Lindsay and I met our first summer working at Gull Lake Centre. After sharing a trailer and staying up a little too late talking our first night, it was clear that we were meant to be friends. That summer, we laughed, cried, and ate a lot of minute rice together, and somewhere along the way, she became my best friend. Over the past seven years, we have been by each other’s sides through some big highs and lows, and made countless unforgettable memories. Like the time we pulled over to admire the stars after a winter hike or spending hours just playing games or talking. Lindsay knows me better than almost anyone and has a remarkable ability to read me, especially when we’re playing board games with secret identities. But that also means she knows when I need support and a little extra love. I couldn’t imagine my wedding day without her standing beside me as my maid of honour.

Sydney and I met working at Day Camps at Westview and it didn’t take long for us to become good friends, from bonding over our cookie bake-off victory to our mutual love of Disney. We even convinced the rest of the staff to dress up as Disney characters each week to play a game we fittingly named the Disney game. Sydney and I dressed up as Anna and Elsa, and the kids were convinced we were actually sisters, something we happily played along with because, truthfully, I would love to have Sydney as my sister. which we went along with because I would love to have Sydney as my sister. Sydney is one of the most loyal and generous people I know. She has a way of bringing light to even the most disappointing situations, always going out of her way to support me. Seven years ago, I had the joy of standing beside her on her wedding day, and now I couldn’t be more excited to have her stand beside me on mine.

Tash and I met when she became the youth pastor at Westview, and from the start, I knew she was someone I wanted to be friends with. She has an incredible ability to make me laugh, and conversations with her always feel effortless. She’s not only great at being vulnerable but also has a gift for asking the right questions to draw people out. Most weeks, I find myself look forward to arriving at the church for youth a little bit early, so I can catch up with Tash everything begins. For a long time, I imagined her officiating my wedding, until I realized that over the past few years, she had become one of my best friends. And that meant I needed her standing beside me, not just leading the ceremony. I couldn’t be more excited to have her by my side on my wedding day.

Elise is like a little sister to me. I first met her when she was a little kid at day camps, and over the years, I had the privilege of being her leader in many different settings, such as in youth group and at camp. Through all that time spent together, watching her grow, she became more than just some kid; she became my friend and sister. I’ve seen so much of myself in her, learned so much from her, and now have the joy of watching her thrive as she steps into leadership herself. Some of my favorite memories with Elise are our long car rides to and from camp, where we’d spend hours chatting about anything and everything. I truly can’t wait to have her stand beside me on my wedding day.

I can’t remember a time when Gabby wasn’t in my life. We’ve been friends for as long as I can remember; Sharing everything from dance parties in our rooms to adventures at our cabins and hours spent on FaceTime, simply doing homework or cleaning our rooms together. As kids, we were inseparable, and her family has always felt like part of my own. After spending our university years in different cities, it’s been amazing to reconnect and get to know Gabby as an adult, seeing how God has worked in both of our lives. She has been there for me through every stage of life, which also means she has quite the collection of my most embarrassing moments and will happily share them to whoever asks! But she has known me longer than anyone, so I truly couldn’t imagine this big day without her by my side.

Fern and I met in our Grade 12 year of high school, and our friendship began in the most unexpected way, when a mutual friend volunteered me to drive her to a football game. At the time, we barely knew each other, but during that car ride, we quickly realized how much we had in common. Looking back, there were so many little moments that led to our friendship that I have no doubt God brought us together. Not only has Fern been a constant source of encouragement in my life, but she also played a pretty big role in my love story; She’s the one who set Danny and me up on our blind date! Despite our busy schedules, I’m always grateful for our spontaneous coffee dates and the way we pick up right where we left off. I couldn’t be more excited to have her standing beside me as I marry the man she introduced me to.

Darcy and I are cousins, and he was my best friend growing up. We were born about three weeks apart, so I’ve known him my entire life. As kids, we were inseparable, until his family moved to California when we were five. Despite the distance, we still stayed close and managed to see each other two or three times a year. Some of my best memories are from when he’d come and stay with us for a few weeks each summer and Christmas, especially when we went camping at Gull Lake. I had the privilege of being his best man when he got married, and it just wouldn’t feel right for anyone else to stand beside me on my own wedding day.

Jason is my younger brother, so I’ve known him his whole life. Jason is a true middle child. While growing up I always thought he would become a lawyer, due to his ability to argue anything for attention. However, he has taken that ability and used it for so much good. Volunteering beside me at Younglife for the last few years, he has shown repeatedly his heart for others and the way he uses his gifts to serve them. I'm so proud of the man he has grown up to be and glad I get to have him stand with me as I get married.

Greg is my youngest brother, and in his own words, “God’s silliest goose.” This is definitely an accurate description. Greg has always been the baby of the family and for a brief time, the family dog. But he’s grown into so much more. From his time on the volleyball court, to camp, and now as a train conductor, his wide range of experiences has shaped him into a caring and capable young man. I can’t imagine my wedding without him standing up there with me.

I met Alessa at Ambrose University when we were freshmen, living on the same floor in residence. I can confidently say that Alessa is my most blunt friend. He’s never afraid to speak his mind and will always call you out when necessary, but that’s part of why we’ve become such good friends. I can always turn to him for advice or when I’m going through a tough time. He’s also one of the most dedicated people I know; When he sets his mind to something, you can count on him to follow through with discipline and excellence. I can’t wait to have him standing up with me at my wedding.

I met Ethan though Younglife, when he was still a teenager. Although I wasn't his main leader, I had the privilege of working with him and his friends as they went through high school. I got to see Ethan grow from an awkward kid who didn't know how to make friends, into a strong leader among his peers. I am truly grateful to have become his friend, since he has graduated and I am excited to have him stand with me as I get married.

Austen was my first teen as a Younglife leader. I have had the honour of walking alongside him as he has grown from a lanky, awkward teen into a still-lanky but slightly less awkward, young man. Over the years, he has become a dependable and genuine friend. He has become highly capable and someone who cares deeply for those around him. Austen is an avid disc golfer and is able to throw a disc farther than anyone I know. I'm so excited to have him by my side on my wedding day.

Emma is the daughter of my (Brittany) good friends Chris and Sarah, and she has quickly become like a niece to me. She’s sassy, hilarious, and full of personality, but see also has the sweetest heart. Nothing brings me joy quite like seeing her run toward me, jumping into my arms with an excited “Aunt Brittany!” From the day she was born, I dreamed of having her as my flower girl, and I’m beyond thrilled that it’s finally a reality.

Chris and I (Brittany) met as youth leaders nearly eight years ago and it didn’t take long before him to became like a big brother to me. He drives me crazy sometimes by doing things like parking an inch from my car door so I can get out, or teasing me about the most ridiculous things that usually aren’t even true. But he always shows up when I need him to. One of my favorite traditions with Chris is our coffee dates followed by donating blood together. And for the record, I always win our race to see who can donate the fastest! I knew I needed him apart of my wedding, and I couldn’t be more excited to have him MC for our reception.