I am so lucky to have a sister who is also my best friend. Our relationship spans the deepest emotions to the dumbest conversations (and always involves lots of laughing). She's been there for me though it all and I can't wait to have her by my side on my wedding day. Fun fact: Alicia and Zane just had my niece, Yarra.

Megan and I grew up as neighbors, and basically as sisters. We have changed a lot since our teenage days of swim practice, math academy, and Saturday morning banana pancakes. But our friendship has only grown stronger, even with us on opposite coasts. I couldn't ask for a better friend to guide me through the entire wedding process (and life in general).

Jairus and I go back to freshman dorms at UCSB. Becoming Jairus' friend was surprisingly hard (there was a rigorous vetting process before he would even accept my Facebook friend request), but I am so glad I passed the test! He's been like family ever since and I couldn't imagine a more loyal friend to have by my side.

Olivia has been my soul sister from the first day of kindergarten. She is both a grounding and responsible influence, and also the type of friend who will say yes to anything—even when that thing is duct taping skateboards to a giant cardboard box and rolling around town. We've had many travel adventures together and been to more concerts than I can count.

Danielle and I became friends after meeting at a family reunion—yes, we are in fact distantly related! Growing up, we enabled each other's inner dorks, going to engineering camp, making up a weird dance routine that we performed in front of actual people, and watching the movie Doogal on repeat (don't watch it). I'm not sure we've gotten any cooler, but at least we still make each other laugh.

Ben has been a constant in my life through many chapters, from middle school swimming to backyard BBQs (where Ben was always the designated grill master) to lifeguarding (and a little partying) at UCSB. After college, Ben was there for the adventures and trials of of learning how to adult. We've watched each other grow up over the years and I'm so glad he'll be by my side for this next chapter.

Since fate put us together freshman year, Alex "Kush" Kushner and I have been inseparable. He's been to enough events and holidays with my family that he's practically family at this point, the brother I never had. Kush has helped me grow as a person and learn about myself, and I couldn't be happier to have him as my best man.

First as campers, then leaders-in-training, then counselors, Nicky and I grew up together at YMCA camps. Nicky is an insanely talented guitarist and singer, and we've always loved playing music together (especially those campfire songs) and seeing our favorite bands in concert.

Just down the hall from Kush and me freshman year, Nate was full of surprises. In addition to being a varsity athlete, he was a gentle giant with an artistic flair. After spending so much time with my family (including without me!) while living in Mountain View with his wife Kelly, I'm happy to call them both unofficial family.

I met Max on our field studies program, Semester in the West and immediately took to his wacky sense of humor. I pitched him on joining me at the Mono Lake Committee for the summer, and despite a comically awful roommate situation we had a great time and did it again the next year.

If you're looking for someone to blame for my birding habit, blame this guy. As the Birding Intern and my roommate at Mono Lake, he inspired my new hobby. Partly because birds are cool, but also because Ollie was so full of love and laughter. He may be a one-time birding intern, but he's my forever birding guru and buddy.

Corey and I met at the beginning of grad school. We immediately synched on our interest in energy and — more importantly — our love of music. We formed the school's best (and only) energy-focused guitar duo, and have never stopped arguing whether New Jersey is the California of the East or California is the New Jersey of the West.