Vanessa has been in my life for as long as I can remember. It all started when her mom would babysit me at their house. We would go and play barbies, jump on the trampoline and play in the pool together. We also used to listen to rap music in the basement and make forts. Vanessa has been one of my longest friends. She has become my older sister that I never had, and I am sure lucky to have her in my life. We taught Vacation Bible School together for a few years. She is the one who helped shape me into the teacher I am today. She has stood by me as my confirmation sponsor. Now, I am so privileged to have her stand by my side as I marry my best friend. She has been here through the good times and the bad, and I couldn't ask for a better matron of honor.

Nate and I were friends during school with him being a grade older than me, we played football, basketball, and baseball together, and our bond grew more after high school. The only time I remember playing 1st Base for the Varsity was after Nate got ejected for "throwing at" an opponent. We've had some great times and laughs together over the years and I can't ask for anyone else to be right by my side in this journey. There is never a dull moment around Nate and when he and all his nicknames get going, watch out because the party doesn't stop.

Myah and I became friends when I started dating Tanner. Little did I know that we would end up nearly inseparable. She always has my back and is one of the best friends I have. Myah is always down to have a good time, go on breakfast dates or play in the pool with her son, Gradee. Myah has become another sister to me. We can have multiple different conversations going at a time on snapchat or texting. Myah and I talk every single day. She knows so much about me. I am forever thankful for her and her friendship.

Jake is my cousin but more like my big brother, being that I don't have one. Being double cousins meant we spent EVERY holiday together at both sides of the family. Being doubly related, we are similar in a lot of ways, minus the height and the hair...oh and number of fingers. Sorry Jake I had to. Besides that, he's always been there for me when I've needed it and can't thank him enough for everything. Oh and also if I need an increase in my Batting Average.

Lindsee, or Tillie as we all know her, is Tanner's cousin. She is more like another sister to Tanner and me though. When I first met her, I knew I was going to love her. She is the life of the party, and is ALWAYS putting a smile on my face. She is my walking partner. One of my favorite memories with Lindsee is driving to Mankato for State Softball in her car...Yes, we made it in one piece. But, I don't ever want to drive on that many curvy roads again. Lindsee has the best dance moves and kicks. I am forever thankful for the friendship we share, and soon we will be cousins!

Torey has gone from being my sister's friend's dad, to my JH & JV basketball coach, to a best friend. I knew when I applied for the assistant GBB job at CGB that we'd work well together, but neither of us thought how much of a team we'd become and the impact he'd have on my love of coaching. The countless bus trips, practices/games, or videos/ plays I'd send him at 12 or 1 in the morning...sorry Shelly. We worked well together and that just help to build our bond and friendship so much more. I cannot thank him enough for all the lessons I have and continue to learn from him.

Tori is Tanner's sister. I am so excited to officially gain a sister, and better yet that the sister is Tori Teske! Tori has a heart of gold. Tori and I love going shopping, Of course we buy things we definitely don't need, but why not? We love Target and just standing in the makeup aisle looking at all of the fun things. Tori has the best laugh, and everyone will have a good time if she is around. I am so thankful for her!

The first thing anyone does when they find out their freshman roommate is look them up on Facebook — so you can imagine my surprise when I saw a tall, skinny guy posing with a clarinet. We met the next day at college registration and, to my relief, he seemed pretty normal. After moving in, we discovered we had more in common than expected: baseball, sports video games, and (thanks to him) a taste for gambling but with different budgets. We "enjoyed" living together so much our first year that we chose to room together again junior year. Peter will do anything you ask of him — so to whoever paired us up, I can only say: it could’ve been worse!

Kaily and I met in a college class and quickly became close — we still talk every day. She’s someone I can always trust and count on, whether I need a laugh or a hand. We bonded over countless coffee dates in college, and I’m so thankful she’s in my life and will stand by my side on our wedding day.

Brody and I met during our freshman year of college at SMSU and our friendship really started after I made the move to PE our sophomore year. We had most classes together and would always be willing to help each other out on any assignment or quiz. Or if we had to judge each others athletic skills for a project. Funny neither of us are currently teaching PE but we found our niches in coaching. Brody is a great guy with a big heart who is always there when you need him.

I babysit Katie's daughters, Kylie and Hannah in the summer. Seeing Katie so often has developed a friendship that I couldn't imagine life without. She has been someone I can trust with anything and is a very good listener. A favorite memory I have with Katie is being at a concert at the Big Stone County Fair.

Zak and I were classmates since Kindergarten and is a great friend to be around. We played sports together then and I've spent the last ten going on eleven seasons playing with him on town team as well. He's a great guy with a calm demeanor...when it's not sports related and has been a great friend for a long time whose always got my back.

