Ella was named after their great-grandmother. Nine months later, her cousin Elle was born, because why not have names that sound almost identical? These two would become best friends and, in school, constantly confused for each other.

Ali and Elle shared a bond over sun tanning with baby oil at Illini's pool in grade school, which quickly developed to a friendship of riding a tandom bike to middle school and a mutual fear of their strict parent's curfews and hatred for any guys (esp. the ones in the backyard)

Sofia and Elle grew up down the street from one another, but over the years once they both moved to Nashville they grew fast friends over weekly walks with the dogs, drinking martinis, and a shared bond of dads that scared us into being the independent and "creative" women we are today.

Madi introduced herself to Elle at St. Thomas Midtown Hospital's ICU nursing orientation. She became Elle's first Nashville friend (apart from her hometown friends) - these two hit the street of Broadway like it was their 9-5 job. Madi's spicy humor and the way she pointed out Kevin's skinny jeans to him on our first date made me realize she'd have to be in my life for good (after all, she might be Kev's long lost twin sister)

When Elle moved to Nashville, she was living with a roommate who added too much "spunk," you might say, to Elle's life. Elle met Brianna in the ICU at Midtown and Brianna was looking for a roommate to take over another girl's lease-quickly. Elle broke her lease in a week, bought a Goldendoodle named Georgie (Brianna's dog's half-brother), and moved into Brianna's. The two are inseparable now!

Adri was Brianna's (the other bridesmaid) orientee in the ICU at Midtown. Elle and Brianna were looking for a 3rd roommate. The day Elle met Adri, Adri soon realized Elle was not much of a hugger or morning person like Brianna was, in fact, quite the opposite. That day Elle got a text from their landlord they had to sign that week due to COVID or they lost the house- Adri reluctantly signed with Elle and Brianna. Adri now appreciates weekly calls with Elle, therapy sessions, pickleball, and no hugs.

"Phil" was introduced to Elle by Elle's brother Chris when she was 23. When Phil and Elle turned 24 Phil and Chris were on their way to say "I-do" and Elle was on her way to impact Nashville's honkey tonks and ICU. Elle and Phil have become the best of friends and sister-n-laws. Now with Elle's nephew and Phil and Chris's son Noah in the picture she has the joy of seeing Elle on facetime almost every day :)

During COVID, Elle and Laura were ousted to the PACU where it was a "temporary" ICU. The two quickly bonded that day over the craziest shift. Elle invited Laura on her boat one sunny afternoon- that day our boat captain was Kevin's friend/roommate Jacob (a groomsman)- Jacob told Elle to stop having her friends fall in love with him- but as soon as Laura stepped on that boat Jacob was speechless- Jacob and Laura got engaged a year later, married the following, almost all before Elle and Kevin got engaged (as Kevin's reminded). Now Jacob and Laura keep Elle and Kevin on their toes chasing birds and becoming our fav double date.

Kevin was Zach’s boss at Publix. They’ve been united in their mutual hatred for corporate drudgery for over a decade.

Kevin bumped into Larry pushing carts at Wal-Mart, and soon after, Larry extended a coveted invite to the legendary cookout.

Kevin met him as a diaper-clad infant, courtesy of Kevin’s mom’s sister. They've been inseparable cousins ever since.

Kevin’s cousin from the heart of Dixie, and the only other dude rocking the Gates name.

High school days brought Kevin and Dusty together. Dusty was the cool kid who’d secretly indulge in Mario Party with Kevin when no one was looking.

Introduced by Elle, Chris has taken it upon himself to give Kevin the third degree ever since.

Kevin met Jacob through Zach. The Helm family—what a fantastic bunch!

A chance encounter at a Boston RedSox game where Kyle was slinging hotdogs led to Kevin and Zach giving him a place to crash.