As Quinn and I expand each others' families, Woody has been a wonderful example to me of how to embrace the privilege of becoming a new brother and son in law. He has been a valued asset to our family, and has brought with him both a refreshing zest for life and a servant's heart. More personally, he has literally broadened my horizons by sharing my love for travel. We have shared several memorable trips together, and he has made several more adventures possible which remain incredible life long memories to me. Most importantly, he really embodies what it means to be a brother. I'll never forget when I needed to move from Florida after my dad passed: I didn't even get the chance to think about how I was going to do it all before Woody told me he was going to fly in from Texas to help me load furniture and drive my car up to SC for me. I can only hope to bring the same humbleness, joy, and kindness to Quinn's family that Woody has shown to me.

"Are you sisters?"Angela and I have been so questioned throughout our friendship… no matter where we have ventured together... whether it be Calcutta, India or New York, New York. Well, the simple answer to this: yes and no. We are not actually physical sisters despite our similitude in appearance and demeanor, but God has given me this precious sister in Christ to be like family. We have so often found ourselves in similar situations, and voicing almost identical hopes and dreams. After all we've been through, I don't find it one bit strange that we are getting married within months of each other, will once again be living just miles apart and will both be married to MUSC students. No matter what our futures hold, I trust the Lord will continue to develop this sweet sisterhood that we have.

We may have both lived in Greenville our whole lives, and were classmates for the first two years of high school but Amanda and I did not become friends until we found ourselves in Clermont-Ferrand France during our junior year of high school. We hit it off and were fast friends. Ask us about that trip to France, playing lacrosse together, senior prom, working for the girl scouts, learning to sew or attempting to make bouquets of flowers all out of paper for her wedding a few years ago and we will share lots of funny stories with you. I'm thankful for Amanda not primarily because of those shared experiences and funny stories but mainly because of the way she inspires me as a woman. Amanda is one of the most loyal, kind, down to earth and faith filled women you will meet and I am so privileged to call her a friend. She lives in Charleston now with her husband, Ryan, and precious son, Jack. I'm so excited to live close to her again.

Life for me has gone through many twists and turns over the past few years, and has sometimes seemed like an ever-changing tableau of new places and people. Through it all, Ben has been a great friend, brother, and listening ear. I'll always treasure the many times of spirited sports discussions, sharing laughs, and just talking about what's going on in life that have been a comforting and encouraging anchor in the midst of other life changes. I also really appreciate how Ben has become such an integral part of our family and shown a sincere desire to weave his life into ours. For example, as a lifelong OSU fan, Ben has embraced my passion for Alabama football and has made the effort to pass this onto his children. This may seem like a small thing, but it indicates something much more important. Ben knew that Alabama was so important to me because it represented pride in my dad's heritage. And so, this lifelong Buckeye has quietly made the effort to watch Bama games each fall and "talk shop" with me. He did this because he cared so much about our family and wanted to do everything he could to share what was important in our lives. After my dad's passing this become ever so meaningful. I hope that I am able to follow his example and so purposefully pursue and build the many new relationships that will enter my own life as two lives become one.

Danya is one of those rare and precious friends- used by God in my life- to be sweetly and tenderly present during times of sadness as well as ready to selflessly and joyfully celebrate happier circumstances. She has an optimistic, joyful, strong faith that has inspired and encouraged me as long as I have known her. She is like the older sister I never had, encouraging and offering advice in all aspects of life. One thing that is so special about Danya is the way that she values those around her. She will remember and sincerely pray for things that you have long forgotten you've mentioned to her. I am so thankful to have her as part of our special day.

Mitchell and I go way back. I can remember one of the first times meeting him and his family and thinking how cute his then three year old twin siblings were as they toddled down the aisle during a concert. Therefore, I suspect I share in some small way his shock at the passage of time as these same siblings began college this year. However, in many ways Mitchell's and my own life have changed as dramatically over the years. Yet through it all we've stayed connected and shared in each others' trials and triumphs. Four states, seventeen years, and many games of Risk and Settlers later, I'm grateful for his friendship that has stood the test of time and space. We also share a love for travel and adventure, and have logged many miles, hostel stays, and national parks together. I look forward to what the coming years may bring, and trust that the best is yet to come!

Jonathan is one of my oldest friends, and has walked alongside me during my journey from childhood into adulthood. During this season of my life, he has been a wonderful example of someone who puts God and family first, and who aspires to excel as a husband and father above all else. He has also shown incredible faithfulness during our friendship. I'll never forget or be able to fully repay his quiet and steadfast support during the loss of my dad, which taught me a life-long lesson about true friendship. I'm thankful that our friendship has grown and thrived over the years, and I look forward to many more good times to come.

I haven't known Shona for very long but I know her enough to realize that our day will be all the more special with her as a part of the wedding. Before I even met her though, I heard stories of their relationship from Derrell. The closeness and fun between Shona and Derrell remind me of my relationships with my own sweet brothers. Although we have a newer friendship, it didn't take me long to discern the type of person that Shona is. She has such a gentle, calming, joyful way about her that is so refreshing and rare. Her kindness is so evident as she has graciously welcomed me into her family. I'm so excited to build a relationship with this special woman!

Jeremy and I stretch way back, and have both experienced a lot of change over the past few years. During this time we've not only made a special emphasis to stay connected in each other's lives metaphorically, but also literally. I visited him during his time in West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Oregon; he visited me in Florida. Together we shared many other travel adventures on the West Coast, and of course enjoyed many great times together in Ohio. Life continues to change for us both in exciting ways, but Jeremy always finds the time to call me up for great "How's Life?" catch up talks. He's a wonderful and faithful friend, and I'm very thankful that he will be able to share in this special day. His friendship has been an important part of my childhood and adulthood, and I'm looking forward to many more years of memories together.

Allan and I shared only one year together as roommates in college, but this proved to be the springboard to a great and special friendship. We have stayed connected through the years and visited each other as life took us to Georgia, Ohio, Florida, South Carolina, and Maine respectively. It really didn't matter, distance and time only made our friendship stronger. During my time in Clemson, we took advantage of our proximity and had lots of good times hiking in the mountains or crashing in Allan's midtown apartment during my trips to Atlanta. We have journeyed and sorted through life together, and it is fitting that we are both taking the biggest steps of our lives during this year as well. I am delighted to take part in Allan's own wedding in Rhode Island this coming fall, and am honored that he will be a part of my day as well.