Maid of Honor
Susie, or Scoobs as she is lovingly known, has been a constant in my life since our steakhouse days. She’s the one who had the courage to walk up and introduce herself to Marcus first while I stood behind her, quietly trying to be brave — a moment that says everything about the kind of person she is. She is funny, thoughtful, and incredibly kind, and if you’re lucky enough to hear her real laugh, you know how special it is. Scoobs is also the best auntie to my dogs, always spoiling them with love and thoughtful gifts. From our dinner dates to our late-night parking lot talks over Trulys, she has brought so much joy, laughter, and encouragement into my life. I am so grateful to have her standing beside me on this day.
Best Man
Eddy and I met at one of the parties Kayli had thrown, where all the guys naturally ended up hanging out together. What started as casual get-togethers quickly turned into a real friendship as we found ourselves talking more and always being the last ones still up at the end of the night. He is laid-back, funny, and always down for a good time. Eddy brings an easy energy to every situation and is the kind of person who just makes things more fun without trying too hard. Some of my favorite memories are spending time together playing beer pong, pool, and just hanging out through all the different get-togethers over the years. He’s also incredibly thoughtful, even gifting us handmade plaques with our names on them. I’m lucky to call him a friend, and even luckier to have him as my best man.
Bridesmaid
Moni came into my life through the steakhouse and quickly became one of those quietly essential people you don’t realize you can’t live without. She’s reserved at first, but once you know her, you see how incredibly generous, sweet, and hardworking she is. She also has a subtle, perfectly-timed sense of humor — the kind that catches you off guard and makes you laugh way harder than expected. Some of my favorite memories are the countless hours we spent hanging out on the kitchen line with Marcus, somehow managing to talk, joke around, and still technically be working. Life just feels calmer and better when Moni is around.
Groomsman
Kieron and I met in high school, and we started spending more time together after graduation as our friendship naturally grew. He’s a laid-back guy who knows how to have a good time, but also enjoys just relaxing and keeping things simple. He’s a big dog person and has always had a soft spot for animals. During my time working at Amazon, he would often help by watching over my first dog, which meant a lot to me. He’s also into cars and guns, and has always had strong interests he enjoys sharing with others. Some of my favorite memories are just the simple ones — taking my dog Max out to different places and hanging out together. I’m grateful to have him standing with me.
Bridesmaid
Deena started out as my manager at the steakhouse, quickly became my work mom, and eventually became a true friend. She is one of the most passionate and dedicated people I know — the kind who shows up fully for her job and for the people she loves. She may have a spicy side, but she also has one of the biggest hearts. Between her love of heavy metal and her unwavering devotion to WWE, she keeps life interesting and endlessly entertaining. She has covered my back more times than I can count and always knows when I need a pep talk, laugh, or a three-point-bloom. It meant so much to stand beside her as a bridesmaid in her wedding, and it means even more to have her standing beside me now.
Groomsman
Rodney and I met soon after starting work at the steakhouse, and we quickly became close while working together in the kitchen. We had a running joke about being the “white boys in the kitchen,” and he’s always been the kind of person who brings a goofy, fun energy to any situation. Some of my favorite memories are from our time working the line together — goofing around, joking, and still somehow getting through busy shifts. After work, we’d often hang out and talk for hours, and he’s one of the main people who pushed me to stop overthinking and just go for it with Kayli. Rodney has always been one of the realest people I’ve met since the day we became friends, and I’m grateful to have him standing by my side.