Wedding Party
Emily
Matron of Honor
Emily is my older cousin, best friend, and official Matron of Honor. She claims I’ve bossed her around since childhood, even though she’s the older one (playing Barbie’s is a strategic practice, it’s not my fault). She has a baby girl now and still somehow manages to be the one holding everything together. She’s always called me the little sister she never asked for, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was in her wedding, so really, this is just me returning the favor… with slightly higher expectations.
Gianna
Bridesmaid
Gianna was the first person in the friend group I met—mostly because Jake was literally living with her and her husband at the time. She’s a competitive game player and also an incredible baker, so yes, she will beat you at cards and then hand you a cookie. She’s loyal, big-hearted, and somehow became my best shopping buddy and the person I can spill every single thought to. Truly one of my favorite people, even when she’s winning…again
Abbey
Bridesmaid
Abbey has been my ride-or-die since high school, which means she has witnessed every awkward phase I thought I was hiding. She’s a big traveler and always down for anything (which is probably why she’s survived being friends with me this long). Even though she lives miles away, she remains one of my closest friends and someone I know will always show up—passport in hand and ready for the next adventure.
Julie
Bridesmaid
Julie has been my best friend for 14 years—which is impressive considering she’s only 4’11 but somehow has the confidence (and sass) of a 6-foot bouncer. She’s the best listening ear, but she’ll also tell you the truth even when you didn’t ask for it. Small but mighty, sassy but loyal—basically the perfect bridesmaid.
Taylor
Bridesmaid
Taylor has been one of my best friends since high school, and she’s basically the walking definition of the party. If there’s music, snacks, or even just a mildly social situation—she’s instantly the funniest person in the room. She’s loyal, always in my corner, and truly like a sister. I couldn’t imagine this day without her.
Kayley
Bridesmaid
Kayley married one of my high school best friends (sorry, Danny), and then promptly stole his spot as one of my best friends. She’s usually the quiet one—until someone hands her a Fireball, and suddenly we’ve all met her alter ego. She’s thoughtful, fun, and the kind of friend who slipped into my life like she’d always been there. Couldn’t imagine this without her.
Kaylie
Bridesmaid
Kaylie and I met through the groom—she’s married to one of his close friends. She’s quiet and sweet with the biggest heart, and a mama to the cutest little girl. From day one she made me feel welcome in the group, and she’s been supportive and kind ever since. Basically the calm, thoughtful balance this bridal party desperately needs.
Brooke
Bridesmaid
Brooke is the groom’s sister, which automatically made her the one person whose approval I absolutely NEEDED when I joined this family. She’s fiercely loyal and protective of the people she loves, but also has the biggest, most thoughtful heart (just ask her dog, Dixie, or the kiddos at her daycare). I’m so grateful to be gaining her not just as family, but as a sister.
Teagan
Bridesmaid
Teagan is my baby cousin (okay, she’s 17, but still my baby). She’s as sassy as she is sweet and has basically been my “mini me” since the day she could talk back. I’ve always thought of her like a little sister, and I truly can’t imagine this day without her right by my side—probably rolling her eyes but loving me anyway
Annie
Flower Girl
Annie, one of our flower girls and resident comedian, has a special nickname for the groom—“Stinky Jake”—and a serious love for meatballs, beans and “Home Alone”. She’s here to sprinkle petals and steal the spotlight with her unstoppable humor.
Ella
Flower Girl
Ella, one of our flower girls, is equal parts sweetness and sass. She adores babies, gives the best hugs, and isn’t afraid to sprinkle a little mischief along with her flower petals, making every moment just a bit more charming.
Austin
Best Man
Austin and I go way back—summers spent playing basketball, video games, and causing just enough trouble. He was the first with a license, famously rolling through the neighborhood in his red Subaru with the subs bumping. These days he lays pipe and passes gas professionally, but at his core he’s the kind of friend who will always have your back, no matter what.
Olivier
Groomsman
I met Olivier playing Rainbow Six: Siege, which somehow turned into a real-life friendship. He’s a motorcycle-loving, Texas-obsessed Canadian who’s always trying to convince me to drop everything and move south. What I love most is his open-door policy—if I want to plan a trip or show up, the answer is almost always yes.
Nick
Groomsman
I met Nick in the Marines, and it was an instant friendship—made even better when we realized we grew up only an hour apart. He’s big-hearted and generous to a fault, but won’t hesitate to roast you when the moment calls for it. He’d give you the shirt off his back (probably with a beer), just don’t be surprised if you end up chasing him after a drunk walk down the train tracks.
Perry
Groomsman
I met Perry in the Marines—same shop, though I got there first and took him under my wing. He quickly became a friend I know I’ll never lose. If he’s not running around chasing his son, he’s probably cuddled up on the couch with his daughter, playing video games and fending off his cat. Perry always puts his family first, and if you’re lucky enough to be in his circle, that includes you too.
Jostyn
Groomsman
I met Jostyn in the Marines when he was on night crew and roommates with Nick. My first weekend in the fleet ended at a barracks party where I was “welcomed” with beer after beer—an initiation I’ll never forget. You’ll always know when Jostyn is calling thanks to his “Last Dance with Mary Jane” ringtone (if you know, you know). Even though civilian life means we don’t see each other as often, every time we do it’s like no time has passed at all.
Connor
Groomsman
I met Connor back in high school when we ended up in the same shop, and we’ve been giving each other a hard time ever since. He’s a die-hard New York Giants fan, a proud girl dad, and someone who loves competition almost as much as he loves to win. What I admire most is his big heart—he brings the intensity, but he’s always got your back.
Brennen
Groomsman
I met Brennen in the Marines, but we really became friends when we were in MOS school. After a year in the fleet, we ended up as roommates in the barracks—so I got a front-row seat to his questionable taste in snacks and sports. He’s a die-hard Las Vegas Raiders fan and an equally loyal New York Yankees fan, which makes sense because loyalty is his thing. He’s a ride-or-die friend.
Lucus
Groomsman
Lucus is the first of my two brothers and has been by my side his entire life. He started out as the tiniest baby and now somehow towers over me, loves baseball just as much (and definitely knows more), and once upon a time knew every Backyardigans and Wonder Pets song by heart. What I love most is that we can have real, serious conversations and still goof around like only siblings can
Brenden
Groomsman
Brenden is my youngest brother—and very possibly the smartest one of us all. He’s usually quiet until it’s time to roast someone or casually drop a random fact to correct them, which might be something he picked up from our dad. Even if he doesn’t always show it, he has a huge heart and loves his family deeply… he just prefers to do it while staying the cool guy.