Maid of Honor
FROM THE BRIDE: T and I met briefly through equestrian acquaintances while I was in college. Only speaking in passing, we kept tabs on each other via social media. Fast forward about five years, I was encouraging her to travel and show with her horse. Though at first it was strictly about helping her with her animal, we quickly realized how many commonalities we shared, despite our age gap of almost 8 years. She soon became the little sister I needed. Much like my own adolescent journey, I was able to lend a hand and an ear as she navigated her own paths to adulthood. Like sisters, we butt heads but always push each other to be the best possible version of ourselves. We've shared every emotion together since and have inseparable. I talk to her more than I talk to my own fiancé, as going more than a day without speaking to her is strange. She is always up for my crazy ideas and does her very best to help push my plans into motion. Not only are we family to each other, we are family to each other's family. I am so proud of the woman she is, and will continue to become. Without her help and support, my wedding planning would not be nearly as streamlined. She's my calligraphy queen; her countless hours completing signage for my many projects keeps my budgets low (and I'll always take advantage of it lol). I can only hope she isn't late to the ceremony! I couldn't imagine a better person to stand by my side on my big day and I hope to do the same for her.
Maid of Honor
TO THE BRIDE: Ashley and I met years ago through horses. We had no idea how important we’d become to each other at the time. She was constantly supporting me and encouraging me to show my horse, and even offered to let me tag along with her. One summer a few years back, I decided to take her up on her offer and our friendship (and our horses’ friendship) has completely blossomed into a closeness that neither of us expected, but needed. Ashley has brought out a side of me that I always knew was in there, but was hiding. She has helped me face some of the toughest situations I have had to navigate, and has always been there when I needed her. I have watched her become the amazing mother and woman that she is, and I am so proud of her and thankful to have her as a role model. She has quickly become loved by my family, and I the same to hers. I seriously could go on and on about how important she is to me, but I’ll save the rest for my speech on the big day (y’all bring tissues, if not for yourself then for her and I LOL). Ashley, it means so much to me to stand beside you on your big day. You are going to be the most beautiful bride. I love you more than you know.
Bridesmaid
FROM THE BRIDE: Ali and I met in early high school and we instantly bonded. She was continuously by my side. Though we attended different schools through our educational journey, we were inseparable through both high school and college. Our stories always had each other in them. I navigated my way through adolescence and early adulthood with her on speed dial. She has, and always will, answer my phone calls despite the length of time that has passed since our last conversation. I blame my smile lines and wrinkles from all the laughs we shared growing up. Our lives have taken us down different paths but we always meet right back where we left off. We've chased each other all over the state to cuddle on the couch and catch up. Much like other life-changing events, she was the first person I told that Lincoln was on her way. She held the gender of our baby from us and our family for who-knows how many weeks longer than anticipated. Her daughter Ellie and Lincoln are best of friends and will continue the bond. I'm so proud of Ali and I'm so glad she is standing next to me on my big day.
Bridesmaid
TO THE BRIDE: During my freshman year of high school, I met Ashley and she was determined to get my shy self more involved in FFA. After 10+ years of friendship we have laughed and had so many amazing times together it is impossible to choose just one favorite memory. From spending all our time in high school on the farm and other times finding trouble... through the past ten years, there has never been a dull moment when we are together. Even though in the past few years life has gotten busy and we haven't had as much time to spend together we always find time to catch up. At first I wasn't sure Jimmy was going to be able to handle all the wonderful crazy Ashley has to offer but he's really proven himself. Now they have the most beautiful family and I can't wait to stand by Ashley's side as she gets her fairytale ending.
Bridesmaid
FROM THE BRIDE: Audrey and I met during high school as we shared a few classes together. Though we were just classmates, we never spoke. Following introductions of family between Jimmy and I, I learned that Audrey is the wife of Jimmy's cousin. Audrey and I started to build a relationship based on family, not a friendship. She was my pregnancy twin and I have always been able to go to her for advise on pregnancy, postpartum, newborn care, etc. She's the small voice of reason everyone needs whispering in their ear. Plus, she always has the snacks!
Bridesmaid
TO THE BRIDE: I met Ashley many many years ago when I was a senior and she was a freshman, we were in drama class/drama club and acted in a Christmas play together. I was the grandma that got run over by a reindeer and she was a stocking and we had many laughs. I re met Ashley when my husband’s cousin Jimmy started dating her several years ago and I have so enjoyed watching their relationship grow into what it is today and to see them become parents to the sweetest baby girl, miss Lincoln Rose ♥️ I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them!
Bridesmaid
TO THE BRIDE: FROM THE BRIDE: Tay was a colleague of mine at a former job. When I entered the job setting shortly following my return home from college, Taylor instantly cast me under her wing. Quick to snark a joke, she definitely made work fun. Though we have both since moved on in our careers, we have remained close. I loved watching her through her bridal journey and seeing her be the most beautiful bride on her day! Piggybacking shortly following her announcement of Barrett's birth, I announced my pregnancy with Lincoln. She was my answer for all my crazy questions, without a lick of judgement. She is, and will always be, the humor of the party!
