How many people have a best friend for over 34 years? I’m thankful to say I’m that guy. Aaron is the friend you call for anything and no questions are asked. And even more importantly, no favors are expected in return. Over the years, time has taken us to different places in our lives, different corners of the world, yet Aaron was the one constant on which I could rely. Always there with words of encouragement and support. A brother from another mother and someone I could trust with anything. Including marrying me & Elizabeth. He’s the only person I would entrust this incredibly special and sacrosanct ceremony. Just like he has for the past 34 years, I know he’ll do right by me and now, my new bride. There is no one else I could imagine officiating the start of our new life as husband & wife.

The Crapass. There. I said it. You are going to find out anyway....that's the affectionate name I gave her over 30 years ago when we first met. Oil and Water. Type A and...The Crapass. Wound Way TOO Tight and Just Go With the Flow. But yet, here we are....she is truly the Yin to my Yang- I wouldn't trade her for the world. So many adventures I've had with this girl. The times before cell phones and (thank God) social media. I'd hate for any of the pics of her in her pleather, sparkle micro mini and afro puff hair-do be made public (see me after the ceremony). She's fiercely protective, unwaveringly loyal, unabashedly non-objective in her adoration of me and is someone I admire to no end. Even through my darkest days, she stuck around....and has never used them against me. You might find yourself calling her "Crapass" and when you do, just know, the name was bestowed with the utmost respect and affection. She's one in a million and I'm just glad I get to share her with you on this special day.

Although she's the newest member of the "Bride Tribe", she's the friend you feel like you've known for years....you WISH you'd known for years. It's almost like she can read my mind at times (scary thought) and yet she still keeps showing up! Nothing phases MB- Over sharing? nope. Bad bridesmaids dress fittings? nope. Calls at 2 AM asking her to bring bleach and a shovel? nope...wait a minute......could it be just because I've been bribing her with multiple cake tastings???? In all seriousness, MB is my ride or die and I am so thankful to have met her to have her by my side on this wedding journey and as a friend for life!

While not necessarily "love at first sight" on her part (ask her about the oven), she's the one person who always makes me feel like the prettiest, smartest, most wonderful girl in the world. Not only is she my favorite Aunt (and I have more than 1), but she's my person. She's the Jesse to my Walter White....she's my Caribou Queen (ask her to sing a little Billy Ocean for you....). I've gone through some of the best of times and some of the worst times with this woman, and through all of them, she never wavered. She may be small, but she's mighty, a force to be reckoned with. She was my idol growing up- with her sparkly makeup, her fast, red, sports car, her big video vixen hair....I wanted to be JUST like her. Funny how some things don't change even today (although I think her car is now black). However, today I admire her for a different set of accomplishments and life skills too long to mention here. Thank you for being a "force to be reckoned with" in my life when I needed you the most and for being a part of this most special day.

When you have 6 uncles, it's hard to single out just one. However, when one of those uncles is Blaine Schwendiman, the field narrows considerably and the choice becomes clear. For as long as I can remember, Blaine has been my "best man", always there, teaching me things a boy needs to know. Helping me learn those tough life lessons a young man has to experience the hard way; all the while doing it with the quiet strength and gentle spirit you see before you today. Blaine is truly the epitome of a Best Man- always by your side, through the good and bad times. Picking you up when you are down.... celebrating your joys & triumphs. The example Blaine has set forth over the years has helped guide me to become the man I am today and ultimately end up in this moment. I am forever grateful for his generosity of spirit and unconditional love. I truly couldn't ask for a better person to be by my side on this special day, as he has been through my entire life thus far.

There are events that change the trajectory of one’s life for the better. The birth of my first child Jordan did just that. He made my life not just about myself, selfishly headed down the wrong path; to being responsible for others, and making life exponentially better. In my opinion, being a dad is the best thing in the world and being Jordan’s dad plays a huge role in why I feel that way. Between the many highs and the lows, our relationship continues to grow and evolve. He has been there when I have needed help as well as to celebrate my wins. As a parent, I know I did my best (sometimes better than others) in guiding and setting examples however, I’ve learned a lot from my first born as well. I am proud of the young man he’s become and couldn’t imagine this day without him by my side.

We call him "McGyver" for good reason. Broken tire? Please, give him a challenge. Engine dead? Got a toothpick, piece of chewing gum and some scotch tape? Bottom of your shed rotted out? Ron will show up with a sledge hammer and a jack and your shed will look almost as good as new by EOD (true story). Basically, there is nothing that Ron Butler can't do or fix, which makes him a perfect choice for a groomsman. Add to the fact that he's ridiculously funny and just really great to hang out with- it's a winning combination. Having Ron as a part of the Groom Crew ensures that if anything does go wrong, McGyver Butler will figure out how to make it right; hopefully without the bride ever being any the wiser!

I loved him first....and there's a part of me that will always be his little girl, no matter how "grown up" I'm supposed to be. Thank you, Daddy for giving me everything you had to make me into the woman I am today. I know you're not perfect, but you set the bar high for every one that came after.....it's ok.....I'm in good hands now. And NO MATTER WHAT..... I'll always love you.

He met me at my lowest of lows...and loved me upon first sight. So it's only fitting that the man that has stuck by me through thick and thin, retrieved me cross country multiple times, saved me from countless spiders & neck tattoos.....be the man by my side on the happiest day of my life. Over the years his dedication and fidelity to my Aunt has been a template that I noticed and tucked away for future reference. His quiet modesty, lack of boasting , and the genuine gift of friendship that he offers to all is a true life lesson in action. In my darkest hours, I call my Unca- and he always answers. That is why there is no one more deserving than him to walk next to me, down the aisle, to give me away as I start this new chapter in life.