Billie Benningfield (Best Friend/Matron of Honor, Left):
How do I begin to describe the amazing friend Billie has been to me? My college years at the University of Louisville wouldn’t have been the same without her, and I am all the better for knowing her! From starting our friendship struggling through Engineering Graphics together and enjoying frequent lunches at McAlister’s on campus, things took off from there and haven’t slowed down since! My love of New Orleans came from trips the two of us took for UofL’s Sugar Bowl game one year and Mardi Gras another year. Billie and T.J. helped me and Evan move into our first apartment in Louisville together, which immediately made it feel more like home. Through graduations, dinners, concerts, Billie and T.J.’s beautiful wedding, and many nights out on the town, we have built a lot of great memories together. More recently, we have been keeping one another updated on our milestones from afar, including the birth of their first child and my highly detailed descriptions of life as a Pathology resident, which Billie patiently and kindly listens to :). And now that Evan and I are in Seattle, we love getting to see them each time we go back to Louisville to visit. On top of her busy career and being an amazing mom to their little girl, Billie still takes the time to be the best friend I could ask for.

Magnolia Hensley (Cousin/Bridesmaid, 2nd from Right):
Ever since I can remember as a kid on the way to every family gathering, I would ask my parents, “Will Magnolia be there?!”, always so excited to see her. And to this day, I still look forward to each time the two of us get to catch up and wish it could happen much more often! Magnolia is the cousin that immediately brings a smile to everyone’s face, with her vibrant, funny, and warm personality. I have so many great memories of us growing up together, from birthday parties to trick-or-treating on Halloween to giving impromptu theatrical performances for family at Christmas at our Mimi and Pa’s house. Even then, Magnolia’s talent and love of the stage was already clear! When I first introduced Magnolia to Evan, she immediately saw why Evan is the one for me. During trips back home, Evan and I have a blast whenever we get to see some of Magnolia’s performances in theater and improv. I’m so thrilled to have Magnolia as one of my bridesmaids, and can’t imagine celebrating this special occasion without her!

Victoria Das (Soon-to-be-sister-in-law/Bridesmaid, Right):
I have a sister now!!! Not only have I found the love of my life, I can now also say I have a new sister, Victoria, and brother, Daniel, which is really exciting for me as an only child! I’ll always be grateful for how they both made me feel welcome and part of the family from the beginning. Victoria has been so supportive of me and Evan as a couple, and I have loved getting to know her over the years. To speak to her kind and caring nature, Victoria went above and beyond in the role she played assisting Evan with the surprise proposal planning. I found out after the engagement just how much she and Daniel helped Evan coordinate everything; and they all pulled this off so secretly without my knowledge of any of it that I’m still so impressed! Not only is Victoria super sweet, but she is also so smart and driven! She is a third-year medical student at the University of Louisville, and will be an amazing doctor. Evan and I will be cheering her on!

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