Steph and I were rivals in high school, but freshman year of college at Central we became roommates and instant best friends! She is like my long-lost sister. Steph and I have shared so many memories together, especially for only knowing each other well for 4 years! Some fun memories include Florida spring break, long night talks, Keith ruining my stereo, running up the stairs, etc. Even though she transfered to the dark side (ISU) her sophomore year, we have remained as close as ever :) I am excited for the upcoming months of planning with Steph! She is currently a senior at ISU and preparing for law school next fall.

Paige is Keith's sister. I knew and hung out with Paige before I knew Keith because we played softball together in high school. Whenever I am with her, I have a great time! I love being around the Pedersen family, and many times it is because Paige is there and I have so much fun when I am with her. Ever since Keith and I started dating, she has been like a sister to me and I cannot wait until I really get to call her my sister :) I am so glad that she agreed to be a bridesmaid and part of the wedding party! Paige is living in Scottsdale, Arizona and is working for LifeLock.

Amanda and I also grew up together in Jefferson. I did not become real close to her until our last couple years of high school and better late than never! Amanda is such a fun person to be around and there is always laughter when I am with her! I am so glad that she is going to be apart of my wedding party and we are growing closer to each other each and every day. I thank God every day for such an amazing friend! I am also excited because Amanda is moving to Des Moines this January to attend Mercy College of Health Sciences with me. She is currently attending nursing school in Rochester, Minnesota.

Blake and I have been roommates for three years. He was actually a friend of Mary's before I knew him. Blake also goes to Drake Law. He is a soccer player, but we try not to hold that against him. We both share a pretty laid back attitude, but like to argue random points into the ground. All kidding aside, Blake is a guy I can go out to the bar with, study with, or just sit around and watch football with, and always have a good time (except studying, no one has fun studying).

Zak and I were teammates on the basketball team at Central for the last 4 years and roommates for the last 3. Zak is out in the working world right now, that is when he isn't at every Iowa home game. Z and I have always gotten along well, stemming from our on-the-court relationship of him shooting from 20 feet and me shooting from 2 feet. Some of my favorite memories with Z include all 3 spring break trips, basketball games, and all the great times living together.

Reed has always been a good sport, whether it was Paige and I making him do extra chores or Adam and I using him as target practice. Now that he is a senior at Jefferson-Scranton, he is coming into his own. He has been excelling on the football feild as a tight-end and field-goal kicker. He is also looking to have a good year in basketball. Reed has always been there doing whatever his big brothers were doing and it has always been a joy to be able to watch him grow up.

Nelly was my teammate throughout high-school and college. Six years on the court has led to both of us getting along real well off the court. Chris has always loved sports and now that he teaches at Glidden-Ralston, he coaches volleyball, basketball, golf, and baseball. Chris likes to come down to Des Moines and sleep on our couch after the Cyclones games. He is always up for a conversation about sports or maybe a "card game."

Jamie and I didn't meet until about our sophomore year of college at Central. We shared the same major and many classes and became friends instantly! Jamie is so much fun to be around and I will never forget all of our memories together, including Wednesday night wine nights, spring break in Panama City, getting thrown in the shower with clothes on, etc! I cannot imagine my wedding day without her in it! Jamie graduated from Central College in the spring of 2008 and is now living in West Des Moines, right by me :)

Mike and I have been friends for a long time. My best memory of Mike was his in-depth tour of Greene County. We played on every team together throughout high school and I am glad that he will be an usher in my wedding. Mike just finished up school and is working the electric wires.

Cole is Keith's cousin and is seven years old. He is the youngest of three and always doing what his older brothers are doing. Cole loves to play all types of sports and enjoys hanging out with his older brothers. He also enjoys helping his grandpa on the farm, wrestling, and being in the first grade. We always look forward to seeing Cole during family functions and he is always keeping everybody entertained!

Jackson will be joining his brother Carter as a ring bearer. Jackson is four years old and always on the go! I have known Jackson since he was a baby as well. I even went to visit him right after he was born. My numerous babysitting jobs have resulted in me knowing Jackson and his brother well. He also enjoys wrestling and playing games with Keith. Jackson enjoys riding the four-wheeler, hitting balls with his dad, getting pushed on the swing set, or basically anything that Carter is doing.