I've known Robin since second grade, when we were in elementary school together and bonding over books and recess silliness, e.g. winter gear worn entirely the wrong way. (My nose got cold. What's a scarf?) She met Brandon when she returned from her college adventures and has been close to both of us ever since. When it came to relationship banter, I thought she was supposed to be on my side, you know, in general and on principle, but boy was I wrong. Of course, when asked, she graciously accepted the role of officiant with relatively minimal panic -- well done to her!

Mandi and I have known each other longer than anyone else in our party (23ish years best friend shenanigans and going strong since kindergarten!), and I had the pleasure of being in her wedding party when Brandon and I had only just started dating. She was the first of my childhood friends to meet Brandon, and if I recall she rather instantly approved -- little did he know what he was getting into there! We're looking forward to seeing her again, and of course John and her little girls as flower girls. Just the kids, not John -- although...

Karin and I met in college here at the UAF, and grew close over a mutual love of books, writing, fencing, and myriad other nerdy pursuits -- and eventually I had the privilege of officiating her "mawwiage" to Kelvin Odegard (who can be found in Brandon's wedding party, a debate my fiance only won by virtue of even numbers or he would have been in mine), and now of being godmother to their adorable son Nealan, our ringbearer. This whole wedding might just be an elaborate excuse to get them up to Alaska again so I can see my godson, but don't tell anyone else that. Or them. Should I have put that on the internet? I hear other people can see this.

I met Katie in our middle school orchestra class, where I at first managed to make her think I was a total jerk, but then I later managed to fool her into thinking she was wrong (go figure). Joking aside, we became fast friends after many chats about books and writing (which she initially got me into, so thank her for that with whatever level of sincerity or sarcasm suits you) and the usual high school topics of boys and homework, and years later I was maid of honor in her wedding! Now we still bond over books and writing and the usual mid-twenties topics of jobs (mine now and hers prospectively) and kids (hers now and mine not ever thank you). We've stood by each other through many trials, and I'm looking forward to having her standing at my wedding wearing that slightly alarmed but mostly amused expression I've grown accustomed to.

Rachel and I also met in college at the UAF, and once again we bonded over books and writing (yes, there's a theme here) and a few shared classes, some with Brandon as well. Rachel quickly became part of our tight-knit social group that tried its best to be writing-oriented, and continued to join us by Skype even after moving away for grad school. She came back and became a co-worker, and has done her utmost to keep me sane in both that capacity and as a friend, dry sense of humor at the ready. Hopefully she can keep it up at the wedding, but you know -- no pressure.