Shannon and Sam met freshman year of college as suitemates, when Shannon changed rooms and moved to the honors floor (thank goodness!). They exuded the same quirky energy and immediately knew that they would become lifelong friends. They’ve been through a lot together in the last 12 years, including when Sam flew across the country with Shannon to help her unpack and settle in Seattle. Sam is thrilled to stand by Shannon’s side as she marries Matthew (who is somehow willing to put up with all of their Shannonigans)! Fun Fact: Shannon and Sam once performed a choreographed dance together in front of a large audience. If you give Shannon enough to drink she may be willing to show you. Sam, on the other hand, is always willing to dance.

Shannon and Devlin met as freshman roommates at the University of Tampa in 2012. They quickly bonded over unnecessarily elaborate pranks and dirty deets Mondays (IYKYK). They have so many funny memories to look back at over the years, and Shannon can always go to Devlin with new adventure requests. Fun Fact: Devlin once tried to hide a pet mouse from Shannon in their shared dorm room. RIP Pringle (2012-2012).

Marcy and Shannon first met while hunkering down for Hurricane Irma at Tampa General Hospital in 2017. Shannon was a new nurse at the time, and was in search of a “work mom”. To clarify, Marcy is NOT old enough to be Shannon’s mom - but her caring and sympathetic nature helped Shannon adjust to the NICU life. They bonded over their love of babies and after 4 years of working together became like family. Marcy often says that meeting Shannon was the BEST thing to come from Hurricane Irma. Fun Fact: Marcy is the best nurse that Shannon has ever known.

Luis and Shannon met at the University of Tampa in 2016 where they both worked as Resident Assistants in the same building. She was a year ahead of Luis in nursing school so they bonded over her funny, vivid hospital stories. They quickly became like family and have stayed close friends ever since. Luis has always been by Shannon’s side and in the past has been an incredible wedding date and valentine before Matt came along. Fun Fact: Shannon pressured Luis into going to medical school instead of NP school and Shannon will happily take credit when Luis becomes a successful MD.

Shannon and Nicole met on the first day of sixth grade. They were “stand partners” together in orchestra for several years until they finally got separated for talking too much. Shannon and Nicole spent their formative years going through the firsts of life together and continue to support each other through thick and thin. Nicole can’t wait to celebrate Shannon on her special day! Fun Fact: Nicole and Shannon have watched all of the Twilight movies together no fewer than 4 times!

As the sister of the bride, Lauren can honestly say that she was Shannon’s very first friend. They have lots of good memories shared growing up together. Lauren is thrilled to celebrate her sister’s special day and feels honored to stand by her side as she begins this new chapter. Fun Fact: Lauren and Shannon used to share a room. When they argued, they divided up the room to give one another some space. Somehow, Lauren always ended up with the half containing the door!

Shannon and Mary Katherine met in the year 2017 at new employee orientation. They began their nursing journey together at Tampa General Hospital in the Neonatal ICU. They became fast friends starting with many night shifts and even a multi-day hurricane lock-in. Many adventures were had over the past 7 years and it is a pleasure to stand next to Shannon as she begins a new chapter of life Fun Fact: While she is not a Catholic nun, MK is known around the Nash Household as “Sister Mary Katherine”.

Mike was born 2 years before Matt. He routinely beat Matt up until they were about 14. They became much closer friends after Mike moved out. Now they get along very well, thankfully. Mike has consistently been a mentor to Matt and while he may not know it, Matt looks up to him as a role model. Fun Fact: Mike once backed up the car into the garage door

Ashley and Matt met in winter of 2018 in glorious Camp Aachen, Germany. They both became platoon leaders around that time and spent a lot of time commiserating together in both Europe and Texas. Ashley and Matt became great friends while both serving as liaison officers in Poland and Hungary respectively. To this day Ashley credits Matt with keeping her alive during a 2 week COVID quarantine by smuggling an entire gourmet coffee setup to enjoy fresh pour over daily. Anyone that’s had Army coffee before knows what’s up. Fun Fact: Matt and Ashley both attended Debate Camp at Gonzaga in Summer 2009. They didn’t realize this until after knowing each other for over a year. Talk about a random coincidence!

Janelle and Matt officially became friends in March of 2018. Matt brought Starbucks to select folks for a 6AM officers meeting the morning after the 2-8 Cavalry Officer’s Dining In. Janelle was suffering due to overindulgence on the “grog” during the event. During Matt’s time in the military Janelle was one of Matt’s best friends and supported him through thick and thin. Matt has tried to “culture” Janelle from her humble roots in Michigan and has forced her to attend multiple operas. Janelle forced Matt to go to a Lil’Wayne and Blink-182 concert. Who knew all it took was one coffee to buy a lifetime friendship? Fun Fact: Ask her about the best work email she’s ever received

Stephen is one of Matt’s closest friends, whom he also met through 2-8 Cavalry. When Stephen showed up to the unit, he pestered Matt with relentless texts for close to three months on topics ranging from Polish SIM cards to the location of first formations. The real breakthrough was when Stephen’s meticulous nature caused him to become the defacto trip planner during their time in Europe. Stephen and Matt have extensively traveled Poland, Austria, Germany, and Texas, making lifelong memories (sometimes with Janelle) together. To this day they routinely talk about American politics, where to get good steak, and football. Matt has already visited Atlanta and Stephen’s hometown of Marietta but can’t seem to get Stephen to visit the “coastal elite” city of Seattle. Fun Fact: Stephen once flirted with British girls during a tour of Auschwitz.

Ben and Matt met Winter Quarter 2012 at the University of Washington Wrestling Club and later the BJJ Club. Ben at the time was really fascinated by Wushu and looking to join other combat sports. Ben actually kept up with BJJ and has earned a brown belt (Matt has no belt). They were quick friends and bonded over their mutual love of Stephen Chow films and making Chinese food. For years they got together once a week to make their famous cabbage carrot dumplings. A local to Portland, Ben was one of Matt’s few friends in the Vancouver area during the summers and he taught Matt to fish and where to find the best fireworks for 4th of July. Fun Fact: Ben cannot stand vinegar of any kind.

Colin and Matt met in July of 2016 at Advanced Camp in the lovely swap that is Fort Knox, Kentucky. They became much better friends in the Winter of 2018 when Colin showed up to Europe and joined Matt’s unit. Colin and Matt are both foodies and quickly recognized their mutual passion for good eats - they were fortunate to live close to Austin and experience some great places together. Later, Colin and Matt ended up spending 6 months together in Hungary having a great time conducting training, antagonizing Field Grade officers, and cooking in Matt’s bougie apartment. They even attended a very official NATO meeting together (big deal). One of Matt’s aspirations in life is to keep up with Colin on a road bike. Fun Fact: Colin has spent time as a line cook at a restaurant in New Orleans and can make a mean roux.

Chris and Matt met in March of 2018 and through some interesting circumstances eventually ended up as roommates for almost 3 years while living in Texas. Chris and Matt share an affinity for good cigars, food touring Austin (BBQ galore), and figuring out ways to entertain Chris’ golden retriever Juneau (who Matt helped raise when she was a puppy). Everyone needs a Chris in their life - a laid back, chill dude, with a sweet dog…that will roll up in his truck and help you pack up and move your life without a moment’s hesitation. Fun Fact: Chris is a lefty. And a talented hunter.