My mother and I have been best friends through it all. I am very blessed to have this friendship with my mom, and she helped grow me and spiritually mentor me into the woman I am today, and she is the one who led me to accept Christ. We may not be exactly the same, but so much of me is made from what I’ve learned from her, and we’ve always shared not just a special mother-daughter relationship, but a true friendship. Oh, and we like to go to Disney World together… a lot. We occasionally (okay, more often than not) jam out to Broadway tunes together. I never imagined I’d get to include her in such a joyfully ever after, and it was such an easy choice to have her here to be my Matron, and to plan with me and share in this best chapter of life. Like our favorite song from our favorite musical says, “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

Ava and I may be niece and aunt, but let’s just say we’re much more like sisters. Ava is the little sister I always wanted, and our sisterhood and friendship is something I have cherished so much over the years as we’ve grown up. We share so many interests and all the same chaotic energy! I have so many memories and I’ve spent so much time having meaningful talks with her over the years, and some talks that were complete nonsense. We’ve spent a lot of time laughing so hard together until our stomachs hurt. Having so many miles between us doesn’t affect how close we are and never will, and we will always have something so special and will always be here for one another. I’ll always watch Marvel movies with her just like we always have, even if it’s long distance. To quote our favorite one, “It was real to me too.”

Alisa and I go way back. Like, to being infant homies together kind of back. We were built in friends from the beginning, since our moms were always friends, and then we got older and started going through life and getting to build our own friendship. We may have not always been living close to each other or been able to see each other all the time, but Alisa has always been and will always be one of my most special friends who has seen me through so many chapters in life. She’ll always be one of those friends who, no matter how many months or years pass between us seeing each other since we live states apart, we can always pick up where we left off. “Long live the walls we crashed through I had the time of my life with you” -Long Live by Taylor Swift

Kylee was the first real best friend I made here in Florida, and I’ve gotten to watch her become a mother since I’ve known her… and I couldn’t be prouder of her. Even through being in different seasons in life, Kylee and I have such a blessed friendship and we are so much alike in so many ways, and we clicked so quickly, and I realize that is a blessing being able to make such a dear friend as an adult. We may not have known each other since childhood or in high school, but I feel like I’ve known her so much longer. I’ll never forget our unhinged text conversations binge watching shows together or binge reading books together and sending each other all of our reactions. I’ll never forget our heart to heart talks we’ve had with each other through good times and bad. I’ll never forget meeting her baby girl for the first time at the Daisy Fest, the day I also saw Jeff for the first time. She is so strong and she can do hard things and we’ve both made it through hard things together. I am so proud of her and proud to call her my bestie and now bridesmaid, and to go through hard and plentiful seasons of life together. To quote the tattoo we never got together but kept saying we’d get, “Climb the mountain.” We can climb any mountain in life together and support each other through it all. I can’t wait to officially get to join her in the married friends club!

Conner has been my best friend since first grade. We grew up playing sport’s together, bonding over our same hobbies, and talking about our visions for what our life goals would be. I consider him a brother. I was the best man in his wedding 10 years ago! Finally I get to give him the same honor of being mine. Conner has always been a source of consistency for me when life was crazy. I could always count on him to be a voice of reason. Man of few words. This is my way of getting a speech out of him! He’s a wonderful father of 5 beautiful children. Three I get to call my God Kids! Conner has seen my journey since the beginning and I couldn’t ask for a better person to be my Best Man!

I’ve know Nate about as long as I’ve known Conner. Early on in life I just knew him as Conners little brother but our friendship really picked up after high school. Conner went away for college so we started hanging out. During this time we found are shared love for the Atlanta Braves which we would go see many games. We are still trauma bonded from the playoff loss where we went down 10 runs in the first inning! We eventually lived together for two years. We both have seen each other in the high and lows of life. I started to consider him my little brother. We both share the excitement of seeing each other succeed. It’s only fitting that we both are getting married this year! I can always count on Nate to bring the energy!

Aaron is my friend since middle school. He has always been a friend who cares. His friendship which I consider to be a brotherhood like all of these men at this point has grown over the years. I’ll never forget his willingness to just sit and listen when I needed it. I also got to be his best man and I wish I could have more than one cause he is so deserving. Aaron has a wonderful heart and it shows just how he treats people. I know I can call him up for anything and he will be there.

Nathan is my guy! Honestly consider him to be like a little brother. Our friendship grew stronger once Aaron moved off to college, guess I have a thing for becoming friends with my friend’s little brothers. Nathan is my movie, sports, games, cards, music, and every other random activity buddy! Nathan genuinely just loves getting involved and sharing in your excitement for what you love. He’s a wonderful friend who I can always count on!

Khris and I have the most unique friendship. We actually met online playing Call of Duty of all things. After the passing of my sister games were another source to get away from the world. Khris invited me into a voice chat party after a game and asked if I wanted to play games with him. One night of games turned into another and another and another. Before we knew it we had grown up together. Eventually he came down to visit for a summer and we’ve been bros ever since! Khris was the friend I didn’t know I needed. He is a brother to me.