Bridesmaids, Flowergirls, and a Ring Bearer Oh My!

For the last three years I have known who I want to stand next to me at the altar as my bridesmaids. This has been the easiest decision so far in the wedding planning extravaganza. I grew up with a group of girls and have remained close with them throughout the last 14 years+  years. They each hold a special place in my heart. No matter how many days, months, or years pass I can see or talk to each of them and it will feel like there was never a lapse in time.

Maid of Honor- Emily

Emily and I met when I was born. She is my first cousin and almost exactly one year older than me. We have been close since birth and grew up together playing every other weekend and every summer. Gotta love divorced parents. Emily is the most amazing, smart, and strong woman I have ever met. She is my rock and always has been. I can count on her to always be there for the tears and the laughter. We have been through so much together and I could not imagine anyone else standing next to me as my Maid of Honor! She has one daughter, Maddie (7), who you will hear more about later.

Kala

Where do I start with Kala? We first met in 5th grade. We became realy close and were inseparable in middle school and high school. We both attended the same college our first two years and have been through so much together. Kala is another very strong, smart, and independent woman that I am happy to have in my life. She knows me better than most people and that will never change. Her family is very dear to my heart and I have a second and third Mom- Jammie and Amy, Sister- Kasi, and Brother- Kris because of it. She is now married to Ryan and has Jaxson (2 1/2) and another one on the way.

Lauren

This is the only picture I could find of the both of us so we need to take more pictures together Lauren! :)

Oh Lauren, Lauren! We met in high school and have remained close ever since. She is a loving, kind, free spirit. She would do anything for me! I can call her up anytime if I need a shoulder to cry on or need to laugh! We have so many fun memories together and I will always cherish our friendship. She has the most beautiful daughter, Brooklyn, which you will hear more about later.

Mandy

There were so many pictures of us to choose from because we LOOOOVE to take pictures together. Just look at my Facebook pictures. There is not one of Mandy alone because I love being right next to her. She is compassionate, loving, and beautiful inside and out! I can always call her to get advice or just chat about life. Mandy is married to Toby (Tobe Tobe) has a daughter, Leighton (2,) and another girl due in August. The Blondie Bunch we like to call them!

Melissa-

Oh sweet Melissa! She is definitely the MOST strong, determined, and kind woman I know. She has been through so much in the last couple of years and I sometimes wonder how she does it. Her and I became close when we went on a spring break trip to Daytona during college. We had a blast and have remained close ever since. She makes me laugh so much every time I am with her. I can NOT wait for her to be a part of my big day.

Becky

This picture tells it all. I have an absolute blast with Becky every time we are together. She is always up for a good time and I have so many memories of her and I. Actually I was living with Becky in her house when Rob and I met. She has known Rob and I together literally from the first moment we met. She has an adorable dog, Cha Cha, that has been around since the beginning of Rob and I too.

Rachel

Rachel is THE most hard-working, reliable, and kind-hearted woman I know. Her and I met in 3rd grade and have been friends ever since. We loved having sleepovers at each other's houses' in grade school. When I lived in Ky we would meet weekly for walks at Kirklevington Park or just sit on my patio and talk. We never run out of things to talk about. She is married to Brandon with four children- Anthony (10), Adrian (6), and twins- Ari and Drew (4).

Flowergirls- Yes I have 3!
I wanted 4 and may still have that many if Ari wants to.

Maddie-

Maddie is the apple of my eye. She is sweet, bright, and smart. Maddie is Emily's daughter so she is family. When I taught in Ky she attended preschool at Sts. Peter and Paul school so I got to see her every day. Since then we have both moved out of state. I miss her so much! I don't get to see her nearly as much as I would like. But she knows how special she is to me. She will start second grade in the fall!

Brooklyn-

Brooklyn is so silly, sweet, and sensitive. She is Lauren's daughter and I have known Brooklyn since she was conceived. Rob actually met me the week we found out Lauren was expecting. I was living with Lauren and Becky at the time. Brooklyn has a special place in my heart. I took care of her the first year of her life while Lauren went to college. We would take daily walks in her stroller. She was the best baby ever. She will start second grade in the Fall!

Leighton

Leighton will be 2 in July. She is so beautiful, sweet, and sassy. She loves baby dolls and water. Her Mom is Mandy, a bridesmaid and best friend. I do not see Leigh as much as I would like but reading her Momma's blog is the next best thing. I can NOT wait for her to be a part of my special day.

Ring Bearer
Jaxson

Jaxson is 2 1/2 and an absolute doll! He is so sweet, cute, and smart! His mom is my best friend and bridesmaid, Kala. I have enjoyed watching him grow up the last two years and can't believe he is going to have a sibling in January! He is going to be a ladies' man, especially with three blonde flowergirls to take care of.

Here are more pictures of my special girls and the memories we have created so far.
Hopefully there will be many more in the future! I love all of you and thank-you for being a part of my special day.