Bridesmaid
TO THE BRIDE: FROM THE BRIDE: I met Alex soon into dating Jimmy via her husband Riley. Alex seemed very quiet, as we met in a Bdubs booth when she was days away from delivery of her first baby, Nora. Little did I know the friendship that would blossom in the following years. She is the biggest introverted extravert I know. Alex is very stern on her opinions but is quick to share her smile. Her love for others and her children is contagious. She is the one to count on when the path is unsteady. I can always count on her to bring the soul food to the table!
Bridesmaid
TO THE BRIDE: FROM THE BRIDE: Autumn and I met through the photography business her and her husband own. They had digitally captured memories for T and it instantly caught my eye. Wanting to support a small business, I quickly asked (slightly demanded?) a maternity shoot. Together, they were able to capture all the special memories of my final days of pregnancy. Since then, Autumn and I have bonded over horses and share a common passion. She is my go-to for all things technology and will continue to laugh at me for not being tech-savvy. Autumn is always quick with fresh ideas and has the best bubbly (squirrel) personality of anyone I know!
Bridesmaid
TO THE BRIDE: FROM THE BRIDE: Kirsten and I met during college briefly via some common equestrian acquaintances. Having crossed paths for the third time just this last spring, I encouraged (demanded) she become a permanent "item" in our horsey group. She has always been the solid rock of realism, conservation and responsibility. She was surprised when I requested her to be in the wedding party, but the relationship we have formed is undeniable. Our time spent together is definitely 'quality over quantity' compared to the rest of the ladies. Though the friendship is young, the years to come will be rich.
Best Man
FROM THE GROOM: Justin and I first met long ago. My mom and dad decided to bring him home from the hospital to keep as their own. Being brothers we fought and played. Lot of blood, stitches and shenanigans. He is my go to for all things I consider myself not to be good at. It was not a decision when it was time to choose the best man. He has been my best man since the day he was born.
Groomsman
FROM THE GROOM: Brandon is my one and only cousin. Brandon is the one person who no matter what you can get his honest opinion. When he gives that opinion you'd better be sitting down. He has been there through all my messes in life and has tried to navigate me through them. No matter what dumb decision he stands their waiting to either congratulate, or say I told you so.
Groomsman
FROM THE GROOM: Big Al, he is the truest form of friend a guy could ask for. He is more like Justin and Is adopted little brother. We met through church and eventually scouts. Lot of memories shared through all these events. We continued to hang out almost everyday after this. Alex met the love his life and that took him north to canal away from us. We don't see each other everyday anymore, and he isn't down the street. But we manage to pickup right where we left off every time we get together.
Groomsman
FROM THE GROOM: Riley and I met when his aunt and mine were friends. We then ended up at the same school together. He lives 3 minutes away so any time I need a hand he is always willing to help. We share a strong passion for Buckeyes football ( his passion is a lot stronger), we watch almost every game together. The guy spend most of his time on my last nerve. But he has always found a way to get me out of my comfort zone, and for that I thank him.
Groomsman
FROM THE GROOM: Dylan and I met in 4th grade Mrs. Wilcox's class. We have been there for each other through a lot of life's harder moments. Until I met Ashley I was always with Dylan. He always let me tag along on his adventures. Life has taken us down different paths. But, I always know he is a phone call away and would be there for anything.
Groomsman
FROM THE GROOM: Nathan and I met when Ashley and Taylor began showing horses together. For the past 3 years he has been there to help me move into my new home and build my barn. He has taught me a lot about patience. He is always ready to help me navigate the "crazy horse girl" world we live in. He is great with helping me when I have Lincoln and we have 7000 things going on. I also enjoy having someone around that is always hungry as much as me. And I cant wait to see what life brings him after he gets out of school.
Groomsman
FROM THE GROOM: Charles and I met when him and his wife took our maternity pictures when Lincoln was on her way. His wife also owned a horse and has the same desire as Ashley to show them. He is the smart one in our friend group. He is the voice of reason behind all our bad decisions. He is also good at everything, there is anything he cant do.. He shares the same passion for Buckeye football as Riley and I. I believe he was very surprised when I asked him to be a part of this big day. But, even if we haven't really been friends for long. It always seems like it has been a lot longer than it has.
Flower Girl
Nora is the first baby born following the start of Jimmy and I dating. She will always carry a special place in our hearts for this. She has the biggest imagination and is Lincoln's very favorite playmate! As she walks down the isle, we expect her to be shy but with a beaming smile!
Ring Bearer
Ru was the baby born during the time we had not yet announced our pregnancy, even to their parents. Rudee is always down for some food (especially bisketti), horsey visits, monster truck derbies, or just plain getting dirty with the boys. He is the sweetest little man we know!
Flower Girl
My sweet baby Lincoln Rose, you are the light of our lives. Mommy and Daddy love you very much!