Craig hice - Gay of Honor
My Craigy and I first met in elementary school and we were neighbors. I remember playing Barbie's together and little did I know we were going to be besties for life. We have made so many memories over the years. My favorites are the ones when we are laughing so hard we cry. We have been by each other's side through all of our highs and lows in life. I know no matter what I he will always support me and have my back as I do for him. I remember when he told me he was swearing into the Army and I thought he was kidding. When I realized he wasn't I was so happy but so sad because I knew he was going to have to leave for months. I felt like the other half of me was gone for those months but he wrote me all the time (yes I still have all the letters) and even called when he was able. Those months were hard not being able to pick up the phone as soon as something exciting happened or I found out some juicy tea to tell him. I feel like that part of life really proved we cannot be without each other. When I moved to Columbus he did too shortly after as we know magnets attract (; I can't wait to see what more life has in store for the both us. He is also my dancing partner and I can't wait to tear up the dance floor with him at the wedding!
Nina Williams - Bridesmaid
Nina has been there for me since Tyler and I first got together. She was at the party Tyler and I danced together at and had our first kiss. In high school we made so many memories and went on some adventures lol I remember one time we walked to a friend's house and she had to hop a fence and ripped her pants we were dying laughing. She was the first one in our friend group to get her license though so we didn't have go on foot anymore! Nina has also been the most responsible out of us and making sure we didn't end up doing things we may regret later lol I did not know at the time but this attribute would make her into one of the most amazing mothers I know. She also was the first one to have her own apartment and the wine and movie nights we had were full of laughing and crying. We have supported each other through all changes in both of our lives. I remember her first telling us about her husband I was joking with her that his messages were green so she should probably cut it off LMAO I am glad she didn't because she ended up marrying the love of her life and had 2 beautiful children with him. I am grateful to have such a caring person by my side on my big day and I know she will be there to help hold my wedding dress when I have to pee!
Daniela - Bridesmaid
Daniela aka Bean is my little sister. From growing up playing all the goofy games we would come up with to being adults and going on lunch dates she has played such a big role in my life. She is one of the funniest people I know and someone I can always count on to be there for me. It is a weird but beautiful experience to watch your little sister grow up. I remember thinking she was annoying and locking her out of my room to now FaceTiming her in hopes she answers because now I am the annoying one. One of my favorite memories was when I curled my hair and she asked if I would do hers too. Then of course we had a sister photo shoot after. It was such a change going from having nothing to really talk about because of our different in ages to now sharing everything and anything with each other. I am so proud of the person she is becoming and happy to have her by my side on my big day to tell me I have a big head lol
Paige Van Meter - Bridesmaid
Paige and I met when we were both working at Sam's Club. She moved to Chillicothe to attend college and play softball. I remember the first time we planned to hang out was her coming over to help me move. lol I knew from then how genuine and supportive of a friend she was. I remember going to her apartment in between our college classes and laughing and snacking. She would also teach me about make up because she had ALL the products. We would also borrow each other's clothes constantly. One time I couldn't decide what to wear to a concert I was going to and I told her how cute the outfit she had on was. This girl literally took the whole outfit off and gave it to me to wear. We got so close over time and I knew we would be friends for life. She is so goofy even when she isn't even trying to be. I am so grateful for our friendship and that she will be able to celebrate one of the biggest days of my life with me.
Katie Long - Bridesmaid
I met Katie when I started working at OhioHealth. I had just moved to Columbus so everything including my job was so new to me. I kept to myself but Katie always talked to me and was nice. We quickly formed a bond because we both would joke about everything plus our love for dogs. She also trained me as a baby nurse. I was so nervous but she helped me so much to gain my confidence and knowledge in nursing. If we could not figure out something we would work together to find the solution. She has always been so supportive and I am so grateful for that. Our first time hanging out outside of work she came over to swim and we immediately knew we were going to be besties. I felt like I knew her my whole life how comfortable I was sharing everything about me with her. When she told me she was leaving to travel nurse I was so sad but I so excited for her new adventure. One of my favorite memories is when I went to visit her in Cincinnati while she was traveling and going to a concert together. We had one of the best nights! She is the first friend I made in Columbus and I know she will be there for me always.
Nathan Lechner - Best Man
What can I say about my brother? Not literally, but Nate and I have been friends since preschool. So, when someone asks if we're brothers, at this point, we just lead them to believe that we are. We've been through everything together, both the bad and the good of life, but I couldn't have made it through without him. Whether you need a laugh (or to be out of breath on the floor from laughing), someone to listen to an idea, or someone to just have a good time with he is always there. We've had too many hilarious times to even pick one out and some that can't be shared here lol, but the thing is, the times never stop with this guy.
Alistier Pena - Groomsmen
My little brother I never had until AP came into my life courtesy of Marie! There aren't a lot of people I meet who have the same love for music that I do, so it was a blessing to have this guy come into my life. He wasn't the biggest fan of me for taking his sister away in the beginning lol, but over the years we've grown a bond that I'll cherish forever. I'll never forget when my parents moved to Florida. The boys and I drove down the 20 hours or so to bring their car down/help move. AP was just in the backseat for 18 of the 20 hours with a bright, blue, open mouth sleeping away lmao.
John Oliver - Groomsmen
My big cousin (only by a year lol)! He's been there with me since the beginning. `1Whether we were outside building forts or drawing on the walls at Grandma Patty's house (yes, she'd let us draw on her walls) he's always had my back and I know he always will. Not saying we're always getting into the right things at times lol, but John was always there to show me the ropes of life and go through the motions with me. I'm forever grateful for experiences we've shared and all of his support no matter the situation. I wouldn't be the person that I am today without my brother John.
Josh Scales - Groomsmen
My big brother I never had! I can't lie, when I first met Josh I thought he was the coolest dude I had ever met. Being a little high school freshman, I was nowhere near fresh nor a man. Josh would come to Marie's family get together with a super fresh fit, probably the best cologne you've smelled, and just an aurora about him. The coolest part about him is how genuine of a person he is though. No matter your mood or situation, if Josh comes into the room he's going to put a smile on your face and make sure you're have a good time regardless of how he's feeling at the time. Aside from that, he's put me onto so much. Whether it's music, clothes, or just life advice and that's what big brothers are there for. To look out for you.
Grant Oliver
My little cousin! Even though I'm pretty sure his muscles are bigger than mine lol. I've felt like we've pretty much been the same age all or lives. Just like his brother, John, this guy is my ride or die! He'd do anything for me and he knows I'd do the same for him. I'll never forget all the great times the three of us had growing up. Remember when you shot a beetle out of the pool noodle at Grandma Patty's pool onto John? LMAO. You guys would fight like the brothers you were growing up (and I mean a lot lol), but I always just got to experience the brother-ship side of it with each of you and I'm forever grateful for that.