Taryn and I met when I started teaching in the CGB School district. We have developed such a close friendship. She is someone I can go to if I have questions or anything in school. It is wonderful seeing one of your close friends everyday! I am blessed to work alongside someone so knowledgeable and passionate about teaching. Taryn and I share a love of coffee and margaritas. She makes an amazing strawberry margarita. Thank you for being such a great friend!

Like Torey, Brice has also had a huge impact on my coaching journey. Since joining his staff, we've gone from acquaintances to great friends who talk nearly every day and our bond and love of the game of softball has grown together throughout the years. We know what each other is thinking in and out of the dugout, and sharing the diamond has been a great experience for me, even when I think you should bunt more often. Brice and his wife Taryn are great role models for Julie and I and we can't thank them enough for everything they've done for us.

Ellen and I first met through her sister in law - Taryn. We instantly connected. We like to spend time together and drink coffee at her house. I especially like snuggling her youngest baby and playing with her other kids. We can spend hours and hours together talking about life, holding the baby and playing with the kids. I am thankful she is in our life!

Mitchell is my cousin and again, like another brother to me. I am just under three months older than him so he's kind of like a little brother. Again, we see each other at every family event and we even got to play baseball with and against each other while in JH. Mitchell is always there to lend a helping hand whenever you need it and has always been there for me when I've needed him.

Taylor has been my best friend since daycare at Peggy's. We used to dance in the living room and belt out High School Musical songs. Taylor also went a long with singing in the talent show in Bellingham with me. I bet that was pretty! I am thankful there wasn't anyone recording that beautiful performance. We went to Bellingham Elementary School together. We played basketball together and were cheerleaders. The very first time I was going to take Taylor to school, I blew a tire on their gravel road. That is the first time and hopefully only time I will ever blow a tire. What an experience as a new driver, but I wouldn't want anyone else by my side. I have always called Taylor my sister. She will forever be my little sister. I am thankful to have gone through all of the stages in life together.

Shelly and I have spent countless of hours sitting on bleachers watching our guys coach basketball. It has been amazing to watch them together, yet also stressful at the same time. Shelly is the type of person that would drop everything for us, and Tanner and I are so fortunate. Shelly knows all of the tricks and tips on basically anything so I am thankful to have her as one of my personal attendants to keep everything together. Tanner and I are the luckiest humans to be blessed to have her in our life!

Halie is married to Tanner's cousin, Ethan. When I first met Halie, we just clicked. I knew she is someone I needed in my life. She is easy to talk to, patient and caring. We can talk for hours and hours and never get bored of each other. I can't imagine how much fun it would be if we lived closer to each other. Another fun fact is Halie's birthday is a day before mine. I am forever thankful to have her in our corner!

Kelsey and I have been friends for a few years. I had the privilege to watch her oldest daughter for a few months while Kelsey worked. This first interaction sparked our friendship. I quickly realized Kelsey is a friend that is always here for me. She is always up for random shopping trips to Alexandria. Kelsey is someone I knew I needed to have included in our big day!

Jordan, or Jerd, like his brother Nate has been a friend since elementary. And knowing us, yes we played sports together. Remember your first career Varsity TD Pass you threw to me?... Oh yeah, there was a reason I stayed on the o-line after that. Also like his brother, our friendship has grown more and more since high school and he's quite the guy. Don't let him loose at the party either.

Ryan has been a friend since his family moved back to Graceville in the 5th grade. We played sports together and hung out a lot during and after high school. The only other person who took some grief for the size of our heads in back then. However, my K:D will never be anywhere near what yours is. Interestingly, Ryan married his wife Teagan who attended SMSU as well and her and I met during my first weekend on campus. Ryan is a great guy to be around and I can't thank him enough.

Mr. Swanson and I met at GBL during his first year teaching at CGB. Little did we know that we'd become co-workers the next year and even become roommates while he was at CGB. We both enjoy yelling at whatever game we are watching or doing our best Broadway impressions. We can also carry a team to a Disney Trivia night victory as well. All of our quirks makes us great friends and I can't thank him enough for all that he's done for me.

Josh is my cousin and the third of my extra brothers aka cousins my age. He's always been a great guy who will do anything for anyone. I appreciate all he's done for me!

Garrison (Gar) is the son of our friends Gabe and Ashley Moberg. He’s already part of the crew—Gabe and Tanner are softball buddies and regulars at the bar—and Gar is a total Moberg clone: fun, loud, and full of energy. When we asked him to be our ring bearer, he insisted he wanted to be a football player instead, so we’ll just have to wait and see which outfit he walks down the aisle in.

Gradee is the energetic son of bridesmaid Myah and Dylan Loraff. Since he was born he’s been Tanner’s and Julie’s little buddy, always ready to dance, laugh, and steal the spotlight on the dance floor as our ring bearer.

Harper is the daughter of Personal Attendant Halie and Tanner’s cousin Ethan Teske. She’s a little sweetheart who loves dressing up like a princess and can’t wait to sprinkle petals down the aisle as our flower girl.