It’s only fitting that my two built-in best friends stand beside me on the most important day of my life.

Annika, My twin sister, my built-in best friend, my wombmate — Annika has been by my side since the very beginning. She’s someone I’ve admired my whole life, the best half of me, and the person who’s always known how to show up without being asked.

We served in the military together, and I can tell you firsthand: you can’t expect many people to stand up to a drill sergeant for you — but Annika did. That’s the kind of love and loyalty she carries, fierce and unwavering. I can always count on her to protect me, to challenge me, and to remind me who I am.

Having her by my side on this day means everything, because she’s been there for every moment that led to it. strong, loyal, selfless, and brave. You’re my best half and my truest friend, and I couldn’t imagine this day, or any day, without you.

Brielle, My little sister Brielle has been one of the brightest parts of my life — a constant source of love, laughter, and late-night companionship. She’s my Christina Yang, the one who knows me inside and out, and the greatest auntie my babies could ever have. Josh has learned by now that if he finds someone asleep on his side of the bed, it’s probably her — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

She’s my movie night buddy, my Trader Joe’s run partner, my escape room teammate, and the one I can always count on to say “yes” to spontaneous plans — no hesitation, just love.

Brielle has this quiet, steady presence that makes everything feel lighter. She shows up in a million small ways that speak volumes, and she loves with her whole heart. Having her by my side as co-maid of honor feels like the most natural thing in the world — she’s always been right there beside me, and I know she always will be.

Together, you two have been my heart and my hype squad. Thank you for standing beside me — and sometimes carrying me — through every season of life. I love you more than words can say

Adriana and I go way, way back — the photo I’ve included is from second grade, but our friendship started even before that. I still remember us sitting on the school bus, feet barely touching the floor, planning out our weddings like we had any clue what adulthood really meant. We were just two little girls dreaming big, and now, here we are.

Adriana has been with me through every phase of life — from recess and roller backpacks to breakups, career shifts, and everything in between. She’s not just someone I grew up with, she’s someone who’s grown with me. No matter the season, she’s been there with encouragement, loyalty, and the kind of friendship that feels like home.

Adriana has been with me every step of the way — through growing pains, big dreams, and real life. Having her stand beside me on this day isn’t just special, it’s exactly how it’s always meant to be.

Julia and I met during my freshman year of high school in English class. I was the quiet kid, and we had barely spoken — until the day we were told we’d be acting out To Kill a Mockingbird. Out of nowhere, I shot my hand up and insisted on playing Atticus Finch. That was probably the first real thing Julia ever heard me say — and thankfully, she didn’t think I was too weird.

From that moment on, she took a chance on being friends with the overly enthusiastic courtroom monologue girl, and we’ve been close ever since. FYI To Kill a Mocking Bird happens to be her favorite book to this day. Even when we go a little while without catching up, we always manage to send each other a TikTok — our way of saying, “I’m here, I love you, and you still get me.” Julia has been one of the most loyal and genuine people in my life, and I’m so thankful to have her standing by my side. Whether one of us is in Wisconsin or Illinois, she never lets distance be an excuse. That kind of thoughtfulness and effort is rare, and it’s just one of the many reasons I love her so much.

She’s always been steady and true — someone who shows up, even when it's inconvenient, and who loves with her whole heart. I’m so lucky to have a friend like Julia, and I’m even luckier to have her standing by my side on one of the biggest days of my life.

Mariana and I became close in high school, though she and Annika were friends first. Somewhere along the way, she became one of the most steady, soulful parts of my life — the kind of friend who feels like home.

She is the definition of girlhood in friendship: soft-hearted, nurturing, and endlessly kind. When I was deployed to DC and everything felt overwhelming, she was the first person I called. I was scared and spiraling, and without hesitation, she met me with calm and comfort. She even made me a Pinterest board to remind me there was still beauty ahead — a small gesture that meant everything in that moment.

Mariana has always had this quiet magic about her — a way of making people feel seen and held. I treasure every adventure we’ve had, especially our Chicago getaways, but I’m even more grateful she’s here for this moment. Her presence is a gift, and her friendship is one of the sweetest parts of my life.

Anna came into my life three years ago, and in that time, she has become one of the most incredible friends I could ever ask for. She’s the type of person who makes work feel lighter, always ready for a Dunkin' run and a good laugh. There’s something about walking into work with her that just feels like a relief — knowing that no matter how long or tough the shift, we’ll get through it together. She brings a sense of calm and confidence that makes everything seem more manageable, and her energy is one that I can always count on.

Beyond the work shifts and early-morning coffee runs, Anna has shown me what true friendship looks like. We share so many little moments of girlhood that remind me how lucky I am to have her in my life — the kind of gossip sessions that turn into hours of laughter, the easy camaraderie where we can just be ourselves. We’ve had our deep, meaningful conversations, but also the light, silly ones that have no agenda other than just enjoying each other’s company. There’s something about being with her that makes everything feel like it’s exactly as it should be — we’re just two girls, talking about life, and that’s enough.

Anna’s kindness, loyalty, and effortless humor have made such an impact on me, and I’m beyond grateful to have her standing by my side today. She’s a friend who has become a constant source of love, support, and laughter in my life. She’s my go-to, my Stevie Nicks concert date, and a friend who’s become like family. I’m so grateful she’s part of this day and this season of my life.

My little brother, Grant — who somehow isn’t so little anymore. Watching him grow into the strong, kind, and thoughtful young man he is today has been one of the quiet joys of my life. He’s always had this brilliant mind — spouting off stats and athlete names from teams I’d never even heard of — and he’s only grown more impressive with time.

He’s the kind of person who shows up for you, even if it comes with a dramatic sigh or the classic sibling eyeroll. But that’s just part of the charm. Our car rides to Iowa to visit Brielle, blasting Kidz Bop and nearly leaving you behind at the World’s Largest Truck Stop because of your awful music choices — those memories still make me laugh. And now, just like that, you’re off to college.

I admire you more than you know, and I’m so incredibly thankful I get to have you standing with me on one of the biggest days of my life.