annie is a modern-day Dora the Explorer and works with world refugees. Her compassion and heart for others inspire me daily. Our daily phone calls are one of the best parts of my life, and I’m so grateful for her constant support, wisdom, and unconditional love. These days, our time together is filled with family, kids, and the kind of sisterhood that only grows deeper with time.

Ashley is my older sister and one of my lifelong constants. She’s a proud helicopter mom -in the very best way – to Will and lives in Omaha with her significant other Zac. She works at the Buffett Cancer Center, where her strength and care shine every day. We’ve been through everything together, the good and the hard, and I’m endlessly grateful for the bond we share. We live close by, which means lots of sister time – usually involving her teaching me about plants while I help her Google things (tech isn’t exactly her thing). We’ve been through so much together, and because we’ve struggled with some of the same things, we have a deep understanding of each other. When times get tough, we’re each other’s fiercest defenders.

Jenna lives in Rogers, Arkansas with her husband Ryan and their son Bryce. Jenna and I met through our mutual friend Datrus when we were just 14, and we’ve been close ever since – 26 years of friendship and counting! We spent our high school summers together and have kept the tradition going with trips back and forth between Nebraska and Arkansas. Jenna is a true southern belle – gracious, warm, and always ready with a home-cooked meal when we’re together. She’s also a superstar realtor by day and my late-night FaceTime partner by night. Some of our favorite memories are made on a dock by the lake and catching up like no time has passed.

Emi lives in Omaha with her husband Jeremy. Emi and I met on the very first day of college at Northwest Missouri State University and have been inseparable for the past 23 years. She’s the kind of friend who can light up any room – usually with laughter, often thanks to her wonderfully ditzy charm (the lovable kind that makes every moment more fun!). Beyond the jokes and joy, Emi is also an incredible nurse practitioner with a heart as big as her sense of humor. She is the friend who sends a “how are you?” text frequently and prioritizes tons of friends and family and all their special moments.

Megan lives in Omaha with her husband Dan. Megan and I met on the very first day of college, and 23 years later, she’s still one of my closest friends. She’s the life of every party and usually the one planning it, too! Megan has a gift of bringing people together and making sure everyone feels included and celebrated. She’s fun, full of energy, and somehow manages to juggle two jobs, a passion for fitness, her pets, golf, and travel – while still being the friend who always checks in.

Lexi lives in Omaha with her husband Zac. Lexi and I met through mutual friends nine years ago, and little did I know then that her wedding would change my life – because it’s where I met Ben! We were both in her wedding party, and the rest is history. Lexi is a transplant coordinator at the Mayo Clinic, and somehow still finds time for spontaneous, chaotic fun (which is our specialty). From vacations to concerts, random rodeos to county fairs, there’s never a dull moment with her. These days, our hangouts include game nights with our husbands, cards, darts, and foosball – but no matter what we’re doing, it’s always a blast.

Datrus lives in Las Vegas with her significant other Travis. Datrus and I met just before high school in Murray NE, and 27 years later, she’s still one of my closest and most loyal friends. Even with 2,000 miles between us, we’ve always prioritized staying close, proving that distance means nothing when the friendship runs deep. We’ve had an ongoing group chat with our high school crew for over 20 years (yes, really!) and even have plans in place if anything ever happens to one of us – because that’s just the kind of bond we have. We grew up together, shared family memories, and shifted from club nights to cozy catchups without missing a beat.

Ben’s dad—his greatest supporter and closest friend—will have the honor of standing by his side. Throughout Ben’s life, Pops has been a steady source of guidance, someone he’s leaned on for advice during both the highs and lows. Their bond has been shaped over the years through parenting, fishing trips, sports, and countless late-night conversations shared over a few cocktails. As a role model, Pops has inspired Ben in his journey to be a devoted husband, a loving father, and a good man. There’s truly no one more fitting to stand beside him on the most important day of his life.

Zach and Ben have been close friends for over 15 years, ever since they were introduced by a mutual friend. Their friendship has taken many forms—roommates, coworkers, teammates—and there’s never a dull moment when they’re together. Zach played a big role in sparking Ben’s love for golf, a passion they continue to share. He was also Ben’s go-to concert buddy—until Whitney came along. Fittingly, Zach married Lexi, one of Whitney’s friends, making them the perfect double-date crew for concerts and more good times ahead.

Ben met Greg while bartending and managing a college bar in Lincoln. Some nights, Greg even helped clear the place out—often by serenading the crowd with an unforgettable rendition of Tenacious D karaoke. Over time, Greg became the big brother Ben never had. They've shared countless great memories, but one of the most meaningful for Ben was when Greg asked him to be the godfather of his first daughter, Vale.

Eloy and Ben became friends right out of college while working together in the bar industry. During their time in Lincoln, Eloy was roommates with both Zach and Ben, and the trio made plenty of unforgettable memories. From traveling to Husker away games to somehow convincing Iowa fans to sneak in their alcohol (so they wouldn’t get caught), the adventures were nonstop. And if you’ve never had an Incredible Hulk shot—just find Eloy. Buckle up, because you're in for a ride.

Jake met Ben about 15 years ago during a state games flag football tournament. What began with some friendly smack talk—and Ben earning the nickname “Ben Lester, 2nd Place”—turned into a lifelong friendship. Everyone needs a Jake Mueller in their life: he’s the guy who knows how to get the party started and is almost always the biggest presence on the dance floor. Here’s to making many more memories together—cheers to you, “Darvantes Moose Christmas!”

Ben and Coltin became friends through Coltin’s older brother, Jake. Over the years, countless late-night dart games and karaoke sessions laid the foundation for a friendship that will no doubt last a lifetime. As die-hard Packers fans, they’ve spent plenty of Sundays cheering on the green and gold together. Next stop: Green Bay! Go Pack Go!

Bob and Ben met through Greg over a decade ago and have been great friends ever since. Bob is always up for a game of darts or grabbing a beer to watch the game. Many Sundays were spent at Clancy’s, bonding over sports—and commiserating as their NFL teams found new ways to lose. Here’s to the day they both walk away winners—whether it’s their teams or a lucky Keno ticket. B-O-B!

Jeremy is married to our bridesmaid Emi, and from the moment they started dating, he quickly became one of the crew. He’s always been someone we can individually count on – for wisdom, laughter, and thoughtful advice. Jeremy was even part of the engagement ring planning, helping Ben behind the scenes before the big moment! He is a true man of God, and we couldn’t imagine anyone more meaningful or genuine to stand with us and lead our ceremony.

Landon is my son, my firstborn, and the one who made me a mom at a young age. We’ve truly grown up together, learning, stumbling, and growing side by side. Landon is incredibly smart, kind, and endlessly curious about the world – qualities that have led him to study history in college and chase knowledge wherever it takes him. For many years, Landon has been the man of the house, stepping into that role with quiet strength and love. Now, he’s ready to walk me down the aisle and officially hand me off to Ben – though let’s be honest, he’ll always be one of the most important men in my life

Arlo is my vivacious, people-pleasing 12-year-old and the silly, lovable baby of the family. He’s always full of energy, always ready to make someone laugh, and happiest when he’s making others happy too. Arlo is my heart, and yes – I probably baby him a little more than I should, but with a personality like his, it’s hard not to! Arlo plays baseball, football, and loves tracking storsms. His bright spirt brings so much joy to our family and we’re so excited to have him playing a special part in our wedding day.