Rebecca and I became fast friends when she transferred to my high school. We spent most of our time together at her house after school—baking, watching TV, and just hanging out. One of our most memorable (and questionable) feats was convincing our teacher that a paper meant to be an individual assignment could actually be completed by two people and still earn separate grades. Some may call it a classic case of senioritis, but we like to think it was a testament to our teamwork and persuasive skills! He agreed, and we both walked away with an A. Over the years, we’ve always found ways to stay connected, whether it’s through text, phone calls, or trips to visit each other. Not only did I gain a best friend in Rebecca, but I also became part of her wonderful family, and I even lovingly acquired the title of the “favorite Barkholz daughter” (whether that be self-appointed or not)! We share a love for Taylor Swift, and one of our favorite memories is a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas to see the iconic Eras Tour. We’ve lived in different states since high school, but we always make time to reconnect, often over ice cream at our favorite hometown spot, Briq’s Soft Serve. I’m so thankful for Rebecca’s friendship and am beyond excited to have her standing by my side on this special day!

I am beyond excited to have my sister Kassie standing by my side on my wedding day. Since she’s known me from birth, she wins the title for the longest friendship of all my bridesmaids. Some of my best memories growing up are playing Guitar Hero, cheering on our teams during the Disney Channel games (don’t ask who had the better team), and sneaking frosting when mom and dad were out and we were craving something sweet. Being that we were only 19 months apart, we also had to get creative to keep things fair—whether it was setting a timer to make sure we each got equal turns playing our favorite computer game, The Sims, or counting the amount of dessert we each ate so no one felt slighted (as the younger sister, I may have to take responsibility for that one). It’s crazy to think we’re all grown up now and getting married! I’ve always looked up to Kassie and appreciated her guidance throughout the years. Standing by her on her wedding day was a blast, and I’m lucky to have her by my side as I take this next step.

I’m so excited to have Maddi by my side on my wedding day. We’ve been friends since elementary school and have kept in touch ever since. Maddi has always been known to lighten the mood with her sense of humor, and I’m grateful for all the fun moments we’ve shared over the years. A few of my favorite memories include attending Packer games at Lambeau Field, especially around Christmas time, and working together at the Hodag Festival in Rhinelander when we were in high school. We had a blast working the ticket station during the day, but the real fun came when we got to watch the concerts at night. We also were in art club together in high school, admittedly not for our artistic abilities but for the excuse to go on field trips. One of my favorite, and most memorable, moments with Maddi was when she cheered me on as I took on the challenge of eating a 3-pound burger in 30 minutes at the Milwaukee Burger Company. If I recall correctly, I believe Maddi announced my successful completion of the burger challenge on the morning announcements at school the next day—or at the very least, made sure to have the person reading the announcements bring it up. We still joke about it, and it's a story we find a way to bring up in conversation any chance we get. I’m so thankful for all the laughter, memories, and ability to pick up right where we left off. I can’t wait to have Maddi by my side as I take this next step!

I’ve known Lindy since 2019 when we lived together in Henderson, NV, while she was in medical school with Alex. Being so close to Las Vegas, we had plenty of fun exploring the food and activities the city had to offer, with all-you-can-eat sushi being one of our go-to spots. One of my favorite memories is when Alex, Lindy, and our other roommate, Cat, would practice osteopathic manipulative medicine in our living room. I’d often get volunteered as a test subject, and while those study nights made me thankful I wasn’t in their shoes, Lindy always made sure we got through it with her delicious Bloody Marys! I’ll never forget the day Lindy decided to adopt her dog, Jack. What was supposed to be a quick visit to check out a few dogs turned into us bringing Jack home that same day. Ever since, I’ve been a proud auntie to the sweetest pup! We also had so many great times grilling out, hanging by the pool, and making trips to the nursery to buy plants. Thanks to Lindy, I’m now the proud owner of more plants than I can count! I’m so thankful for the memories we’ve created, and I’m thrilled to have her by my side on this special day.