Wedding Party
America
Bridesmaid
America and I met one night when she almost fought a patient for me. After that we just stuck together! Many nights were spent chit chatting and trying to stay awake with this girl, although I don't believe America ever sleeps. America Is loyal, fierce, generous, and kind. She will do anything to help a friend and goes above and beyond to bless those around her.
Sophie
Bridesmaid
Soph and I met in college while working at Davids Bridal, only to discover we lived in the same dorms. Soph pushed me out of comfort zone ALL the time, the nursing student had a life when Soph was around. Soph challenges, encourages, will always cheer you on, is tender, and loves to box (oxymoron??) Her children, and those closest to her benefit from her strength and creativity. She will be your biggest advocate and has no fear to hold you accountable.
Maddi +Sawyer
Bridesmaid and Flower Girl
Maddi was my first friend when I moved to NC. We bonded over our love of running and similar lifestyles. Her and her now husband Connor lived in the same apartment as me, yet we never car pooled... Maddi and I were known as M&M, and work knew we were a package deal. Maddi is my pacer, not only in running but life. She keeps me grounded, calls me out, she's feisty, strong, and loyal, an intentional motivator, and (texting aside) consistently present. Her daughter Sawyer was LOOOOONG awaited. I had a to go bag packed for myself so I could hang at their house with their dogs whenever Sawyer decided to make an appearance. She is so sweet and smiley, and watching Maddi guide her as she develops into her own personality is a treat.
Maddy
Maid of Honor
Sister Maddy. The middle girl, the 2nd child. Growing up, we were close as anything or like oil and water. Ellie and I rely on Maddy's quick wit, humor, type A personality, organizational skills, and cautious personality to keep us in line and safe. There are many times I can point to where she has saved us, example being a homeless man trying to grab my feet form the car and Maddy screaming "NO" and screeching out of the parking lot while I cackled. Maddy has always been the steady constant in our family, the stronger one out of us girls. She will not back down from holding you accountable and she will shoot you straight. Not easily peer pressured into things by Ellie and me, but always the encourager and supporter. She's always been in my corner cheering me on, ready to give me a wedgie when I need one. I am usually the floater amongst my sisters, Ellie is the social butterfly, and Maddy is the planner and executer and I have loved getting to become best friends with my sister. Don't believe any stories she tells you.
Emma
Bridesmaid
Ems and I hold to the truth, mothers are almost always right. We knew each other as kids, lost touch but were thrown together freshman year. Our moms told us we should become friends as we had a lot in common. Both of us attempting to rebel against this notion of "mothers being right", we didn't talk much the first day. However, the constant teasing from the boys, the struggle in latin, and our determination to prove to the boys that Elizabeth Bennet had many life lessons they could learn from, we became fast friends. My fellow literary nerd, life long study buddy, fellow planner but can't actual make it work, Ems is always my go to girl. She is one of the kindest, soft spoken, smart, genuine ladies I have in my life. She has been present for countless memories, like when we laced the boy's Oreos with ora-gel on the last day. You never know what this kind, patient girl is getting into next.
Ellie
Maid of Honor
The 3rd and final Smith girl, and other maid of honor, Ellie. Ellie was/is the life of the party, loves life, and makes a friend wherever she goes. Growing up, she had a leash because she was always testing how she could go without getting hurt and we always had to keep an eye on her. She locked babysitters out of the house, ran away, and was always in the pool. Also fondly called Tina ( you'll have to ask her why-hint. Think Napoleon Dynamite). She is always quick to laugh, go to for some biblical reference, and desperate for everyone to feel welcome, she is the sister you need when planning a social event. Forever the dreamer, nothing is impossible or too far fetched for her. She is a cornhusker at heart and thrives in social chaos, she is always one for a laugh and joyful spirit. I love this sister I get to have next to me and am so blessed to have grown into best friends.
