Alexis is the definition of a BFF. Alexis and I met 15 years ago at Dancentre South. I was a fifth grader that Alexis, a seventh grader, took under her wing. Little did I realize the friendship that would blossom. Alexis has been my girl since as long as I can remember, we took on all the stages of life together and I could not imagine this one without her! At the wedding, she may even reenact our first Christmas together if you ask her nicely (it is quite the story)!

Madi Massey! My first week at GCSU, a short blonde girl knocked on my door and asked if I wanted to have lunch with her at the Max (the dining hall). Being the extrovert I am, I could not turn down the invite (plus how awkward would that have been?!). The rest is history, Madi and I have been inseparable since (from crazy work adventures to major life events). She has seen the good, the bad and the ugly (and I mean ugly). I couldn't get married without my Madi Massey next to me!

Stephanie is my bridesmaid who has known me the longest (by default, but still counts)! She is my older cousin, but more of a friend than anything else. Stephanie is the reason Austin and I are together today (thank you Steph and Tinder). Steph and I got closer throughout my high school and college years, we can literally talk about anything (and I mean anything). Stephanie has a way of making everyone around her laugh (even though she has admitted I got the funny genes in the fam).

As my younger sister, Kim has known me her entire life (what a blessing). Growing up we have always been polar opposites that have also been strangely similar. I gave Kim hell growing up, and I am lucky she said yes to being a bridesmaid! I am excited to go through this milestone with her by my side. Kim is a hardworking and passionate individual who knows what she wants!

It all started freshman year of high school when Jessie (a girl a barely knew), turned around and told me that the 'love of her life' and who she was going to marry was my current boyfriend. I awkwardly had to tell her that he was my boyfriend...and surprisingly this sparked a friendship for the ages! Jessie and I have been through all the ups and downs together! I am thankful for a friendship that survived time and distance. Jess is a girl who knows how to love her friends!

Shelbi NeSmith is hands down one of the kindest souls I have ever met. She is a real live angel. Shelbi cares deeply for those around her and strives to put everyone before herself. I met Shelbi my first year teaching and basically forced her to be my pal (it worked). I could not survive my job (maybe even daily life) with out this sweet friend of mine. I can't wait to have her by my side for the wedding, but also for a lifelong friendship!

Princess Abigail. I have always called Abigail a princess. She is, but she has worked hard for that title. Abigail is a passionate, driven and hard working. She came into my life by chance senior year of college, we became roomies. I forced her into endless sleepovers and adventures (ask her about the dairy farm or New York trips). Abigail is the wild card that I could not imagine my life without!

Swayze and I met about 9 years ago while we were at Southern Polytechnic State University. I didn’t know it at the time, but we’d end up becoming fraternity brothers, roommates, coworkers and the best man in each others weddings. We’ve been through a lot together, both good and bad, and have been best friends through almost every major life decision we’ve made. It’s hard to imagine anyone else being my best man.

Brandon’s known me for 27 (almost 28) years now. People say we’re almost identical and sometimes even call us each others names (even though I’m much better looking). I don’t know if that means I look 7 years older than I am or if he looks 7 years younger than he is. We even both work in public safety at the same city, Police and Fire respectively. Brandon’s a great dad, a great brother, and a great guy, but the one thing I’ll always have over him is that he can only enter a scene after I’ve already made it safe.

Shannon has also known me for 27 going on 28 years. Shannon is an awesome dad and is easily one of the smartest guys I know, being able to handle any piece of technology easily. Growing up he and Brandon both gave me my fair share of scars, but that’s what big brothers do, right?

Jared has been one of my best friends since day one of police academy. We went through academy, field training, night shift and now day shift together. He’s a true blue blood and we’ve always got each others backs out on the road.

I met Jacob when I joined the fraternity 8 years ago, and watched him work hard to be the smartest and most successful in the room. Jacob didn’t always like me, he called me a dumb pledge the first time we met, but we became great friends over the years and I watched him grow into a great family man. Jacob is one of the most reliable friends a guy could have and would do just about anything to help out his friends.

I met Matt when I joined the fraternity 8 years ago. Matt was always a jokester and the guy that could make people in the room laugh, and he’s definitely still that way today. He loves soccer almost as much as I do, and we have Atlanta United season tickets together, so we can enjoy a match together, whether Atlanta’s winning the MLS Cup or losing an entire season.

I also met Jason when I joined the fraternity 8 years ago (there’s a trend in my groomsmen here). I went through the initiation process with Jason, and we’ve been great friends ever since. Jason’s an awesome friend to have around and will always have your back. Jason shows his love by throwing insults your way, but it’s all good fun, because he can take as much as he dishes out.