Boss, mentor, friend - Kelly covers the bases. She hired Dave in 1998 and somehow tolerated him for over twenty years. Kelly even brokered his current gig which allowed him to move near Chicago to be with Jessica. Fun facts, which may or may not be true: Kelly and Dave bought a cow while filming a documentary in Peru. Their names appear on some random couple’s Vegas wedding certificate as witnesses, best man and maid of honor. Kelly’s heart is perhaps only matched by her laugh and love of life and chocolate martinis. It is only fitting that Kelly serves the special role as officiant/life of the party.

Sometimes you just get lucky and your Mom concieves your best friend. Jessica was convinced that Cory was brought home solely as her "present" and proceeded to treat him as her responsibility for many years to follow. Cory let Jessica do the talking for the first few years of life- and frankly, that probably explains a lot. Most importantly, he's continued to show up in their adult life, specifically in the last few years as they navigated the end of Mom's life. He's also a great cheerleader, always there to encourage, listen and support (proof in the picture with Jessica's Dancing with the Stars trophy- which he was either trying to drink from or dismantle...but still...supportive!)

Chandra and Jessica met when they traveled together as consultants for Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and bonded over airplane miles, not being fed on the road and a shared and smelly apartment in Boulder, CO. This is proof that opposites attract- in the best possible way. Chandra is all things girly, sweet, glitter, Barbie and tiny. Auntie Jec-a-men (as Chan's girls call her) is well.....not. Although Chandra lives in Dallas, Jessica appreciates her ability to reconnect immediately, go deep quickly and of course to be the friend that shows up when needed most. She also hasn't used Jessica's first name in the 20+ years they've been friends. Which Jecmen loves.

Melissa and Jessica met while volunteering in the classroom when their kiddos Ila and Leo were in kindergarten. Melissa has gone along with every crazy idea Jessica's had since and always says yes when she asks her to do one more thing. In fact, we'll have to hide the movie Thelma and Louise in case Jessica gets any ideas and Melissa's feeling supportive. She's the friend with all of life's day to day details and plans, a great foodie friend to have (always up to try a yummy new restaurant) and a standing mani/pedi buddy. Jessica and Melissa's friendship is best summed up by Eva's quote "Mom...jeez....how many times a day do you text Ila's Mom????" (Hint- a million).

Everyone needs a friend like Ron. Someone who thinks in ideas and what if’s. Someone who not only would bail you out if needed, but more likely would be sitting right next to you when the dust settles, working on a plan. Ron and Dave worked together in the late 1990s building web sites for The Oklahoman, even live blogging the 2000 Orange Bowl before that was a thing. They have since traveled the world to speak at tech conferences and discover cuisine and beer. Perhaps not in that order. If you need random baseball or movie trivia knowledge, Ron is your guy. And chances are he’ll share a pint with you as well.

You're in great hands tonight as Brett (aka Jessica's BFF at work) takes the mic. With a history at Second City as a writer and performer and as part of the J/B magic presentation duo at Accenture events with Jessica, Brett's comfortable (some might say toooooo comfortable??) with a mic in one hand and a beer in the other. He'll keep us moving and laughing and if he tries to get a rock paper scissors game going (more than once) it's a good time to bring him another drink and gently remove the mic. J and B's all time favorite pasttime is hanging at the bar and telling old stories til they cry with laughter. Most is done in shorthand and with a series of inside jokes that makes this almost intolerable to other humans. Our significant others pretended to be amused for a while, now they just send us on our own.

When you meet Whitney, say something funny. You want to hear her laugh- it's one of the best sounds on the planet. Jessica and Whitney met as Sorority sisters at Oklahoma City University and have stayed in touch for the entire time since (credit where credit is due- that's a long ass time). They've supported each other through some really fun times and the worst times. Literally the worst. But Whitney continues to be gracious, thoughtful and so supportive of the Jessica/Dave life plan. Also- she's not afraid of ordering cake at lunch and this is one of Jessica's favorite qualities in a friend. This chica knows how to throw a party- see if you can score an invite to her next one!

This darling 3 year old is Jessica's cousin, Dana's daughter. Dana and Jessica's mothers are sisters. Priya' s going to be a professional at this rate- having the flower walk down the aisle on her schedule twice this year- both at family weddings! In this wedding, she's wearing a dress purchased for Eva from her grandmother, Lois. We thought it was a sweet way to honor both Jessica's Mom, Judi and Dana (Priya's Mom)'s Mom, Lois. We'll be thinking of and missing Judi and Lois at this wedding and watching sweet Priya is a reminder that they live on in the little joyous details and celebrations.