Brenna is my younger sister, but more than that—she’s my absolute best friend and built-in soulmate. She’s currently a senior and plays lacrosse, but to me, she’s so much more than just an athlete. She’s my rock—the one person who has been there for me through everything, without fail. She’s celebrated all of my biggest victories like they were her own, and she’s held me through the nights when I couldn’t stop crying. She’s even shaved my legs for me when I’ve had a little too much to drink—if that’s not love, I don’t know what is. When we were younger, she used to follow me around nonstop, and I’d roll my eyes. But now? I catch myself wanting to be just like her. She’s determined, driven, and never lets anything stand in her way. She inspires me every single day. We’re each other’s biggest fans, loudest cheerleaders, and most loyal defenders. I honestly can’t imagine life without her by my side—and I never want to.

Spence has been my best friend for as long as I can remember and I could not possibly dream of a better one. As we’ve grown, he’s challenged my thought process and has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone to experience new things. He’s pushed me to be the best version of myself, shown me how to be more open minded, and has led me to be the man I am today. Over the years I’ve seen Spence grow into the most patient, talented, free-spirited person I’ve ever met. Through the highs and lows, Clark has always been there and I am so immensely grateful to have him in my life. Despite my antics, he’s stuck by my side. I love him dearly and am eternally thankful to have found a brother in life.

Lauren and I met through riding horses, and from that moment on, something just clicked—like the universe knew we were meant to find each other. She is, without question, the most driven, determined, and fiercely hard-working person I’ve ever met. The word “no” simply doesn’t exist in her world, and somehow, being around her makes me believe it doesn’t have to exist in mine either. Every single day, Lauren reminds me of my strength—even when I forget it myself. She lifts me up, pushes me toward my dreams, and never lets me settle for less than what I deserve. She sees something in me that I sometimes struggle to see, and that kind of love is rare. Lauren is the definition of a ride-or-die. I’m someone who second-guesses, who hesitates—but with her, I feel brave. I feel safe. She’s the kind of person whose presence alone makes everything feel okay. I know, no matter what, she’ll be there—fighting for me, standing with me, and making me laugh until I cry in the middle of chaos. And let’s be real—she’s a perfectionist in the best way. Everything she touches turns to gold. But honestly, look at her… perfection isn’t just something she strives for. It’s who she is. I love her more than words can say, and I don’t know how I got lucky enough to call her mine

Jer and I first met back in middle school, and sometime early in high school, we started to grow closer; I've been lovingly badgering him ever since. To give a snippet on how I view Jer, I often refer to him as my "Unstoppable Duo". He's always been someone that drives me to be my best, even at my worst. He's intelligent, collected, driven and I'm incredibly proud to call him my friend and brother. Throughout the years, Jer has always been a boundless source of reason and laughter. I truly love him to death and am forever grateful for his presence in my life. I could sing endless praises of Jer. Simply put, with him in my corner, I truly feel unstoppable.

Britt and I met back in sophomore history class, and while it took us a little time to become close, once we did, there was no turning back. From late-night Taco Bell runs—all the way to Lancaster, because obviously that Taco Bell was superior—to eating in parking lots and crashing at her place just to escape the chaos of my own, our friendship became a second home. Her mom practically adopted me, feeding us dinner like we were both hers. Britt is one of the very few people I can talk to on the phone for 10 hours straight and somehow still not run out of things to say—and yes, we’ve done that more than once. She’s the person I can pour my heart out to, even if it’s the same rant she’s already heard a dozen times. She never makes me feel like a burden—just endlessly supported and loved. I truly believe Britt is my soulmate in human form. She just gets me in a way that very few people ever have. No matter what, I can always count on her—to show up, to listen, and to be there with her whole heart. And that kind of friendship? It’s everything. Britt and I met back in sophomore history class, and while it took us a little time to become close, once we did, there was no turning back. From late-night Taco Bell runs—all the way to Lancaster, because obviously that Taco Bell was superior—to eating in parking lots and crashing at her place just to escape the chaos of my own, our friendship became a second home. Her mom practically adopted me, feeding us dinner like we were both hers. Britt is one of the very few people I can talk to on the phone for 10 hours straight and somehow still not run out of things to say—and yes, we’ve done that more than once. She’s the person I can pour my heart out to, even if it’s the same rant she’s already heard a dozen times. She never makes me feel like a burden—just endlessly supported and loved. I truly believe Britt is my soulmate in human form. She just gets me in a way that very few people ever have. No matter what, I can always count on her—to show up, to listen, and to be there with her whole heart. And that kind of friendship? It’s everything.

I believe Sven was one of the first people to meld into my "Katamari Friend Group." Despite going to the same schools, we didn't meet until college; after over a year of knowing each other virtually. As time has passed he's become one of my closest friends and basically the big brother I never had. He's given me so much guidance, inspired me, and expanded my views in ways I never could've expected. There are two sides in an ebb and flow within him; remarkably dialed and calculated or pure chaos. I love both equally, and I'm forever thankful to have him in my life. Connor is the most adventurous, genuine, and adaptable person I know, and he makes life a blast.

