Ever since I can remember, Janie has been by my side. We grew up together, played with dolls together, which turned into talking about the many boys that we thought were cute once we got older. The times that we would go up in the playset and talk about the things we did or said to a guy we liked or took funny images of each other. We shared important moments of our lives together and I will treasure that forever. I can't imagine this day being any different and I am blessed that she can be there for this important step in my life. Even though she is living in a different state, I hope we can continue to share important or small events throughout our lives. Then we can be old grandmas together talking about the good ‘ol days.

I know few women as smart or kind as my mother, but I am fortunate that I have met Lisa and can add her to that list. She came into my life as a fellow chemistry student working away on getting her degree, to a good friend who I can count on. She represents a close and thoughtful friend that has given me so much through her love and care. I am truly privileged to be her friend/family and to share this moment together with her. An added bonus is that I can pet her two kitties. Especially Oreo who likes to be chucked onto a soft surface and comes back for more. ~~ Due to other obligations Lisa cannot attend the wedding. She'll attend in spirit as an honorary bridesmaid.

There are many interesting people in my life, and Christine is one of them. She is a charming and wonderful person; she lightens up everyone's day, especially with the jewel art which sparkles and lightens up Jean and Bob’s hallway, and shows how she cares for her family. She has become an addition to the family and reminds us of the importance of helping others, especially the animals she takes in, regardless of space. I am excited to have her be part of this amazing day. I look forward to spending more amazing days with her (& Ben) as she recently moved to Indiana.

We all know just how important siblings are and with Clari and her siblings there’s a close bond that will last a lifetime. Besides being the prettier face and being generous with how she supports her brother especially through his college journey, she has become a friend and has shown me how much sisters can get away with, and how much they can embarrass their brother. She cares so much for her brother and I'm happy to have her as a to-be sister in law. More hugs hopefully are in the future. Leo married = Leo out of house = Free space..I wonder if she’s already planning on what to make Leo’s room into. (PS. Leo might've assisted writing some of this-)

If there is one person in Leo's life that demands only the best for Leo, it's Sofi (and Leo should know since he assisted with writing this). She has been there for him either in physical form or digital and guided him through his life, making sure he understood how dumb guys could be at a young age, as is an older sister's job (according to Leo). She is working hard as always to support her family and her sacrifices have helped shape Leo into the man he is today. I know that she loves her family and wants the best for each of them. I hope to spend more time to get to know her more and make memories together in the future.

Those of you who know me know that I don’t have a biological brother—but I’ve never felt like I was missing one. Patrick has been more than a great friend to me; he’s been a true brother. He and his family played a huge role in shaping who I am today, helping me grow not only as a person but also in my Catholic faith through their guidance and support. I couldn’t imagine this day without him by my side… though I can imagine the stress he’s currently under trying to give the perfect speech.

I met Joe during college, and we bonded almost immediately over guns, knives, and hunting—you know, all the truly refined topics of conversation. Since then, Joe has become not only a great friend but also a source of learned wisdom. His generosity and kindness have helped push me forward more times than he probably realizes, and I feel truly blessed to have him in my life. I’m proud to call him a brother and honored to have him standing with me on this wonderful day.

“Athletic” doesn’t even begin to describe Peter—or the incredible values his father helped instill in him. I could keep this short and say that Peter is simply Meg’s brother and that’s why he’s here, but anyone who understands the importance of siblings knows it’s so much more than that. Peter is a perfect example of a younger brother who looks out for his older sister with care, loyalty, and pride. I’m grateful to have him standing with us on this magnificent day as a reflection of how deeply he cares for Meg.

A good brother is always there for you—whether you like it or not, and especially if they plan to hold it against you later… just ask my sisters. But JP has always been there when it truly matters, and he treats everyone in his life with that same care and loyalty. I haven’t known him as long as some, but he’s already made a lasting impression on me with his ambition, generosity, and heart. I wouldn’t want to spend a day of work without him, and I couldn’t imagine celebrating this day without him standing by my side.

Patrick may be a professor, but he has always been a true friend to me. Beyond everything he has taught me, the wisdom and guidance he’s shared over the years have been invaluable. He has been endlessly patient with my questions, generous with his time, and always willing to help me see things from a better perspective. Meg and I owe him more than we can say for all the guidance and support he’s given us. And, as an added bonus, he also makes an incredible lasagna.

Fluffy. Barky. Sleepy. Snuggly. Riley can best be described as an enormous bundle of joy, in a small fluffy package. Not only is she a mix of two breeds (aussiedoodle and bernedoodle), she is the embodiment of cuteness and energy. When she is not bounding around at the speed of sound, she is happily seeking attention to play or just showing affection with a snuggle or a belly up. It's almost impossible to be sad with her around, and she brings us so much excitement everyday. Sadly no dogs allowed at the wedding, so she'll be at home.

Star Wars has had a huge impact on Leo's life, and it is only fitting that his first dog should be bestowed a name from that great story (the real 6 movies). Leia came one day out of seemingly nowhere, a stray that had found its way to almost our front door (about 30ft away). She immediately became a part of the family, bringing joy and happiness to all she encountered. Her beauty can be admired in her all-white coat and her matching blue eyes, ones that only look to you with love. We are beyond blessed to have this dog in our family and she brightens everyone's day, even if she escapes sometimes and donates her enormous amount of fur.