Jackie and Emily became best friends in 8th grade after going to Annunciation together since kindergarten. They bonded over school, books, TV shows "Arthur" and "The Saddle Club", and so much laughter. Despite going to different high schools and Emily moving to California for college and adult life, she has remained one of Jackie's closest friends! Emily and Jackie have had some of their best times together and have been there for each other through the biggest life changes. They encourage each other when times are tough, and do everything possible to support each other from afar when they can't go crash on each others' couches. Even in the worst of times, they can always get each other to laugh!

Will and Ryan have been best friends for over a decade. As impressive as that might sound, Will would be quick to point out, that he’s actually been friends with Jackie for even longer. All joking aside - Will and Ryan know how to have fun! They’re great travel buddies - cross-country road trips, camping adventures, ski trips, tropical getaways, you name it! For better or for worse, they share a deep, unhealthy love of the Minnesota Timberwolves- gray hairs be damned… Despite what he may tell you, Will is the best kind of friend. One who will show up for you regardless of the situation. We’ve laughed and cried together countless times over the years. He’s like a brother to me, and I’m proud for him to be my best man.

Katie and Jackie have been friends since Katie started dating Bennett in college. Katie is a fantastic listener, but also knows how to have fun! They bonded over talk of boys, family, and school, and watching the Bachelor shows on the laptop in the living room where Jackie's dad definitely did NOT listen in :D Katie introduced Jackie to Peloton strength workouts, and they even did them together every day for a few months! Katie does Jackie's hair and makeup for fancy events, and will even do Jackie's makeup for her wedding. Katie pushes Jackie to be her best, and is the sister she never had but always wanted!

Jackie met Bennett the day she was born and has been lucky to have him watching out for her ever since! They bonded over sports, camping, 2-week family road trips, Bennett beating Jackie at every game without mercy, having only 5 TV channels, Bennett teaching Jackie to read, having a VCR and dial-up internet years longer than their friends, Jackie attending all of Bennett's high school baseball games, Bennett refusing to drive Jackie to high school so she had to take the bus, Jackie pretending to have crushes on Bennett's high school friends to upset him, and holding each other to high standards in literally everything. Jackie has never been more proud of anyone than she is of Bennett, and has spent her whole life bragging about him.

Julia is the best sister (and soon to be sister in-law) a person can ask for. I’m having a difficult time choosing an adjective to use to describe Julia- I’m torn between using amazing, inspiring, and incredible. Her generosity and empathy manifest in everything she does. Seriously, spend 5 minutes with this girl, and I promise it will improve your day. She’s also THE hardest worker I know. No contest. It’s not even close. To top it all off, Julia has the most delightful sense of humor. I’ve lost count of the number of times she’s made me (Ryan, the 30 year old man getting married in June) cry laughing THIS YEAR. Seriously… ANYWAYS, this is my sister, and I love her.

Tony and Ryan met freshman year of high school in Japanese class. I wish I could say our friendship got less nerdy from there, but that’d be a lie.. They’ve since spent hundreds of hours playing video games while discussing the complexities of life and love. So, that’s where we’re at! Side note: Jackie and Tony are also besties, so that’s extra awesome! Tony is the epitome of a true friend. Always there when I need someone to talk to, and willing to smack me upside my head when I need it. Love you, pal!

Jackie and Laura met in kindergarten at Annunciation, and became best friends in 5th and 6th grade. They reconnected during high school mission trips, and they bonded over fun, boys, and the Krew! Laura and Jackie really became best friends again after college as adults, and maintained a close friendship even when Laura moved to Charlotte and then to London before returning to Mpls last year. While Laura was in London, they started sending daily voice messages to each other over WhatsApp, and still send them to each other a couple times per week! Laura and Jackie Snapchat each other when they workout or do something healthy, and are the best at being flexible with each others' needs. They have supported each other through the toughest of times, and love celebrating even the smallest wins together!

Charlie and Ryan met freshman year in college. They became fast friends at a group study table in the basement of their freshman dorm. They spent even more time together Sophomore year, when they became roommates. Ryan was even able to convince Charlie to join the UST Ultimate Frisbee team, which was pretty epic. Neither Charlie or Ryan are the type of person to fix something that isn’t broken, which meant they went on to live together for a combined 5 years during and after college. Charlie has always been the best kind of roommate - easygoing, considerate, patient, and also good at having the inevitable difficult conversations that arise when sharing a living space. Truly a top-notch guy, Charlie has been an amazing friend for many years. Cheers to many more!

Jackie and Julia met playing middle school soccer but became friends and Krew partners senior year of high school. Despite never going to school together, they bonded over fun, boys, and the Krew! They visited each other in college, they stayed with each other when Jackie was in grad school in Iowa and Julia lived in Madison, and Jackie has stayed with Julia now that she lives in DC. Until she got married last summer, Julia was Jackie's J-squared twin and they're still "sisters" on Facebook :D They love to "bet on the ponies" at Canterbury, and talk about the MCU and books. In a Snapchat group with Laura, they communicate every day. Julia is the most positive and upbeat friend, and always gets Jackie to go out and have fun!

Luke and Ryan graduated high school together. Strangely enough, they weren’t very close until shortly after graduation, when they went on an epic cross country road trip together with their friend Louis and Will. On this fabled journey, their bonds of friendship were sealed. Ryan and Luke were basically inseparable in the summers during their college years. Dozens of evenings were spent exploring the city- cruising around town, listening to music at an entirely inappropriate volume. Fortunately for him, Luke has since relocated to western South Dakota, where he’s started a family with his wonderful wife, Raven. He’s sorely missed in the Twin Cities, and we couldn’t be happier to have him be a part of our wedding.

Will and Jackie met and became friends working at the Southwest Super Summer Program when he was her teacher's assistant for the basketball class. They bonded over their love of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and have been there for each other through their lowest moments. Will and Jackie have lots of laughs and can be very silly together (think blasting the Pokémon theme song repeatedly until they cried laughing on the way home from school in Iowa), but they are also fiercely supportive of each other. Their favorite thing to do is watch the television masterpiece that is the CW's "Arrow" while drinking white wine, eating popcorn or Cheez-Its, and talking about life!

Jane and Ryan have been friends since Ryan (in classic teenage boy fashion) decided it would be fun to annoy the crap out of Jane while sitting behind her in their Sophomore history class. Jane, being an incredibly kind and forgiving person, decided to befriend Ryan instead of slapping him in the face. Jane has been an incredibly generous and sincere friend to Ryan ever since. She’s always showed up for Ryan, dishing out advice, sympathy, and even tough love when required. Over the years, she’s coached Ryan through numerous difficult times - breakups, professional stagnation, you name it. I’m so grateful for your friendship Jane Jane. You’re truly the best!

Jackie met Josh sophomore year of high school when she helped his girlfriend at the time ask him to the Sadie Hawkins Dance. They quickly bonded over having the same birthday, and now have supported each other through life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. They even took a trip to Boston together and learned that they are fantastic travel partners :) Ryan and Josh also met in high school, though they didn’t really become close until after graduation. Josh has been an incredible friend to Ryan for over a decade now, and has grown to be someone Ryan deeply admires. Josh is a gleaming example of the merits of loyalty. Relentlessly honest, with himself and his friends, Josh has been trusted to officiate numerous weddings over the years. We’re excited, and honored, to have Josh as our wedding officiant.