Maid of Honor
Caitlyn and I have been friends since preschool—which means she’s witnessed every questionable hairstyle, my goth phase, every questionable ex-boyfriend, and still chose to stick around. Her mom has always been my second mom, and their house was my home away from home—where we ate all the snacks, attempted to learn how to twerk (unsuccessfully), talked about boys, tried alcohol for the first time, and planned our futures together. We survived growing up side-by-side, graduated nursing school together, and now she’s standing by my side again—as my Maid of Honor. I actually met Calvin for the first time with her and her boyfriend. We went 4-wheeling in Calvin’s Jeep, and I still remember Caitlyn telling me how perfect he was for me—and how cool it would be for best friends to date best friends. She’s the friend who knows my entire life story: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Basically, she’s my sister—the keeper of all my laughs, my secrets, and now, the professional fluffer of my wedding dress.
Maid of Honor
Ana and I go all the way back to 3rd grade when I was the new kid at school. A mutual friend casually mentioned, “Oh, Ana goes there too—you should find her.” So naturally, I spent my entire first recess wandering around asking random kids, “Do you know Ana? Where is Ana?” Like I was on some sort of quest. I finally found her in a corner with two boys, deeply involved in an intense game involving sticks and rocks (as one does). I walked right up and announced, “Hi, I’m Morgan. You don’t know me, but I’ve been told to find you so we can be friends.” Thankfully, instead of running away, she accepted me like a stray puppy who had chosen her, and from that day on, we were inseparable. In 5th grade, Caitlyn joined us and we officially became the trio. Nothing could separate us… until Ana moved to California in 6th grade. Her dad swore it was only for TWO years. (Spoiler: it wasn’t. She didn’t come back until college. I’m still considering legal action.) But distance didn’t matter—Ana remained my best friend through every life phase. She’s the person I can call in the middle of the day just to ask, “Wanna go to Walmart?” She’s listened to countless rants, watched me ugly cry in random parking lots, kept every secret safe, and has never once failed to show up for me—no matter how far away she lived. She is the friend who never left—even when she technically did. And now, she’s here standing next to me as my Maid of Honor, just like she always has been in life.
Bridesmaid
I didn’t meet Capriana until my 2nd semester of nursing school, and honestly, I don’t know how I survived the first without her. Her last name is Bish, and I’ll never forget the moment that launched our friendship: I was sitting a few rows behind her, needed her attention, and without thinking yelled, “Hey Bish!!!” The entire class turned, laughed, and from that moment on—we were stuck with each other. Capriana is always down for anything. I can call her at any time of day and say, “Wanna run errands?” and she’ll already be halfway out the door. She’s loud, hilarious, completely unfiltered, and will absolutely say the thing everyone else is just thinking—so consider yourself warned. But she’s also the one who can switch into serious mode when it matters and be there for deep conversations, support, and the real stuff. She’s been my hype woman, my chaos buddy, and my ride-along bestie—and I’m so lucky to have her standing by my side.
Bridesmaid
Amber is proof that sometimes you really can just pick a person and say, “Yeah, she’s gonna be our friend now.” Caitlyn and I were in nursing school, discussing how we needed one more person in our little circle. We looked around, spotted Amber, nodded, and said, “Yup, her.” So we started sitting next to her… then taking our breaks with her… and eventually hanging out outside of class. And just like that, she became one of my favorite people in the world. Fast forward to now—Amber and I even work at the same hospital. She’s on peds, I’m on labor and delivery, and we’re just a short walk apart, which makes it feel like we’re still in school together. We’re even in the same new grad residency cohort, which means scheduled breakfast dates once a month are practically mandatory (not complaining). Amber is always down for spontaneous plans—I can call her and say, “Are you bored? Let’s hang out,” and within an hour we’re together. She’s fun, reliable, and one of those people who just makes life better by being in it.
Bridesmaid
Shannon and I have literally known each other since we were three months old. We grew up as neighbors, with our parents being friends—and from there, our lives just kind of blended together. We danced together (with my mom as our dance teacher), and in my absolutely unbiased opinion, we were the stars of every single show. We had traditions that made childhood magic: every Halloween, I’d head to her house for pizza before trick-or-treating, and when we got older, my dad became our designated haunted house chauffeur. New Year’s Eve meant she came to my house, we camped out in “the den,” whispered secrets, and watched the ball drop. Even though we never went to the same school, and now she’s lived in different cities and states for college, she has always been that friend I don’t need to text every day—because when we see each other, it feels like no time has passed at all. Shannon is the person I know I can call in a full-blown crisis and she’ll pick up, no questions asked. And the same goes for her family—they might not hear from me constantly, but I know they’re just one call away if I ever need them. She’s been in my life since before I can even remember, and having her by my side on my wedding day just feels exactly right.
