Erin and Lizzy first met in 5th grade when Lizzy moved to Denver. Although they weren't close friends in the beginning, they were always someone the other could rely on. Whether it was playing on the same SVDP basketball team in 7th grade (where they both weren't very good) or coming up with a play about a talent show (which is hard to look back on), the two became closer every year until they went to high school together and became inseparable. She knows me better than most in my life, and I'm lucky to have her as a true friend I can always come back to.

Meg is Lizzy’s first older sister. When they first met, Lizzy was young and shy, but she always looked up to her as a role model. Since Meg married Lizzy’s oldest brother, Zach, the two have grown even closer. Lizzy feels like she can ask Meg anything while also knowing that Meg will keep her grounded and humble as any older sister should. I always knew that when I got married, I would want Meg there by my side as a true sister to me.

Brekken is one of Lizzy's soon-to-be-sisters. Brekken inspires Lizzy to live every day as a new adventure. She has a million and one incredible stories and has either traveled to or has plans to travel to almost everywhere in the world. She is also one of the only people to make Lizzy's brother Sam be at a loss for words. For Lizzy who can sometimes get overwhelmed at the slew of sentences coming forth from her lawyer brother's mouth, this is by far the greatest gift. I feel honored to have Brekken's calm demeanor and inspiring presence by my side as I approach the big day.

Olivia is the second of Lizzy's soon-to-be-sisters. Olivia and Lizzy have been good friends from the start. When Lizzy was still in high school, her brother JP and his then girlfriend Olivia were in college only a few hours away. This meant that Olivia was there for many of Lizzy's milestones. It also meant that Olivia was one of the first people to introduce Lizzy to college life (I promise mom we just went to Mass... no alcohol ever). They have been adventure buddies since the beginning and will be sure to continue the tradition for years to come. I love going through this period of engagement with Olivia and can't wait to have her with me for my wedding.

Grace Wallace was one of Lizzy's first volleyball teammates at Franciscan. Since Grace is a perfect setter and Lizzy is a half-decent hitter, the two made a perfect duo both on and off the court. Throughout the four seasons they played together, they could often be found talking about new plays, random volleyball memories, and how each of them was supposed to bump the other's stats. Once Lizzy got engaged, Grace was one of the few people that was always genuinely excited for Lizzy. She would constantly celebrate ever moment within the process even the small things. Because of this, I feel so honored to have her by my side for the wedding and can't wait to line dance our way through the night.

Maria is another one of Lizzy's close high school friends. She's wicked book smart but has absolutely zero street smarts which makes her a great friend both in the classroom and on a Friday night. She's extremely loyal to her friends and even after going to college, has made an effort to stay in touch with those of us from high school. (She also has a weird ability to remember random dates and pieces of information which is a fun party trick to pull out when needed). I have loved staying close to her and am excited to party with her all night at the wedding.

Emma and Lizzy first met in high school freshman year (although Emma will say it was at a speech meet in 7th grade). Either way, the two became close at the start of their sophomore year and only bonded further on Machebeuf's volleyball team. Emma is the type of person who is always up for everything and will gladly wear crazy outfits to school or make a random plan to travel to exotic locations like South Dakota. She is the type of friend every person needs, and I can't wait to celebrate with her.

Andrea was Lizzy first met through their mutual friend, Emma, when they both decided to attend NDSU. Out of sheer kindness (or potentially foolishness), Andrea agreed to be Lizzy's first ever roommate. As such, the two spent a lot of time together setting up their first college dorm, going to football games, visiting family, and all-in-all just trying to figure out college. Andrea was always there for Lizzy whenever she needed even after Lizzy transferred to Franciscan. She became one of my closest friends in the shortest amount of time, and I can't wait to have her with me on this important day.

Sean is the second oldest in the McGarrity family. Growing up, Sean and Thomas were the closest in age and therefore did many of the same things together. Whether it was golf, soccer, or theatre, you would always find Thomas outshining Sean in any activity they did. Thomas and Sean were best friends growing up, spending hours together going on adventures in the backyard, building Legos, or playing board games while they were young. Sean came to Bishop Machebeuf High School and played golf with Thomas but decided to play football instead of soccer (which Thomas is definitely not bitter about). But despite all this, he has always been my closest sibling and someone that I can always trust to be there for me.

Brendan is the fourth oldest in the McGarrity Family. Another one of Thomas' brothers, Brendan was one of the more quiet siblings of the McGarrity household growing up (probably because Thomas and Sean were so loud). However, Brendan turned out to be one of the more outgoing siblings when high school came around, and he and Thomas have grown closer as he has gotten older. As he's graduating high school a week before my wedding, I couldn't be prouder of him and happier that he'll be with me on the 31st.

Goose is the youngest of the Luebbers brothers, making him the closest to Lizzy in age. Thomas met Goose during high school taking the same AP US History course during Thomas’ sophomore year (which Goose will readily admit he slept through). Since then, Thomas and Lizzy have grown closer to Goose during many late nights up at Lizzy's home in early January (at times with a few beverages) and visiting him 3 times out in Annapolis, Maryland where Goose is attending the Naval Academy. I can't wait to have him with me on my wedding day dancing to rap songs and making sure everyone is having a good time.

John Paul is the fifth in the Luebbers family, right above Lizzy and her brother Goose. JP and Thomas go way back since JP was actually Thomas’ first introduction to Bishop Machebeuf High School (where Thomas would end up going) because Thomas shadowed him during 8th grade. Since then, Thomas has gotten to know JP a lot more during their many, many fishing trips drinking one too many beers out on Lake Hubert. I couldn't be happier that he, as Lizzy's most (over)protective brother, will be up on the altar with me on my wedding day.

Joe is Lizzy’s fourth brother and is also Lizzy’s confirmation sponsor. At 6’4”, he was definitely one of the more imposing brothers when Thomas was first getting to know the Luebbers family. But Joe quickly became one of the most welcoming and friendly Luebbers with his dad jokes and jovial personality (except in basketball where he’s still mad that he has never beaten Thomas). As Lizzy’s sponsor, it means so much to have him as one of my groomsmen, and I’m so excited to have one of Lizzy’s closest brothers with me on my wedding day.

Caleb is one of Thomas’ close friends from Hillsdale. They met on a retreat at Hillsdale during their senior years of high school, and have been friends ever since. Caleb is on the cross country and track teams at Hillsdale, and he’s been one of Thomas’ closest friends over his four years at college. Caleb will definitely take advantage of the open bar at the wedding and you may even see him in a Cowboy hat at some point during the night screaming the lyrics of a Zach Bryan song at the top of his lungs. Despite (or maybe because of) his craziness, I can't wait to have him be the life of the party at my wedding.

Dominic Pappalardo is one of Thomas’ good friends from Hillsdale. Dominic and Thomas met during their Freshman year walking back to their dorm after a Toga party, and the rest was history. Thomas and Dominic lived in the same suite during their sophomore year and have now shared houses during both their Junior and Senior years. Dominic is an accounting major (which will make sense when you meet him) and with Thomas being a finance major (a much more noble pursuit than accounting), they took many classes together during their time at Hillsdale. Despite his lower career trajectory, I can't wait to have him celebrate with me at my wedding.

Paul is Thomas’ childhood friend, growing up on the same street in Colorado. Since they were young, Thomas and Paul have played soccer together and gone to many of the same schools growing up. They were close friends in high school and happened to choose the same college, staying in touch while at Hillsdale. Paul and Thomas have shared many twists and turns in their relationship (if you want to hear more, ask Paul) but have stayed friends through it all. Now finally getting married, I can't wait to have him with me on this special day.