Maid of Honor
My only and best sister. We grew up close yet somehow hating each other at the same time until we were out of high school. As an adult, I cherish those memories we created together playing at papa's house outside in the country air, riding horses around the pasture or through the trails in the mountains, and fighting over who had to stay up longer to turn the movie off at bedtime resulting in falling asleep alone in the dark quiet. We share a lot of memories of a classic Hallmark movie, and I am excited to continue adding to our storyline by have you by my side when I marry the love of my life.
Best Man
Jake and I met during our first day at PM Kindergarten. Legend has it that the reason we became friends was because we were the only two that cried on the first day of Kindergarten, and so Mrs. Scalise put us together hoping that we would calm each other down. Video games (and apparently tears) were what brought us together, but the strong bond between not only us, but also our families have been what kept our friendship going strong. Twenty five years later we are still the best of friends. Over the course of many years, no matter how much time has passed since we have last spoken, Jake and I have always picked up right where we left off, and I am sure that will continue for many years to come.
Bridesmaid
We met in kindergarten and have been friends ever since. I have no other friend that has shared as many memories as we have from birthday parties to college graduations to finding the love of my life, Gabby has been there for me regardless of distance or time between conversations. We've had sleepovers when the A/C went out and we put ice cubes in ziplock bags to keep cool until they melted and we had to restock. We have skyped for over an hour when I lived in Reno, and I showed her around my house through the computer screen. The memories continue to grow with every hour we spend together even if that hour consist of silently looking at our laptops while in the same room. I could never imagine not having her by my side when I create another monumental memory of my life.
Groomsman
Kevin and I met during the first week of training at our new jobs in Casa Grande, AZ. Kevin had literally just had his wedding days before, and we were the two new teachers at BASIS Oro Valley. We lived near each other, and we formed a bond during multiple drives home on the days his wife Kristine had the car. We've had more Beefeaters at Jason's Deli, Combos at Lukes, and subs at Firehouse Subs than I can count! Over the course of the years, we grew to be even greater friends as we managed the nuances of our new jobs together and life in general. Despite him moving on to working on to his Ph.D., and me staying with BASIS, but moving to Silicon Valley, we have continued to stay in touch.
Bridesmaid
We are what we like to call forced friends. When I moved to Reno in high school, Gabby was left with a void to fill and Sonia fell right into it. Upon my return, I was forced to meet this void filler and spend time with her. Luckily, we became friends very easily and have shared many hilarious moments together. We are always there for each other, especially when Sonia needs someone to go with her to make sure a salesman or insurance person doesn't try to take advantage of her good-natured personality. She is the best friend to have on your team in any competition you can imagine, and I can't imagine not having her on my team to cheer me on when I achieve one of my dreams of marrying the light of my life.
Groomsman
Alex and I met during my first year in Silicon Valley. Physics teacher extraordinaire turned Calculus teacher over night, we actually developed our friendship out of a necessity for a working relationship. We hit it off so well though, that I ended up spending more time with him over the course of the next two years than I did with anyone else. From music to television and video games, Alex and I had many similar interests. Despite such a short time together here in Silicon Valley since he moved to North Carolina, we have maintained a strong friendship.
Bridesmaid
Ah Crystal... what can I say about the woman that became my friend because she thought Gabby was someone else, held a conversation with her, and then awkwardly went on to say I have know idea who you are. Then, come to find out, her sister was my best friend in high school. I guess being your friend was just meant to be! She became a perfect piece to our little puzzle of friends. We needed a more out-going friend so we could have someone that would get the waiter's attention for us. Although one of my newer friends, my little circle wouldn't be whole without Crystal.
Groomsman
Matt was the first person to befriend me at Silicon Valley as my Calculus "partner in crime". You can usually find us between the hours of 10:20 and 12:10 brunching at Gunther's, Bill's, The Breakfast Club, or any number of other places that have either breakfast food or fried chicken. You might find it surprising that I talk so much about food with Matt, but our breakfasts truly are a bonding experience. He gave me someone to talk to during my first year, and he made my first year in San Jose easier because he gave me a friend to rely on. I look forward to many more brunches and lunches no matter where we find ourselves in the future.
Officiant
Pastor is one of the kindest, funniest, and greatest guys I know. I am honored that he will be officiating my wedding. I can't imagine having anyone else for this important role in one of the biggest moments of my life.