Steve has been the joy of Maddie's life for the past eight years and she could not imagine doing life with any other dog by her side. Although Billy will not admit it, he also has grown to love and adore Steve. Steve is sassy, vivacious, loving, and so chihuahua. He truly is a girl's best friend.

Maddie and Stephanie met in 2019 during grad school and quickly became close friends despite a ten-year age gap. Stephanie, older and wiser, often serves as Maddie's voice of reason, providing both eye rolls and great hugs. She is tough, spirited, caring, and fiercely loyal. Maddie admires Stephanie most for her incredible parenting of her children, Jonathan and Vivian, and for extending the same care and support to her. Stephanie is not just a friend to Maddie; she is a cherished blessing.

Gabby, one of Maddie's longest and closest friends, holds a special place in her heart. They met in 7th grade, though Gabby insists it was 8th grade. Gabby has been a steadfast support, especially during high school. She is genuine, loving, courageous, and reflects the grace and love of Jesus. As Maddie enters marriage, she can't imagine anyone else marrying her and Billy. Gabby has been invaluable to Maddie's life journey and who she is today.

Mikayla and Maddie met in grad school and bonded over their love for Mexican food, margaritas, and their shared hometown of Charlotte, NC. Their friendship balances Maddie's depth and spontaneity with Mikayla's pragmatism and stoicism. Despite their differences, Mikayla supports Maddie's grand ideas with blunt honesty and genuine care. She is a great listener and incredibly selfless.

Maddie and Bronwyn met in 2019 when Maddie moved to Charleston where the two met in the most coincidental of ways. They did not expect to bond so well, but Bronwyn quickly became a mother figure to Maddie and always reminds Maddie of how special and valued she is. Bronwyn is the person Maddie can depend on and relate to the most. Bronwyn is lively and vivacious. Despite Bronwyn's efforts to bond with Steve, he has made it clear he does not like her. Though Steve typically has a good judge of character, he's wrong about Bronwyn—she's just lovely!

Emily and Maddie were co-workers when both worked as early interventionists while Maddie was in grad school. Emily made it her mission to befriend Maddie, patiently accommodating Maddie's hectic schedule. Emily’s persistence has nurtured a heartfelt friendship between the two. Emily is sweet, gentle, and loving. She embodies the traits of a true servant-leader and reflects the joy and love of Christ. Maddie absolutely adores Emily.

Laura is Maddie's youngest cousin. After Maddie's cousin, Matthew, and her brother, Jackson, were born a year apart, Maddie was so excited to finally have another girl in the family. Throughout the years, Maddie has watched Laura grow from a sweet, adorable, and energetic little girl into a strong, beautiful, independent, and lively young woman. Laura has a level of determination and wisdom that many her age do not have. She has made Maddie so proud of who she is and all she has accomplished.

Phoebe and Maddie were roommates and teammates at UNC Asheville for all four years of college. Known as Bebe to Maddie, Phoebe patiently and lovingly endured Maddie's constant need for hugs and emotional tears. Fiercely independent and logically minded, Phoebe has provided sanity during Maddie's moments of insanity. Though Phoebe has only tolerated Steve, he adores her, even refusing to leave her suitcase when she left Asheville. Phoebe is a beautiful person, highly talented, and successful in every goal. She has brought immense joy to Maddie's life.

Ms. Thena is Billy's oldest niece and she is just the cutest! She's spunky, silly, and has a radiant smile. Thena is also a wonderful big sister to her younger sister Emery. She is deeply loved and sure to be one to take the spotlight on wedding day!

Maddie has been blessed to watch Claire and Sarabeth grow from adorable babies into beautiful, smart little girls, and, also in friendship that she has formed with their parents. Claire is strong-willed, clever, and independent, yet also kind and gentle. Sarabeth is sweet, easy-going, and loving and is an expert in hiding her sassy side. Maddie sees the girls as if they were her own. The girls will bring the same sparkle and shine down the aisle that they have brought into Maddie's life these past five years.

Jackson is Maddie's younger brother and he has been given the most special role to lead the ring goats down the aisle. Maddie is so honored to be Jackson's older sibling and is also so thankful that he somehow agreed to be the goat herdsman. Jackson and Maddie have many similar qualities with their odd humor, obsessive love for animals, and having sensitive spirits. Maddie would not want anyone else to be in charge of the goats.

Meredith and Bucky are two out of the ten baby goats that were born in mid-January. Bucky was born on the night of the inevitable Charleston Snowstorm with his two brothers. He was not supposed to be a ring goat, but Maddie underestimated him, thinking he would not last out in the snow, and quickly became a house goat. Bucky is a very mellow and happy goat kid. He gives the best kisses and is potty trained, well mostly. Meredith is Bucky's half-sister and was hand-chosen to be a ring goat. Well, she was the second choice after Maddie mistakenly first took her brother. Meredith is beautiful and very sophisticated. She is headstrong, clever, and demanding. She is the problem child out of the two. Bucky, Meredith, and Maddie have become inseparable. Billy has not been the happiest camper with another round of house goats, but he is slowly being accepted into our "herd."