Michael is my cousin. We spent our childhood years together hunting, fishing, canoeing, creek walking and all the other country things you do. We even got drunk for the first time together. He is not only a cousin, he is one of my best friends, and I am so excited he is going to stand next to me as I get married.

It was approximately ten years ago during a visit to my brother Sean in Orange County, California, when he introduced me to his girlfriend, Marisa Schiffman. Little did I know she would become my best friend in the world. I saw her from time to time over the next five years, but it quickly became apparent she was becoming obsessed when she left California and moved right by me in Springfield, Illinois. Over the last several years, we've shared so much together---we have been roommates, we have been weight loss buddies, we have been shopping buddies and so much more. I can't imagine this day without her by my side. P.S. Thanks Sean.

I met Gary while we were both serving in the National Guard. We became very close overseas. He lived across the way from me and Stephen. One time I was sleeping in my bottom bunk with my blankie up for privacy, and the guys came in and covered my entire bed in baby powder. I woke up in a winter wonderland! Our friendship only grew after deployment, and I am so excited he is going to be with me on my wedding day!

Katie and I met in Barcelona, Spain while I was there to play water polo. We didn't necessarily become the best of friends immediately...I was in a pissy mood because we were being punished due to the mistakes made by a few younger girls on the team. Katie thought I was angry and unfriendly. Thankfully, we met again while attending the University of Michigan both playing for the water polo team. Go Blue! We were in the same dorm, and Katie became my rock. She always listened to me vent, and we shared common complaints about grueling workouts and academic stressors. I am unbelievably lucky that Katie is still my rock and will stand with me on this special day.

Aww Harini. Harini is the light to my darkness. She is the happiness. She is the generosity. She is just a genuinely wonderful person. Honestly, why is she friends with me? I met Harini while working at Memorial Medical Center; this was my first nursing job, and in the burn unit. Starting a new job is daunting, and even more so when lives are on the line. Harini was there when times were tough both as a support system and a source of levity. When she decided to move to San Francisco two years ago, I was selfishly sad to not live right next to and work with one of my closest friends. I am so happy we are still close, and she is also willing to stand with me for the big production.

Nathan was our Assistant Convoy Commander in our squad, and I was his driver. We became great friends during our deployment even after all the times he yelled at me and my other buddy for tagging TEAM HERO all over Iraq and playing I Can Be Your Hero by Enrique Iglesias and I Need a Hero by Bonnie Tyler. Basically, he is a good dude, and I'm so glad he will be with me on my wedding day.

I also met Dustin while serving in the National Guard. Only half of the invitees really know my true personality, but it is very similar to Dustin's. We always had a great time together, laughing and messing around. He's a great friend and a good dude, and I'm excited he will be with me on my big day.

Emily is my oldest cousin. We have known each other since her birth. :) We spent every summer together as kids watching Gilmore Girls, Friends and Shrek. Then we both lived in New York City at the same time and although we didn't go out and party, because that's just not us, we ate a lot and saw some great Broadway shows! I am so honored she will be standing by my side on the big day.

I met Stephen shortly after joining the National Guard. He had just arrived to drill 74 minutes late, and we all watched him as the Platoon Sergeant demanded he do 74 reps of whatever physical activity he could come up with as punishment. After making fun of him as boys tend to do, we became great friends. We deployed to Iraq together and were roommates for the year we were there. Stephen has been with me through some of the most challenging and some of the greatest moments of my life, and it is fitting he is standing with me as I get married.

Julia is my middle cousin. We have also known each other since her birth. :) She completed the trio of girls. We had a blast each summer laying in the pool in California or exploring New York City, eating bagels and pizza as youngsters. Then grew older and did basically the same thing when we saw each other except this time it included such delicacies such as Schnipper's. I am so excited to have her as my bridesmaid standing with me on my wedding day.

I met Leah when I was 16 years old playing for the best water polo club in the world, SET, under the two-time Olympian, Bradley Schumacher. We quickly became best friends forever. We have shared so many memories and adventures together. She was my sidekick when I attempted my first shot of vodka! It was in Spain, and I was 18, so don't worry Mom and Dad, IT WAS LEGAL! HA! Two years ago, I had the honor of being one of her bridesmaids, and I am so excited she will be one of mine!

Sean is Lauren's oldest brother and will also be the officiant at the wedding. He has been so welcoming and kind to me as I have joined Lauren's family. He has also forced me to hone my boardgame skills and my Exploding Kitten skills as he may be the greatest game player I have ever met. I am so honored he will not only be one of my groomsman, but he will also be the man marrying us as well.

I met Audrey at the University of Michigan playing water polo. We became the best of friends especially when we found a mutual love for a place called Rick's. We had so many fun times there! I am so thankful that she was able to join the bridal party and will be with me on this wonderful day.

Craig is Lauren's middle older brother. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky, so I have only met him a couple times. He, like Sean, also loves to play games. However, he has not reached the level Sean has so I am always so glad when he visits because there is now another person besides me to lose to Sean. We have bonded in failure, and I am so glad he is willing to stand with me on my wedding day.

Shana is Brock's older baby sister. Joining a family can be nerve-racking. I am so thankful that Shana is so kind and welcoming. She makes me feel like I fit right in! I am so lucky she will be there to support us!