Abby and I first met in middle school and bonded throughout high school over theater, Target dates, and Chipotle chip-chats. We became even closer in college, making sure to spend summer vacations at the lake together. She's the Leslie Knope to my Ann Perkins. After being Abby's Maid of Honor in her wedding, it's her turn to be mine!

Lena has been one of my best friends since the 2nd grade. We spent our childhood playing pretend with her siblings and creating elaborate iMovie videos. Along with Elyse, the 3 of us started at a new middle school together and became even closer doing theater and nerding out over environmental science together!

Elyse and I have been friends since the 3rd grade, when we bonded over our aligned politics - thanks, Obama! Along with Lena, we started at a new middle school together and developed an even stronger bond over the years. We did theater in school, geeked out over fandoms and bands, and bonded over our love for our Nick B's! It was an honor to be her bridesmaid, and now it's her turn to be mine.

Lucy and I have known each other our entire lives, and I think of her like a sister. We grew up together, having sleepovers for New Year's Eves, painting our nails while our parents partied it up. We have gotten to spend countless family holidays together, and I can't wait for her to share another special day with Nick and me!

Emily and I grew up in Cincinnati, crossing paths in many different ways, but our friendship really blossomed when we ended up as next-door neighbors at Loyola! We bonded over our love of theater and the sciences, and we were roommates for 3 years in the close quarters of a dorm and then a 3-bedroom apartment for 5 people.

Elle was one of my very first friends at Loyola, and we remained close all 4 years of college and beyond. Junior year, 5 of us Honors kids all got our first apartment together, and Elle was always the life of the party in that small apartment. Now, we both live in St. Louis while she pursues her J.D., and I'm grateful to have a dear friend in a new city!

Brooke and I met on Twitch during the pandemic as we all searched for new methods of companionship. We immediately bonded as we played games and spent hours up late at night talking on Discord. I've always looked up to her as my big sister, friend, and confidant. Brooke welcomed the entire bridal party to her home for my Bachelorette, giving us all one of the best trips of a lifetime!

Gwen was one of my first friends at Loyola, and we spent countless nights in their dorm with Sophie W. studying, watching movies, and having sleepovers. Gwen was another one of my amazing roommates in our small apartment, and we still have our sleepovers to this day, eating JB Alberto's pizza and watching goofy early 2000s movies!

Sophie and I bonded immediately during our freshman year being name-buddies, but we grew even closer together having sleepovers in her dorm with Gwen! Along with Emily, Elle, and Gwen, Sophie completed that small apartment. We continue our sleepover traditions to this day, with Sophie making sure to order mozzarella sticks for me each time!

Matthew is my brother, and even though he is younger, I always find him teaching and mentoring me. He has taught me what it means to live life out loud, to be unapologetically yourself, and to care deeply for others. When I proposed to Sophie, there was no doubt who would be my best man, and he has stepped up to take on the role!

Eli and I met shortly after graduating college at a political event in Chicago and, since then, have become partners in crime in politics and advocacy, talking almost daily about whatever is going on in our world. More than our work, Eli is a deeply loyal person, and someone who would follow you into battle just as you'd follow him into battle. We've grown very close over the years and I'm excited he is joining Sophie and I in our wedding party.

Jessica is practically my older sister. When Matthew and I were little, Jessica babysat us, but she quickly became family and an ever-present part of Matthew and I's lives. From playing with my brother and I as toddlers in the backyard, to now being a listening ear as I try to navigate adult life, Jessica has been a steady presence in my life and someone who is a blessing to everyone she crosses paths with.

James and I met Freshman year of college during Swing Dancing Club, and while we didn't become friends until Sophomore year, I think about that as a missed year of friendship, laughs, and late night pop culture discussions. James and I have countless memories watching movies, debating Batman villains, and exploring NYC where he now calls home.

Christopher is not just my future brother-in-law but a close friend. Immediately, Christopher welcomed me into the family, treating me as a brother of his own. With an encyclopedic knowledge of board games, Christopher has given me an appreciation for board gaming as an art and taught me so much (apparently there is such a thing as a sixth of a win?). More than that, his fun-loving and easy-going personality make it easy for anyone to get along with him and always a joy to be around.

Anthony is one of my best friends from St. Sabina's, my faith home and family in Chicago. Early on, we bonded over our faith and struggling as recent college grads, but soon realized our shared passion for politics . Anthony and I have shared countless discussions about how our faith has influenced our lives and job choices. More than a friend, he is my brother in Christ, and I am eternally grateful God made sure our paths crossed.

Alec and I met our first week of class at Loyola. We first bonded over our love of music, including late nights jamming in the Mundelein Center and mourning the death of Tom Petty, but our friendship soon grew to a brotherhood as we realized how many of the same values we carry. We've been thick as thieves since that first week and expect our friendship to last us a lifetime.

Nick and I met as young organizers in 2019 working to build progressive power across Chicago and build up young leaders. However, after working and organizing together, we began to realize: We like to have a good time and are fun outside politics! Nick is always the life of the party and will have your back no matter what. From late nights in Chicago's dive bars, to even a spin class with a US Senator, Nick is the guy you want in your corner and I am so lucky to have him as a friend.

Grace is one of my earliest college friends, as we met during orientation. Our friendship grew from not only a mutual love of literature but our shared adventurous spirit through the new city of Chicago we called home. One of my fondest memories is visiting her over 4th of July in 2019 where, in the photo, her Grandpa lifted us in his backhoe. Grace is a loyal friend and someone I am so glad I met that first ever week of college.