A.K.A. - A.M.A. My best Friend in Nashville for the past 4 years - We met when I was going to Pure Barre in Brentwood, TN and she was an Instructor. She rolled down her window one day leaving class and said "So... Should we get margs?" and, if you know me at all, that is how you kidnap me. She recently became a Partner at Hall Strategies in Nashville, loves and takes care of her family in every way, and surrounds herself with lovely humans. I am honored to have such a close relationship with her. We take annual beach trips to the panhandle of Florida. She has become my "sounding board" for everything because of her wisdom, beautiful perspective, and humility. This girl's strength in a storm is exemplary. The amount of Margs and Queso we have consumed at El Fuego over the years figuring out life are some of my favorite times with you. I have a feeling we will have many many more to come.

She is a busy wife and mother of two sweet little boys! Francesca has the bubbliest personality and the best laugh in the room. When she starts laughing, it's hard to get her to stop. To get to go through this whole process with her by my side is tear-worthy. She is so funny, down to earth, and loves a cozy night in and one-on-one time. I have handed over the role of CSR of our Parents' Insurance agency this year to her and she is doing it flawlessly. She is an amazing wife and mother and I hope to be like her as Chris and I take this next step. She puts her husband and children first above all else and deserves the world. It has been the sweetest to plan all of the things with her!

My Best friend in California! Stevie and I met bartending at Maggiano's in Costa Mesa, CA. She is a knowledgeable bartender from L.A., so it is a miracle that she ended up at Maggiano's. haha! We have been extremely close for the past 12 years. She is full of love and light. She and her husband own a gym in Costa Mesa, CA and have two sweet little babies! She has been absolutely INCREDIBLE considering her busy schedule and us living across the country. She has walked with me through some of the most challenging times, and I love that we are together in the best times now! A rooftop in Laguna and mountains of Prosecco on a beautiful afternoon hates to see us coming... Blessed with her friendship and sisterhood forever!

Leo is my "brother from another mother". We met in the restaurant industry as he was a "regular" at Maggiano's where I bartended in Costa Mesa. He has been a bartender at Fleming's in Newport Beach for 25+ years and is a self-taught artist, but also one of those people where he can do anything he puts his mind to. He's wise, full of patience, and one of my dearest friends. He has been a guiding light in my life and a "calm in the storm" when I needed it. I knew I needed him up there with all of my girls on our wedding day. He is married to another beautiful soul, Deborah, and they are beautiful together! Can't wait to see his 6'3" self up there with all of my beautiful girls.

Lauren is one of my first cousins, but more like a sister. We actually refer to each other as "Parallel life sisters" because we have gone through very similar walks. We have lived most of our lives in different cities, but are thick as thieves. She is an amazingly loving wife, works hard as a Physical Therapist assistant, and serves her family and friends selflessly with EVERYTHING she has at the end of the day. Truly, don't know how she does it. She is THE most creative human on this planet. She also has her own business hosting Paint nights, doing floral for any event, and really any beautiful thing you need done... Her whit, charm, and beauty is effortless and a blessing to be around. Do we jump, scream, and cry tears of joy when we see each other? Yes. Will we do that into our 80's? Also, yes.

Future Sister - in - law! On my recent Bachelorette trip, she said "I will only accept 'Sis' from now on!'" Liz lives in D.C. and can't wait for the next adventure! Her personality is light, colorful, and loves to be in the sunshine. She has said before "I am like a houseplant.. I just need a little water and sunshine!" and that couldn't be more accurate. She is an avid hiker and has been all around the world for her work in environmental water resources and also just for exploring new places. I am SO excited to have a new sister!

Jillian hired me at the bar I still work at in Franklin, O' Be Joyful. She has since retired from the Industry and is a loving wife and mother. I came in one night for a nightcap and had been thinking of getting back into bartending after a 2 year hiatus. Our friendship has, obviously, withstood the workplace and many can understand how much those relationships mean. The heart to hearts we have had could fill a book. She is SO knowledgeable, extremely wise, slow to speak, and steadfast in her faith. I am truly honored to have her in my life! I have always looked up to her, even though we are 3 months apart in age. She always said "Don't you dare call yourself names... Just call them your 'silly goose' moments". So, I will pass on that knowledge here.

**Yes, Megan and Mina are the same person** haha! Mina ... Where to begin... 25 years of friendship right here. We met in church and grew up together. I remember when we would visit Nashville from California and I would ask my parents to just drop me off at Mina's. Mina and I were the friends that went to the mall, learned how to do makeup together, swapped clothes, and swapped teenage dreams. She is a "Girl's girl" and always will be. She has ALWAYS served her family and friends behind the scenes in ways that nobody could ever imagine.... Truly. I know that if I called her and said "I need you", she would be there in a heartbeat, no questions asked, and it would never leave the room. She is an AMAZING wife and mother to 4 beautiful babies! She is SO real, down to earth, kind, and keeps her circle small. I am blessed to be apart of it.

Shan... Another 20+ year friendship. Talk about another amazing wife and mother. She and her husband have been together forever and have 3 sweet boys! She homeschools them all while working as a coordinator for a local venue! Shanna has been a friend that has zero judgement, the most open perspective, and will give sound advice. There have been SO many times where I need direction and just go "I need to to talk to Shanna..." Down to earth is an understatement, when talking about this chick. She has ALWAYS been inclusive and loves getting to know new people. I am so grateful for her and her role in my life! She is the queen of effortless beauty, a great Christmas party, and being an intentional friend. She has been keeping Chris and I on task and organized as we plan our big day!

Aubs - I love that we met through Chris. I love that we have become so close over the years. I love that you have come to my family's Thanksgivings. I love that you are so willing to come on the lake with us whenever you can. I love that you are so willing to come help me with Tether in all of these new places. I love that Chris got insanely jealous when you called him to get ahold of me because my phone was on silent to invite me to a Pasta making class and not him. I love how real you are. I love our chats. Talk about effortless class, that is this girl. Your eye for design and your taste is timeless. You are one of the funniest people I know. I know for a fact that you will always be in my life, even though we have known each other for 3.5 years. I could go on and on. You are the BEST. I am so lucky to have you in my circle through Chris who you didn't know in college even though you guys went to the same college but reconnected through a mutual friend in Nashville. Like, what? Destiny.

Tara is the first friend of Chris' that I met in Nashville. Tara is a beautiful wife, new mama, and business owner! She has an amazing eye for all things design. Going back to early 2023, I will never forget when we pulled up to your condo and Chris yells out the window out of pure excitement. We gabbed the WHOLE evening and connected immediately. We stayed so late that we ordered late night pizza. Tara is so pretty that you're like "geez, same some for the rest of us..." She is extremely driven physically, professionally, and she and her husband are always looking at the next step in life. Not only do they talk about it, but they accomplish their goals. They have just had the most beautiful baby girl. They host the best Christmas and NYE parties and we even took a stab at combining forces this past year out of the upcoming arrival of baby girl! We have become fast friends, and I am SO excited for all of the things that life has for us and our families here in Nashville. You are SO kind, thoughtful, lovely, and have welcomed me with open arms into your life! We love the Ashtons!