Bridesmaid/Sister
Jessica is not only my very first best friend but my big sister. She has played such an important role in my life. She is almost five years older than me so she often had a maternal demeanor with me. This became truer than ever when at age 18 she became my legal guardian. We experienced a lot of life together, just the two of us. She taught me to be smart, to be strong, and most of all she taught me to "figure it out" no matter what life throws at you. I am so proud that she will be by my side to help me figure it out on my big day.
Bridesmaid
Ellen is the true definition of a friend. She such a light in my life. She is always seeing the good in anyone and anything and she is always there when you need her most. Always. We met in 1997 when I moved across the street from her and we became inseparable ever since. We learned how to do hair, makeup, and all things girly together, we had sleepovers often, we went to high school together and have remained close through thick and thin. Don't be surprised if you hear her toasting to "friendship for 20+ years" as that is something that she holds close to her heart. I may laugh and give her a hard time about it but truth be told, it is just as important to me as it is her. Ellen is the kind of girl you want on your team in life and I am so happy she is on mine!
Bridesmaid
Marlaina is exactly the type of woman that God intended for a woman to be. She is great mom and wife, she is kind, she is caring, and don't get me started on what an excellent cook she is. If you know you know. I have also been friends with Marlaina since 1997. I actually met her and Ellen at the same time. She is a bit older so she has always been someone I looked up to and turned to when life was tough. We are very like minded and have many of the same qualities. Some of those may or may not be a result of me always trying my best to be as wonderful as a person as she is... but the biggest difference is how effortless it comes for her. To know Lainey is to be loved by Lainey. She opens her home and her heart for all who know her and ALWAYS has room at her table for others.
Bridesmaid
Rachel is the life of the party! She knows how to have a good time and always radiates her happiness onto others. Her positive energy and hilariousness is always bringing a smile to everyone around her. Our friendship started by chance when in high school a couple of random mutual friends introduced us. She was gorgeous, funny, and as loyal as they came. She was placed in my life when I needed a friend the most and has been a tried and true friend ever since. She keeps me wild and I keep her grounded. Honestly, I think we are the perfect balance and bring out the best in each other. She made my teenage years easier (and more fun) and continues to add so much to my life as we have become adults together.
Bridesmaid
Have you ever met someone who seems to do it all and you just wonder how? Yeah, that would be Shelby. She is always put together with hair, makeup, heels, the whole nine. She is constantly taking her daughter (Kaylee) to do extracurriculars, she takes care of her grandmother, she is a newly wed that cooks breakfast, lunch, and dinner for her husband a minimum of 6 days a week, she works out daily, literally says yes every single time you invite her to do anything/go anywhere, AND SHOWS UP EARLY. I'm convinced that she doesn't sleep and has a glam squad hidden in her home. She puts so much into everything and every relationship that she has and ours is no different. I was one of her bridesmaids and now she is one of mine! I'm hopeful she will teach me some of her wifely super powers. GOALS
Bridesmaid
Sarah Snipes is what you would call a true family friend. Literally. Our families are extremely intertwined by old friendships, siblings, nephews, and at one point even roommate/coworker situations. All of that aside, Sarah is how the love story with Lee and I began. She was definitely the match maker behind the scenes and I can't thank her enough for forcing me to come over that hot June day. You'll still find Sarah offering up her house to host any and all events. Let me tell you, she is perfect for the job. She is always knocking herself out for others and making sure every little detail is well thought out! Having her as a part of my big day is even more reassurance that the day will be perfect. You may even catch her being escorted by her husband, Josh Snipes (groomsman).
Bridesmaid
My sweet Allison. Where do I even begin? I met Allison just 8 short years ago through her husband Brandon but she earned the title of a best friend quickly, yet fair and square. She is just one of those souls that you immediately know is genuine and true. She is sweet yet oh so sassy so naturally we gravitated. Thats my kind of friend! I won't tell her story because it is hers to tell but if you knew it, you would know just what a fighter she truly is and how blessed I am to have her by my side this June. Oh, and while she may be mild mannered, don't let that fool you. I can guarantee you will see her out on the dance floor singing and dancing all night. Chances are that Addison (5) will be right there beside her stealing the show. Just wait and see for yourself!
Bridesmaid
Barbara was my very best friend in high school and continues to remain a best friend. She is literally the nicest person I have ever met and is so intentional in doing so. You will often hear Barbara complimenting, encouraging, and praising others. She has been in my corner rooting for me since the day we met and she may not realize it, but her kindness has helped me in times that I needed it the most. The day that I asked her to come by (so that I could give her a gift and ask her to be a bridesmaid) she responded with "sure, I have a gift for you that I need to bring by." That's who Barb is. Always thinking of and doing for others. She is now a resident of Knoxville but the 901 still has her heart. Thank goodness for weddings that give her plenty of excuses to come back home and visit!
Mother of the Bride
Beverly is not my birth mother but she has certainly become a mother to me. My late mother, Sommer Lucius, loved Beverly almost as much as I do. Beverly was the classiest woman she knew. Beverly would never try to take her place but she does all that she can to make sure that I still receive a mother's love. She has championed for me in ways that only a mother would and loves me unconditionally as her own. I can't begin to describe the gratitude and love that I have for a woman who choses to meet me in my mess and be there for me during the good and the bad, no matter what. Whether it be a pick-me-up phone call, a just because "happy" left on my front porch, or honoring both me and my mom by standing in as Mother of the Bride on my wedding day, she is always there. That's a mother's love.
Flower Girl
Sommer Leigh is my beautiful and unapologetically sassy six year old niece. I mean I know everyone thinks their niece is beautiful but mine is BEAUTIFUL. And I am also sure most would argue that all six year old little girls are sassy but she is SASSY. All caps for both of those words were necessary. You will just have to trust me on that one. She is named in honor of my late mother and their birthdays are only three days apart. To say she is ecstatic about this position wouldn't even describe it. She is my only niece and I am her only aunt so of course that gives her rights to the title of "Flower Girl". When she finally got to try on her dress she was boasting with pride. I was so happy to give her something to be proud of because she makes me proud every single day.