I met this bridesmaid first. Hannah saw me standing alone at the playground that first day in kindergarten and immediately took action. Birthdays/holidays in elementary school growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness can be brutal, but Hannah always defended me. Hannah helped me grow out of my shell as she would protect me from mean kids and valued me for who I am. I couldn’t imagine a better person to rock out at the Hannah Montana: Best of Both Worlds Tour with. When she moved away I swore I would never recover.

I met my maid of honor second. For those that don’t know my mom met Sheridan first, as her 2nd grade substitute teacher. Then my mom comes home raving about this girl I just have to be friends with. To which I refused, as Sheridan was ~bad~ and for all the reasons I listed as to why I shouldn’t be friends with her my mom tried to convince me were her best qualities. “But mom she talks during class” “but mom she argues with the teacher” “but mom she breaks the rules”. I now know those ARE her best qualities and I’m so lucky to know her. Sheridan is one of my favorite conversationalists. She will challenge authority in the name of justice. Sheridan stands up for what is right even if that means breaking a rule or two.

I met this bridesmaids third. Allison is my smarty pants bestie who I met through our gifted classes together. One of my favorite memories is dressing up as a class in Ancient Greek attire and giving speeches on our respective costumes together. Throughout golf tournaments and family trips Al was my partner in crime. Allison is truly one of the most thoughtful and intelligent people you will ever meet. Allison is also the perfect person to have movie dates with: whether at a theater or cuddled up on a couch at home she will always bring great commentary and popcorn.

I met this bridesmaids fourth. In the sixth grade I met my Brooksie and honestly my life has never been the same (in the best way possible!) Brooks brings out my inner Blair Waldorf and not with her inner Serena but with her own inner Blair Waldorf. I tell Brooks I am thinking about doing something and she either gives me the confidence to do it myself or does it with me. In 8th grade I told Brooks I wanted to be Ms. Gossett’s aide but I was too scared to do it alone. She did it with me. Brooks has an excellent sense of humor and keeps me laughing. She is one of the few people who can make a joke about you, and yet you still find it funny and not offensive. Brooks can be one of your biggest advocates and cheering on her friends is one of her favorite activities.

I met this bridesmaid fifth. As a freshman in college I was as scared as I was that first day in kindergarten. Across the hall in my freshman dorm in a friends room is where I met Déza. Déza’s energy was so calming I immediately knew I wanted to be her friend. I didn’t think I could meet anyone more shy than me though, and getting her to want to be my friend back took some time, but it was so worth it! You will never meet a sweeter, more loyal girl than Déza. Déza is always down for Chick-fil-A dates, getting our nails done or simply just to come over and hangout. She is one of my favorite people to just do nothing with and also my pi phi sister!

I met this bridesmaid last. Sarah is my tough love friend. My “your depression piles are out of control” friend. My “get up we’re going for a walk on a nature trail” friend. My “you have to go to class you skipped the last two” friend. A friend that I absolutely adore and need. Sarah kept me balanced in college and always told me exactly what I needed to hear, even if I didn’t always want to listen. Sarah is courageous and strong. Sarah is also one of my most favorite people to go on adventures with, I miss living in DeLand where we could drive to beautiful nature trails and hike whenever we pleased. Let me introduce you to my world traveling pi phi sister!

Tone Mac is the friend who always has my back, no matter what. His positive energy and kindness are infectious, and I'm grateful to have him as part of this special day. Let me introduce you to Tony my best man and lifelong friend. Tone and I have shared countless adventures, from childhood escapades to adult milestones. We also crossed paths through Jamil and after his passing. Tone being my rock through thick and thin, always offering wisdom, laughter, and unwavering support. Tonys loyalty and genuine kindness make him more than just a friend; he's family. I'm incredibly grateful to have him by my side on this momentous day.

"Coop” is the life of the party and my go-to guy for all things adventurous. We've been through thick and thin since kids, and I couldn't imagine this day without my cousin by my side.

Nard is my cousin and one of my closest friends. Growing up together, we've shared countless memories. Nard has a great sense of humor and a kind heart, making him a joy to be around. I'm incredibly grateful to have him as a groomsman and to share this special day with him by my side.

James and I crossed paths later in life, but it feels like we've known each other forever. James's loyalty, sense of humor, and unwavering support have been invaluable. He's the kind of friend who always has your back, and I'm honored to have him stand by my side on this special day.

Dom is the guy who knows how to turn any situation into a great time. Much like our friend Jamil, Dom’s spontaneity and zest for life are inspiring, and I'm lucky to call him a friend, brother and groomsman.

Dre is not just my cousin but also my best friend. His loyalty and sense of humor have always kept our family gatherings lively. Honored to have him stand with me on my big day.