Although we are complete opposites, Katie has been there for me at every major step of life. Always supportive and encouraging. I could not celebrate my big day without my big sister standing by my side.

Kim and I met when I first moved to NC in 2006. Even though at first Kim was not a huge fan of mine, we persevered. After winning Kim's heart in 2008/9, we have been inseparable ever since. I couldn't enjoy my big day without her by my side.

Jody and I met freshman year of college. At our first encounter, I believed Jody to be just another sorority girl. Then again, first impressions can be deceiving. Our friendship blossomed. She has been the best travel buddy a girl can ask for. Traveling all of Europe and exploring our love of food and beer has been truly amazing. I recently had the pleasure of standing next to her on her own wedding day, therefore I couldn't possibly say " I do" without her.

I was introduced to Logan by Kim our sophomore year. We hit it off immediately. She is truly one of my ride or dies. I can always trust Logan to be there when I'm in need or when I just need to have a good time. My wedding day wouldn't be the same without her.

Hannah and I met sophomore year of college. She was THE BEST "hype man" in college as well as my adventure buddy. We lived together in a small town in Spain after graduating. We were able to travel and immerse ourselves into a different culture. It was truly a phenomenal experience and I was so happy to share it with Hannah. To this day, we're still enjoying new cultures and countries. So glad she can be there to celebrate.

Gio is my favorite and only nephew. Since being born in 2015, he has truly been my #1 little man, even if he is not so little anymore. He continues to impress me daily with his sweet soul and kind heart.

In October 2021, Laura had planned a solo trip to New Mexico and Arizona (this trip was planned prior to Laura meeting Ali). One day, Laura was sitting at a brewery on a rainy day finishing up some work (her natural habitat), when she saw a couple caught in rain. Laura graciously offered them a seat at her covered table. This couple was Brooke and Chelsea, and we can only credit our meeting to pure fate. They discovered that they both lived on the East Coast only two hours from each other. After returning, Brooke and Chelsea immediately came to Richmond, and we all hit it off! These two are truly our soulmates and forever friends. We are so grateful for them to be in our lives and stand with us when we say "I do".

When I was born, the birth announcement that my parents sent out said, in large bold letters on the front, "Elizabeth Jane Kreiser presents...." and I think that's the best way to describe Liz fulfilling the role as my Maid of Honor. Joking aside, she has been the most supportive and proud sister I could ask for since that day, so it was an easy decision to have her stand by me on another big day. Our sibling relationship has grown and evolved through ups and downs, love and loss, and I feel so lucky to get to navigate life with her by my side.

I didn't know a friendship could feel so easy and so comfortable yet have so many belly laughs until I met Jess my freshman year of college. The Penn State Random Room Gods didn't exactly put us in the same room, but they forced Jess out of hers enough that we met on our hall and we never looked back. From then on, she has been my college roommate, my couch TV binge partner, my phone call away for the good and the bad, my sounding board for how not stupid that decision was, and now the amazing mom to two of my favorite children in the world.

Katie and I owe our friendship to the Fisher- Price kitchen set in our preschool classroom. Not many people get to say they’ve been friends since preschool, but with Katie that’s true. Although my family did try to sabotage Katie’s childhood by relocating to Atlanta, she eventually forgave me through many trips up or down the East coast to see each other. Now we’re both back in Richmond and all is right. We’ve made it through all-night slumber parties, competitive art classes, challenging health issues, questionable relationship choices…it’s been a journey, and I think we’ve done pretty good.

Before you think I chose the worst picture of me and my cousin Janie that I possibly could, I'll share that that's us building a giant wooden troll out of recycled wood with Thomas Dambo and his team on William's (her now fiancè!) family property in Vermont. Hands down one of the coolest experiences ever, and I got to do it with some of my family. A great segue into gushing about my family. The Kauffman family cousins have unbreakable bonds and friendships that I feel so grateful for. It's truly like having a huge number of siblings, so I couldn't imagine a farm wedding without them involved.

Speaking of cousins, Jennie has been right there with me in the mix. While she had to wait a little for us to catch up in age, we've finally overtaken the "adult table" with kids and kids of kids. Her little (and now not so little) ones, Emma and Calvin, have been an honor to watch grow up and carry on the love for the farm.

“Hufflepuffs are known for their kind and selfless nature, possessing a strong moral compass and rarely straying to the dark side. They are loyal, dedicated, selfless, and empathetic.” It’s pretty easy to figure out why the Sorting Hat chose Hufflepuff for Emma (Jennie’s daughter)— it describes her to a T. Getting to watch Emma grow into the person she is has been such a privilege with so much fun and silliness along the way, and I can’t wait for more family adventures (like this one)!