After 25+ years of friendship, Macy has been with me for every big milestone of my life and it was only fitting that she would be standing next to me for this one as well. Growing up around the corner from each other not only brought me lifelong friendship, but also a second family. From countless family vacations, to awkward middle school year camcorder videos, cheerleading stunts on the living room couch, dance parties to Cheetah Girls and Aaron Carter, to celebrating both of our weddings, there's never been a time that she wasn't apart of my life. She is the sister I never had and I couldn't imagine anyone better suited to be my Maid of Honor.

We met my junior year of college and were quick friends. First it was rugby matches, then bible studies. Eventually we even attempted studying for school, but once the jokes got rolling, not a lot got done. I even met his future wife, though I didn't know it just yet. There was a gap afterward, but a couple of years later I found myself teaching in South Korea. Somehow that is when our friendship took off. It just so happened that he was working a crazy job and up at all kinds of hours, so we just picked up where we left off. What started off with memes lead to deep conversations, road trips, odd Covid jobs and eventually being able to hold his baby boy (my godson). I love the guy and look forward to many more calls, for many more years.

While blindly agreeing to be roommates during Physical Therapy school, we became fast friends while navigating the life changes of a new city, restarting school, and living with 2 other random guys from our cohort. Coming home every night and having such a fantastic friend to confide in about the highs and lows of our lives really made PT school tolerable. She has been there for me through the tough times of long distance and stresses of school, always waiting for me at home with open arms and a listening ear. The Crawford house has given me one of my favorite people, and it’s a no brainer that she would be by my side once again on my wedding day.

One of the J's in our original friend group. When I moved to Allen, I made a point to keep to myself however I could. Even at recess I didn't play too much, usually opting for sitting in a corner drawing. That is, until he offered to teach me how to play soccer (the dude is a phenom so I wasn't about to say no). And that was really it. Sometimes that's all it takes. Even better, he lived one street away from me. So take a wild guess where I spent my summers. It wasn't long before his parents became mine, too. I still miss those bus rides after school more than I would like to admit. We would joke around, share music and just have a ball. I don't know where I'd be without the guy and his wisdom, but I'm glad that I'll never have to find out.

Julie and I became study buddies early on in PT school, spending countless hours together throughout over the 3 years. Our time was split between distracting each other, having deep talks about our current relationships, playing with her dogs, impulsively online shopping, and actually being productive. She was able to offer new perspectives and wisdom during tough times, and would always put time aside to be there for me even after the extremely long days. After too many hours studying, she became more than just a study buddy, she became a true friend that I cannot wait to be there with me on my big day.

Yet another J in our childhood group. We didn't have the best of starts, but it just postponed the inevitable. Shortly after going from enemies to friends, the amount of trouble we got into (and fun we had doing it) was a lifetime's worth of memories. He is yet another key piece of who I am as a person. Soft spoken until you get to know him, I am so incredibly grateful that I was able to join that close circle all those years ago. I also have him to thank for the best Christmases, because we would always have him over and I think my mom took it as a chance to show off her skill in the kitchen. Jayson and I have been through a lot together and I know life won't be slowing down, but I know I have him in my corner. For the good, the bad, everything. He always has been. What more could I possibly ask for?

Julia joined Julie and I's study group about a year into PT school, and she became the voice of reason and kept our studying on track, in the kindest way like always. Summer of 2024 as both of our clinical internships were in Dallas, Julia, Jon, and I spent every weekend together. She was able to celebrate our engagement with us, and was actually be the first person to notice the ring/us as a newly engaged couple. She has always been the sweetest and most selfless friend, and I will continue to love her support and friendship through this major milestone in my life and many more after this.

So at our elementary school, if a teacher caught you inviting kids to your birthday party, they would make you invite your whole class (so nobody felt left out). And that's how I met this guy. I was anxious beyond reason when I received my invite but before I knew it I was standing at his door with a birthday present. We stayed up late, played games, and then all the hooligans went to bed... Except for ol Paul and I. Instead, we soldiered on, playing Halo and talking about everything under the sun. I had never known what it was like to actually have a close friend and this guy was the first. I think in the entirety of our friendship we've maybe fought once, and it lasted all of 30 minutes. I don't know that you can find a more even-keeled, understanding or patient person.

Emily and I met through her husband, Tim, another one of my PT school classmates, at our first class get together at the beginning of grad school. We instantly became friends, chatting the whole rest of the night. After float trips, girls nights, and weekly volleyball pick up games, she continues to be such a warm, welcoming, and kind person. She's supported me through the good and the bad from the past few years, really showing me that she is a true loyal friend. I know she will be there for me on my big day, as well as years to come.

Sophomore year of college I went to a random house party and it just so happened to be hosted by none other than Jacob "Hands" Tarver. A shot or two later and I don't know that I've ever gone long without talking with him (or roasting each other, same thing). Since we met he has always showed up for me in whatever capacity possible and I don't know that people always realize just how admirable that is. Maybe he's chirping at the ref during my game, or pulling up to mine for a nightcap after I had a rough day... But the guy has (and continues to be) there. There's a lot to be said for that. Can't wait to criticize his dancing.