I’ve known Ananda since high school band but we truly bonded as roommates in college at Clemson. She has been by my side through so much that it’s only fitting that she will be right by my side through this next big adventure. She has been my shoulder to cry on as well as my hand to hold in so many unforgettable memories. She inspires me to dream, and she holds me accountable for chasing those dreams.

Sara is my oldest friend and one of the most genuine people I have ever met. We met in 9th grade Spanish class and we’ve been inseparable ever since! With as much time as we spent together as teens, she is like a sister to me and a second daughter to my parents. She has seen every phase of Ashlee (God bless her) and I can’t wait to share this next phase of my life with her. Sara inspires me to enjoy life to the fullest, and to not take it all so seriously.

I met Dorothy and her now husband Vernon through Kendrick during our sophomore year at Clemson. Kendrick brought me to their apartment to meet his friends and I immediately fell in love with this woman belting the Mulan soundtrack and while wearing her “chicken frying dress”. (Her voice is equally as impressive as her cooking!) I promptly stole her from Kendrick as my friend and she has been there for me ever since. Whenever I need advice, be it love, life or fashion, she is there to offer a unique perspective. Dot inspires me to love myself so much that it inspires others to love themselves.

I met Savannah a few years ago while working at a vet clinic. She was the new hire and I remember thinking “she’s so sweet, she won’t last long.” Not only did she last longer than I did, she also taught me a lot about kindness and compassion. She has the kind of unwavering optimism that leaves a permanent impression on your life. She has brought so much sunshine into my life and she inspires me to love with my whole heart.

Tree and I met when I first became an RA at Clemson. It was a misunderstanding that brought us together, and I guess that’s called fate. We played injustice together and just slowly started to hangout more and more. Before we knew it we were fighting off parents trying to bribe him with cookout trays. He’s been a better friend than I deserve.

Natedawg is my oldest friend, I’ve spent so much time with his family there’s no way they didn’t get tired of me. We did sports together, hunting and fishing together, and so much more. I experienced new things so often with him, and I’m honored I can have the biggest moment of my life with him.

Jacob came to into our friend group and it was like he was there all along. I never needed to wonder if I could confide in him, or if he’d be there when needed. I’m glad we both went to Clemson and we could progress in life together, he’s a real one and there aren’t many like him.

Vern was an RA with me in Lightsey and he along with Aron Mebrahtu helped shape my college experience. I could see him for guidance and advice anytime, as long as I used it the first time I heard it. I would’ve been too hesitant to talk to Ashlee with him and Aron, I’m truly grateful for how he and Dot have been present for us as we’ve grown.

Emily is a good friend of ours that also happens to be an insanely talented photographer! How lucky are we right?? If you see her, thank her!