Drew and I met through riding horses, and from the start, our friendship has been full of unforgettable (and sometimes hilarious) memories. One of my absolute favorites? The time we found two Webkinz chickens at Magic Mart and had her mom marry them at a horse show—because why not? We’ve even made a hot tub out of the bed of a truck and a tarp. That’s the kind of friendship we have—creative, spontaneous, and full of laughter. Drew is one of those rare people who just feels like home. We’re so similar in the best ways, and some of our favorite times together are the simplest—tanning in the sun, kayaking, or just hanging out at her parents’ lake house. She has such a calming presence, the kind that instantly makes me feel safe and understood. She’s someone I can always count on—whether I need a good laugh or someone to just sit and listen. Being with Drew never drains me; in fact, my social battery somehow feels recharged when we’re together. She’s that kind of friend—the kind you hold onto forever.

I've known Dom and have been within the same friend circles since elementary school. However, we grew infinitely closer throughout college into post graduation. I can't identify a sole spark to our friendship, but our dynamic is exactly that. In the best of ways, he is the dynamite and I'm the lighter. I've watched Dom vastly come out of his shell and grow into the goofiest hard-ass the world has seen. Dom is supremely consistent, clever, and fun-loving. I thoroughly enjoy every time I'm around him and he motivates me keep grinding even on days where I normally wouldn't. I have a tremendous amount of love and respect for Dom. He is both friend and brother, and I'm blessed to say my life is much better with him in it.

Chelsea is my sister-in-law, married to my (yes, stinky) brother—but she has become so much more than just family through marriage. For nearly five years, she and my brother have built a beautiful life together, and now they have two precious daughters, Hallie Jo and Harper Jean, who light up all of our lives. Growing up, I never had a big sister—but somehow, life gave me Chelsea, and she’s filled that role in the most genuine, loving way. She’s the person I can call at any hour—just to vent, to cry, to laugh, or to talk about the small things. And no matter what, she always makes me feel heard, supported, and loved. Some of my favorite memories are from our early years together—going out, dancing wherever we could, and just being wild and free. Chelsea has always had this spark, a fearless, fun-loving heart that makes everyone around her feel alive. And now, watching her raise two strong, confident girls with that same light—it’s something truly special. Being able to walk through life with Chelsea by my side has been one of the greatest gifts I never saw coming. She’s not just my sister-in-law—she’s my sister, my friend, and someone I’ll always look up to.

Fish and I met through overlapping friend circles in college and he is the one to coin the phrase "Katamari Friend Group." Though he was technically a later edition, Fish has substantiated himself as part of the glue that binds us together. He is wise, thoughtful, and willing and I'm delighted to love him as both a friend and a brother. I admire his hospitality and am thankful for his role in shaping who I am. In short, Morgan is an incredible friend and his presence is a gift to be cherished.

Kay and I actually went to high school together, but we didn’t become close until college—and once we did, there was no turning back. We spent countless nights dancing until our feet hurt and had more sleepovers in her dorm room than I could ever count. Later on, Kay lived with me in my condo for almost four years, and during that time, something pretty magical happened—she met her now-husband, who just so happens to be Brayden’s best friend since elementary school. Now, through marriage, she’s officially stuck with me for life… and I couldn’t be happier about it. Kay is, without a doubt, my biggest emotional support system. She’s walked me through more mental ruts than I can name, and her emotional intelligence is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. She always knows just what to say—or when to say nothing at all—and somehow manages to pull me back to myself every single time. When we lived together, she’d make me breakfast in bed on my birthday and sit with me on the bathroom floor when I was sick. That’s just who she is—selfless, thoughtful, and endlessly kind. Kay has the biggest heart of anyone I know and is always ready to lend an ear, no matter what’s going on in her own life. I’m so lucky to have her in mine—not just as a friend, but as chosen family.

Alex has always been a light in my life since the day we met back in middle school. He genuinely is a shining beam wherever he goes and I'm enormously thankful for his friendship. By a vast metric, I have never laughed or cried harder with anyone. He has always been there for me and I appreciate every second I get with him. We have talked for countless hours and there are endless inside jokes between us. Yet, to this day, he surprises me. Alex is brilliant, innovative, and suave. He is enigmatic in the best way and is a true ride or die. I love him to no end as a brother and a friend. I can easily say I would not be the person I am today without him.

Emma and I haven’t been friends as long as some of the other bridesmaids, but the depth of our bond makes it feel like we’ve known each other forever. We met through Brayden’s friend group—she’s dating one of his close friends—and from the very beginning, she’s been one of my biggest supporters. Emma has the kind of heart that puts others before herself. She loves her people deeply and unconditionally, and that’s something truly rare. I can always count on her for honest, thoughtful advice and for being the calm in any storm—especially since I’m a chronic overthinker. She’s my go-to for a quiet night in, binge-watching our favorite shows, and just hanging out on the couch. Her energy is grounding, her presence is calming, and her support never wavers. Whether it’s showing up for major life events or simply going on a walk with me when I’m feeling overstimulated, she’s always there. Emma is the kind of friend you hold close—steady, genuine, and exactly the kind of person I didn’t know I needed until she walked into my life.

I've known Josh since middle school and since then I've watched him go through a complete metamorphosis. It has been a treat and an inspiration to watch him become unabashedly himself. I have countless fond memories of times spent sharing thoughts, laughter, and music. Through that, he's broadened my horizons and made me a more well rounded person. Josh is endlessly uplifting, kind-hearted, creative, and true soul. Over the years, he has inspired me to be my best self - for both myself and others. I love him to the moon and back, and I could not wish for a better friend or brother.