Best Man
I first met Zach the summer before freshmen year of high school in Papillion, NE. I quickly noticed that we had similar personalities and ADHD outbursts. Which helped us develop a close friendship that stood the test of time, even though we live so far apart from each other. Considering I'm THE Best Man I'd say our friendship is pretty dong hard. Zach and Ella are a perfect match that came out of nowhere. I remember when Zach got on Xbox one night and just randomly said "oh I just had an amazing date" and I just thought what do you mean "date" you don't do those. They have the perfect amount of overlapping interest that allows them to develop that foundation of friendship but enough of their own interest to be able to share and broaden each other's horizons. I've told Zach so many times since they met that he didn't just find a girlfriend he found his best friend.
Bridesmaid
Meeting you my freshman year is one of the most defining moments of my entire life. The day you pulled me aside at Eastern to tell me I was one of your safe people is a day I'll always treasure. Seeing you run up to hug me every morning was so special to me as well (and what I'd give to have that everyday again as an adult!) You are one of the pillars of my very being, and I'll always be grateful for those days we shared behind V-building, the B-building hall, basement sleepovers, birthday parties, general shenanigans, English II Honors, and wherever the world took us. You introduced me to so many of my still-current likes and hobbies, I mean, what else would I expect out of my Girl Scout cookie dealer? I am incredibly excited to see you be triumphant over your struggles on your wedding day; you have endured and overcome SO much, and you have won the game! I am excited to see you transform from fiancé to a brilliant bride. You are successful, beautiful, hilarious, creative, and inclusive, all of which are elements I am so psyched to see how you intertwine into your big day. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, you and Zach's wedding will be one of the most unique and special weddings I'll ever have the pleasure to be a part of. I always dreamed of bearing witness to my dear friends (sisters, really) weddings, and I am honored to be there for your turn like you were for mine. Congratulations, and I'll always have your back. Forever and always.
Groomsman
I have known Zach since he was a cute, big-headed baby. Although technically cousins by blood, he's always been my little brother at heart. I'd like to say we were cerebral, well-behaved kids growing up together, but I'm assuming that I shouldn't lie. Whether it was down the bayou, TX, NC, or TN, if there was trouble to find we easily found it and we had a blast doing it regardless of the consequences. It's been amazing watching Zach grow into the man he is today and a blessing to see him find someone who puts up with him. All jokes aside, it's so easy to see that both Zach and Ella are emphatically in love, and they fit together like the last missing piece of a puzzle. Marriage is a journey with both extreme highs and lows, but when you have the person that completes your puzzle navigating the complexities in life become significantly easier.
Bridesmaid
The year was 2008. I don't remember exactly how we met other than it was in gym, 6th grade, and we bonded over Tokyo Mew Mew. From then on we were glued to the hip throughout the remainder of our school careers. From vibing every week at Girl Scouts, that one time I accidentally bitch slapped you (gotta keep my hoes in line) we've done it all it seems. We are Ella & Rebecca, Dumb & Dumber, just two bad bitches against the world. You have always been there when it seems everything has fallen apart. You came to visit me after my brain surgery, comforted me after Bowie passed when most everyone else thought it was stupid. I don't think I would honest be here today without you and the love you've shown me the last 17 years and I can't wait to do this for another 17 (def longer). You are so compassionate and real, I am glad that Zach saw all the things we love about you and said "You know what? Hell yeah." and now we get to be in the wedding of the decade. The way you light up when you talk about him and the smile you have when we hang out is so radiant and I am so thankful for him bringing that back to you in ways we can't. I do want to warn Zach that I know lots of rural areas and I'm from a long line of mentally, unstable women so he best treat you like the mother f'n goddess you are (I have no doubt he does and will but I gotta hit him with the threat nonetheless.) I love you Ella and I am so excited to get to spend more time with Zach and picking his brain about dork shit.
Groomsman
I met Zach in middle school band after he moved to North Carolina from Texas. We had a lot of fun goofing off and being idiots in the percussion section. When he moved back to North Carolina a second time after having moved to Nebraska, we had a lot more fun goofing off and being idiots in the high school drumline. It's probably obvious that my first thoughts on Zach were that he was a goofy idiot, but in an endearing and admirable way, and that's still true today. Ella and Zach are perfect for each other because I think she's just as goofy as he is (in a much less obvious way), but way less of an idiot (in a very obvious way). And us idiots need good women to save us from ourselves more often than we like to admit. Ella and Zach are both caring, hard-working, and love to have fun. They are both already better and stronger together, as any good married couple needs to be. I'm so excited to be there for them when they tie the knot.
Bridesman
I first met Ella back when we attended Alamance Community College. From the moment I arrived, Ella was incredibly welcoming and quickly introduced me to her close-knit group of friends. I can honestly say I've never encountered a more kind-hearted and inclusive group of people. Over time, our friendship grew stronger as we bonded over shared interests, particularly our love for anime, video games, and weekend outings around Burlington. Ella has been one of my closest and most dependable friends since 2016. She's someone I can always count on whenever I face challenges or need someone to talk to. I first met her fiancé, Zach, when I was doing pet sitting for them. By that time, Ella had already spoken about him often, so I had a sense of who he was, but meeting him in person really solidified the connection they shared. Zach is just as genuine and caring as Ella, and it quickly became obvious to me that they were a perfect match. They balance each other out and lift each other up, and it's obvious that they bring out the best in one another. I'm incredibly happy to see how much they've grown together and how much they continue to support one another. Their love is something special and it's a privilege to witness that journey as a couple. I genuinely believe that Ella and Zach are made for each other and I couldn't be more excited for the future they're building together.
Groomsman
I've known Zach since birth. I'm glad he has Ella so he can stop bugging me.