Adi is my greatest blessing, the most precious gift the Lord has ever entrusted to me. Sharing this day with her feels like something only God could have orchestrated. Most mothers don’t get to have their daughter beside them on their wedding day, and that makes this moment sacred beyond words. Watching the bond between Ben and Adi grow, the love, laughter, and gentle understanding they share, fills my heart with gratitude. Having her by my side as we begin this next chapter means more to me than words can express. She is, and always will be, one of my life’s greatest joys.

I’ve known Eddie since high school when we both worked as busboys at Tequila Berries. We didn’t exactly hit it off at first, but over time our friendship grew into something solid. We ended up living together for 15 years, and through all of life’s ups and downs, Eddie has always been there. I don’t have any siblings, but he became my brother. He’s honest… a straight shooter… and one of the most supportive people I’ve ever known. I couldn’t imagine this day without him by my side.

Melissa may be my cousin, but she’s always been my sister in every way that matters. Our moms are sisters, and neither of us had sisters of our own, I have two brothers, and she’s an only child, so from the very beginning, she became our sister, and she’s always felt that way. We grew up side by side, spending weekends at Grandma’s house, always finding ways to be together. When I was playing with my dolls, Melissa would be right next to me with her toy animals. We’d play Barbies, dress up Grandma’s cats (and get yelled at for it!), and later, as we got older, we’d play Silent Hill video games with our brothers and cousins or head off to concerts together. Melissa has always been my go-to person, the one who gets me without judgment. She’s easygoing, loyal, and genuinely one of the kindest people I know (besides Ben!). Even though she’s younger than me, I’ve always looked up to her as a sister. Having her by my side as my Matron of Honor means more than words can express, she’s been family, a friend, and a piece of my heart since day one.

Greg is my oldest friend. We met in grade school on the same baseball team and grew up in the same neighborhood. He’s always been someone I’ve looked up to as a role model and a solid example of a good man. Even though our lives took different paths, he’s always welcomed me in like family. Greg’s the kind of friend you can trust completely - honest, steady, and always there.

Faith has been my best friend since birth, truly a sister in every way that matters. We’ve shared so many seasons of life together, including the time we lived together while interning in a program. We loved that experience, but it was also eye-opening in ways we didn’t expect and brought us even closer. Years later, when I was living in Texas and found out I was pregnant, Faith was the first person I called. Without hesitation, she bought a plane ticket and flew out that same night. That’s just who she is, loyal, selfless, and always there when I need her most. Through every chapter of my life, laughter, tears, and everything in between, she’s been steady, loving, and true. Having her by my side as my Maid of Honor means more to me than words can express, and I’m endlessly thankful for the lifelong friendship and sisterhood we share.

I met Dan in junior high when he was the new kid who made friends with everyone right away. He loved baseball and fit right in with Greg and me. Another kid from the neighborhood, we spent a lot of time together - even learning dance moves at his aunt and uncle’s place. We were roommates as young adults, and I’ve always admired how outgoing and genuine he is. As we got older, I respected him even more as he worked his way through college and started a family. Even then, he’s always welcomed me in and made me feel included, even when I was still living the bachelor life. Dan’s someone you can trust with anything - and he’s always a good time to be around.

Olivia is my favorite niece and, in so many ways, my very first “born.” From the moment she came into this world, I loved her with all my heart. She came into our lives during a time when our family was walking through a dark season, and her arrival brought light, and healing when we needed it most. That darkness lifted the day she was born, she’s been a reminder of hope and joy ever since. She is so much more to our family than words could ever express. Watching her grow into the young woman she is today fills me with pride. She’s always had the kindest, most gentle heart, and the compassion she shows others is truly beautiful. Knowing that her dream is to become a nurse feels so fitting, caring for others has always come naturally to her. One of the things I love most is how she guides and loves Adi. There’s such a sweet and genuine connection between them, and seeing that bond means so much to me. Olivia continues to bring light, laughter, and warmth wherever she goes, and having her stand beside me on this special day is something I’ll treasure forever.

