Laura and I have been inseparable since the day she was born, thanks to our brothers becoming friends at the age of 5 and then our mothers becoming best friends. She is unapologetically honest and sarcastic, but is also the most supportive and loving person in my life. It didn’t matter what stage of life we were in or where life took us, Laura and I’s friendship (sisters really) never wavered. The on going joke is Laura experienced many of life’s biggest moments with me since we were always together. Therefore, I could not imagine anyone else holding my bouquet for the biggest moment in mine.

Emily and I met through the fate of being 1st year special education teachers together. Immediately her energetic and sweet personality clicked with mine. Since then we have been inseparable and mistaken for each other more times than not. Everyone is quick to talk about the importance of a childhood friend but, arguably a friendship you find in your adult life while you are trying to navigate the world is so equally as important. Emily is my go to person, someone I can count on to always make me laugh and my day simply wouldn’t be complete without her.

Maddy and I have been best friends since middle school. When “Pyle and Potter” put us next to each other by chance, but quickly made us inseparable. Since that first day, we have been through every high and low of life together. From college roommates at Bloomsburg where our biggest worry was what will we eat at the Commons that won’t make us throw up to celebrating my best friend become a mother to her sweet little boy.

Bethany and I have been together since diapers. Bethany is the most supportive, generous and loyal friend. We have seen each other go through all of life’s changes Yes, that includes all of our ugly ones! We have the pictures to prove it… but nobody needs to see that! Not only will I be so lucky to have her standing with my on my big day in just a few short months I will have the honor to stand beside her as she becomes Mrs. Powell!

Lisa, my dance partner every Wednesday and arguably the most selfless person I know. She would give you the shirt off her back (if she legally wouldn’t get in trouble for indecency that is!) She has been my sounding board for many of life’s biggest moments. Giving me the advice I want to hear or don’t want to hear, she was there. I can’t imagine my day without her. If we pull out a choreographed dance routine you won’t know what hit you!

Sara, from my Spanish teacher (who scared me by the way because I sucked at Spanish), to me babysitting for her sweet first born, to friend and ultimately landing on family. Sara is sarcastic, kind and an amazing mother to her 3 boys that I love so dearly. Laura and Sara always joke that they have identical personalities, no wonder we get along! However, if you are ready for some entertainment catch the 3 boys coming down the aisle as well!

Court, best paraprofessional ever, great friend, whatever you want to call her. All titles apply. Considered the “A Team” at work when it came to behaviors, Court could read my mind and know just what to do! She is one of the most giving, kind hearted and supportive people. You will always catch us laughing and sipping our Dunkin’ that Court spoils me with all the time. I am so thankful to have her in my circle and standing by me on my day.

Skyler and I met during my second semester at Bloomsburg University and it has been history ever since. If you wanted to hear all of our funny stories you’d have to grab a seat and block off a few days on your schedule. I sure am lucky to have a person like him in my life. A long list of words (kind words) could be used to describe Skyler, but to put it simply, he’s genuine. I’m both worried and excited that his nerves might make him vomit during his speech.

The older brother. The big dawg. If you have an older brother, you know how lucky you are that you do. Having a brother to look up to from day one can help you grow into the best version of yourself. At least that was my experience. He’s a role model, and a good one at that. If you have a “Cooper” in your life, man are you lucky. Even though I might be a little bit bigger than him now, I wouldn’t mess with him. The dude is scrappy.

The younger brother. A dawg, just smaller. Just like having an older brother, having a younger one is pretty awesome too. You get the privilege of being a role model, while experiencing the uniqueness of looking up to someone who is younger than you. Plus, the taste of seniority is oh so sweet. A little repetition, but having a “Truman” is just like having a “Cooper”; you won the lottery. Yes, he’s slightly taller than me now, but I’m not worried about it.

Although in different grades, Alex and I were friends throughout high school. Thankfully, starting a relationship with Abby gave me the opportunity to pick back up my friendship with him. He’s a great dude and I’m lucky to have him as a brother-in-law. If I’m blessed with a daughter, I sure hope she has an older brother like Alex. That’s because I would want my son to fight any man that asked for his sister’s hand in marriage. Luckily, Alex didn’t do that to me.

I met Mike during my freshman year of college and ever since we have been the best of friends. After graduating college we both moved to Virginia where we started our careers at the same company. The work days were long and tough, but Mike always found a way to find joy in the day. Everyone should have a person like that in their life. If one of us told a joke in a room full of people, we’d probably be the only ones laughing. For example, Mike goes by the nickname “Mud”. Any particular reason? Nope. We just find it funny.

Bob and I met as roommates our freshmen year of college and it stayed that way our entire collegiate career. Even when we had an apartment with an extra room, we still shared one. Weird? Most people thought so, but we didn’t care. It doesn’t matter the time of day or the location, if I’m ever in need I know Bob will pick up his phone and answer. To this day he is still one of my best friends and if I hadn’t met Abby we’d probably still be roommates. A dream that I know he continues to hold on to.

The bro beans since elementary school. We did so much together that if his family goes on a vacation without me, it probably feels weird. Joe and I are lucky enough to have that bond where it doesn’t matter where we are in life, we can always pick up right where we left off. It may surprise you that this gentle giant loves the art of argument (he’s a lawyer FYI), but it makes complete sense if you grew up with him or were his teacher.