There are no words adequate enough to explain what it means to have Aidan standing next to me on this occasion. I am so very blessed to be her mama but also her friend. She is my sunshine and no matter what the weather is on our wedding day, the sun will be shining on me because she will be beside me.

In my typical bossy fashion, I think I told you that you were going to be my friend in middle school, and I am so glad I did. From red dresses and 508 lipstick, to wedding dresses and retinols, we've been through it all. I am so excited to have you with me!

The friend that helped me tap into my farmer side, who has helped me see the beauty in God's creation, and has shown me that sometimes church is a quiet stroll along the river or snuggling with some chickens. Our friendship has been steady over the years and I am so thankful to have you by my side.

Brought together by our daughter's close friendship in second grade, and held together with long chats, Instagram reels and random visits, our friendship is steady and easy. Katherine is the friend that keeps me grounded and isn't afraid to tell me to chill out. I know I will need you to do that in the weeks and days leading up to the wedding!

My soul sister friend, my prayer partner, my warrior mama, and one of the few people I will answer the phone for. We do the hard, messy parts of life together, but we also do the fun, easy, carefree parts. Our friendship is such a blessing to me. I guess after the wedding we have to become the Washballnets?

My aunt, but more importantly my friend. The person I can call no matter what, whether it is for advice, a laugh, or to talk politics, a steady force in my life. A role model as a mother, a wife, a friend, and follower of Jesus. I am so honored to have you by my side.

We've been friends for nearly a decade, but it feels like a lifetime after surviving middle school parenting and a pandemic! Prayer partner and soul sister, I can't wait to have you by my side on this special day!

1/3 of the infamous 2B3, this woman is organized, efficient and gets things done, so of course she’s in charge of hosting and getting folks where they need to be! She’s my friend and coworker and I’m so thankful to have her as a part of our special day!

Our friendship developed during long days and nights at gymnastics with our girls, but continued long after the girls had retired. My friend that I can call on for prayer, puppy chow, or to say "I know you won't judge me for saying this but....". I am so excited we can finally double date!

My sister and my friend. Through the years we've had our ups and downs as all sisters do, but I am so very grateful to call you mine. You are FINALLY getting a brother-in-law!

The one that started it all, you are the reason I am in Athens and the reason Jeff and I met. Without you, I would not have so many of these incredible friendships. Our friendship is one filled with laughter but also with wise counsel. I am so grateful for you and can't wait to test out both our ankles on the dance floor!

Tie is the friend that we can go months without talking but when we pick up it is like no time has passed. Our friendship is easy and low maintenance. If I want a good belly laugh I know I can call Tie up and she's going to have it for me, but also if I need advice or a listening ear she's there. I am so glad God brought us together in our adult lives because we might have been too much together at SCSU!

My mama friend, my adventure buddy, and my beachcombing expert. Our friendship developed through our kids, but grew because of our shared faith and love for our families. My calm, quiet, and steady friend. The embodiment of a Proverbs 31 wife and mother. I am blessed by your friendship every day.

Friends for 20+ years, we've been through it all together. The keeper of my secrets and most ridiculous memories. I can not imagine doing one of the biggest days of my life without you!

As a student at Cedar Shoals High School I grew up watching the legendary Coach Billy Wade. Who knew that years later, we would end up working together at Clarke Central High School. I will always cherish our conversations and the words of wisdom you shared with me as a novice teacher.

One of my closest friends in the world. I have grown so much from our conversations and your words of wisdom. You are one of the few people in the world that could make me enjoy math.

My fondest memories are our collaborations on the Odyssey and Iliad. I will always remember you stepping up to help me lead the AMC Career Academy at Clarke Central. We were there for each other during the most difficult times in both of our lives. I am proud to call you a friend and a brother.

My brother from another mother. Our friendship grew over our eighteen years with the ATEAM program. You were always one of the people I could always rely on when I needed help with the program in Athens. I have always admired your positive outlook on life and the words of encouragement throughout the years.

My friend who has been with me through monitoring, site visits, technical assistance, and webinars for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Program with the Georgia Department of Education. You have always supported me in my various roles with the 21st CCLC Program.

You came highly recommended from another ATEAM program nearly twenty years ago. I always admired your cool and calm demeanor. We have had some great memories throughout the years with the ATEAM. Because of you, several of my friends and family members are now ordering parmesan crusted chicken from Longhorn.

My friend that I refer to as the great philosopher. Most of the vocabulary words that I use today came from our conversations. You are one of the smartest people I know and a true friend.

The friend that helped me make the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program a success at Clarke Central. You believed in us when no one else did. The friend that I can call no matter what.

We became friends as two novice teachers at Clarke Central High School. I will always remember the professional learning sessions we attended at CCSD. It has been an honor watching you elevate to various leadership positions in the district. You have always remained humble in your endeavors and our friendship has grown over the past twenty plus years.

To my friend that taught me to be great every day. We met as teachers at Clarke Central and left to become friends for life. I learned a lot about the real estate market by watching and listening to you. You also taught me to live life to the fullest and to make the most of each day.

Everyone needs that one friend that always keeps it real. From our mind-set training days, the faculty meetings at Clarke Central, and worshipping at New Grove Baptist Church our bond has been unbreakable.

The “Real Barnett”. I will always cherish the laughs we shared in the hallways of Clarke Central High School. During my eighteen years of teaching, I have always felt safe knowing that my brother had my back.

Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." One explanation for this scripture is that a faithful friend is as valuable as a family member. Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." One interpretation for this scripture is that people should not be alone but should come together for fellowship and prayer. Thank you for being a true friend that shows me unconditional support and encouragement. You are not only my fraternity brother, but also my brother in Christ.