I met KC in junior high. Even before we were friends, I knew who he was - one of those guys people just knew in certain circles. Eventually we connected, and before long we were cruising around in his mom’s Celica and hanging out at Ridgedale Mall. When he went off to college, we lost some time, but when he moved back it felt like no time had passed. Choosing sobriety around the same time gave our friendship a different kind of depth. KC’s the kind of friend who’s solid -the guy who shows up.

Lizzy has been one of my truest friends since childhood. We grew up in similar ways, both without sisters, and she quickly became part of our family. Lizzy, Melissa, and I were inseparable, more like sisters than friends, and the bond we built over the years runs deep. Lizzy and I share a similar sense of humor and a special understanding as moms. She’s one of those friends who loves fiercely and stands by you without hesitation, the kind who shows up, has your back, and would go in guns blazing if needed (and I mean that literally, lol). During one of the hardest seasons of my life, my divorce, she was there for me in ways I’ll never forget. Her strength is quiet but powerful, and her loyalty runs deep. I look up to Lizzy and her family more than she probably knows. She and her husband have built something beautiful together, and they’re such an example to me of faith, perseverance, and love. And since we both grew up homeschooled, we completely understand how different (and let’s be honest, how weird!) homeschoolers can be, we’ll always laugh about that. Lizzy is fierce, funny, and full of heart. I’m so grateful for her friendship, her honesty, and the laughter she’s brought into my life. Having her stand beside me on this day means more than she’ll ever know.

Amelia & Willa are the daughters of Lizzy, and they were the very first children (besides Adi) that Ben got to know. From the start, they've brought smiles, laughter, and joy, and Ben has loved every moment with them. Having them as flower girls is extra special.

Lisa is my cousin, and her dad is my dad’s older brother. Growing up, she was a little older than me, and I was definitely the “annoying younger kid” tagging along whenever I could. But as I got older, that changed, we built a friendship rooted in love, laughter, and a whole lot of fun. She even nicknamed me “Sniff,” and to this day, she still calls me that, a sweet reminder of our bond and all those childhood years that shaped us. I used to stay overnight at her house with her sister, Amy, and we made so many memories, from concerts and Twins games to wearing “suicide sandals” and laughing until our sides hurt. No matter what we were doing, we always found a way to make the time we spent together fun. Lisa was always someone I looked up to. I’ve always admired her independence, her love for being outdoors, and her passion for hunting. She reminds me so much of my aunt, someone who can take absolutely anything and turn it into a treasure. Lisa has that same creative eye and gift for finding beauty where others might not. Even though our lives have gone in different directions and we don’t get to spend nearly as much time together as we’d like, it never feels like we’ve lost touch. Every time we reconnect, it’s effortless, we fall right back into laughter and comfort like no time has passed. Lisa has a grounded spirit, a big heart, and a way of making people feel at ease. Love you!

Clint is married to Melissa, my Matron of Honor. Clint’s the kind of guy you want in your corner- kind, easygoing, and always willing to show up. In his 20s, Clint, his cousin, and his older brother started their own TV series on channel 2. Now, he hosts Late Night Hour with Clint Ducklow on YouTube, interviewing guests like Rob Dyrdek. He’s a man of many talents, our DJ, sound guy, and the one putting together the slideshow for our big day. Clint doesn’t just offer to help… he shows up. We’re lucky to have him playing such a big part in this day. Love you Clinton!

Andrew is Ben’s cousin’s fiancé, and we’re happy to have him as part of our wedding day. He’s a kind, genuine person who is known for his dependable nature and easygoing personality. An outdoorsman at heart, Andrew has been a loving and supportive partner to Ben’s cousin for many years, and we’re grateful to have him helping welcome our family and friends as we celebrate.

Karin, Ben’s cousin, is someone who always has a smile on her face and brings a positive attitude wherever she goes. She’s known for being dependable, hardworking, and someone you can always count on. Ben has many great memories with Karin, from making the drive to Wisconsin to spend time with her and her brothers and sisters on the Finke farm to the fun summers spent swimming together at the Redpath cabin. We’re grateful to have Karin helping welcome our family and friends as we celebrate.