Nikki is my big sister—six years older and endlessly proud of it. She’s been calling me “Matchewwww Honeyyyyy” since I was a kid, and yep, she still does. She’s always been there for me—whether I needed advice, backup, or just someone to tell me the truth (even when I really didn’t want to hear it). Nikki tells it like it is, no sugarcoating—but always with love. We bicker like any siblings do, but beneath all of that is a bond that’s solid and unshakable. She's not just my sister; she’s one of my best friends. There was never a question about who I wanted standing beside me on this day. It had to be Nikki… (Also, Cory was unavailable.)

I am incredibly fortunate to have an older brother who has been a constant source of love and support. There is so much I could say about him, but I’ll keep it brief. While we don’t get to choose our family, I couldn’t be more grateful to have him in mine, and I was overjoyed to have him by my side on my special day. Throughout life’s challenges, he has been my rock, offering support in difficult times and bringing so much joy to my life. No matter our differences or preferences, I have always felt completely accepted by him. He has a way of making me feel valued and appreciated in every season of life. Beyond being a wonderful brother, he has been a role model—showing me what it means to have strong character, big dreams, and a strong work ethic. He is a truly exceptional person, and I feel so lucky to not only call him my brother but to have the privilege of knowing him.

I’ve known Bailey for almost 10 years now. We first met while I was working with her (now) husband, Dan—who also happens to be officiating our wedding. At the time, I was in my second year teaching percussion for Seneca's front ensemble, and Bailey had just started her journey as a choir teacher. We instantly clicked—thanks in part to my service dog, Coda, who couldn’t keep his paws (literally) off her. Our shared love of music helped build a friendship that’s only grown stronger over the years. Bailey has this amazing way of keeping me grounded—especially when my brain forgets to filter what comes out of my mouth. There’s never a dull moment between us, and we never miss a chance to laugh—especially at the "blind" jokes we trade, since both of us are a little visually challenged. We’ve been through so many adventures together, and yes, I was even there during her “man-stealing” days—which, thankfully, ended with her stealing the right one and marrying him. I absolutely adore our friendship. I can’t imagine my life—or my day—without Bailey by my side.

I met Kolbie in 2023 when I started working at Maryhurst, and despite them being younger, we quickly developed a big sibling/little brother dynamic. I bring the chaos; Kolbie brings the sass and occasional eye-rolls—but also genuine support. Kolbie became one of my closest friends, always there through the highs and lows. I’ve been threatened with classroom exile more times than I can count for hijacking their Kahoot games and getting way too competitive. Plus, my unsolicited science rants don’t exactly make things easier. Somehow, Kolbie still puts up with me—and sometimes even encourages it. Then there’s the Great Gum Incident, which earned me a lifetime ban on gum in their classroom because I spit it out after it lost its flavor. No regrets. Beneath all the jokes and teasing, Kolbie is one of the kindest, most dependable people I know. So when it came to my wedding day, there was no question—they had to be standing with me. My day wouldn’t be complete without them.

I’ve had the absolute joy of knowing Anna for the past two years, and in that time, she’s become one of the most important people in my life. She’s seriously one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I’ve ever met. I honestly wonder how I got so lucky to have her as a friend. From day one, we just clicked. Our wonderfully neurospicy brains and shared love for all things artsy made it feel like we’d known each other forever. One of my favorite memories of Anna is watching her bedazzle a pink pumpkin—and somehow make it look like a masterpiece. That’s Anna in a nutshell: creative, bold, and completely herself. But what makes her truly special is her heart. She stands up for people who don’t always have a voice, shows up for the ones she loves, and always knows how to make you feel seen and understood. She’s been my venting buddy, my hype woman, and my safe space. Having Anna in my life is a gift, and I couldn’t imagine my wedding day without her—sparkle, Swiftie energy, and all.

The enigmatic man with the beard, whom I had first perceived as somewhat distant, truly surprised me. Over time, he revealed a more personal and open side of himself, and I found myself deeply appreciative of his willingness to share that with me. In response, I opened up as well, and from there, a genuine bond of camaraderie began to grow. Torin, another colleague on this journey, has a heart and spirit that are truly remarkable. In many ways, he reminds me of my own older brother, and as a result, I often find myself playfully teasing him in much the same way. Our friendship has grown to include our families, allowing us to connect with a level of vulnerability and trust that feels as though we’ve been family all along. Some of the qualities I cherish most about Torin are his sense of humor, his devotion as a father, and his one-of-a-kind personality. Once you get to know him, there’s no middle ground—you either completely adore him or… well, you don’t. Luckily for me, he’s someone I can’t help but adore.

I’ve known Lindsay for about a year now, and somehow in that short time, she’s managed to become so much more than just a coworker. She’s my work bestie, my partner-in-chaos, and my emotional support human — the person who keeps me sane (or at least somewhat functioning) while I unravel daily. She puts up with my unfiltered nonsense, my menace-to-society moments, and all the weird in-between — without even flinching. Whether I’m spiraling over something minor, needing a midday rant session, or just craving someone to laugh with when everything feels a little too much, she’s there. She just gets it. And having someone like her around makes even the most chaotic workdays feel bearable — and the good ones even more fun. I genuinely don’t know how I did work life before her. So when it came to my wedding day, I knew I needed that same support human standing beside me — because if anyone could talk me down from a stress spiral, make me laugh through the nerves, and remind me to breathe, it’s Lindsay. I couldn't imagine doing it without her.

Gabe has been such a wonderful addition to my circle of friends, fitting in so naturally that it feels like he’s been part of my life for much longer than he has. Intelligent, witty, and full of life, he brings an energy that I deeply appreciate. We’ve known each other for about three years now, and I truly believe this is just the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Many of our best memories together revolve around games—whether it’s video games, board games, or epic sessions of Dungeons & Dragons. Though I wish I had met Gabe earlier in life, I’m incredibly grateful for the bond we’ve built. He’s left a lasting impression on me, and I look forward to many more years of laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories together.