Bridesmaid
When I first found out Calvin had a sister my age, I was thrilled—like, instant excitement at the thought of a built-in friend. But when he proposed and I realized I was officially getting a real sister? I was over the moon. One of my favorite memories (which will be a new tradition) we’ve created is going shopping together for matching family Christmas pajamas—naturally, we make sure the dogs get matching sets too, because we have our priorities straight. She’s also my go-to for shared eye rolls whenever Calvin is being… well, Calvin. Calista is always ready to help with anything. If Calvin’s at work and I’m stranded on the side of the road or suddenly decide that the entire living room furniture layout must change immediately, she’s my first call. She shows up, no questions asked. I’m so grateful that I not only get to marry the love of my life, but also gain a sister who feels like she’s been part of my life forever.
Flower Girl
Aubree has been my “cousin-in-law” in training for the past four years, and she’s been one of the best additions to my life. She’s sweet, kind-hearted, funny, and always knows how to keep things interesting. She teaches me new songs and dances, keeps me up to date on the latest trends (which makes me feel very old), and makes sure I never fall too behind on what’s cool. She’s my Stranger Things Netflix buddy—yes, we skip certain parts like responsible viewers—and my tubing partner on the lake. She even doubles as my official mosquito shield when she sits on my lap (girl takes her job seriously). Having her as our flower girl just feels right, because she already feels like my family—and soon, she officially will be.
Ring Bearer
Harrison is my favorite cousin. As the son of the coolest aunt ever, he’s been a special part of my life since day one. I’ve loved watching him grow—from changing his diapers and gently patting his back so he’d stay asleep in the crib, to receiving his signature “head bumps” as hugs… which he still gives, and I still adore. He is one of the smartest kids I know—an incredible reader, a Lego mastermind, and constantly surprising me with how much he knows about, well, everything. When I lived with him for a short time, he’d come into my room every morning and wake me up with the biggest smile, which honestly was the best way to start the day. I’m so excited to have him be part of the wedding, carrying the rings with all the charm, smarts, and enthusiasm that make him so special.
Best Man
If it wasn’t for Cole, I wouldn’t have met Morgan. He told me he knew this girl who was perfect for me "funny and a little crazy" and, he was right. Cole and I have been tight since freshman year of high school. We have our share of stories, like the night a police helicopter was searching for us in his neighbohood. That’s Cole though — every memory with him is a story worth telling. He’s super funny, and one of the most loyal people I know. When he heard my vacuum broke he just showed up with a new one. That’s why he’s my best man. P.S. this picture of Cole is super old, he looks way uglier now.
Groomsman
Sabino and I have been friends since kindergarten, and through all those years, he’s never once let me down. He’s the guy who shows up — no questions asked — whether it’s helping me lift a 32-foot beam into my house two weeks after I moved in or just being there when I need someone to talk to. We can talk for 2 hours on the phone like no time has passed. He’s honest, dependable, hard working, and one of the most genuine people I know. I’m very proud to call him my best friend and I brag about him being a pipe welder all the time. Couldn’t ask for a better guy to be in my wedding.
Groomsman
JC is one of my best friends. We’ve got a list of stupid jokes that somehow never get old. He’s incredibly smart — I’m always asking him questions, and he somehow always knows the answer. One time he helped me dig a trench in my backyard until like 9 p.m. on a work night — and he lives 45 minutes away. That’s just JC. He’s helped me out more times than I can count, whether it’s with technical stuff or just good advice when I need it. I Couldn’t imagine not having him up there with me.
Groomsman
I met Magnus at work, and from the start, I knew he was one of a kind. (Our first conversation started with him offering me a cookie — I said no, and he replied, “Okay, f*** you then” (that pretty much set the tone.) Magnus is incredibly level-headed and wise beyond his years. He’s from Wisconsin, and maybe that’s part of why we’ve always gotten along so easily. He’s an amazing cook — somehow making gourmet meals while camping with nothing but a rock and some fire. More than anything, he’s a loyal, genuine friend I can always count on.
Groomsman
Morgan’s brother Carson has always treated me like family, and over time he’s become like a brother to me too. He’s kind, genuine, and always fun to be around. He’s an incredible athlete — whether it’s baseball, golf, or just about anything else, he’s very talented. I hope that one day he will teach me how to play pool, and he’s already got me beat at darts, which I love playing. Carson fits right in with my style, and I really enjoy hanging out with him. I’m proud to have him standing up there with me.