Jen is my sister-in-law and has been a part of my life since 2017, when she and my brother Connor first got together. They tied the knot in July 2023, but by then she already felt like family for ages. Born and raised in Vernon, BC, Jen now lives in Penticton, where she works as a family doctor (yes, she’s a smart cookie!). She leads an incredibly active lifestyle including road biking, downhill and cross country skiing, volleyball, and dominates every board game we play. I honestly don’t know how she juggles it all, but she does it flawlessly. Jen is humble, genuine, and truly one of the kindest people I know. I’m so lucky to have her as the sister (and dear friend) I always hoped for—and honoured to have her standing beside me as my maid of honour.

Angie and I met several years ago during Stampede through a mutual friend group, and we instantly clicked! Originally from South Africa, she moved to Ontario at a young age before eventually making Calgary her home. There’s truly no one I’d rather play dress-up with, go on spontaneous adventures, or indulge in the filthiest junk food alongside. Angie is one of the kindest, most caring, supportive, and hilarious people I know. She's full of energy, always up for anything, and brings so much joy to anyone who’s lucky enough to know her. I'm so lucky to call her one of my best friends—and even luckier to have her by my side as a bridesmaid on our special day!

Lou and I met several years ago through mutual friends, and she’s become such a cherished part of my life ever since. Originally from Argentina, she moved to Winnipeg with her family before eventually settling in Calgary, where she’s called home for many years. Lou is one of the most creative and talented people I know—always diving into new crafts and hobbies. She’s also “mom” to the sweetest pup, Arnold, who brings so much joy on our dog walk outings together (and lets me pretend I have a dog for a little while). More than anything, Lou is one of the most selfless, kind-hearted, and supportive humans I’ve ever met. I’m so grateful to have her standing by my side on our wedding day.

Keaton has been my best friend since I moved to Calgary when I was seven years old. Him and Mike (see below) knocked on my door the day after my family moved into our house and we went for a bike ride. Twenty four years later I still haven’t managed to get rid of him. Although we’re not a one minute walk away from each other anymore, Keaton’s a “till death do us part” kind of friend. While I could say we’re bound by all of our mutual interests like music and comedy, the reality is we just grew up down the street from each other and always had each other’s backs. Keaton is a real life Samwise Gamgee – the best friend you could ask for.

Mike is my other best friend I met the same time as Keaton (see above), although Mike was about a full two minute walk from my house – unless I cut through Keaton’s backyard. Although separated by an additional minute and by a one year age gap, me Mike and Keaton were a neighborhood trio for many years. Mike has always had a deep love for music – I’ve often thought he says more with his guitar than with his words. Certainly the focal points of the friendship have been music, laughter, and learning to break the rules together. He’s lived in California, Panorama, England, Nelson, and now Comox. He’s also getting married three weeks after me, where I’ll be one of his groomsmen as well.

My best friend Chris I haven’t known quite as long as the other two – I met him two weeks after moving to Calgary. Additionally, he lived on the other side of the neighborhood, which was a full 5 minute drive. On top of that, Chris moved away to St. Louis when we were in High School. And then he moved back, and then back to St. Louis, and then to Chicago, and then to California, and then to New York. Through it all, we’ve managed to still spend a week or so together every couple of years, giving me an excuse to do long road trips through the US to see my friend. Perhaps the most lively and personable person I’ve met, we’ve had some wild times together and seeing him after a few years always feels like home.