Emily has been the girl that has grown beside me throughout the years and a woman close to my heart. Through speech impediments, the awkward years, and many of life's joys, Emily has been there with me. To sum it up: she is home.

Also highly suspected to be the reason for Sebastian and I's first kiss.

Katrina is someone I did not truly know until we became roommates Summer of 2023. I fully believe she is the best roommate anyone could ever ask for, and we are all under the same understanding that I am downgrading post-marriage. I will miss our shared love of line dancing and spontaneous squealing.

She is potentially the best witness to Sebastian and I's relationship and forever our shared best friend.

Ellen is a woman who understands the weird, the passionate, and the most vulnerable parts of me. Initially upon meeting Ellen in our tiny photography class, I was intimidated by her drive, talent, and overall strength in character. And now that I know her, I am still intimidated by her drive, talent and strength. I am proud to consider her one of my closest friends.

Patricia was not of friend of choice, but a friend of necessity. When you are carrying your 5th grade music class's 4th straight rendition of Yankee Doodle Boy on your back because no one else is brave enough to sing along, it is a NEED to have a friend like Patricia holding down the fort with you. Patricia is that ride-or-die friend, and I have no fears going into this day with her by my side.

Paige is the telenovela, middle school frenemy turned friend of gold. Though the first few years 9- year-old Paige might have "hated my guts", I think we would both be shocked to find that 26 -year-old us consider each other sisters and our families family. Having her with me in this big step will be a comfort as I know she will take care of me like family.

Mary is family that grew to friendship. Initially introduced through Sebastian as his cousin and his roommate's fiancee, she was a warm, welcoming presence in a house full of men. And every encounter with her thereafter has been this wonderful combination of comforting and absurdly comical. Mary's humor, humility, and joy is admirable, and I cannot wait for our friendship to grow even more.

Adelaide's friendship is one of great value. She knows the perfect balance between genuine, intentional conversation and good, light-hearted fun. She is always there, reliable and caring. I know a friendship like hers is one that lasts a long time.

Meeting Place: My house, circa 2023

Emma's friendship was one that grew very close very fast. Upon our first coffee friend date, tears were already shed. Sharing struggles that we knew no one else would understand and rejoicing in our similar walks of life, Emma has been a gift these past two years. Sometimes I wonder if she is more excited for this wedding than Sebastian and I combined, if that's even imaginable, exclaiming "YOU'RE ENGAGED" every time she walks into a room with me. She is the best hype woman and I cannot wait for her to take part in this day.

Height: 6'2"

Stamina: sleepy

Special ability: Asking out of pocket questions, reciting poetry

Preferred weapon: Fireball (my left roundhouse kick)

Height: 5’8”

Endurance: pretty solid

Special abilities: huckin discs, video games, phonics?

Preferred weapon: Nintendo Wii nunchuck

Height: 5'7"

Stamina: down for anything but will sleep on command if needed

Special ability: can use every dish in the kitchen while cooking dinner

Preferred weapon: Remington 870

Height: 6'0"

Stamina: High school teacher

Special ability: always equipped with snacks and games

Preferred Weapon: Pickleball Paddle

Height: 6'0"

Stamina: Good enough

Special ability: Musical instrument proficiency, has a bonus to Medicine checks at the cost of student loan debuffs, can climb rocks kinda well.

Preferred weapon: A really cool stick he found when climbing those rocks

Height: 5’ enough

Stamina: He once did not sleep for 6 months (where you at, dads?!)

Special abilities: professional mind-reader in training, graduate of the Jim Halpert diapering school, loudest eater in his household 2 years running (awarded by his wife)

Preferred weapon: the Word of God and my garage arsenal of mediocre yard tools

Height: 5’-11”

Stamina: infinite

Special ability: climbing enthusiast, undercover artist disguised as an engineer, champion carbomb chugger

Preferred weapon: "I’m a lover not a fighter… but enjoy a good wrestling match "

Bonus Feature: accompanied by a kick ass wife

Height: 6’2”

Stamina: I ran cross country in 6th grade, so you tell me.

Special ability: Emotional availability. Hit me up, ladies.

Preferred weapon: Southern Charm

They aren't dead, but they will be missed

Height: 5'11"

Stamina: varies

Special ability: observation haki

Preferred weapon: "these hands"

Marcy, I believe, a friend sent by God, that hot August day in front of the Vatican, to push me out of my comfort zone. She craves knowing one's interior life and pushes them to be the best version of themselves, albeit quite intensely. Yet this intensity is not of a place of aggression, but conviction and man, does it hit hard. But in the next moment, you are discussing if your friends were different types of birds. Marcy keeps me on my toes and is a quality friendship that is truly one of a kind.