Neal is one of my oldest friends. We originally met each other at the age of four, but our friendship truly came to be as freshmen in high school. He's been my right hand man for more adventures than I can count. We joke and laugh like best friends, and compete and argue like rival brothers. No matter what though, we've got each other's back. Our time together is frequently spent trying to unravel the mysteries of the universe. From world history to Vikings roster moves, there is no topic too large or too small for debate. He has made me think as much as he's made me laugh …and he's made me laugh a lot.

Best friends? You could certainly call us that but I think we are more like sisters. If friendship soulmates exist, Nikki and I epitomize the concept. We go all the way back to kindergarten, although our friendship didn't skyrocket into the BFF status that it is today until about 7th grade. We landed on the same "team" in middle school and the rest is history. By a stroke of luck, we now both live in Colorado and enjoy all the wondrous delights of being driving distance from each other while surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. I can't even begin to imagine how I would've made it through all these years without Nikki- her friendship, influence, and our countless memories are invaluably woven into the tapestry of who I am today.

My days at the University of Denver were some of the best of my life. Gordon was a huge part of that. We met at a house party the first week of school, not realizing we were actually dorm neighbors. What we did realize was that we were kindred spirits. He is simply a master of fun. Relentless in his pursuit of a good time, his energy and enthusiasm for people and experiences is unmatched. Whatever crazy idea you have in your head, you best believe Gordon is "in". His zeal is infectious. You want to be around him as he's a constant reminder that this ride called life is meant to be enjoyed as much as possible.

Jessica and I found each other on the paint easels and playground of our kindergarten classroom. Little did we know, we had commenced what would turn into a 25 year long (and counting) incredible friendship. Together, we have gone through everything life has thrown at us. Whether she's surprising me at the airport when my red-eye flight home for Christmas lands in Indy, laughing & sipping high tea at the Brown Palace, or talking through life's tricky curve balls with pizza and wine, we're ALWAYS there for each other. No time, distance, or circumstance will ever rock this boat. Cheers to 25+ more years of doing life together!

Joan Rivers once said, "Either everything is funny, or nothing is." With Mike Larkin, everything is funny. He is my comedy soul brother. I've never seen someone dedicate so much of their life to studying the comedic arts. He basically owns a Masters in Jokery. In high school, we would spend hours trying to out-pun each other at the local Perkins (to the joy AND disgust of those around us). He helped me write the only song I've ever composed, which was a ballad about slipping on a banana peel. I never know where a conversation with Larkin will take me, but I know it will end with my cheeks hurting.

Upon arriving in Santiago, Chile to begin my journey as an exchange student, I knocked at the hotel room door to see if my pre-assigned roommate had arrived. Unbeknownst to me, I was about to meet one of the most remarkable and inspiring people on my life journey. The door swung open and there stood Lindsay. Hundreds of (mis)adventures and nearly ten years later, this incredible friendship is still going strong. You might find us backpacking through Patagonia, hiking up Colorado's tallest mountain, or sometimes we're just playing phone tag on a mundane Monday. No matter what's going on, we're always excited to connect and pick up right where we left off.

I have not known Collin as long as my other groomsman, but he still feels like one of my oldest friends. Through a twist of fate, we became roommates a few years back with our mutual friend Scott Miller. I quickly became aware of how awesome he was. It turned out he loved BBQ, football, skiing, competitive games, and making fun of Scott as much as I did. My nickname for him is "Bulls-eye". While many in this world play it safe, Collin truly goes for it. He hits for power, not average. Life's a game, and Collin loves making that winning shot no one saw coming. Some may call him risky, but to those people he'd just say "you gotta spend money to make money!" My time with him is never bland. He charges headlong into life, knowing that with the right moves and a little bit of courage, things might end up better than you ever thought possible.

Megan and I met at work in our licensing exam class to become stock brokers. Our unique and instant connection led us to have way too much fun together amidst the most tedious study process we'd ever encountered. We bonded over extended study breaks in the bathroom and nights on the town followed by early morning ski trips. Megan's friendship was a priceless anchor for me during the growing pains of moving to a new state and beginning a new career. We've been through more in these several years than some friendships encounter in a lifetime. Megan now flies the friendly skies as a flight attendant so although we no longer get to see each other everyday at work, we cherish any and all free time we get to spend together!