Kailey and I met in the 8th grade when I moved to Texas, and we have been best friends ever since. She is the type of person that you meet, and just know that it is a privilege to call them a friend. She encourages you to look at life with a new perspective and challenges you to always keep growing. I cannot put into words the love I have for her as my friend. I had the honor of being her MOH on her wedding day when I met Dimitri, and it would only feel right to have her by my side!

Olivia (Livy) is my cousin but has been more like a sister to me my whole life. She is one of the most supportive people I have ever met and is truly down to do anything at any time. She is the type of person you could call at 3 AM and say, “I need you,” and she’d be on the first flight out, no questions asked. I would not be where I am today without all of her love and support.

Alyssa and I met when planning a bachelorette party for our mutual friend. From the first time we met, it felt like we had been friends for years. I have never connected with a friend so quickly. Alyssa has such a genuine soul, and getting to know her this past year has been nothing short of amazing. She has a kind soul and will do whatever it takes to make sure those around her feel included and taken care of.

Macy is a lifelong friend, so much so that I simply do not remember life without her. She is one of those friends that you always pick up right from where you left off no matter how long it has been since you last saw each other. She is one of the most bubbly and supportive people you will ever meet, and I cannot imagine not having her up here with me. She lights up any room she walks into and is everyone's biggest cheerleader.

Dimitri introduced Sadie and I last year, and she has quickly become one of my truest friends. Other than Dimitri, she is my favorite part about coming to Longview. I know she is a friend for the long haul, regardless of where we end up in this world. She and her husband, Preston, have been some of Dimitri and I’s biggest supporters in growing in our relationship. After our many double dates, I realized that I needed to have her by my side during this celebration.

Alana and I met while I was in nursing school. Alana has a tender heart and stands up for what she believes in. She stays true to who she is and has so much love to share with others. She always shows so much excitement for those around her and is one of the most easygoing people you will meet. I was lucky enough to be asked to be a bridesmaid and her wedding and I cannot wait to have her up here with me.

Bre is my not-so-little, little sister. She is one of the most beautiful girls I've ever met and is flourishing into a wonderful young lady inside and out. I remember growing up, I treated Breanna like my personal baby doll. I would dress her up and do her hair or make-up. I even once went as far as putting fake tanner on her (but making her clean it off before she went back home). Nonetheless, she never complained and was always just so excited to spend time with me. I always hear stories about siblings arguing, but that was never the case for us. We cherished every moment together and I am so excited to have her here with me.

Eric is the best man that you will meet. If you say you need him, he understands and is there for you. Eric will find that good thing about you and make it shine bigger and brighter, and never for his own gain. E-star has been my best friend and the example I have attempted to follow in so many ways I won’t name them. Now Eric is goofy, but don’t let that fool you, he is smarter than he lets on. His big heart for Christ and people will have him being the guy lifting you up after anything in life knocks you down. I would never stand without him by my side on the altar, or in life.

Solid. Physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally, Andrew has been my rock since my first day at college. Andrew is the image of dependable and the value it holds in life. Whenever I might have been led away from the right path, Andrew was there to center me on Christ again, to show me a different perspective on issues, and never to be a yes-man. I can’t think of any other way to express Andrew’s importance to me besides saying he is the best friend I never knew I needed.

Lawson is the friend everyone needs. He is a man with a plan who makes things happen when it needs to happen. We met in high school, and the bromance has been going strong since then. From the football field to vacations in the gulf, Lawson has shown me how to live free, stick to your guns, and be a man. He seems to effortlessly be the best at whatever he does while just wanting you to enjoy it with him without making you feel lesser. My quarterback for life; I couldn't get married without him.

So Bobby is probably the kindest friend that I have, never looking down on someone or thinking that something is stupid just because it’s different. Bobby has known Eric since less than a year old, and us all hanging out saw Bobby and I become closer than I would have thought ever. Bobby really made me see life different, and helped me to just chill out a little. He has taught me so much about perseverance and how it is easy to take on the hardships of life if you just have the right attitude.

God puts people into your life for many reasons, but Joe was put into my life at a time when I needed it most. At the start of flight training I met Joe, and for the past four years, we have been in a friendly competition of sorts. Our competition is to be the best at flying. At first it really was a competition, but after time it evolved into comradery as we cheered each other on through each victory. If I was Maverick, then he is my Goose. If I were David, then he would be my Nathan. My closest co-pilot has to be there as I takeoff on my next journey in life.

My brother has always had my back, learning all about life before me and being there to help me when I needed it. He toughened me up as a kid, a thing I appreciate more now than I did then, and would drop anything if I asked him to and come help me. Being a big brother is tough, and without him I would not be the man I am today.

Brandon is my little brother, which is a blessing that took me by surprise in my teen years. Over time I have gotten to see him grow into such a strong man of God, sticking to the straight and narrow while working hard and loving those around him genuinely. I am so grateful for him, and how he made it easy to be a big brother.