Raylynn has been the one to help me the most since she came into my life. Can you believe it? Little Rue? She has helped me in ways I don't think anyone else could have. She became a part of me when she was 2. Looking back, I didn't know what I was getting myself into. Sleepless nights that are full of changing wet sheets, the responsibility of having to make sure a tiny human is fed, watered, clothed, housed, happy, etc. Trying to deal with the fear of her growing up. The worry she might be treated unfairly by peers or misunderstood by friends and loved ones. The fear of when my baby won't be a baby anymore. Through all of those times I was forced to feel things I had never felt before. She forced me to practice patience, new ways to respect others, kindness. Most importantly though, she forced me to learn how to love. How to love selflessly, how to love though things are hard, how to love even when the other person has nothing to offer. She has taught me the most genuine form and meaning of love. She may not be able to recognize yet, but she deserves the title "Maid of Honor". For all of the things she has taught me, and all the lessons to come next.

Jailynn and Adrienne are my baby sisters. Jailynn and I are 12 years apart, while Adrienne and I are 14 years apart. I was an only child for a very long time, having my mother and grandparents to myself. Never having to share, feel the need to "compete", or look after someone else. Then they came along. My entire world had shifted.

My sister. My BIG sister. She has always been the strong one, the go-getter, fearless. The backbone of the bunch. I remember being a kid watching her do her hair and makeup in the bathroom and thinking to myself, "What in the world is she doing"? Being a kid, you can't fully grasp the whole picture of what it means to grow up. You think you have an idea, but when you get there it's never what you expect. Now don't get me wrong, I have always been infatuated with my big sister, but I never expected her to inspire me so much. I mean, we're two completely different people! How can she open my eyes to new and different things like she does? How is she is fun, exciting, charismatic, and always manages to have my back when I need it? She's my big sister, that's how! She is exactly what I need in my #1 Bridesmaid!

Tiff is a tiny girl with a mighty presence. I think that's what attracted me to her. She is small but strong, quiet but says so much through her silence, has a heart of gold, and holds responsibility with ease. We have grown a lot together since high school. From being 14 and working a job together, to 16 eating tacos in my bed, and watching YouTube, to being 19 on FaceTime listening to her tell me about a date. Time has gone by and made us older, yes. But time has also made us stronger. She is selfless, a wonderful mother and an even better best friend. I could not ask for a more dedicated and loving bridesmaid.

There is something so beautiful about having long-term friends that have witnessed multiple versions of you and loved you unconditionally though each version. I can honestly say, Darrius is one of those friends. He is calm, compassionate, open-minded, and a free spirit. He is good-natured, spontaneous, and funny. Throughout our friendship, he has helped me through many a difficult time. Times that have changed me and times that have changed him. We have been through quite literally, hell and back! He has always stuck by my side, and I will always stick by his. I am truly honored to be able to call him one of my best friends. I am truly blessed to have him play such a big part on this special day.

"Cradle to death". That's a little quote Kursten and I used to say when we were little. Let me translate that for you because I know it's confusing. It essentially means, "We were born together, and we will be friends until death". Our mothers were friends and pregnant at the same time, so we kind of grew up together. When we were around the age of 8-10 we would write silly short stories and play with Monster High dolls. When we turned 15, she taught me how to do my makeup. Time apart never kept us from being more than close friends. We became family. I know she meant every syllable of those 3 words, as silly as they are. "Cradle to death". I mean every syllable too.