I met Jeffrey nearly 20 years ago when fate placed us in the same kindergarten class. Twenty years of nerding out in his basement, traveling all over the country, and solving all the world's problems has flown by much faster than I realized. We've lived hours and hours away for several years now, but he's still the first to talk through major life changes with me. Many friends know who I am, but Jeffrey know why I am who I am. I still can't get a read on him though.

It's no secret that my favorite nights are those spent outside in a tent. Clayton and I have shared countless outdoor experiences together through all phases of life, and we have the scars to the prove it. We've known each other since the very beginning, but he's never changed a bit. This guy is a smile and a strong moral compass...two things you just can't have too much of. I learn something new from him all the time.

I've never met anyone with thicker skin than my old roommate Ben. Thanks to pandemic-induced prolonged proximity, I gained a brother in Franklin Hall who I still rely on for emotional support to this day. His talents include being the butt of the joke, quickly converting complete strangers into friends, telling tall tales, and eating a gallon of ice cream in less than five minutes. It's not a party until he shows up, and I just couldn't get married without him here.

This handsome fella is a big reason reason why I survived engineering school. We worked together through so many awful projects and exams, and we partied hard when it was all over. From New Orleans to London, we've traveled far and wide in search of some good food (and in his case, a half gallon of milk). Special shoutout for suffering through so many awful horror movies just because that's my thing.

The first friend I made in college was this guy right here, all because he lent a hand to a stranger. Seth is my sounding board, a non-judgmental source of good vibes, and the dad of the group when the weather looks bad. He's also pretty darn good at keeping your cup full. When I've needed someone to watch baseball with or to sleep on my couch, I have never been let down. Please berate him for being a Cubs fan.

Ethan and I met at a dinner party just weeks after I moved to Huntsville. After a brutal three-hour game of Uno, I knew I'd found my go-to guy for fixing things, cracking open some cold ones, and commiserating over the defense industry. I'm grateful for all the days we've spent exploring the city and (usually) striking out on trivia nights and obscure places to eat. Fun fact: his dog, Mouse, was almost asked to be in the wedding instead of him.

Maci is my built in, lifelong best friend. I’m confident God had the friendship we share in mind when he decided to make us sisters. We’ve shared many hours of playing “house” (she was always the dad, well, because I’m the oldest), forcing her to learn dances choreographed by yours truly, countless laughs, a love for UNA, an Alpha Gam presidency, a career, and now, a home in Huntsville. She’s my biggest cheerleader, and I, hers. There’s never been a day that I imagined a wedding without her as my Maid of Honor.

Madison and I met at 4 years old when I moved into the house 2 doors down. I’m thankful that I don’t recall a day without her friendship. We were the friends who you never saw apart, and would respond to the other one’s name, because it was a common mix up. From hours of Barbies, countless (no invite necessary) spend the night parties, writing our own theme song (that we still perform time to time), lots of pool time, many miles traveled together, and laughter to the point of tears, I’ve had a lifetime full of memories with Madi. I can’t wait to have her be a part of this memory - and to continue to make more!

Keely and I met through a group of our mutual high school friends. As we all navigated college, graduate school, and/or our first jobs, our friend group grew closer — and so did Keely and I, especially after she moved to Huntsville, too. Over the pastyears, we’ve made lots of memories, shared plenty of laughs, and commiserated over jobs, bosses, and the challenges of adulthood. She is a fierce, a loyal friend, and has been there to pick me up (literally) at my lowest moment — even if it was during the fourth quarter of a Chiefs Super Bowl heading into overtime. Standing by her on her wedding day was so special, and I can’t wait to have her be a part of ours. But if she rolls her ankle, just look the other way.

For decades now, Erin and I have been mistaken for each other—and often for sisters. We’re truly cut from the same cloth. Our friendship began thanks to church and our moms being coworkers, but it really took off when Erin turned 16 before me and became my unofficial chauffeur in her beloved 2004 gold Ford Taurus, affectionately named Myrtle. Back then, our days were full of Zaxby’s runs, cookie cakes, and music turned up way too loud. These days, there may be fewer spontaneous and sugar-fueled afternoons, but our friendship is still as steady and sweet as ever. I’m endlessly grateful for a friend with a laugh that lights up a room, a soul that’s truly beautiful, and a heart that overflows with care. Erin has always been my twin flame, and I’m so thankful she’s here to share the joy of this season with me.

Emma and I met on the first day of kindergarten in Mrs. Gregory’s class at Boaz Elementary and have been best buds since! Over the last 20 years, we’ve had countless pool days, sleepovers, school dances, Friday nights in the student section, Sonic trips, and eventually, graduation. Although we were miles apart through college, Emma was always a constant in my life and was only a call away. Celebrating her marriage to her high school sweetheart in 2022 was such an honor, and I’m just as honored to have her be a part of our day!

Katherine and I met in our first semester at the University of North Alabama through SGA and our sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. We hit it off instantly and ended up living together for 3 years. Because of our friendship, our college years were filled with laughter, late night chats, and stories I will one day tell my kids. From getting ready to formals together, and now getting ready on wedding days together, I am so thankful to call Kathy one of my dearest friends. 701 Sherrod Avenue forever. <3