Maid of Honor
Meet Maree Riley, my incredible Maid of Honor. We first met in 9th grade, about 10 years ago, thanks to sideline cheerleading. But let me tell you, our real introduction happened in a way that could only happen to us. I had dislocated my thumb (because who doesn’t have an injury story from high school, right?), and she had just returned from a dentist appointment—dosed up on medication and trying to hold it together. It was like a scene from a comedy show, honestly. There I was, holding my thumb, and there she was, half-drugged, trying to give me medical advice. It was the beginning of something truly beautiful… and hilarious. From that moment on, we became inseparable. Before every game, I’d be over at her house, chowing down on Lucky Charms (and let’s be real, probably more marshmallows than cereal). We’d laugh at weird YouTube videos she’d find and somehow knew I’d love, even if they made zero sense. Those little moments turned into years of friendship filled with high school heartbreaks, endless laughter, and countless all-nighters. Maree has been by my side through thick and thin, even when she tried to run away from our bond (spoiler: she never really could). Through every high, low, and everything in between, she’s been the sister I never had, and I’m beyond grateful to have her standing by me on the most important day of my life.
Mother of the Bride
As I step into this new chapter, I reflect on the woman who shaped me—my mother, Victoria. She has always believed in me, even when I doubted myself, and pushed me to strive for greatness. My mom never let me settle. She set high standards, not out of harshness, but because she knew my potential. Her tough love taught me perseverance, discipline, and resilience. She wasn’t the friend who let me get away with things, but every bit of her strength was rooted in her unwavering belief in me. Though her love didn’t always come in soft words, it was always there. The lessons she instilled—through challenges and tough conversations—have shaped who I am today. Because of her, I am strong, driven, and ready for whatever comes next. Mom, thank you for pushing me, believing in me, and challenging me to be my best. I am proud to be your daughter and forever grateful for your love and guidance.
Father of the Bride
My dad has always been my biggest protector, my constant advisor, and the one person I could always count on to have some kind of old sage wisdom to share. We may have butted heads more times than I can count, but through it all, his love and guidance have been unwavering. He set high standards, always pushing me to be my best—even when I wasn’t exactly listening. His lessons, whether I admitted it or not, shaped me into the person I am today. And while I may have rolled my eyes at his endless advice, deep down, I always appreciated it. Through every challenge, every tough conversation, and every “Dad-ism” he’s shared, I’ve learned what it means to be strong, independent, and resilient. As I step into this new chapter, I do so with the lessons he’s instilled in me and the love he has always shown. Dad, thank you for your wisdom, your patience, and your unwavering belief in me. I wouldn’t be who I am without you.
Bridesmaid
Emma has been my best friend since we were three—though it almost didn’t happen since her parents had to convince her to meet me. But once she did, we were inseparable. From Beanie Babies to outdoor adventures until sunset, our days were filled with laughter, games, and plenty of junk food (which may have been the real reason she came over so much!). We spent hours playing video games, exploring, and even trying to plant corn in a patch of sand—fully believing it would grow. No matter what, we always found fun in the simplest things. Life may have taken us in different directions, but Emma will always hold a special place in my heart. She’s more than a childhood friend—she’s family. And I couldn’t imagine this day without her by my side.
Bridesmaid
Fayre was the unexpected friendship I never saw coming. I met her through Maree in high school, and my first thought was, She’s crazy—the kind of person who follows every intrusive thought without hesitation. Turns out, I wasn’t wrong. But as the years passed, I realized there was so much more to her. Yes, she’s wild and unpredictable, but she’s also one of the funniest, kindest, and most genuine people I know. She has a way of making everyone laugh and is always there to listen when you need her most. Fayre is the kind of friend who brings both chaos and comfort in the best way possible, and I couldn’t imagine this day without her by my side.
Bridesmaid