Alayna is Alli’s younger sister and definitely one of her best friends (the other bestie being Alyssa, their older sister). It is a privilege to know Alayna. She has the gentlest and kindest personality; the very definition of beautiful, both inside and out. While I am going to miss being with her 24/7, I am so excited to continue watching her flourish, in her academics and in life. Plus, we’ll still be having tons of sleepovers (Jake just doesn’t know it yet hehe). I am blessed to know her and I am so beyond thankful that she will be standing next to me on one of the most important days of my life.

Alyssa is Alli’s older sister and her other best friend! Growing up, Alyssa and Alli were (and still are) inseparable, always remaining close. Alyssa is the best at making people feel special, and that is how she’s always made me feel, especially during this exciting time. She is the BEST big sister, always taking care of me, Alayna, and everyone around her. Alyssa continues to grow into the most beautiful person and inspires me constantly. I look up to her in so many ways. I am so grateful to have her and our special bond forevermore. Having her stand by me on my wedding day is a blessing that words cannot describe.

Julia, Alli’s beautiful cousin, has always been like another sister to her. Growing up, we’d always play “house” or “babies”, and now that we are at that age of being “grown”, we’re no longer playing, but actually living it out (not the baby part yet though lol). Julia is the bubbliest, most amazing cousin, with the best laugh anyone has ever heard! She is so very smart and strong-willed, always remaining true to herself. I am so extremely happy to have her by my side on my wedding day.

Sami is Jake’s sister and will be Alli’s added sister soon too (is there really such a thing as “too many” sisters?!). I am so grateful to have been accepted into the family by Sami and her girls (Gracelyn and Olivia) from the start. Sami is someone who will always have your back and be your biggest cheerleader (she’s LOUD, in the most perfect way). She is someone you want to know and have on your side, and you are blessed if you do. I’m so excited to continue growing closer with her and to have her stand by me (& Jake) on our special day.

Hunter, Jake’s Best Man. Their friendship started off in middle school. His creativity, handiness, and adventurous spirit makes him the most interesting man on the planet. More so than the Dos Equis guy. Just don’t ask him to speak any Spanish or say M&M’s. He wont be able to, even though his mother was our Spanish teacher in high school and M&M’s are one of his favorite candies.

Mitchell, Jake’s stepbrother. The classic big brother who picked on his little brother- by either running up the score on him playing video games, teaching him how to lose in foot races, and at one point (a long time ago), could even beat him in arm wrestling. However, Mitchell will always have his little brother’s back, that was something known by all, ever since they first met.

Lamont, Alli’s brother in law. If you think you have met the strongest man on the planet, then you haven’t met Lamont. A true inspiration to Jake both inside the gym and outside of it. Although, he’ll always be Jake’s “little brother”.

Matthew, also one of Jake’s best friends since middle school. Unbelievably, Matt can still describe the rotation of graphic tee’s that Jake wore in the seventh grade. Matt’s attention to detail, as evident from 7th grade on, is part of the reason why he is a successful landscape architect today. The other part is his love for plants. Although Matt was the brunt of most of Hunter and Jake’s jokes, he is the glue that keeps us all together, remaining best friends to this day.