Sydnee + Scottie
Bridesmaid + Flower Girl
Syd is my childhood bestie. We met when I was 4 and have just stayed friends since! Our siblings pretty much all line up, and our parents would trade kids every year so they could go on vacation. Syd is an entrepreneur and so creative, with many businesses (and animals) under her belt. Growing up, Syd was never one to shy away from a prank/joke, she was brave, ready for a coffee date and a walk, I learned to have tough skin with Syd as she pushed me out of my comfort zones CONSISTENTLY. As her and Toby have grown the family to include Scottie, a flower girl! A smiley, dog loving, barefoot girly, Syd has stayed as one of my closest friends. One that is strong, brave, kind, compassionate, creative, intentional, and easy to talk to. We love our GF/DF coffee dates and walks and getting home at a reasonable time:)
Miller
Best Man
We first met when I transferred to the drill sergeant unit. He quickly became a mentor to me as I was transitioning to this new role in my military career. Miller also quickly established his place as a purveyor of dad jokes and an endless supply of stories while on the "trail" together. Miller is an elevator mechanic, he will tell you it has its "ups and downs" but he likes it well enough. He works hard for his wife, Ellen, and their two boys, Dawson and John. Miller has and will always be someone you can call for any reason, be it advice... or and endless onslaught of dad jokes.
Mike
Best Man
Mike and I met while working nights on patrol back in 2018 and have been friends ever since. While our time on patrol together was limited, we spent a lot of time while working property crimes together. Jamming out to froggy fresh while traversing the county in search of leads, and on occasion revisiting the Abe Lincoln story... IYKYK. Mike and I have been through high and lows in life together, I can attest to the loyalty Mike has for those in his circle and his candid life advice. We've spent many hours working on each other's Mustangs, learning important lessons like making sure the caliper is oriented correctly, otherwise you will be frantically pumping the brakes as you roll backwards down a hill. One thing is certain, Mike goes above and beyond for his friends.
Johnston
Groomsman
The big show himself, Johnston and I started in the Jail together back in 2013. We didn't hit the same shift until 2016, but we've been good buddies ever since. Johnston and I worked nights on patrol in 2017 before I moved to days in 2018. He worked feverishly trying to convince me to come back. One of the best beat partners I've had, 10/10. We have a few fun stories responding to calls together, including one where Johnston convinced a man, who had a desire to blast music in the trailer park at 3 a.m. and call to cuss out 911, that he couldn't read that mans sign thus resulting in the man shoving the sign in Johnston's face long enough to snatch him out of the doorway of his home. Johnston is fiercely loyal to his circle and is the type of man that would give you the shirt off his back.
Jeff "JD"
Groomsman
The first time I saw Jeff, I was working at the jail and saw this random dude walk into intake looking like an 80s metalhead, wearing blue jeans and a sleeveless t-shirt and a mess of hair. I mistook him for an arrestee who lost his arresting officer but was honest enough to walk himself in for processing (context clues prevented me from sticking my foot in my mouth). Jeff left his old agency and came to work for the county and that's when I really got to know the man. Jeff has pushed me in my career and in my pursuit of fitness. Whether on the mats, on the range, in the field, or SRT training days, Jeff has mentored and encouraged me. A tremendous family man, Jeff spends plenty of time with his wife Amanda and their three children, Olivia, Jaxon, and Edith. Anyone would have a very hard time finding someone more motivating and dedicated to his friends and family.
Steven "Goose"
Groomsman
Goose earned his name due to his appearance immediately reminding me of Maverick's co-pilot in Top Gun. While we may not fly jets, I did have the privilege of training Goose when he came to patrol for his field training. We hit it off immediately with daily Marco Polos sent to Molly while she was states away working a travel contract. Eventually Goose finished training and when Molly got back we all started hanging out with him and his now wife, Lindsay. Goose has earned a reputation for stirring up a hornets nest when he isn't stuck at a school. Foot chases for all. Goose switched up agencies, (because apparently I'm not worth driving 2 hours for work), and started doing youth ministry while still pursuing his law enforcement career. This one has a deep love for his family and friends, striving to make that evident each and every day.
Sykes
Groomsman
Cooler than the cool side of the pillow, Sykes and I met through our mens group from church. Sykes has always been a good source of conversation and fellowship. Sykes also knows his way around a Chicago typewriter pretty well. He loves crunching numbers and is always happy talking finances no matter what the occasion. Anyone finding themselves in his circle can tell you Sykes shows up when you need him or will help you find a way. He is a very loyal friend and will hold his friends accountable.
Shawn
Groomsman
Shawn and I first met while I was working extra duty at Mission. We didn't really get to know each other well until Molly and his wife, America, became close. We all began hanging out more when they moved into an apartment just above Molly's, we all spent a good amount of time at the pool. Shawn helped me out on many occasions when I needed to leave to go see Molly while she was traveling. Shawn is a very reliable friend, showing up when called and is dedicated to his wife, America, and children, Lillie and Maverick.